United States Marine Corps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids United States Marine Corps |
|
|---|---|
Emblem of the United States Marine Corps
|
|
| Founded | 11 July 1798 (226 years, 10 months) (in current form) 10 November 1775 |
| Type | Maritime land force |
| Role |
|
| 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" |
_Streamer.jpg){kind=small}
_Streamer.png){kind=small}
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's a branch of the United States Department of Defense that focuses on fighting on land, especially after traveling by sea. The Marines are known for their ability to quickly deploy and conduct amphibious operations (landings from the sea) and expeditionary operations (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, 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 aviation squadrons even operate from Navy aircraft carriers.
The history of the Marine Corps began on 10 November 1775, in Philadelphia. Two battalions of Continental Marines were formed to fight both at sea and on land 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 and around 33,000 in the reserve.
Contents
What Do the Marines Do?
The U.S. Marine Corps has several important jobs, as outlined in U.S. law:
- To capture or defend naval bases and perform other land operations that help Navy missions.
- To develop new ways of fighting, techniques, and equipment for amphibious landings, working with the Army and Air Force.
- To carry out any other duties that the President or the Department of Defense might assign.
This last point is very important because Marines often do missions that aren't strictly naval. For example, they've been involved in conflicts like the First Barbary War, the War of 1812, and many counterinsurgency (fighting against rebels) missions. These missions show that the Marines are an expeditionary force, using the Navy's ability to travel by sea to quickly respond to international situations and 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, using the call signs "Marine One" and "Marine Two." Since 1947, Marine Security Guards have protected American embassies and consulates in over 140 locations worldwide.
How the Marine Mission Evolved
When the Marine Corps was first created, its main job was to serve as infantry on naval ships. They were responsible for ship security, fighting during boarding actions, and protecting officers from mutiny. They also conducted raids at sea and on shore. The first American amphibious assault happened on 3 March 1776, during the Revolutionary War, when 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" formalized their role in 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 amphibious assaults used in World War II.
In 1950, President Harry S. Truman famously 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, but he still believed the Marines should report to the Navy. Despite this, the Marines have always maintained their unique identity and capabilities.
What Makes the Marines Special?
The Marine Corps is unique because it can quickly deploy a complete fighting force, called a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), anywhere in the world. A MAGTF combines a ground combat element (infantry, tanks, artillery), an aviation combat element (helicopters, jets), and a logistics combat element (supplies, transport) under one command. This structure allows them to operate independently and 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, when all the Marine aircraft were destroyed, the pilots continued fighting as ground officers, leading 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 give them flexibility in how they achieve it. This encourages initiative and quick thinking.
The amphibious assault techniques developed for World War II have evolved into the "Operational Maneuver from the Sea" doctrine. This doctrine focuses on projecting power from the sea, using air assault (helicopters) and maneuver warfare (quick, flexible movements). The Marines were among the first in the U.S. military to widely adopt these principles.
To deploy quickly, the Marine Corps relies on the Navy for sealift (transport by sea). They also use the Maritime Pre-Positioning System, which involves fleets of ships positioned around the world with enough equipment and supplies for a Marine force to operate for 30 days.
A Brief History of the Marines
Early Days: Foundation and Revolutionary War
The U.S. Marine Corps was founded on 10 November 1775, by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress. This date is celebrated as the Marine Corps' birthday. Captain Samuel Nicholas was chosen to lead the first two battalions of Marines.
In January 1776, Marines went to sea and conducted their first amphibious landing in the Bahamas. They also fought on land during the American Revolutionary War, including at the Battle of Princeton in 1777, where General George Washington personally rallied them.
After the Revolutionary War, the Continental Marines were disbanded in 1783. However, they were brought back on 11 July 1798, 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, where they marched to Derna. This event is remembered in the Marines' Hymn.
War of 1812 and Beyond
During the War of 1812, Marine detachments 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 expeditionary duties around the world. Henderson is credited with keeping the Marine Corps separate from the Army. In 1834, Congress passed a law confirming that the Corps was part of the Department of the Navy.
During the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), Marines famously assaulted Chapultepec Palace in Mexico City, an event 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), mainly performing blockade duty. After the war, the Corps was involved in over 28 interventions overseas to protect American interests. During this time, Marine customs and traditions developed, including the adoption of the Marine Corps emblem in 1868 and the motto "Semper fidelis" (Always Faithful) 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 expeditions, including 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 expanded significantly. During the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918, Marine Corps legend says that German soldiers nicknamed the Marines Teufel Hunden, meaning "Devil Dogs," 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 amphibious techniques that would be crucial 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, where American forces eventually raised the flag on Mount Suribachi.
About 600,000 Americans served in the Marine Corps during World War II. Nearly 87,000 Marines were casualties, with almost 20,000 killed. Many were awarded the Medal of Honor.
After the war, the Marine Corps faced challenges to its existence from some who wanted to combine its functions with the Army and Navy. However, with strong support from Congress and others, the Marine Corps was protected by the National Security Act of 1947, ensuring its future.
Korean War
The Korean War (1950–1953) saw Marines quickly deploy to hold the line at the Pusan Perimeter. General Douglas MacArthur then ordered an amphibious landing at Inchon, led by U.S. Marines, which was very successful. Later, the 1st Marine Division fought bravely during a difficult withdrawal from the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
During the war, the Corps grew significantly, and 30,544 Marines were killed or wounded.
Vietnam War
_001.jpg)
The Marine Corps served in the Vietnam War, participating 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, engaging 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 in various operations, including the 1980 Iran hostage rescue attempt and operations in Grenada and Panama. In 1983, a bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut resulted in significant losses.
During the Gulf War (1990–1991), Marine task forces helped liberate Kuwait. Marines also participated in humanitarian relief operations in Somalia (1992–1995).
Following 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 conventional forces to enter Afghanistan in November 2001 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, one of the largest offensives 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 and fought intense battles in cities like Fallujah in 2004. The Marine Corps officially ended its main role in Iraq in 2010 but returned in 2014 to respond to growing violence.
Operations in Africa
Marines have also supported operations in Africa to counter extremism and piracy, establishing Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa in Djibouti in 2002.
Focus on China Threat
In the 2020s, the U.S. national strategy shifted to focus on competition with China. The Marine Corps has adapted by strengthening its presence and firepower in the Indo-Pacific region, 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, which is led by the Secretary of the Navy. The highest-ranking Marine officer is the Commandant, who 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 who 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, which include the I Marine Expeditionary Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
The basic unit for deploying 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 as part of a larger force, making them very self-sufficient and effective in combined-arms warfare.
Supporting Establishment
.jpg)
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), 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), 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 and is used for complex live-fire training. Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia is known as the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps" because it's where much of the Corps' development and training happens.
Marine Forces Reserve
The Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES/USMCR) is made up of reserve units that can form a 4th Marine Expeditionary Force or support active-duty forces when needed.
Special Operations
The Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) includes the Marine Raider Regiment, 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, believing Marines should only support other Marines. However, after seeing other special operations units in action during Operation Enduring Freedom, the Corps agreed in 2006 to create 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
.jpg)
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 and reports 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 and advises 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 integrating female recruits into training companies at the recruit depot in San Diego, which was previously male-only.
Racial Integration
From 1798 to 1942, the Marine Corps did not allow African Americans to serve. It was a presidential order that led to the Corps beginning to recruit African American Marines in 1942, though they were initially in segregated units. For example, black recruits were trained at Montford Point from 1942 to 1949. In 1974, Montford Point was renamed Camp Gilbert H. Johnson to honor 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, meaning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATO code | OF-9 | OF-8 | OF-7 | OF-6 | OF-5 | OF-4 | OF-3 | OF-2 | OF-1 | |
| Insignia |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
.svg) |
 |
 |
| Service uniform insignia |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Blue dress uniform insignia |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 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 who 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATO code | WO-5 | WO-4 | WO-3 | WO-2 | WO-1 | |
| Insignia | .png) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Service Uniform Insignia |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| 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 the majority of the Corps. Those in pay grades E-4 and E-5 are non-commissioned officers (NCOs), who supervise junior Marines. Marines E-6 and higher are staff non-commissioned officers (SNCOs), who supervise NCOs and advise commanders.
The highest enlisted rank is the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, who is personally selected 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATO code | OR-9 | OR-8 | OR-7 | OR-6 | OR-5 | OR-4 | OR-3 | OR-2 | OR-1 | ||||
| Dress uniform insignia |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
No insignia |
| Service uniform insignia | .svg) |
.svg) |
.svg) |
.svg) |
.svg) |
.svg) |
.svg) |
.svg) |
.svg) |
.svg) |
.svg){kind=small} |
.svg){kind=small} |
|
| 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, and 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 come from the United States Naval Academy. After commissioning, all Marine officers attend The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where they learn infantry and combined-arms warfare.
Enlisted Marines attend recruit training, also known as 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, enlisted Marines go to the United States Marine Corps School of Infantry for further combat training before going 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, 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, though it's often replaced by the utility uniform.
- The utility uniform, currently the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, is a camouflage uniform for field work or dirty jobs. It uses MARPAT pixelated camouflage. Marines consider this a working uniform and usually don't wear it off-base.
- The physical training uniform for exercise.
Marine Culture and Traditions
Official Traditions
The Marine Corps has many traditions that build camaraderie and set it apart. Marines often use naval terminology 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," adopted in 1868. The official colors are scarlet and gold. The Marine motto is Semper Fidelis, which means Always Faithful in Latin, 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 with a cake-cutting ceremony.
Unofficial Traditions
Marines have several nicknames:
- Devil Dog: This nickname comes from World War I, 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, similar to "hooah" in the Army.
- Semper Fi: A common greeting among Marines, both serving and veterans.
- Improvise, Adapt and Overcome: A popular mantra emphasizing flexibility.
Veteran Marines
The Corps encourages the idea that "Marine" is an earned title, and 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 called the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). This program teaches Marines various techniques from different martial arts styles, including 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, and 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, and anti-tank 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 use the LAV-25, a wheeled armored vehicle for quick movement. For amphibious landings, they use the AAV-7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicle, which 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, making the Army the only U.S. military branch to operate tanks.
Aircraft
Marine Corps Aviation is vital for its amphibious missions. They use both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to 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 (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 (the B version for vertical landing and the C version for aircraft carriers).
The Corps also has its own aerial refueling aircraft, the KC-130 Hercules, which also acts as a transport aircraft. They use unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) like the RQ-7 Shadow and Scan Eagle for reconnaissance.
Relationships with Other Military Branches
The Marine Corps works closely with other branches of the United States Armed Forces, especially the Navy, but also the Army and Air Force.
_welldeck.jpg)
The Navy and Marine Corps have a very close relationship, 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, including 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, who often wear Marine uniforms with Navy insignia. This close cooperation is essential because 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 called A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower, focusing on preventing conflicts and responding quickly to crises.
United States Army
The Marine Corps and Army have some overlapping capabilities, which 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, including lighter infantry and heavier armored units. The Marine Corps focuses on smaller, more integrated deployable units with 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 and can offer close air support. The Air Force often controls overall air operations, while the Marine Corps maintains control of its own aviation assets that directly support Marine ground forces.
United States Coast Guard
The Marine Corps also works with the United States Coast Guard, including at the Joint Maritime Training Center in North Carolina, which is a joint training facility for the Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps.
Budget
The Marine Corps receives its funding 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 audited.
See also
In Spanish: Cuerpo de Marines de los Estados Unidos para niños
