Each year on November 10th, Marines everywhere pause to celebrate something that’s bigger than any one of us — the birth of the United States Marine Corps. It’s more than a date on a calendar. It’s a moment to reflect on what the Corps represents: discipline, readiness, and the relentless belief that every Marine is a rifleman first.

That identity — the Marine as a self-reliant, capable fighter — has always fascinated me. And over the years, as I’ve learned more about Bitcoin, I’ve realized the two share something profound.

Both are decentralized by design. Both value proof of work over promises. And both rely on individuals who act with integrity, even when no one’s watching.

The Rifleman Ethos

In the Marine Corps, every Marine learns one thing early: no matter your rank or job, you are first and foremost a rifleman. It’s not a slogan — it’s a philosophy. It means responsibility doesn’t get outsourced. You can’t depend on someone else to pull the trigger, hold the line, or finish the mission.

That mindset creates a force that can operate independently, under stress, with minimal supervision — a force made up of small units that move fast, make decisions, and adapt.

That’s decentralization in human form. When you look at Bitcoin, you see the same structure in code: a network of independent nodes, each capable of carrying the weight of the system. No single point of failure. No need to ask permission.

Each piece matters, just as every Marine matters.

Respect from Those Who’ve Seen It Up Close

“With 300 Marines, you could probably take over Iraq if you wanted to… Make no mistake about it, Marines are war fighters. I mean, they are really good at what they do. The only time they are not good is when someone puts shackles on them.” — Marcus Luttrell, U.S. Navy SEAL and author of Lone Survivor

Luttrell’s line is blunt, but true. Marines thrive when left to fight their way — aggressive, self-sufficient, and mission-focused.

“In my experience, Marines are gung-ho no matter what… They will all fight to the death. Every one of them just wants to get out there and kill. They are bad-ass, hard-charging mothers.” — Chris Kyle, U.S. Navy SEAL Sniper

And then there’s the simple respect you hear from soldiers who’ve worked beside them:

Marine battalions act as battle space owners on the ground, and an SFODA operates within those same battle spaces.” — U.S. Army Special Forces Team Sergeant

That kind of recognition isn’t about rivalry. It’s acknowledgment. When you’ve seen Marines fight, you understand that their strength comes from cohesion; thousands of individuals trained to operate as one, yet capable of leading themselves when the plan falls apart.

Proof of Work

The Marine Corps runs on proof of work long before Bitcoin ever did. No Marine earns the title through talk or theory. It comes through sweat, repetition, and trial. The system doesn’t care where you’re from — it cares what you can do under pressure.

Bitcoin works the same way. It doesn’t care about your status or connections. It recognizes one thing: work. Energy expended. Integrity of effort.

There’s beauty in that. It’s simple. It’s fair. And it lasts.

Freedom Through Discipline

Marines know that freedom has a cost. It’s bought through readiness, vigilance, and sacrifice. You can’t delegate that responsibility; you carry it.

Bitcoin holds a mirror to that truth in the digital world. It’s freedom maintained through discipline — through nodes verifying every transaction, through miners proving every block.

There’s no shortcut, no easy path, no free ride.

Both systems reward commitment and punish complacency. Both endure because of the integrity of their participants, not the promises of their leaders.

A Shared Spirit

The Marine Corps has a saying: No better friend, no worse enemy.

That duality — compassion and ferocity — defines the rifleman. He fights because it’s his duty, and he fights with discipline because chaos demands it.

Bitcoin shares that same quiet confidence. It doesn’t boast or ask for approval. It just works, block after block, day after day, regardless of who approves or attacks it.

Marines and Bitcoin both teach us the same lesson: that strength, freedom, and trust can’t be commanded from above. They’re earned — one deliberate act at a time.

Semper Fidelis. Semper Decentralis. Always Faithful. Always Verified.