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Oorah is a battle cry common in the United States Marine Corps since the mid-20th century.

Several anecdotes attributed the phrase to John R. Massaro's time as a gunnery sergeant in the Reconnaissance Company, 1st Marine Division, in the mid-1950s.[1][2] Massaro (who later became sergeant major of the Marine Corps) and other Marines who trained aboard the submarine USS Perch, beginning in 1949, used oorah in imitation of the vessel's klaxon horn (which sounded like arrugha).[1][3] Others have attributed the phrase's popularization to Massaro's subsequent time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, where use of the word spread.[1]

Massaro has said that he did not originate the word (saying in 2015: "It was a phrase or a term originally coming from boarding a ship") and that the word was already in use in 1949.[1]

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Oorah

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Oorah is a distinctive employed by the to express enthusiasm, motivation, and affirmation during training, operations, and ceremonies. Originating in the early among Marine units aboard , it derives from the klaxon alarm sound "Aarugha!" used to signal dives, which was shortened and adapted into "Oorah" as a rallying call. By the late , it had become embedded in recruit training, popularized by figures like John R. Massaro at the recruit depot. The term's significance extends beyond mere vocalization, serving as a symbol of Marine identity, camaraderie, and resilience that reinforces and esprit de . In official contexts, "Oorah" functions as an acceptable response to commands or questions, akin to "yes" or "understood," and is one of the first phrases new recruits learn in boot camp. Various theories on its persist, including unverified links to Turkish words for "kill" or as a counter to the U.S. Army's "," but the submarine origin remains the most substantiated account. Today, it endures as a core element of Marine culture, second only to the emblem in embodying the Corps' warrior ethos.

Etymology and Origins

Historical Roots

The documented historical emergence of "Oorah" traces back to the early 1950s, with sources varying between 1949 submarine training exercises and 1953 operations during the , when members of the 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, part of the , were conducting operations in the region. These recon were transported aboard the USS Perch, a used for stealthy insertions near enemy shores, where the confined environment and high-stakes amphibious patrols demanded quick, morale-boosting communication. The phrase originated as an adaptation of the submarine's klaxon horn, which emitted a distinctive warning sound resembling "aarugha" or "arrugah" to signal dives or alerts. It emerged among the reconnaissance unit to motivate during tense, silent patrols and to acknowledge readiness without compromising stealth. Sergeant Major John R. Massaro, who later rose to Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, was part of the unit but denied originating the phrase, noting its prior use in shipboard contexts. In its initial adoption, "Oorah" served as a practical signal among recon in Korea, used to confirm operational readiness and rally spirits during grueling missions that involved swimming insertions and evasion tactics. This usage was confined to recon elements, where it provided a concise, energetic affirmation amid the challenges of cold-water operations and prolonged submersion. By the late 1950s, "Oorah" began spreading across the broader Marine Corps as veterans, including Massaro during his assignments at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot , integrated it into training routines and shared it with new units through rotational cycles. This gradual dissemination transformed the phrase from a niche recon tool into an emerging standard for motivation, though its full entrenchment as a occurred later. One prominent links "Oorah" to the Ottoman Turkish word öldürmek, meaning "to kill," positing that adopted it during historical conflicts as an aggressive to invoke lethality in combat. This theory gained traction among service members for its raw, warrior-like connotation, aligning with the Marine Corps' emphasis on ferocity. However, linguistic analysis reveals no connection, as öldürmek bears little phonetic or semantic resemblance to "Oorah," rendering the claim inaccurate and unverified by historians. Another enduring speculation traces "Oorah" to British military expressions like "hoorah" or the Revolutionary War-era "huzzah," suggesting it evolved as a phonetic adaptation from colonial cheers used to rally troops. Proponents highlight the shared Anglo-American military heritage, viewing it as a nod to foundational influences on U.S. forces. Yet, this idea falters on chronological grounds—"Oorah" did not appear until the mid-20th century—and phonetic mismatches, leading experts to dismiss it as an appealing but unsubstantiated echo of older traditions. A theory connecting "Oorah" to Native American roots proposes derivation from a war cry signifying "all right" or "let's go," potentially stemming from cultural exchanges during Marine training or historical interactions. Its popularity stems from romanticized views of indigenous warrior ethos resonating with Marine identity, though it remains unproven due to the absence of primary documentation or linguistic corroboration. Finally, some accounts describe "Oorah" as emerging from mid-20th-century naval slang adaptations of "hurrah," with anecdotal links to World War II submariners whose calls echoed through tight quarters. This narrative underscores the Marine Corps' naval integration, offering a gritty, operational appeal tied to service. Nevertheless, while the submariner context aligns loosely with verified 1950s origins aboard the USS Perch, the specific "hurrah" evolution lacks direct evidence connecting it to Marine adoption.

Usage in the United States Marine Corps

In Training and Operations

In the United States Marine Corps, "Oorah" has been employed by drill instructors during boot camp since the late 1950s to elicit immediate responses from recruits, fostering discipline and through repetitive calls and echoes that reinforce obedience and collective identity. This practice, rooted in earlier recon unit traditions from the , became standardized in recruit training at the depot, where it serves as a motivational acknowledgment to commands. During combat operations, "Oorah" functions as a concise signal for movement, acknowledgment, or readiness, as seen in its use during the Korean and Wars and later conflicts. Its adoption spread widely from the 1980s onward, evolving from submarine-based recon exercises into a versatile operational tool that maintains focus without verbal complexity. In physical training sessions, "Oorah" is integrated as a rhythmic to synchronize group efforts, such as during runs or obstacle courses, helping maintain momentum and push through fatigue by creating a unified . This usage traces to its early form as a motivational during drills in post-Korean War units, now a staple in both recruit and unit-level PT to build resilience. For formal ceremonies, including promotions and reenlistments, "Oorah" is shouted in unison by attending to affirm commitment and solidarity, often following oaths or pinning rituals as a collective response that underscores service dedication. By the , this protocol had become embedded in such events, transforming the cry into a ceremonial marker of Marine .

Motivational Role

"Oorah" serves as a powerful embodiment of the ethos, encapsulating aggression, enthusiasm, and an unbreakable spirit that sets it apart from mere polite affirmations. Unlike standard responses such as "yes sir," it conveys a raw, combat-ready , reinforcing the commitment to decisive and unrelenting engagement. This expression aligns with the ' traditions of resilience and history, distinguishing through a shared cultural marker that instills pride and identity. In fostering camaraderie, "Oorah" functions as an exchange between peers and superiors, signaling mutual respect, readiness, and unity that transforms individuals into a cohesive unit. It acts as a unifying among shipmates, enhancing esprit de and building bonds that endure across generations. By honoring collective hardships and experiences, it turns strangers into squads, promoting a sense of belonging essential to Marine group identity. The psychological impact of "Oorah" is particularly evident in high-stress scenarios, where it boosts adrenaline during firefights and sustains endurance on long marches by cutting through fatigue and reinforcing commitment. As a motivational in physical , it elevates levels and , providing a psychological edge in demanding environments like operations or intense runs. In such contexts, it serves as a marker of respect and a challenge to strive for improvement, helping maintain resilience under pressure. Over time, "Oorah" has evolved into a lifelong identifier for , used by veterans in civilian life to reconnect with their service experiences and sustain a sense of shared identity. It endures as a linguistic link across Marine history, facilitating greetings and celebrations that evoke past unity and motivation. This persistent use underscores its role in preserving the unbreakable spirit long after active duty.

Comparisons with Other Military Expressions

Army's Hooah

The U.S. Army's "" is commonly said to derive from the acronym "HUA," meaning "Heard, Understood, Acknowledged," originally used in radio procedures and training acknowledgments to confirm receipt of orders. This evolution transformed "HUA" into the more dynamic "," serving as an energetic affirmation in and instruction. Alternative theories link it to earlier expressions, such as 19th-century variants of "," a British-derived cheer adapted by American forces during conflicts like the Second , where soldiers reportedly used a guttural "Hough" in response to Native American greetings. In culture, embodies enthusiasm, agreement, and , functioning as a versatile motivator and response to commands, often conveying "yes" or "I'm ready" without needing elaboration. Unlike more singular battle cries, it can subtly indicate compliance or even mild , as noted by former Gen. Gordon Sullivan, who described it as shorthand for "battle focus." Its meanings align with core values, reinforcing the service's "This We'll Defend," which underscores a commitment to national protection since the Revolutionary War. "Hooah" permeates daily Army life, chanted rhythmically during physical training runs to build and , integrated into the grueling routines of where it punctuates challenges and successes, and featured prominently in official Army videos and cadences that promote esprit de corps. Phonetically similar to the Marine Corps' "Oorah" with its drawn-out vowel sound, "Hooah" carries a less aggressive, more adaptable tone suited to the Army's diverse land-based operations and emphasis on disciplined . The U.S. Navy's "Hooyah" emerged in the mid-1950s during (UDT) Training Class 16 at the Naval Amphibious Base in , as a rallying cry among trainees who would later form the core of the Navy SEALs. Credited to senior trainee LTJG James "Mud" Hobbs, it was first shouted defiantly by the class in response to instructors during intense evolutions, such as surf immersion and obstacle courses, marking a pivotal moment of collective resilience that helped reduce dropout rates. This origin predates the formal establishment of SEAL teams in 1962 and the evolution of BUD/S training, but "Hooyah" quickly became embedded in culture as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training formalized in subsequent decades. In SEAL and special operations contexts, "Hooyah" primarily conveys excitement, success, acknowledgment, or encouragement, serving as an affirmative response to commands or a motivational boost during high-stress scenarios. It is frequently yelled during Hell Week—the grueling five-and-a-half-day nonstop training phase of BUD/S—involving evolutions like ocean swims, log PT, and boat carries, where trainees use it to signal readiness and push physical limits while fostering unity against fatigue. Similarly, during dive training or underwater operations, it reinforces teamwork and morale, acting as a verbal that acknowledges completion of challenging tasks. Over time, "" integrated broadly into culture beyond SEALs, adopted by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, deep-sea divers, and submariners to emphasize discipline and brotherhood in maritime environments. Aviators and sailors also incorporate it during flight operations or shipboard drills, highlighting expeditionary across naval domains. By the mid-2000s, senior enlisted endorsed its use in recruit commands from day one, solidifying it as a unifying expression throughout the fleet. Subtle distinctions set "" apart from the Marine Corps' "Oorah," with the former being more fluid, versatile, and celebratory—often a "warrior whisper" in naval settings—reflecting the Navy's emphasis on amphibious and expeditionary operations, in contrast to the ' intense, ground-assault-oriented .

Cultural Significance

The phrase "Oorah" has been prominently featured in films depicting U.S. Marine Corps life, often to underscore the intensity and camaraderie of military training and combat. In the 2005 film Jarhead, directed by Sam Mendes and based on Anthony Swofford's memoir, "Oorah" is repeatedly shouted by recruits and drill instructors during boot camp sequences and operational briefings, amplifying the raw emotional and motivational fervor of Marine culture. This usage reinforces the stereotype of Marines as fiercely disciplined and spirited warriors, with the cry serving as a rallying point amid the psychological strains of deployment. The film's portrayal, while criticized by some veterans for overemphasizing the phrase, captures its role in building unit cohesion and hype during high-stress environments. In television, "Oorah" appears in dramatized accounts of Marine operations, integrating it into dialogue to evoke historical and contemporary authenticity. The HBO miniseries Generation Kill (2008), adapted from Evan Wright's embedded journalism during the 2003 Iraq invasion, incorporates the cry multiple times, such as in motivational exchanges among Recon Marines, to simulate real-time communications and morale boosts under fire. This depiction highlights "Oorah" as a marker of Marine identity in modern warfare, contributing to the show's realistic portrayal of the branch's bravado and resilience while perpetuating the image of Marines as elite, battle-hardened fighters. Video games have further popularized "Oorah" through immersive simulations of Marine tactics. In the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series, particularly the 2007 original and its remasters, the phrase is voiced by characters during multiplayer matches and campaign missions to mimic authentic radio chatter and team acknowledgments, enhancing the player's sense of immersion in joint operations. Developers drew from military consultants to include such details, solidifying the of as aggressive, vocal forces in virtual combat scenarios. Beyond scripted media, "Oorah" influences music and online culture, often in efforts and humorous content. Official U.S. Marine Corps recruitment videos and jingles frequently end with the cry to inspire enlistment, as seen in promotional spots emphasizing transformation and , which have garnered millions of views on platforms like . Viral memes and videos, such as exaggerated skits parodying yells, proliferate on , turning "Oorah" into a comedic trope that both honors and lampoons stereotypes for broader audiences. These elements collectively amplify the phrase's cultural footprint, blending reverence with entertainment.

Among Veterans and Civilians

Among veterans, "Oorah" serves as a unifying exclamation during gatherings that honor Marine Corps service and sacrifice. At events such as the Iwo Jima Association's commemorations and newsletters, it appears as an expression of pride and solidarity among former service members reflecting on battles like . Similarly, the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) organizes the Semper Fit OohRah Run Series, a series of fitness events held throughout the year that invite veterans to participate, fostering camaraderie and remembrance through physical activity. Civilians have adopted "Oorah" in fitness and motivational contexts, often as a for and perseverance inspired by , though typically without the full historical depth of its Marine origins. This usage appears in community runs and training programs that emphasize endurance, extending the term's motivational power beyond . In joint veteran events involving multiple branches, public misconceptions frequently arise from confusing "Oorah" with the Army's "," leading to lighthearted rivalries or corrections that highlight inter-service distinctions. Such mix-ups underscore the term's strong association with Marine identity, where misappropriation can prompt humorous rebukes to preserve branch-specific traditions. "Oorah" holds symbolic value in tattoos, apparel, and online expressions as a enduring emblem of Marine pride, often chosen by veterans and their families to signify loyalty and shared heritage. Tattoo parlors near military installations commonly offer "Oorah" designs on forearms or other prominent areas, while emblems on clothing allow civilians connected to the —such as relatives of —to display affiliation and respect. In November 2025, "Oorah" featured prominently in celebrations marking the U.S. ' 250th anniversary on November 10, with veterans, active-duty personnel, and civilians participating in events worldwide that included chants, tributes, and official commemorations emphasizing Marine heritage and resilience. On November 11, 2025, during a appearance on , President led a group of new in multiple "Oorah" chants, highlighting the phrase's role in contemporary popular media and public expressions of Marine esprit de .

References

  1. https://www.military.com/history/true-origin-of-us-marine-corps-oorah-call.html
  2. https://www.tecom.marines.mil/In-the-News/Stories/News-Article-Display/Article/527660/the-meaning-of-oorah-traced-back-to-its-roots/
  3. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/07/29/where-hooah-oorah-and-hooyah-came-from-and-why-they-still-echo/
  4. https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2015/11/10/the-marine-sergeant-major-behind-the-oorah-battle-cry/
  5. https://sofrep.com/news/where-did-the-marine-oorah-come-from/
  6. https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/oorah-the-marine-battle-cry-origin-story/
  7. https://www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/marine-oorah-origin.html
  8. https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-culture/origins-military-battle-cry/
  9. https://www.mcrc.marines.mil/Portals/153/Docs/DEN/AParentsGuide.pdf
  10. https://www.mc-lef.org/updates/the-history-and-meaning-of-oorah-in-the-united-states-marine-corps
  11. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/military-review/online-exclusive/2023-ole/heard-understood-acknowledged/
  12. https://taskandpurpose.com/news/mysterious-origins-hooah-armys-beloved-battle-cry/
  13. https://www.army.mil/article/283916/this_well_defend_the_armys_defining_motto
  14. https://gordon.armymwr.com/info/culturemil/hooah
  15. https://www.coffeeordie.com/hooyah-origin-story
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418763/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1247756/quotes
  18. https://callofduty.fandom.com/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps/Modern_Warfare
  19. https://www.marines.mil/News/Marines-TV/
  20. https://www.iwojimaassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BlackSandsV1.1Fall2010.pdf
  21. https://hendersonhall.usmc-mccs.org/recreation-fitness/recreation/races
  22. https://veteranlife.com/military-history/oorah
  23. https://www.marines.mil/News/Marines-TV/?videoid=946503
  24. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2025/11/11/donald-trump-leads-chant-marines-pat-mcafee-show/87219251007/
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