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United States Marine Corps Cadence – Download USMC Running Cadence MP3s

John P.

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USMC Running Cadence MP3sI recently acquired a bad ass treadmill as part of an effort to get back in shape (more on that later), and I went searching for some USMC cadence MP3s to listen to while I run. They were harder to find than I thought they would be, so I figured I would share them here in case anyone would like to hear them.

These work songs are sung while a platoon is running in formation and let me tell you – they are motivational. When you hear 80 sets of boots pounding the ground in unison while 80 Marines sing cadence it is a site to behold.

Cadence serves multiple purposes but the two most important are quite practical:

  1. Running long distances, over rough terrain, carrying a load of gear hurts. More than you think. In fact, it’s the reason I’m not in the Corps any more (I had 15 stress fractures in my shins from it). Calling cadence gives you something else to think about.
  2. Breathing rhythm is very important to long distance runners, and calling cadence requires you to breath properly. You alternate between taking in plenty of air, and expelling it while you sing at the top of your lungs. In fact, without actually singing you aren’t getting the benefits of cadence.

So, here are the best recordings I could find. If you know of other good ones please drop a note in the comments.

UPDATE: Sorry gang, but someone claimed that the files we had were their copyright. So I removed them because I don’t have time to actually investigate whether their claims are true. However, if you know of any other files online, feel free to link to them in the comments and I’ll add them here to this list.

I can’t host them, but I can certainly link to anything you find! Huzzah!!!

Finally, if you’re interested in learning what it takes to actually become a US Marine, check out my article entitled “Corps Boot Camp: How to Make a US Marine“.

About John P.

John P. is a former CEO, former TV Show Host, and the Founder and Wizard behind Texas Metal Works. You can find him on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Feel free to send shoutouts, insults, and praise. Or Money. Money is good.

Comments

  2. Evert Kampert says

    Thanks for sharing the downloads. I served the Royal Dutch Marine corps and worked together with the USMC during the Gulf war in 1991.
    Greets Evert

  3. Nathan says

    I just spent a great fifteen minutes with my former Marine wife listening to that. Or she called herself a BAM!! Thanks a bunch

  5. abnner says

    this is the time that the Marine Corp is the best elite force in the world. SEMPER FIDELIS 1775 Turn Tavern. To Cheaty Puller

  9. marshall williams says

    I’m in the Delayed Entry Program for the corps thank you for these and I can’t wait to become one of the few OORAH!

  10. Amphib Assault says

    I was US NAVY amphibious assault, so I have had more than my helping of running/training and fighting alongside the SEALs and EMBs. These are so epic in their recounting of the “good ole days”! You are also right on track, cadence calling has so many benefits like breathing, motivation, and even builds a stronger bond with your brothers in arm. Thank you for the files. Some are available at iTunes but they are usually so short that you have to make a playlist of dozens of files. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  11. Arthur Sperschneider says

    Thank you Sir,
    for this cadences, Its the best qulity what i heard.
    I am a german Soldier an i love the USMC Cadences. I love it to hear it by running my daily 6 Miles.
    Thanks

  14. Justin says

    I actually have been looking for these for long time

    Thank you sir:)

    Is there anybody who can give me a lylice of these?

    I need that. Plz~~~ Help me ~~sir~~~~

  16. Marine's Girlfriend says

    Hi,

    I have a Mac, and it is impossible for me to download the cadences. Any help?

    Semper fi!

  17. Jim says

    When I enlisted I was told my by father and other Marines in my family that you enlist and become part of the Marine Corps but in time it becomes a part of you. I have always felt that it was part of who I am. Reading everyones comments you can tell how much it is apart of yours as well. God Bless my brothers and sisters, past present and future. Semper Fi.

  18. PFC (retired) Randy Allen says

    Semper Fi:
    Thanks for the pst sir:
    I have a 18 year old that thinks Im crazy for listening to these. But it is the thing that keeps me focused and MOTIVATED. Again Thank You Sir for the post. keep adding if you can and as you have the time.
    USMC Deago 1977-84 platoon 1012 casco mcrd deago 5076

  20. jerry j says

    SNM misses the corps but wishes to say OOOHHH RRAAHHH SEMPER FI DELIS HAPPY 235TH DEVILDOGS NOVEMBER 10 1775 we wont go down without a fight. with these cadences and all the ones we come up with and use for PT as well as any other reason we choose keep motivated never ever leave a marine down or let them down. remember leadership begins with you. your jr marines rely on you for everything. to those fallen marines we are with you in spirit and person no matter where you are especially the wounded warriors. USMC 2003-2005 cssd-21 HQ’s cherry point nc mos 1171

  21. james says

    USMC 1983-1992 MISS IT ALOT Now I;am a Correctional Officer in Florida and a member of the CERT team

  22. Dave in Texas says

    Thank you, sir, for posting these for us to download! Never in the military but grew up in San Diego, CA, and know many people that were and are. These downloads will keep my police buddies and I running in step for a long time to come…

  23. ju-hyun kim says

    I’m 32bn(raid force) 1st marine div po-hang S.Korea.
    I’ve(1990~1993) Team spirit exercise usmc from okinawa.
    so sometime I miss usmc and enjoy cadence.
    Thank you sir.

  24. ju-hyun kim says

    I was millitary servis repubric of korea marine corps.
    I think u.s marine corps and r.ok.marine corps blood share.
    I always proud of myself and marine corps~

  25. alison rose says

    Hello, In 1987 I visited a friend for his USMC passing out parade. I bought an audio cassette of the USMC Cadence while I was at Parris lsland, and still have it and it is the only thing that keeps me motivated to run. Quite possibly it is the stuff you’ve uploaded here (my internet connection is too slow but I’ve listened to the first minute of your first compilation and it sounds similar). However, I just thought if you are interested in more of these (some are so creative), perhaps Parris Island would be a good starting point.

    Incidentally I have been trying to get this cassette tape of mine turned into digital for ages, as you can imagine the sound quality is deteriorating. I came across your site by accident, and never even thought of searching the internet for this. Doh! Thanks very much.

    Also I am having trouble with the ‘download’ buttons as it tells me it is a text file? Any suggestions?

  26. serg Joel Foster (JROTC) says

    Hi my name is joel im a serg in jrotc im telling you this was hard to find but whin i did and stated singing it to the other men when i run them thro drill they seem more able to run faster stay on beat and run longer my Co think its the best class hes ever had and i think its all because of this i think they really enjoy it now when ever i tell them were going tfor a run insted of “aww man this sucks” i get smiles i think that they think its now fun to run. ill be singing all of these evey time we run. also when we run thro the town ( we do all the time) the other people wave and smile at us i thinks fun some people flow us just here the songs we sing its cool but anyway thanks again for puting all this up for us and i hope you put some more on if u can thanks

    First Sergeant Joel Foster

  30. Jeff says

    NICE! Im strappin on the caddilacs now and goin to pound some pavement! Served 91-95, and I miss running with a platoon of heels all hitting the deck! The THUNDER! Hell ya! Been looking for cadence for awhile now! Ooohrah and Semper Fidelis to all my brothers and sisters out there! Stay motivated devil dawgs!

  32. Arthur Henrique says

    I´m also from Brazil, and I read about what Luiz told above here! Running motivated by Marines Cadences….. I triyng now to find the lyrics of the cadences!! Hope someone could help me! Thanks!

  33. Rob Phillips says

    A Marine is a Marine, no matter our regime. Sir, if your son chose not to be a Marine because of politics…we are better off without him.

    • Marine Officer says

      Semper fi til I die, no matter who is in charge we are a force unto ourselves.

  36. Luiz Felipe says

    Dude, I’m from Brazil and i read a article about get in shape using Marines cadence. Thanks for posting this songs, it will probably help me run long distances.

  37. Marine Wife says

    Just what I was looking for!

    Have you heard about Project Valour-IT? We’re raising funds to provide our Wounded Warriors with laptops (with voice-automated software), Wiis, and GPS devices. We’re looking for both bloggers to join the Marine team (http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=join-marines-team) as well as donors (https://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=marines-credit). The annual inter-service fund-raiser goes until Nov. 11. I hope you’ll consider participating!

  38. Scott Lovingood says

    I have the utmost respect for the Marines. My son wanted to join and even talked to a recruiter several times but I think has decided to pass since our new administration has taken charge. It is truly sad to think of the direction we may go. I enjoyed the cadence. I love hearing them and nothing inspires quite as much as hearing the teamwork that goes into them.

  41. alligator768 says

    THANK YOU! These are outstanding! Putting them on my ipod and waking to them every morning!

  44. Peter Looi says

    Thanks a whole lot for making it easily available to find the military cadence. You are right it is not easy to find it. I was very impressed with the tune when I once watch a show where the drill sergeant drives the new recruit to ‘make men out of boys.”

    I thought it will be good to learn it up to use it when I jog. Nice to learn that you have the same idea and very nice of you to make it easily available. Really appreciate it.

    Kind rgds

  47. Chris C says

    I. Am. Motivated. Now.

    I miss the Marines everyday. Semper Fi, brothers. (90-99)

  49. Beth says

    Thank you so much! I grew up on USMC cadence (USMC brat here) and now that I’m running WITH a Marine, I need something to kick my butt in gear!

  50. Joelle says

    Thank you so much for these. I had them on tape and after 1 year of training with them – I lost close to 100 lbs.. so if you are determined – you can do this, with these. Start of slow and try to finish 1 or 2 without stopping and gradually increase you time, by no time you will be able to finish all of them.
    Thanks again for offering these without having to buy the CD’s.. but am consodering.

  51. JUAN B. ANTONIO says

    From a far country as Chile is, an old chilean marine thanks you these cadences that, after 20 years since leaving my Corp, I hope they will help me get in shape again.
    As you say, Once a marine, always a marine.

  53. Notorious D.O.G. says

    Ooo-rah! Thank you very much for posting the USMC cadence recordings, John.

    You’re very kind for sharing these highly motivating gems with us U.S. Marines and all suporters of the E.G.A. I’m sure all USMC poolees would appreciate the motivational cadence recordings as well.

    The United States Marine Corps cadence is the grand master ruler against which all other motivators are measured.

    John, thank you very much for the memories.

    Semper Fi!

    Wil F. (U.S.M.C./Cold War veteran)

  57. Peter says

    Thanks for the running cadence!! Not only does it bring memories but it helped me get started back into fitness. Going over those lines in my head helped me get over the pain/fatigue and keep going.
    Semper Fi.

  59. Marcel says

    Thanks for posting this. To run to this is THE best way to get in shape. Did it once, and I am doing it again.

  61. K Katz says

    Thanks a million for cadences. I am at embassy in Chile and they help out at PT (which is usually 2 runners max).

  63. Brandon says

    This brings bag memories of getting up at 5 am and running PT in bootcamp.
    It was amazing being able to run 14 miles in one go, when I got home I could only do about three because I wasn’t able to sing the Cadence. I would still sing them in my mind and try to do the breathing, but it wasn’t the same.

  67. John P. says

    Claudia,

    Thanks to you and your husband for manning the watch over there in Japan for us! I’m very pleased that you guys found the cadences helpful. If I ever come across more I’ll keep adding them.

    Semper Fi!

    John P.

  68. CLAUDIA CAZARES says

    OOH-RAH!!!I’M A DEVILDOG STATIONED IN OKINAWA JAPAN, MY HUSBAND IS ALSO A MARINE HE’S EMBARKATION AND I AM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST. THANKS FOR THE CADENCES THEY REALLY HELPED US HERE IN JAPAN FOR THE COMPANY AND BN PT’S.

  70. RatKiller says

    I know there was a cd available in the PX when I graduated circa 1988, I wish I could find a copy.

  73. galin says

    thanks for the running cadence (especially). i run a lot and i ran out of running songs if you know what i mean… again, thanks a lot.

  74. raiko says

    thanx 4 putting this up i hope that it transfers well to my ipod. Its hard to PT by just singing cadanses from full metal jacket in your head, hopefully with the extra motivation parris island wont kick my butt so much.

    semper fi to all

  75. Sgt. Chavarria says

    Just wanted to congratulate all the marines that participated in OIF I and all the missions in Iraq in 2003 and to all my fellow marines outthere till today, ohhrahh devil dogs!!!
    att. Sgt. J. Chavarria OIF I vet.

  76. jmcal says

    You can download a lot of USMC cadences off of limewire. Just search for “USMC cadence”.

  78. ProudMarineMom says

    Thanks for these downloads…just what I need! Promised my son I’d keep up with him in a 3 mile run by the time he gets done with his MOS school.

    “Ain’t nothin’ meaner than a Marine ‘cept his mama”
    Semper Fi

  80. Daniel S. says

    Finally, been looking for these for a while so I can get some good PT in away from my recruiter (leaving for basic in July, MCRD San Diego). Thanks.

    Oh, and a quick word to William: My dad tells me this a lot, him being a Vietnam vet and all, “Once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine.” Your dad is still a Marine in every respect, even if he’s gotten old or out of shape (or both in many cases).

  82. Devildog1833 says

    These are great. makes me want to start running again. I have been out for a while and just hearing these makes it seem like yesterday. Semper FI all

  83. Morganna says

    Looking for the Units cadance. I’m having trouble downloading it. Is there anyway you can email it to me as an attachment? Thanks
    Morganna
    Semper Fi !!!!

  84. John P. says

    Bill,

    Glad you enjoy them. And glad that you’re running. We should all get out and do more of this as it improves both our physical and mental conditions.

    John

    • Milly_legionair says

      Yo John P. Thanks allot for the songs… I need to prepare for my trip in France for the French Foreign Legion ! These will come in handy… thx again and all my respect!

  85. Billslost says

    Hey, started running 2 months ago to do a 5k this Sat. found a couple of CD’s worth
    of Cadence on I-tunes, but I still like yours better. Thanks and Semper-Fi

  86. K Katz says

    They really help out, especially when I don’t want to get my 5K done. Also bring back memories of US, as I work overseas.

  87. Frank says

    John,

    Thanks for the MP3
    I’d say more but I gotta run now.

    Semper Fi,
    Frank
    USMC 1966-1970
    Vietnam Vet 68-69

  88. The Man says

    Sorry Bill. WordPress sometimes has a mind of it’s own. :-)

    I edited your post to create a direct link to the Amazon page you referenced.

    John

  90. Bill Vick says

    Heres one that brings back more than just memories. I can remember doing most of these at Camp Geiger.

    Do a google for “Marine Cadence” or at Amazon for Marine Cadence

    or

    Semper Fi,

    Bill

  91. jeffrey says

    Ooorah! thanks for the cadences, just what i needed for some extra motivation. Semper Fi to all those past and present.

  92. william says

    thank you devil dogs and leather necks my dad was a marine he still is in some respects any ways to the point every morning he wake me at 5 am (when i was with him on base) and make me run with the rest of i think its a platoon not sure and he wouldnt treat me like a son at all just another marine its been along time sence i heard any of these and love them to death wish i could find more

  93. The Man says

    Hoorah Sarge! I’m glad to be of assistance. Now just download them to your iPod or whatever and go get ya’ some PT!

    Take care,

    John

  94. Demian (sgt) says

    The Man, i cant tell you how long ive been looking for some Marine Corps candence.
    ive been out of the Corps for about five years now, and have found running with out it makes for a harder run. ive been using these same once in my head, but found ive forgotten many of the words, just wanted to thank you devildog.

    your fellow vet. Sgt Weges

  95. Alan says

    These are wonderful! Almost makes me want to get to the nearest base and join these guys on their training runs. Might also make for a good prank. Just play these on a good stereo system outside a friend’s door to wake them up. Just need to control the volume envelope to make it sound like they are passing by.

  96. The Man says

    Randall,

    I searched everywhere just to find the ones I have here, so I’m not sure where else to look. However I just realized that it is hard to download them with the flash player I have there.

    So, I just zipped them and created download links so you can grab any of the ones I’ve got here. Just download and unzip them and they should work in your iPod.

    Hoo-rah Devil Dog! ;-)

    John

  97. Randall Peterson says

    I am looking for USMC cadences that I can download onto my IPOD for running. Any idea on where I can find them?

    • dennis says

      You might have to buy a cd and save the tracks to your computer first and then download them.

      Semper Fi