5 Reasons Marines Love Crayons

The United States Marine Corps is known for its discipline, courage, and honor. However, there's a lesser-known aspect of Marine culture that might surprise you: their love for crayons. Yes, you read that right! Crayons have become an integral part of Marine life, and here's why.

Crayons have been a staple in Marine deployments for years, serving as a creative outlet for service members to express themselves during downtime. But their significance goes beyond mere entertainment. In this article, we'll explore five reasons why Marines love crayons and how they've become an essential part of their culture.

Coloring Outside the Lines: How Crayons Became a Marine Tradition

The tradition of using crayons in the Marine Corps dates back to the early 2000s. During deployments, Marines would often receive care packages from family and friends, which included crayons and coloring books. At first, these were intended as a way to keep children entertained during visits to base camps. However, as Marines began using them during downtime, they discovered the therapeutic benefits of coloring.

Stress Relief and Relaxation

One of the primary reasons Marines love crayons is that they provide a much-needed stress relief outlet. The high-pressure environment of military life can take a toll on service members, and crayons offer a way to unwind and relax. By focusing on the simple act of coloring, Marines can clear their minds and recharge.

In fact, studies have shown that coloring can reduce anxiety and stress levels by promoting mindfulness and calming the mind. Marines have reported feeling more centered and focused after coloring, which helps them perform better in high-stress situations.

Building Camaraderie: How Crayons Bring Marines Together

Crayons have also become a way for Marines to bond and build camaraderie. During deployments, service members often spend hours coloring together, sharing stories, and laughing. This shared activity helps create a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for maintaining morale and cohesion within units.

Marines have reported that coloring sessions have helped them connect with fellow service members on a deeper level, fostering friendships and strengthening unit bonds. In fact, many Marines have stated that coloring has become a favorite pastime, often rivaling video games and movies as a way to spend downtime.

Preserving Memories: Crayons as a Creative Outlet

Another reason Marines love crayons is that they provide a creative outlet for expressing themselves. By coloring, Marines can preserve memories of their deployments, creating lasting mementos that serve as reminders of their experiences.

Many Marines have reported using crayons to create artwork that reflects their time in service, from landscapes of deployed locations to portraits of fellow service members. These creative expressions serve as a way to process and reflect on their experiences, providing a healthy outlet for emotions and memories.

Crayons in the Field: How They've Become an Essential Part of Marine Gear

As the use of crayons has become more widespread, they've begun to appear in Marine gear and supply lists. Many units now include crayons and coloring books in their standard issue kits, recognizing the benefits they provide for stress relief and morale.

In fact, some Marines have reported using crayons to create makeshift maps and guides during operations, highlighting the versatility of these simple art supplies. By incorporating crayons into their gear, Marines have found a way to make their deployments more enjoyable and productive.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Crayons as a Symbol of Marine Culture

Finally, crayons have become an integral part of Marine culture, symbolizing the creativity, resilience, and camaraderie that define the Corps. By embracing crayons as a part of their tradition, Marines have created a lasting legacy that transcends generations.

As new recruits join the Corps, they're often introduced to the world of crayons as a way to connect with their fellow service members. This shared experience helps create a sense of belonging and tradition, linking past, present, and future generations of Marines.

A Gallery of Marine Crayon Art

Gallery of Marine Crayon Art

As you've read, the love for crayons is a unique aspect of Marine culture that provides a range of benefits, from stress relief and relaxation to creativity and camaraderie. Whether you're a Marine or simply someone who appreciates the simple joys of coloring, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us.

What's your favorite way to use crayons? Do you have a favorite Marine crayon art piece? Share your stories and artwork with us in the comments below, and let's celebrate the creativity and resilience of our beloved Marines!