United States Marine Corps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids United States Marine Corps |
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Emblem of the United States Marine Corps
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| Founded | 11 July 1798 (227 years) (in current form) 10 November 1775 |
| Type | Maritime land force |
| Role |
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| Size | |
| Part of | United States Armed Forces Department of the Navy |
| Headquarters | The Pentagon Arlington County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Nickname(s) | "Jarheads", "Devil Dogs" ("Teufel Hunden"), "Leathernecks" |
| Motto(s) | Semper fidelis ("Always faithful") |
| Colors | Scarlet and gold |
| March | "Semper Fidelis" |
| Mascot(s) | English bulldog |
| Anniversaries | 10 November |
| Equipment | List of USMC equipment |
| Engagements |
See list
American Revolutionary War
Quasi-War First Barbary War War of 1812 Second Barbary War West Indies Anti-Piracy Operations Seminole Wars African Anti-Slavery Operations Aegean Sea Anti-Piracy Operations First Sumatran expedition Second Sumatran expedition United States Exploring Expedition Capture of Monterey Mexican–American War Bombardment of Greytown Battle of Ty-ho Bay First Fiji Expedition Second Opium War Third Fiji expedition Paraguay expedition Reform War John Brown's raid American Civil War Bombardment of Qui Nhon Shimonoseki Campaign Formosa Expedition United States expedition to Korea Egyptian Expedition (1882) Bering Sea Anti-Poaching Operations Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii Second Samoan Civil War Banana Wars
Philippine–American War Boxer Rebellion World War I Russian Civil War World War II Korean War Vietnam War 1958 Lebanon Crisis Occupation of the Dominican Republic (1965) Iranian hostage rescue Multinational Force in Lebanon Operation Urgent Fury 1986 bombing of Libya Tanker War
Operation Just Cause Persian Gulf War Somali Civil War |
| Decorations |   Presidential Unit Citation
 Vietnam Civil Actions Medal |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-Chief |  President Donald Trump |
| Secretary of Defense |  Pete Hegseth |
| Secretary of the Navy |  John Phelan |
| Commandant |  Gen Eric M. Smith |
| Assistant Commandant |  Gen Christopher J. Mahoney |
| Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps |  SMMC Carlos A. Ruiz |
| Insignia | |
| Flag |  |
| Seal |  |
| Emblem ("Eagle, Globe, and Anchor" or "EGA") |  |
| Wordmark |  |
| Song | "The Marines’ Hymn" |
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The United States Marine Corps (USMC), often called the United States Marines or simply the Marines, is a special part of the United States Department of Defense. It's a military branch that focuses on fighting on land, especially after traveling by sea. Marines are known for their ability to quickly deploy and fight in different types of battles, using their own infantry (foot soldiers), artillery (big guns), air support, and special operations teams.
The Marine Corps has been connected to the United States Department of the Navy since 1834, working closely with the United States Navy. Marines operate from bases on land and from special ships called amphibious warfare ships all over the world. Some Marine air squadrons also fly from Navy aircraft carriers.
The history of the Marine Corps began on November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia. That's when the first two groups of Continental Marines were formed. Their job was to fight both at sea and on land. During World War II, especially in the Pacific War, the Marines were key in island-hopping campaigns. As of December 2024, there are about 169,000 active-duty Marines and 33,000 in the reserve.
Contents
What Marines Do: Their Main Jobs
The U.S. Marine Corps has three main responsibilities, as set by law:
- Capturing or defending naval bases and doing other land operations to help Navy missions.
- Developing new ways to fight, techniques, and equipment for forces landing from the sea, working with the Army and Air Force.
- Performing any other duties that the President or the Department of Defense might ask them to do.
This last point is very important. It means Marines often do missions that aren't strictly naval or amphibious. For example, they have fought in places like Tripoli and the War of 1812. These missions often involve quickly going to foreign countries to protect American interests, using the Navy's ability to move them around the world.
Marines also have special ceremonial duties. The Marine Band, known as "The President's Own," plays music for events at the White House. Marines from special companies guard presidential retreats like Camp David. The Executive Flight Detachment of HMX-1 flies the President and Vice President in helicopters, known as "Marine One" and "Marine Two." Marines also protect American embassies and consulates in over 140 locations worldwide as Marine Security Guards.
How the Marine Corps' Role Changed
The Marine Corps started as soldiers who served on naval ships. Their job was to keep the ship and crew safe, fight during boarding actions, and protect officers from mutiny. They also went on raids both at sea and on land. The first time they landed on shore to fight was on March 3, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, when they took control of British forts in the Bahamas.
Over time, the Marine Corps' role grew. As naval warfare changed, their original shipboard duties became less important. So, the Marines focused more on missions on land. In the early 1900s, they developed the "Advanced Base Doctrine," which explained how Marines would capture bases and perform other land duties to support naval campaigns.
What Makes Marines Special
The Marine Corps is unique because it's an amphibious warfare force. This means they are experts at launching attacks from the sea onto land. They can quickly send a combined force of ground troops, air support, and logistics (supplies) anywhere in the world. This combined force is called a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). It includes a ground combat element (GCE), an aviation combat element (ACE), and a logistics combat element (LCE), all working together under one command. This way of working together helps them fight effectively.
Marines focus heavily on infantry, meaning every other part of the Marine Corps supports the foot soldiers. Unlike some other militaries, the Marines believe that new weapons alone don't win wars. For example, Marine aviation (their aircraft) always focuses on close air support, helping ground troops directly.
A key idea in the Marine Corps is "Every Marine is a rifleman." This means all Marines, no matter their job, are trained as basic infantry soldiers. Even officers get extra training as infantry leaders. This helps them be flexible and ready for anything.
The Marines rely on the Navy to transport them by sea. Many Marine expeditionary units (MEUs) are often at sea, ready to respond quickly to global events. They also use the Maritime Pre-Positioning System, which involves ships around the world carrying enough equipment and supplies for a large Marine force to deploy for 30 days.
Marine Corps History: A Quick Look
Early Days and the Revolutionary War
The U.S. Marine Corps started with the Continental Marines during the American Revolutionary War. They were formed on November 10, 1775, by Captain Samuel Nicholas. This date is celebrated as the Marine Corps' birthday. Nicholas gathered about 300 men in Philadelphia.
In 1776, the Marines went to sea and made their first amphibious landing in the Bahamas, capturing a British port. They also fought on land with General George Washington's army at the Battle of Princeton in 1777.
After the Revolutionary War, the Continental Marines were disbanded in 1783. But they were brought back on July 11, 1798, to prepare for a conflict with France. One of their most famous early actions was during the First Barbary War (1801–1805) against pirates. This event is remembered in the Marines' Hymn.
War of 1812 and Beyond
During the War of 1812, Marines fought in naval battles and helped defend against British attacks on land, like at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. They earned a reputation as excellent marksmen.
After the war, the Marine Corps was led by Archibald Henderson, who became Commandant in 1820. Under him, Marines took on missions in places like the Caribbean and Sumatra. Henderson also helped ensure the Marine Corps remained a separate service within the Department of the Navy.
In the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), Marines famously stormed Chapultepec Palace in Mexico City. This event is also mentioned in the Marines' Hymn as the "Halls of Montezuma."
Civil War to World War I
The Marine Corps played a smaller role in the American Civil War (1861–1865), mostly helping with naval blockades. Many officers left to join the Confederacy. After the war, Marines were often sent to protect American interests overseas, participating in over 28 interventions in 30 years. During this time, the Corps adopted its famous emblem in 1868 and its motto, "Semper fidelis" (Always Faithful), around 1883.
During the Spanish–American War (1898), Marines led landings in the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. They also took part in many other foreign expeditions, including the Boxer Rebellion in China and the Banana Wars in Haiti and Nicaragua.
World War I and II
In World War I, Marines joined the American forces in Europe. They grew significantly in size. During the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918, German soldiers supposedly nicknamed Marines "Teufel Hunden" (meaning "Devil Dogs") because of their fierce fighting. This nickname stuck.
In World War II, the Marines were crucial in the Pacific War. They led many tough battles, moving from island to island against Japanese forces. Famous battles include Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Iwo Jima. About 600,000 Americans served as Marines in World War II. The Battle of Iwo Jima was especially famous, where Marines raised the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi.
Korean War and Vietnam War
During the Korean War (1950–1953), Marines played a key role. They helped defend the Pusan Perimeter and led a surprise landing at Inchon, which turned the tide of the war. They also fought bravely during the difficult retreat at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
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The Marine Corps also served in the Vietnam War. They fought in major battles like the Battle of Hue and the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968. Marines were known for fighting both guerrilla and regular North Vietnamese forces.
Recent Operations
After Vietnam, Marines continued their role of quick deployment. They were involved in operations like the rescue attempt during the Iran hostage crisis in 1980 and invasions of Grenada and Panama. Sadly, in 1983, a bombing in Beirut caused the largest peacetime loss of Marines.
During the Gulf War (1990–1991), Marines helped liberate Kuwait. They also provided humanitarian relief in Somalia (1992–1995).
After the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Marines joined the Global War on Terrorism. They deployed to Afghanistan in 2001, fighting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. They also played a major role in the Iraq War, leading the invasion in 2003 and fighting in places like Fallujah.
Marines have also supported operations in Africa to fight extremism and piracy. More recently, the Marine Corps has been changing its focus to prepare for challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, working with allies like Australia.
How the Marine Corps is Organized
The Marine Corps is part of the United States Department of the Navy, which is led by the Secretary of the Navy. The top Marine officer is the Commandant, who makes sure the Marines are ready for missions.
The Marine Corps has four main parts:
- Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC): This is where the Commandant and their staff work.
- The Operating Forces: These are the Marines who are ready to deploy and fight.
- The Supporting Establishment: This includes commands for training, logistics, and development.
- The Marine Forces Reserve: These are part-time Marines who can support active-duty forces.
Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF)
The main way Marines organize for missions is through a flexible group called a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). A MAGTF combines ground troops, air support, and logistics (supplies) under one command. This allows them to operate on their own or as part of a larger team.
Marine Corps Bases
The Marine Corps has many major bases. The main ones are Camp Pendleton in California, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, and Camp Butler in Okinawa, Japan. These bases are home to the main Marine Expeditionary Forces.
Other important bases include air stations, recruit training depots, and logistics bases. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in California is the largest Marine base and is used for complex training.
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Special Operations Marines
The Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) includes special units like the Marine Raider Regiment. These Marines are highly trained for special missions. While the idea of Marines having special operations forces was discussed for a long time, the Corps officially created MARSOC in 2006. This happened after Marines saw other special operations units in action during the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Marine Corps Personnel
Leadership Roles
Commandant of the Marine Corps
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Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
The Commandant is the highest-ranking officer in the Marine Corps. They are in charge of staffing, training, and equipping the Marines. The current Commandant is Eric M. Smith. The Assistant Commandant is the second-highest officer. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is the top enlisted Marine and advises the Commandant.
Women in the Marines
Women have served in the Marine Corps since 1918. The first woman to join was Opha May Johnson. In 2017, women began serving in infantry battalions for the first time. As of October 2019, about 7.8% of Marines are female. In 2021, the Marine Corps started training female recruits at its San Diego depot, which used to be only for males.
Racial Integration
African American Marines served in the Revolutionary War. However, from 1798 to 1942, the Marine Corps did not allow African Americans to join. In 1942, a presidential order required the Corps to begin recruiting African American Marines. They were trained in separate units at a place called Montford Point. About 20,000 African Americans trained there between 1942 and 1949. Today, the Marine Corps is fully integrated, with Marines of all backgrounds serving together.
Marine Ranks
Marine Corps ranks are divided into three main groups:
- Commissioned Officers: These are leaders who hold a special authority from the President. They are promoted based on an "up or out" system.
- Warrant Officers: These are experts in a specific field who provide leadership within that area.
- Enlisted Marines: These make up most of the Corps. They include junior Marines, non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who supervise junior Marines, and staff non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) who advise commanders.
| US DoD pay grade |
O-10 | O-9 | O-8 | O-7 | O-6 | O-5 | O-4 | O-3 | O-2 | O-1 |
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| NATO code | OF-9 | OF-8 | OF-7 | OF-6 | OF-5 | OF-4 | OF-3 | OF-2 | OF-1 | |
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| Service uniform insignia |  |
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| Blue dress uniform insignia |  |
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| Title | General | Lieutenant general | Major general | Brigadier general | Colonel | Lieutenant colonel | Major | Captain | First lieutenant | Second lieutenant |
| Abbreviation | Gen | LtGen | MajGen | BGen | Col | LtCol | Maj | Capt | 1stLt | 2ndLt |
| US DoD pay grade | Marine Gunner Insignia |
W-5 | W-4 | W-3 | W-2 | W-1 |
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| NATO code | WO-5 | WO-4 | WO-3 | WO-2 | WO-1 | |
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| Title | Chief warrant officer 5 | Chief warrant officer 4 | Chief warrant officer 3 | Chief warrant officer 2 | Warrant officer 1 | |
| Abbreviation | CWO5 | CWO4 | CWO3 | CWO2 | WO |
| US DoD pay grade |
Special | E-9 | E-8 | E-7 | E-6 | E-5 | E-4 | E-3 | E-2 | E-1 | |||
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| NATO code | OR-9 | OR-8 | OR-7 | OR-6 | OR-5 | OR-4 | OR-3 | OR-2 | OR-1 | ||||
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| Title | Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman | Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps | Sergeant Major | Master Gunnery Sergeant | First Sergeant | Master Sergeant | Gunnery Sergeant | Staff Sergeant | Sergeant | Corporal | Lance Corporal | Private First Class | Private |
| Abbreviation | SEAC | SMMC | SgtMaj | MGySgt | 1stSgt | MSgt | GySgt | SSgt | Sgt | Cpl | LCpl | PFC | Pvt |
Initial Training
Each year, thousands of new Marines are trained. All new Marines, whether officers or enlisted, are recruited by the Marine Corps Recruiting Command.
Future officers usually come from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, Officer Candidates School, or the United States Naval Academy. After becoming officers, they all attend The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico to learn infantry and combined arms warfare.
Enlisted Marines go through boot camp at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego or Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Marine boot camp is 13 weeks long. After boot camp, Marines go to the United States Marine Corps School of Infantry for more combat training.
Marine Uniforms
The Marine Corps has very recognizable uniforms. The Dress Blues uniform dates back to the early 1800s. Marines have four main types of uniforms:
- Dress Uniform: This is the most formal, worn for special events. The "Dress Blues" are the most famous.
- Service Uniform: This used to be the daily work uniform but is now mostly replaced by the utility uniform. It's olive green and khaki.
- Utility Uniform: This is the camouflage uniform, called the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform. It uses a special pixelated pattern called MARPAT. Marines wear this for daily duty and in the field.
- Physical Training Uniform: Worn for exercise.
Marine Corps Culture
Official Traditions
Like all military groups, the Marines have traditions that build teamwork and make them unique. Their history with the Navy means they use many naval terms. Marines are called "Marines," not "soldiers" or "sailors."
The Marine Corps emblem is the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, or "EGA," adopted in 1868. The official colors are scarlet and gold. The Marine motto is Semper Fidelis, which means Always Faithful in Latin. The Marines' Hymn is the oldest official song in the U.S. armed forces.
Marines wear two types of swords: the officers' Mameluke Sword and the Marine NCO sword. The Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated every year on November 10 with a cake-cutting ceremony.
Unofficial Traditions
Marines have several nicknames:
- Devil Dog: This nickname supposedly came from German soldiers during World War I.
- Gyrene: A common term used among Marines.
- Leatherneck: Refers to a leather collar that was part of the old Marine uniform.
- Jarhead: Has a few different stories about its origin.
Some other unofficial traditions include:
- Oorah: A common shout among Marines, similar to "hooah" in the Army.
- Semper Fi: A common greeting among Marines, short for "Always Faithful."
- Improvise, Adapt and Overcome: A popular saying in many units.
Martial Arts Training
In 2001, the Marine Corps started its own martial arts program called the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). This program teaches Marines different fighting styles, including punches and kicks from Taekwondo, grappling from Jujitsu and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and knife fighting from Eskrima. Marines start MCMAP training in boot camp and can earn different colored belts, from tan to black.
Marine Corps Equipment
A typical infantry Marine carries about $14,000 worth of gear. The amount of equipment has grown a lot over the years.
Infantry Weapons
The main rifle for Marine infantry is the M27 IAR. Other Marines use the M4 carbine. The standard pistol is the SIG Sauer M17/M18. Machine guns like the M249 SAW and M240 provide heavy fire. Marines also use grenade launchers, mortars, and heavy machine guns like the M2 .50 caliber.
Marines use rockets and missiles to fight armored vehicles and destroy bunkers. These include the SMAW and AT4 rockets, and anti-tank guided missiles like the FGM-148 Javelin and BGM-71 TOW.
Ground Vehicles
The Marine Corps uses HMMWVs, which are being replaced by the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). They also have special vehicles like the LAV-25, a wheeled armored vehicle. For amphibious landings, they use the AAV-7A1, which can travel on land and water. This vehicle is being replaced by the Amphibious Combat Vehicle. To protect against land mines, the Marines use heavily armored Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
The Marines also use the M777 155 mm howitzer and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for artillery support. In 2020, the Marine Corps removed all its M1A1 Abrams tanks, making the Army the only U.S. military branch to use tanks.
Aircraft
Marine Corps Aviation is vital for their amphibious missions. They use both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to support ground forces.
- Light transport and attack: Bell UH-1Y Venom and Bell AH-1Z Viper.
- Medium-lift: MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors.
- Heavy-lift: CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters, being replaced by the CH-53K.
- Attack: AV-8B Harrier II.
- Fighter/attack: F/A-18 Hornet strike-fighters. Both the Harrier and Hornet are being replaced by the F-35 Lightning II.
The Marines also have their own aerial refueling planes, the KC-130 Hercules, which also transport troops and supplies. They use unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) like the RQ-7 Shadow and Scan Eagle for scouting.
Working with Other Military Branches
The Marine Corps works closely with other branches of the United States Armed Forces. They share resources but also keep their own unique identity.
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The Navy and Marine Corps have a very close relationship. They often call themselves the "Navy-Marine Corps Team." Both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps report to the Secretary of the Navy.
Marines provide forces for the Navy's fleets, including Marine Expeditionary Units on Navy ships. Marine aircraft also deploy with Navy carrier air wings. The Marine Corps also provides security for Navy bases.
The two services train together. Many Marine officers come from the United States Naval Academy. Marine pilots are trained by the Navy. Navy medical and religious personnel serve with Marine units, often wearing Marine uniforms with Navy insignia.
With the U.S. Army
The Marine Corps and Army both have land-based fighting roles, which has sometimes led to competition. After World War II, some Army leaders even suggested getting rid of the Marine Corps. However, laws like the Goldwater-Nichols Act have made the services work together more.
The Army has a wider range of forces, from very light infantry to heavy armored units. The Marine Corps focuses on forces that are in between, able to deploy quickly with integrated air support.
Culturally, Marines and soldiers share some military terms, but Marines also use many naval terms and their own unique slang.
With the U.S. Air Force
The Marine Corps gets a lot of support from the United States Air Force. The Air Force helps transport Marines and their equipment using large cargo planes. They also provide close air support for Marine ground forces.
With the U.S. Coast Guard
The Marine Corps also works with the United States Coast Guard, especially in training for maritime operations.
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See also
In Spanish: Cuerpo de Marines de los Estados Unidos para niños
