Devil Dogs

There is a serious side to being a Marine. There is also a side built on fellowship, humor, tradition, and the kind of camaraderie that never really leaves after the uniform comes off.

That is where the Military Order of the Devil Dogs — MODD — comes in.

Often described as the “fun and honor society of the Marine Corps League,” the Military Order of the Devil Dogs is an official subsidiary of the Marine Corps League. Its membership is drawn from regular members of the League who are active in their Detachments and recommended for membership.

The name “Devil Dog” reaches back to the fighting reputation earned by Marines during World War I. Today, the Order carries that spirit forward in its own unique way — with plenty of good-natured Marine humor, colorful traditions, and an unmistakable sense of brotherhood and sisterhood.

But underneath the barking, growling, dog collars, and “Semper Woof,” there is a serious purpose.

The Order exists to strengthen fellowship among members of the Marine Corps League, preserve and support the principles and ideals of the League, promote loyalty to the United States, and encourage service to veterans and communities. MODD members are also active supporters of charitable causes, particularly programs benefiting veterans and children.

That combination is what makes the Devil Dogs a little different.

They take the mission seriously — but they don't always take themselves seriously.

A MODD gathering is known as a Growl, local groups are called Pounds, state-level organizations are known as Packs, and the national organization is the Kennel. The terminology is intentionally playful, but behind it is the same Marine Corps tradition of loyalty, service, and looking after one another.

Members of the Order have long supported hospitalized veterans, children's hospitals, community programs, and fellow Marines and families in need. Former national MODD leadership has specifically emphasized visiting veterans in VA hospitals and supporting children facing serious illnesses as important parts of the Order's charitable work.

Why a Devil Dogs Corner?

This new section of the Bill King Detachment 019 website gives our local Devil Dogs a place of their own.

Here you'll find news from the Pound, upcoming Growls and activities, photographs, announcements, charitable projects, stories, and — knowing the Devil Dogs — probably a little appropriate mischief from time to time.

Most importantly, this page is another way to strengthen the fellowship that lies at the heart of both the Marine Corps League and the Military Order of the Devil Dogs.

The Marine Corps League exists in part to preserve Marine Corps traditions, strengthen the fraternity of Marines and their families, serve Marines and FMF Navy personnel, and foster Americanism and volunteer service. The Devil Dogs carry those goals forward with their own distinctive personality.

Whether gathered for a Growl, raising money for a worthy cause, supporting a veteran, helping a child, or simply giving another Marine a hard time among friends, the spirit remains familiar:

Take care of your fellow Marines. Serve your community. Preserve the traditions. And have some fun doing it.

Semper Fidelis — and Semper Woof!