Who Are You Calling 'Devil Dog'?

Recruiting vid says airman 'in better shape'

(NEWSER) - The Air Force hastily pulled down its latest recruiting video yesterday in response to a complaint from a high-ranking Marine Corps official. In the video, an Air Force instructor boasts that his charges leave basic training “in better shape than most Marines.” Marines spotted it on the Air Force website and began e-mailing it to each other. “You have to understand, Marines are very proud,” said the corps' sergeant major, the highest-ranking enlisted Marine, “and will defend the honor of our Corps at all costs.” More»

(NEWSER) - A realistic video game featuring a historic Fallujah battle involving US forces in Iraq has incensed vets and their families, reports ABC News. Six Days in Fallujah is due out next year, and involves Marine consultants to ensure accuracy of the action. "It's upsetting," said a mom who lost a son in Iraq. "I have this image of guys sitting around laughing because they got killed or didn't, and starting over. My son didn't have that choice." More»

Struck by roadside bomb, he endured 100+ surgeries

(NEWSER) - A Marine who endured burns on 97% of his body with good humor and hope has died during routine surgery, USA Today reports. Hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq, Sgt. Merlin German walked, talked, and even danced during his 3-year recovery. Undergoing more than 100 surgeries, he became a symbol of resilience and started a charity for burned kids called "Merlin's Miracles." More»

Military investigating video showing puppy hurled from cliff

(NEWSER) - Military officials are investigating a video posted on YouTube that appears to show a Marine hurling a puppy off a cliff, the Marine Corps Times reports. The video shows a Marine joking with buddies in a rocky landscape before throwing the animal. An official from the Hawaii base where the Marine is thought to be stationed called the video "shocking and deplorable." More»

Governor furious as marine denies crime

(NEWSER) - A US Marine has been arrested on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old Japanese schoolgirl in Okinawa, where resentment is already running high against American military presence, Reuters reports. The 38-year-old Marine allegedly raped the teen in a car yesterday, officials said. "This kind of crime cannot be forgiven, especially when you remember that the victim is a middle school student," said Okinawa's governor. "I feel extremely angry." More»