However, from day one after my departure for PI on 6 July 1961, I
never saw a swagger stick in the hand of a Marine officer or
SNCO.

My DI at PI, summer of 1946, a buck sergeant Jordan, carried a
swagger stick. I'll never forget it, or him. It was polished wood
with a .30 round at the tip. Entire round, not just the slug.

He used the stick to beat on our pith helmets if we failed in some
respect to meet his expectations. It didn't hurt, of course, but the
sound was certainly attention-getting!

vince norris