The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor

A Symbol That's Earned, Not Given

Every Marine knows the feeling of receiving the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA). It’s more than just a pin—it’s what you receive the moment you become a Marine. Though the EGA pin itself is small, it's story stretches across generations. It begins in the crucible of war and resonates across centuries of fearless service.

By the middle of the 19th century, the Marine Corps had already built a reputation for courage and discipline—from storming the shores of Tripoli in 1805 to holding the line in the Mexican-American War. As the Corps evolved, so did the need for a symbol that could match its growing legacy—something that spoke to where Marines had been, what they stood for, and where they were headed. The result was the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA).

Adopted in 1868, the EGA drew from the Royal Marines of Britain but was transformed to reflect the American spirit. The eagle stood for the nation Marines swore to protect. The globe, showing the Western Hemisphere, reflected the Corps’ global reach—Marines could be called to fight anywhere, anytime. And the anchor? It represented the Corps' naval heritage, reminding everyone that Marines fight from the sea. Together, the individual elements came together to create a unified symbol that showcases the special abilities Marines bring to a fight anywhere in the world.

When it was adopted as the official insignia of the Marines, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor wasn’t just a new emblem. It was a declaration: the Marines were here to stay—proud, adaptable, and ready for any fight. Wearing the EGA pin meant you embodied all those values. 

By the middle of the 19th century, the Marine Corps had already built a reputation for courage and discipline—from storming the shores of Tripoli in 1805 to holding the line in the Mexican-American War. As the Corps evolved, so did the need for a symbol that could match its growing legacy—something that spoke to where Marines had been, what they stood for, and where they were headed. The result was the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA).

Adopted in 1868, the EGA drew from the Royal Marines of Britain but was transformed to reflect the American spirit. The eagle stood for the nation Marines swore to protect. The globe, showing the Western Hemisphere, reflected the Corps’ global reach—Marines could be called to fight anywhere, anytime. And the anchor? It represented the Corps' naval heritage, reminding everyone that Marines fight from the sea. Together, the individual elements came together to create a unified symbol that showcases the special abilities Marines bring to a fight anywhere in the world.

When it was adopted as the official insignia of the Marines, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor wasn’t just a new emblem. It was a declaration: the Marines were here to stay—proud, adaptable, and ready for any fight. Wearing the EGA pin meant you embodied all those values. 

Fast-forward to today. The EGA is on everything from the Marine Corps' official flag to the boots Marines wear while on duty. It is also handed to a Marine for the first time during the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Ceremony—the moment that signifies a person has become a Marine.

There are two primary versions of the EGA pin. On the dress uniform, Marines wear the anodized EGA—a polished, ceremonial version. On the service uniform, the subdued EGA is used—more muted in appearance, yet no less significant.

The differences between officer and enlisted EGAs are subtle to the untrained eye, but to a Marine, they matter. The enlisted anodized EGA is all gold, symbolizing unity and pride. The officer EGA features both gold and silver, representing leadership and the added responsibilities that come with commission..

 

Fast-forward to today. The EGA is on everything from the Marine Corps' official flag to the boots Marines wear while on duty. It is also handed to a Marine for the first time during the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Ceremony—the moment that signifies a person has become a Marine.

There are two primary versions of the EGA pin. On the dress uniform, Marines wear the anodized EGA—a polished, ceremonial version. On the service uniform, the subdued EGA is used—more muted in appearance, yet no less significant.

The differences between officer and enlisted EGAs are subtle to the untrained eye, but to a Marine, they matter. The enlisted anodized EGA is all gold, symbolizing unity and pride. The officer EGA features both gold and silver, representing leadership and the added responsibilities that come with commission..

 

Beyond color, the level of detail also distinguishes the officer and enlisted emblems. The officer version includes more refined etching—noticeable in the line wrapped around the anchor, the precision of the eagle’s wings, and the contours of the globe. These aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re a reflection of the Marine Corps’ commitment to excellence, discipline, and precision in every rank.

The design of both versions was overhauled and standardized in the 1950s, but the meaning has not changed since it was first introduced. When both Officers and Enlisted Marines receive their EGA pin, they have earned their place in the Corps. That moment, silent and powerful, connects new Marines to every generation before them.

To wear the EGA is to carry the legacy of those who fought before you—on beaches, in jungles, and across deserts. It means you’ve proven yourself worthy of one of the most-storied and fiercest fighting forces in the world.

Because the EGA isn’t just given. It’s earned.