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 Second 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 Marine's Hymn" |
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The United States Marine Corps (USMC), often called the U.S. Marines or simply the Marines, is a special part of the United States Armed Forces. It is a branch of the United States Department of Defense that focuses on fighting on land. Marines are known for their ability to quickly deploy and conduct amphibious operations. This means they can land from the sea. They also do expeditionary operations, which are missions far from home. They have their own infantry, artillery, air support, and special operations teams.
The U.S. Marine Corps is one of the six main branches of the U.S. military. It has been part of the United States Department of the Navy since 1834. This means they work 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 aviation squadrons even operate from Navy aircraft carriers.
The history of the Marine Corps began on 10 November 1775, in Philadelphia. Two groups of Continental Marines were formed to fight both at sea and on land. This was during the American Revolutionary War. After the war, they were disbanded but later brought back. In World War II, especially in the Pacific War, the Marines led many island-hopping campaigns. As of December 2024, there are about 169,000 active-duty Marines. There are also around 33,000 in the reserve.
Contents
What Do the Marines Do?
The U.S. Marine Corps has several important jobs. These jobs are set out in U.S. law:
- To capture or defend naval bases. They also do other land operations that help Navy missions.
- To develop new ways of fighting, techniques, and equipment for landings from the sea. They work with the Army and Air Force on this.
- To carry out any other duties that the President or the Department of Defense might assign.
This last point is very important. Marines often do missions that are not strictly naval. For example, they have fought in conflicts like the First Barbary War and the War of 1812. They have also been involved in many missions to fight against rebels. These missions show that the Marines are an expeditionary force. They use the Navy's ability to travel by sea to quickly respond to international situations. This helps protect American interests.
The Marine Band, also known as "The President's Own," plays music for official events at the White House. Marines also guard presidential retreats like Camp David. The Executive Flight Detachment of HMX-1 provides helicopter transport for the President and Vice President. They use the call signs "Marine One" and "Marine Two." Since 1947, Marine Security Guards have protected American embassies and consulates. They are in over 140 locations worldwide.
How the Marine Mission Changed Over Time
When the Marine Corps was first created, its main job was to serve as infantry on naval ships. They were responsible for ship security. They also fought during boarding actions and protected officers from mutiny. They also conducted raids at sea and on shore. The first American landing from the sea happened on 3 March 1776. This was during the Revolutionary War. Marines captured British forts in the Bahamas.
Over time, as naval warfare changed, the Marines' role expanded. They started focusing more on land missions. In the early 20th century, the "Advanced Base Doctrine" made their role official. This doctrine focused on capturing bases and other land duties to support naval campaigns.
Even though their original shipboard security mission ended in the 1990s, Marines continued to serve on battleships and aircraft carriers for many years. They were crucial in developing the tactics for landings from the sea used in World War II.
In 1950, President Harry S. Truman called the Marine Corps "the Navy's police force." This caused a lot of upset among Marines and in Congress. Truman later apologized for his words. However, he still believed the Marines should report to the Navy. Despite this, the Marines have always kept their unique identity and capabilities.
What Makes the Marines Special?
The Marine Corps is unique because it can quickly send a complete fighting force anywhere in the world. This force is called a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). A MAGTF combines different types of units:
- A ground combat element (infantry, tanks, artillery).
- An aviation combat element (helicopters, jets).
- A logistics combat element (supplies, transport).
- All led by one command.
This structure allows them to operate independently. They can use all their different forces together effectively.
The Marines' culture is centered around the infantry. Every Marine, no matter their job, is trained as a rifleman. This means they all learn basic combat skills. For example, during World War II at the Battle of Wake Island, all Marine aircraft were destroyed. The pilots then continued fighting as ground officers. They led other Marines in defense. This focus on "Every Marine a rifleman" means that all Marines are ready to fight if needed.
The Marines are also known for their "commander's intent" doctrine. This means that commanders tell their Marines the goal of a mission. But they give them flexibility in how they achieve it. This encourages initiative and quick thinking.
The landing techniques developed for World War II have evolved. They are now called the "Operational Maneuver from the Sea" doctrine. This doctrine focuses on projecting power from the sea. It uses air assault (helicopters) and maneuver warfare (quick, flexible movements). The Marines were among the first in the U.S. military to widely use these ideas.
To deploy quickly, the Marine Corps relies on the Navy for sealift (transport by sea). They also use the Maritime Pre-Positioning System. This system involves fleets of ships positioned around the world. These ships have enough equipment and supplies for a Marine force to operate for 30 days.
A Brief History of the Marines
Early Days: How the Marines Started
The U.S. Marine Corps was founded on 10 November 1775. This happened by a decision of the Second Continental Congress. This date is celebrated as the Marine Corps' birthday. Captain Samuel Nicholas was chosen to lead the first two groups of Marines.
In January 1776, Marines went to sea. They conducted their first landing from the sea in the Bahamas. They also fought on land during the American Revolutionary War. This included the Battle of Princeton in 1777. General George Washington personally encouraged them there.
After the Revolutionary War, the Continental Marines were disbanded in 1783. However, they were brought back on 11 July 1798. This was to prepare for the Quasi-War with France. One of their most famous early actions was during the First Barbary War (1801–1805) against pirates. They marched to Derna. This event is remembered in the Marines' Hymn.
War of 1812 and Beyond
During the War of 1812, Marine groups on Navy ships fought in important naval battles. They also played a key role in holding the line at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. Marines gained a reputation as excellent marksmen.
After the war, the Marine Corps faced challenges. But under Commandant Archibald Henderson, it took on more missions around the world. Henderson is credited with keeping the Marine Corps separate from the Army. In 1834, Congress passed a law. This law confirmed that the Corps was part of the Department of the Navy.
During the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), Marines famously attacked Chapultepec Palace in Mexico City. This event is celebrated 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). They mainly performed blockade duty. After the war, the Corps was involved in over 28 missions overseas. These missions protected American interests. During this time, Marine customs and traditions developed. This included the adoption of the Marine Corps emblem in 1868. The motto "Semper fidelis" (Always Faithful) was adopted around 1883.
During the Spanish–American War (1898), Marines led landings in the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Between 1899 and 1916, they continued to participate in foreign missions. This included the Boxer Rebellion in China and the Banana Wars in Central America.
World War I
When America entered World War I in 1917, the Marine Corps grew a lot. During the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918, a Marine Corps legend says that German soldiers nicknamed the Marines Teufel Hunden. This means "Devil Dogs." They got this name because of their fierce fighting. This nickname has stuck with the Marines ever since.
Between the World Wars, under Commandant John A. Lejeune, the Corps developed landing techniques. These techniques would be very important in World War II.
World War II
In World War II, the Marines played a central role in the Pacific War. They fought in intense battles like Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. These battles involved fierce fighting against the Imperial Japanese Army. The Battle of Iwo Jima is one of the most famous Marine engagements. American forces eventually raised the flag on Mount Suribachi there.
About 600,000 Americans served in the Marine Corps during World War II. Nearly 87,000 Marines were injured or killed. Almost 20,000 were killed. Many were awarded the Medal of Honor.
After the war, the Marine Corps faced challenges. Some people wanted to combine its functions with the Army and Navy. However, with strong support from Congress, the Marine Corps was protected. This happened with the National Security Act of 1947, ensuring its future.
Korean War
The Korean War (1950–1953) saw Marines quickly deploy. They helped hold the line at the Pusan Perimeter. General Douglas MacArthur then ordered a landing from the sea at Inchon. This was led by U.S. Marines and was very successful. Later, the 1st Marine Division fought bravely during a difficult retreat from the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
During the war, the Corps grew significantly. 30,544 Marines were killed or wounded.
Vietnam War
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The Marine Corps served in the Vietnam War. They participated in major battles like the Battle of Hue and the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968. Marines often fought in the northern regions of South Vietnam. They engaged in both guerrilla warfare and conventional battles against the North Vietnamese Army. By the end of the war, 13,091 Marines had been killed in action.
Modern Conflicts: War on Terror and Beyond
After the Vietnam War, Marines continued their expeditionary role. This included the 1980 Iran hostage rescue attempt. They also had operations in Grenada and Panama. In 1983, a bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut resulted in many losses.
During the Gulf War (1990–1991), Marine forces helped free Kuwait. Marines also participated in humanitarian relief operations in Somalia (1992–1995).
After the attacks on 11 September 2001, the Marine Corps became deeply involved in the Global War on Terrorism.
Afghanistan Campaign
Marines were among the first forces to enter Afghanistan in November 2001. This was for Operation Enduring Freedom. They rotated through the country, fighting Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces. In 2010, the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade launched the Battle of Marjah. This was one of the largest attacks of the Afghan Campaign.
Iraq Campaign
U.S. Marines also served in the Iraq War. The I Marine Expeditionary Force led the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Marines were responsible for the Al Anbar Province. They fought intense battles in cities like Fallujah in 2004. The Marine Corps officially ended its main role in Iraq in 2010. But they returned in 2014 to respond to growing violence.
Operations in Africa
Marines have also supported operations in Africa. This is to counter extremism and piracy. They established Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa in Djibouti in 2002.
Focus on China Threat
In the 2020s, the U.S. national strategy changed. It now focuses on competition with China. The Marine Corps has adapted by strengthening its presence and firepower in the Indo-Pacific region. They are preparing for possible island operations. This includes joint deployments with the Australian military in Darwin.
How the Marines Are Organized
The Marine Corps is part of the United States Department of the Navy. This department is led by the Secretary of the Navy. The highest-ranking Marine officer is the Commandant. The Commandant is responsible for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the Marine Corps.
The Marine Corps is divided into four main parts:
- Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC)
- The Operating Forces
- The Supporting Establishment
- The Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES or USMCR)
Headquarters Marine Corps
HQMC includes the Commandant, the Assistant Commandant, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and other staff. They help lead the Corps. It also oversees Marine Corps Aviation and Marine Corps Intelligence.
Operating Forces
The Operating Forces are the combat units of the Marine Corps. They are assigned to different regional commands around the world. The main combat forces are the Fleet Marine Forces. These include the I Marine Expeditionary Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
The basic unit for sending out Marines is the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). This is a flexible structure that combines different types of units:
- A ground combat element (GCE) for fighting on land.
- An aviation combat element (ACE) for air support.
- A logistics combat element (LCE) for supplies and support.
- All led by a common command element (CE).
This MAGTF structure allows Marine units to operate independently. Or they can be part of a larger force. This makes them very self-sufficient and effective in combined-arms warfare.
Supporting Establishment
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The Supporting Establishment provides training, logistics, and other support for the operating forces. This includes the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (which develops new tactics). It also includes the Marine Corps Logistics Command (for supplies). And the United States Marine Corps Training and Education Command (for training, including recruiting). It also includes the famous Marine Band and the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
Marine Corps Bases
The Marine Corps has many major bases. The main ones are Camp Pendleton in California (West Coast). Also Camp Lejeune in North Carolina (East Coast). And Camp Butler in Okinawa, Japan. These bases are home to the Marine Expeditionary Forces.
Other important bases include air stations, recruit depots, and training commands. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in California is the largest Marine Corps base. It is used for complex live-fire training. Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia is known as the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps." This is because much of the Corps' development and training happens there.
Marine Forces Reserve
The Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES/USMCR) is made up of reserve units. These units can form a 4th Marine Expeditionary Force. Or they can support active-duty forces when needed.
Special Operations
The Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) includes the Marine Raider Regiment. It also includes the Marine Raider Support Group and the Marine Raider Training Center. These units are part of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
The idea of a Marine special operations force was discussed for a long time. Initially, the Marine Corps resisted. They believed Marines should only support other Marines. However, after seeing other special operations units in action during Operation Enduring Freedom, the Corps agreed. In 2006, they created MARSOC.
Separate from MARSOC, some Marine expeditionary units (MEU) are certified as "special operations capable" (MEU(SOC)).
Marines: People and Ranks
Leadership
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. The Commandant is responsible for staffing, training, and equipping the Marine Corps. They report to the Secretary of the Navy. The current Commandant is Eric M. Smith.
The Assistant Commandant is the chief deputy to the Commandant. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is the senior enlisted Marine. They advise the Commandant. The current Sergeant Major is Carlos A. Ruiz.
Women in the Marines
Women have served in the Marine Corps since 1918. The first woman to enlist was Opha May Johnson. In 2017, women began joining infantry battalions. As of October 2019, female Marines make up 7.8% of the personnel. In 2021, the Marine Corps began training female recruits. This happened at the recruit depot in San Diego. This depot was previously only for males.
Racial Integration
From 1798 to 1942, the Marine Corps did not allow African Americans to serve. A presidential order led to the Corps recruiting African American Marines in 1942. However, they were initially in separate units. For example, black recruits were trained at Montford Point from 1942 to 1949. In 1974, Montford Point was renamed Camp Gilbert H. Johnson. This honored Sgt. Maj. Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson, one of the first black Marines. Today, the Marine Corps is a fully integrated force.
Ranks in the Marine Corps
Marine Corps ranks are divided into three categories: commissioned officer, warrant officer, and enlisted.
Commissioned Officers
Commissioned officers hold a formal written authority from the President. They are promoted based on an "up or out" system. This means they must be promoted within a certain time or leave the service.
| 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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| 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 |
Warrant Officers
Warrant officers are usually experts in a specific field. They started as enlisted Marines. They provide leadership within their specialty.
| 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 |
Enlisted Marines
Enlisted Marines make up most of the Corps. Those in pay grades E-4 and E-5 are non-commissioned officers (NCOs). They supervise junior Marines. Marines E-6 and higher are staff non-commissioned officers (SNCOs). They supervise NCOs and advise commanders.
The highest enlisted rank is the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. This person is personally chosen by the Commandant.
| 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
Every year, thousands of new Marine officers are commissioned. Tens of thousands of recruits are trained. All new Marines are recruited by the Marine Corps Recruiting Command.
New officers are trained at Officer Candidates School. Or they come from the United States Naval Academy. After becoming officers, all Marine officers attend The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico. There, they learn infantry and combined-arms warfare.
Enlisted Marines attend recruit training, also known as boot camp. This happens 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, enlisted Marines go to the United States Marine Corps School of Infantry for more combat training. Then they go to their specific job schools.
Marine Uniforms
The Marine Corps has very traditional and recognizable uniforms. The "Dress Blues" uniform dates back to the early 19th century. Marines have four main types of uniforms:
- The dress uniform is the most formal. It is worn for ceremonies. The "Blue Dress" uniform, often seen in recruiting ads, is the most common.
- The service uniform is a more formal daily work uniform. However, it is often replaced by the utility uniform.
- The utility uniform, currently the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, is a camouflage uniform. It is for field work or dirty jobs. It uses MARPAT pixelated camouflage. Marines consider this a working uniform. They usually do not wear it off-base.
- The physical training uniform is for exercise.
Marine Culture and Traditions
Official Traditions
The Marine Corps has many traditions. These traditions build friendship and make it special. Marines often use naval terms because of their history with the Navy. Marines are not called "soldiers" or "sailors."
The Marine Corps emblem is the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, or "EGA." It was adopted in 1868. The official colors are scarlet and gold. The Marine motto is Semper Fidelis, which means Always Faithful in Latin. It is often shortened to Semper Fi. 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 10 November. This is done with a cake-cutting ceremony.
Unofficial Traditions
Marines have several nicknames:
- Devil Dog: This nickname comes from World War I. It was supposedly given by German soldiers at Belleau Wood.
- Gyrene: A common term used among Marines.
- Leatherneck: Refers to a leather collar that was part of the Marine uniform long ago.
- Jarhead: A nickname with several debated origins.
Other unofficial traditions include:
- Oorah: A common exclamation among Marines. It is similar to "hooah" in the Army.
- Semper Fi: A common greeting among Marines, both serving and veterans.
- Improvise, Adapt and Overcome: A popular saying that means being flexible.
Veteran Marines
The Corps encourages the idea that "Marine" is an earned title. Many believe "Once a Marine, always a Marine." They generally prefer not to be called "ex-Marines."
Martial Arts Program
In 2001, the Marine Corps started its own martial arts program. It is called the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). This program teaches Marines various techniques from different martial arts styles. This includes punches, kicks, grappling, and knife fighting. It helps Marines control hostile individuals, especially in peacekeeping missions. Marines earn different colored belts, starting with tan and progressing to black.
Marine Equipment
Infantry Weapons
The standard infantry rifle for the Marine Corps is the M27 IAR. Most non-infantry Marines use the M4 carbine. The standard side arm is the SIG Sauer M17/M18 pistol. Machine guns like the M249 SAW and M240 provide suppressive fire. In 2021, the Marine Corps decided to equip all infantry units with suppressors for their weapons.
Marines also use grenade launchers like the M320. They use mortars for indirect fire. Heavy machine guns like the M2 .50 caliber and MK19 automatic grenade launcher are also used. For precision, they use sniper rifles like the M40 series and the Barrett M107.
For anti-armor capabilities, Marines use rockets like the Mk 153 SMAW and AT4. They also use anti-tank missiles like the FGM-148 Javelin and BGM-71 TOW.
Ground Vehicles
The Marine Corps uses HMMWVs. These are being replaced by the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). They also use the LAV-25, a wheeled armored vehicle for quick movement. For landings from the sea, they use the AAV-7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicle. This is being replaced by the Amphibious Combat Vehicle. To protect against land mines, the Corps uses Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
The Marines also operate 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. This made the Army the only U.S. military branch to operate tanks.
Aircraft
Marine Corps Aviation is vital for its missions from the sea. They use both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. These provide Assault Support and close air support to ground forces.
- Light transport and attack: Bell UH-1Y Venom and Bell AH-1Z Viper.
- Medium-lift: MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor (can take off and land like a helicopter, fly like a plane).
- Heavy-lift: CH-53E Super Stallion (being replaced by the CH-53K).
Marine attack squadrons fly the AV-8B Harrier II. This is a V/STOL aircraft that can take off and land vertically or with a short runway. Fighter/attack missions are handled by the F/A-18 Hornet. Both are being replaced by the F-35 Lightning II. This includes the B version for vertical landing and the C version for aircraft carriers.
The Corps also has its own aerial refueling aircraft. This is the KC-130 Hercules. It also acts as a transport aircraft. They use unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) like the RQ-7 Shadow and Scan Eagle for looking around (reconnaissance).
Relationships with Other Military Branches
The Marine Corps works closely with other branches of the United States Armed Forces. This is especially true with the Navy, but also the Army and Air Force.
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The Navy and Marine Corps have a very close relationship. It is often called 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.
Operationally, the Marine Corps provides forces for the Navy's fleets. This includes Marine Expeditionary Units on Navy amphibious warships. Marine aircraft squadrons also deploy on Navy aircraft carriers. The Marine Corps also provides security for high-risk Navy bases.
Many Marine officers come from the United States Naval Academy or Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. Marine pilots are trained by the Navy. The Navy provides medical and religious personnel for the Marines. These people often wear Marine uniforms with Navy insignia. This close cooperation is essential. The Navy provides transport and support to get Marine units into combat.
In 2007, the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard adopted a new strategy. It is called A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower. It focuses on preventing conflicts and responding quickly to crises.
United States Army
The Marine Corps and Army have some similar abilities. This has historically led to competition. After World War II, some Army leaders even suggested combining the Marine Corps into the Navy and Army. However, the Goldwater-Nichols Act helped improve coordination between all branches.
The Army has larger and more diverse forces. This includes lighter infantry and heavier armored units. The Marine Corps focuses on smaller, more integrated units that can be sent out quickly. They have their own aviation support. While the Army has long had dedicated Special Forces, the Marine Corps created its own special operations units, the Marine Raiders, in 2003.
Marines and soldiers share much of the common U.S. military slang. But the Corps has its own unique terms and traditions.
United States Air Force
The Marine Corps receives significant support from the United States Air Force. The Air Force provides airlift for Marines and equipment. It can also offer close air support. The Air Force often controls overall air operations. But the Marine Corps keeps control of its own aviation assets. These assets directly support Marine ground forces.
United States Coast Guard
The Marine Corps also works with the United States Coast Guard. This includes at the Joint Maritime Training Center in North Carolina. This is a joint training facility for the Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps.
Budget
The Marine Corps receives its money from the Department of the Navy. In 2019, the Marine Corps received $43.2 billion in funding. In 2013, the USMC became the first American military branch to have its annual budget fully checked.
See also
In Spanish: Cuerpo de Marines de los Estados Unidos para niños
