Start living the adventure!
Benefits of joing the MCHA.
You're a living historian, a reenactor, or even an airsofter that takes it seriously. You want to honor those who've served. Your unit is solid, but you want to make it even better. Maybe you want to start a unit and you want to make sure the details are authentic. You want to associate with the best. Men who train and do events that might scare the average armchair historian. When you read about the Marine Raiders that swam from rubber boats, you want to DO IT. You're psyched, and unafraid.
If this is you, then you've come to the right place.
Your unit maintains autonomy AND gets use of Camp Basilone.
Second benefit: FREE website and hosting.
Hosting your own site can be expensive. So-called "Free" hosting sites are often filled with ads. Why bother?
Instead, MCHA members can choose one of three templates and ad-free hosting. If a unit chooses to design their own site, and their own HTML files, the MCHA will host that instead. Members even get 3 free email addresses and a private team forum.
No more ads. All the control you want.
Third benefit: Official Uniform & Service Records.
There's no reason to wear a uniform you didn't earn the right to wear. The MCHA service uniform is worn in both khaki (summer) and green (winter), and in Alpha, Charlie and Delta configurations, the uniform resembles that of the traditional WWII Marine service uniform.
MCHA distinctive shield device, shoulder patch and plain buttons are unique to the uniform. No USMC device adorn the MCHA uniform. This ensures that the service uniform is in compliance with all US Laws.
Members receive "dog tags" stamped from an authentic World War II machine. A Service Record Book, documenting all achievements, is also maintained by the MCHA for each member.
Fourth benefit: Awards Program.
Ever wonder how someone could wear ribbons or rank they didn't earn? So does the MCHA. Instead of dishonoring those who serve by allowing unauthorized wearing of military insignia, the MCHA created its own program to recognize actual achievement of its members.
Each award belongs to the MCHA, and is not a military ribbon or device.
Pictured is the summer dress service tunic of an MCHA Sergeant. His awards (top to bottom): Solo parachutist skill badge, USMC prior service w/combat frame and First Aid qualification ribbons, Meritorious Membership service ribbon, Mountain Warfare, Jungle Warfare and Basic Reconnaissance school ribbons, and both the Vietnam Service and Campaign historic research ribbons.
PLUS!
- Discounts on gear: The MCHA has members who are retailers. These vendors have graciously offered members a substantial discount on surplus, airsoft, and other gear.
- Financial aid: Can't swing the expense of coming out to Camp Basilone for annual training? Still want to get there? You might qualify for one of several MCHA Aid programs. Up to 100% of your fee may be covered.
- Group research: Have you been searching for a rare book, or maybe a veteran who can give you an interview for a paper you're writing? Veterans and civilians with a love of history come to share knowledge within the MCHA.
- Annual meeting at an historic site: Each year, the MCHA holds a party at a site with some significant importance to the Marine Corps or Naval service. It gives you a chance to meet others, share stories, and even wear your snazzy service uniform!
Benefits of joing the MCHA.
Honor. Commitment. Sacrifice. These are words held dear by those of the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Historical Association requires nothing less. While your Unit maintains autonomy, all members must demonstrate a commitment to honorably portraying a Marine, of their chosen era, faithfully. "Good enough" is not in our vocabulary. Just as it is with active duty Marine, psychical appearance is important. Aside from authentic gear, MCHA members maintain authentic hair-length and weight standards. All members are people of honorable background, age 16 and over.
Individual Membership dues are $50 per individual and include: participating in events at Camp Basilone, course discounts, financial aid programs, gear discounts, MCHA "military" ID card and WWII stamped dog tags, online access to the membership, awards program, and invitation to the annual party.
Team Membership dues are available at a discounted rate of $175 (per 4-6 man team) in addition to the benefits listed above, Team Membership entitles you to no-charge hosting and conducting your own events at Camp Basilone, commercial site Freight Receiving and staging of gear at Camp Basilone, team website, three (myteam@mycorps.us) email addresses and hosting services.
Dues are collected annually. Accepted payment methods include: money order, paypal or check.
- Because legal personal firearms are used at Camp Basilone, those applying to Camp will be asked to submit identification for an immediate background check.
- Persons claiming prior military service are requested to submit their DD214.
- Those with felony convictions will not be admited to events where firerms are used.
The MCHA does not discriminate based on gender, age, religion, or race.
To those members who have shared their photographs with us.