Motorcycle Marines Ride On

4 Jul 2002 | Sgt. Jimmie Perkins Marine Corps Recruiting Command

In the jungles and rugged terrain of Nicaragua and Panama during the "Banana Wars" and on the scared landscape of France during World War I, the Marine Corps and Harley Davidson created a bond forged in combat. A bond that was recently renewed when two Marines rounded the corner of Constitution Ave this Fourth of July in the National Independence Day Parade. Along ten city blocks through our nation's capital, in front of hundreds of thousands of parade goers, the Motorcycle Marines were reborn.

Starting this summer, hand picked Marine Recruiters will begin appearing at parades and regional events aboard gleaming, fire engine red and chrome, Harley Davidson motorcycles.

"Harley Davidson and the Marine Corps share a special place in the hearts of the American people," said Maj. Gen. Jerry D. Humble, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. "With a shared pride of being known as the best, Harley Davidson and the United States Marine Corps represent ideals that have made our nation great."

The first two motorcycles made their debut on the Fourth of July. The "Fatboy" model motorcycles thundered down Constitution Avenue ridden by Maj. David Baldwin and Staff Sgt. David Saldivar of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. The motorcycles join the Marine Corps' other event-marketing vehicle, red Humvee's that debuted in 1996 in support of the Marine Corps recruiting mission.

"The motorcycles are a new and innovative tool to assist our recruiters," said Maj. Andrew Fortunato, Assistant Chief of Staff for Marketing and Public Affairs. "They do this by providing an interactive means to bring attention to the Marine Corps at the grass roots level."

Grass roots marketing which is aimed at Harley Davidson's primary market, the parents of the Millennial generation, who have shown to be more influential on their sons and daughters decisions than Generation Xer's. The Millennial Generation, young adults who are graduating high school in this new century, also exhibit traits and a fondness for history and traditions. A trend not lost upon the Marine Corps.

"Harley Davidson, the United States Marine Corps, and Ford Motor Company are all considered American icons, symbolizing toughness, heritage and American values," said Fortunato. "It is in this shared culture that these leaders have joined together in partnership for the Marine Corps new marketing campaign."

The program will eventually feature 16 motorcycles deployed in teams around the country for use in major parades and events. Ford Motor Company is providing trucks to pull custom-built motorcycle trailers. Team Rensi Motorsports, who also have a strong tie to the Marine Corps as owners of Team Marines Racing, provided the trailers and the first four motorcycles. The truck and trailer are painted to match the motorcycles, bright red and chrome, with the image of a Marine NCO sword on both sides.

The riders themselves will get a makeover with a specialized uniform suited to the rigors of riding and more importantly safety, an aspect the Marine Corps takes very seriously. A custom leather jacket made to resemble traditional Marine 'Dress Blues', riding pants, leather gloves, boots and goggles along with white helmets will ensure that these Marines stand out and get noticed.

To be part of the program a Marine must be an experienced motorcycle operator who meets stringent safety and ability criteria. In conjunction with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcycle Association, all Marines assigned to the program are required to have completed the Motor Cycle Riders Course and Experienced Riders course.

"We want to emphasize that we are promoting sound, safe and responsible riding behavior, with our Motorcycle Marines program," said Fortunato.

The Marines must also be career recruiters, Marines who have chosen to dedicate their careers towards bringing quality young men and women into the Marine Corps.

Ultimately recruiting is the goal of the Motorcycle Marines, by creating recognition and interest in their service and with their connection to the traditions of the past, they help build a strong, values driven force. Along with Harley Davidson, celebrating its 100th anniversary of producing the finest motorcycles in the world, the Marine Corps continues to ride on as the Nation's finest fighting force.
Marine Corps Recruiting Command