Farmritch As God is my judge The US Marine corps is now and always has been very very Traditional Even though I'm retired Army the Mrs and I travel and visit many bases. We have been on Quantico and some units still live in Quansits When they made Gomer Pyle the Marine Corps strived for Authenticity, and yes you'll see Gomer carrying the M14icon As I said they are extremely traditional You will never see them get rid of ODs,or the Dress Blues as they are seen This is their trade mark What I find absolutely amazing is that when they see someone like myself, even though I'm retired Army, they are absolutely respectful " Sir Sargeant Mac Sir" That is if they know my retired rank. As far as I know Gomer Pyle was filmed on location in Camp Pendleton CA They chose Pendleton because of it's proximity to LA Those Quansits are still there. Some are inhabited, and some are part of the Historic area