The Order
The Military Order of the Devil Dogs is the Fun & Honor Society of the Marine Corps League, open only to the League's regular members.
Fellowship, Fun and Honor
The Order promotes good fellowship among the members of the Marine Corps League Detachments. It provides amusement and entertainment at League gatherings, helps accomplish the programs and objectives of the League, preserves and strengthens the League's principles and ideals, and maintains true allegiance to the United States of America and its Constitution and laws.
The Order is also very active in raising funds for charity. Those donations help people in need and build good relations for the Order, the League and the United States Marine Corps.
Devil Dog's CreedI am an American, I was born in France. I hold the title of United States Marine, and understand the commitment of holding the title, Devil Dog. It is a tradition born at Belleau Wood in the year 1918, of a force in readiness and the “First to Fight.” As a Devil Dog, I ask no quarter and give no quarter. I will do everything in my power to uphold the objectives of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs and to carry out my duties to a swift and satisfactory completion.
PDD George E. Williams, August 1989 (modified August 2008)
From Belleau Wood to Arizona
At Belleau Wood, Marines fought so fiercely, often hand to hand, that according to tradition the enemy called them Teufelhunde, the Dogs of the Devil.
The Military Order of the Devil Dogs is organized in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Order is chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League.
The Order is organized in nearly every state where the League is present, including the Arizona Pack and its Pounds.
From Pup to Pedigreed
Each degree is held for one full year before candidacy for the next may be considered. Advancement is earned. It is a privilege, not a right.
Pup
Initiated in the Pound after sponsorship by two Dogs and an interview at a Pound Growl.
Devil Dog
Earned at the Pack, the state level.
Pedigreed Devil Dog
Conferred at the Supreme Growl, held with the League's National Convention.
Officers of the Order
Pack officers carry duties comparable to their counterparts at the Kennel. Meet the current Pack officers.
Pack Leader
Presides at Pack Growls and sees that the Bylaws and rules of the Order are observed.
Senior Vice Pack Leader
Assists the Pack Leader, presides in the Pack Leader's absence, and is responsible for the growth of the Pack and its Pounds.
Junior Vice Pack Leader
Assists the Pack Leader and Senior Vice, leads revenue-raising activities, and supervises the entertainment and amusement at Growls.
Dog Robber
Keeps the records and accounts, records the Scratchings (minutes) of every Growl, and is custodian of the Pack's money and membership files.
Smart Dog
Interprets and explains the Constitution and Bylaws when asked. The Smart Dog's opinions are advisory.
Dog Trainer
Looks after the spiritual needs of the Order and conducts memorial services.
Police Dog
Maintains order and decorum at every Growl, and may expel any Dog who disrupts it.
Mad Dog
Directs the initiation of candidates, entertaining and impressive, with due regard for their safety and dignity.
Watch Dog
Guards the portals of the Den, permitting no one to enter or leave without proper authority.
Barking Dog
Directs the publicity and public relations of the Pack.
Devil Dog Glossary
- Growl
- A meeting of the Order.
- Grand Growl
- The Pack's annual Growl, where officers are nominated, elected and installed.
- Supreme Growl
- The national Growl of the Kennel, held with the Marine Corps League National Convention.
- Den
- The room where a Growl is held.
- Scratchings
- The minutes of a Growl.
- Bones
- Money. A big bone is one dollar.
- Pound
- The local unit of the Order, led by the Pound Keeper.
- Pack
- The state unit, led by the Pack Leader. That's us.
- Kennel
- The national Order, led by the Honorable Chief Devil Dog.
- Pup
- The first degree. Black collar.
- Devil Dog (DD)
- The second degree, earned at the Pack. Red collar.
- Pedigreed Devil Dog (PDD)
- The highest degree, earned at the Supreme Growl. Gold collar.
- Woof-O-Gram
- The Kennel's publication to the membership.