I 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:
- 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.
- 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.
USMC Cadence Medley (Download)
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USMC Running Cadence (Download)
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USMC I Used to Sit at Home All Day… (Download)
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USMC Fired Up, Feels Good… (Download)
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USMC Mission Top Secret… (Download)
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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“.
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thanks
Memories
I know there was a cd available in the PX when I graduated circa 1988, I wish I could find a copy.
also….
There are some more cadences here:
http://www.marinesforever.com/marine-corps-cadences.php
It’s flash so I don’t know how you could link it…
Mike
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.
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.
Hey !!! I have found this page, were you can easily download the mp3 cadences!! take a look here
http://www.marinedevildog.com/mclinks/cadence.htm
There are Cd’s to buy here
http://www.amazon.com/Cadence-Recon-Marines-Marine-Corps/dp/B00005O3VX
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.
you can get the cadences at Sgt. Grit
Thanks a million for cadences. I am at embassy in Chile and they help out at PT (which is usually 2 runners max).
Cant wait im doin pt with my recruiter i got 1 more year b4 i dip in
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.
Thanks alot. Cant wait till training starts. I got one more year
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.
Tks for the Memories1
Semper Fi!
Awsome memories………. Thanks
Semper Fi
if you go to grunt.com you might be able to find one there
Semper Fi
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)
Nice!! I love the cadence, still looking for marching cadence like UA…
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.
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.
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!
I have the Recon Cadence cd linked in a previous comment. Here’s another one:
http://www.amazon.com/Run-Cadence-U-S-Marines-vol-1/dp/B00005O3W3
Injury during Desert Storm ended my USMC career. Took 10 years but I’m able to run long distances again. The cadence CD is the first thing I bought. Keeps me pushing through the pain.
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