The United States Marine Corps Portal The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the U.S. military responsible for providing power projection from the sea, utilizing the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces to global crises. Alongside the U.S. Navy, the Marine Corps operates under the United States Department of the Navy. Originally organized as the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775 as naval infantry, the Marine Corps would evolve its mission with changing military doctrine and American foreign policy. Owing to the availability of Marines at sea, the Marine Corps has served in every American armed conflict going back to the Revolutionary War. It attained prominence in the 20th century when its theories and practice of amphibious warfare proved prescient, and ultimately formed a cornerstone of the Pacific campaign of World War II. Its ability to rapidly respond to regional crises continues to make it an important body in the implementation and execution of American foreign policy. The Marine Corps, with 193,000 active duty and 40,000 reserve Marines as of April 2008, is the smallest of the United States' armed forces in the Department of Defense (the United States Coast Guard, about one fifth the size of the Marine Corps, is under the Department of Homeland Security). The Corps is nonetheless larger than the entire armed forces of many significant military powers; for example, it is larger than the Israeli Defense Forces.
PFC Daniel Blatter, July 27, 2004
United States Marine Corps Recruit Training, also known as "boot camp", is the initial training for all enlisted Marines. Potential Marines report to one of two Recruit Depots (Parris Island or San Diego) for 13 weeks of intensive training. The Drill Instructors will prepare their recruits for training by breaking them down psychologically and rebuilding them in a manner able to withstand combat. Then, recruits receive classes in Marine Corps history, close order drill, customs & courtesies, first aid, military law, marksmanship, use of the gas mask, and many basic infantry skills; as well as intensive physical conditioning that includes the Physical Fitness Test, water survival, martial arts, and forced marches. The training culminates with the Crucible, a 54-hour final test. Now Marines, they receive the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and graduate.
"Our core values—Honor, Courage, and Commitment—mold our character. They guide and shape our lives every hour of every day. - At the foundation of our core value system is honor. A person cannot be a Marine without honor. It's the bedrock of our character. Honor is integrity, honesty, and responsibility. It's the quality that guides Marines to exemplify ethical and moral behavior; never to lie, cheat, or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; to respect human dignity; and to have respect and concern for each other.
- Courage. It's the heart of our values. Courage to face the challenge of combat and to master fear; courage to do what is right; courage to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; courage to lead by example; and courage to make tough decisions in the face of stress and pressure.
- Commitment. It's the spirit of determination and professionalism shared by all Marines. It leads the highest order of discipline. It's the ingredient that not only commits total devotion to Corps and country, but fosters an unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence.
Today, as our society changes, it's more important than ever that our conduct is a beacon of these enduring values. Our Core Values are a cornerstone of the Corps and a source of strength for every Marine." -
- — General Carl Epting Mundy, Jr., 30th Commandant of the Marine Corps
New articles relating to the United States Marine Corps United States Marine Corps lists - Marine Lt. Col. Doug Hurley, the first Marine to fly the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, was delayed from piloting his first Space Shuttle mission, when the June 13, 2009 launch was delayed due to a hydrogen leak.(Marine Corps Times, June 13, 2009.)
- Marine Week, held from 11 to 17 May 2009, allowed the citizens of Chicago and the nearby areas the chance to see the Marine Corps close up. Events included visits from various units as well as the Drum & Bugle Corps & Silent Drill Platoon, static displays of equipment, sports clinics, law enforcement clinics, and community service events. (Marine website, Marine Corps Times, Reuters)
- LCpl Brady Gustafson, a machine gunner with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, recieved the Navy Cross and a meritorious promotion on March 27th for actions in Afghanistan on July 21, 2008. Despite his right leg being amputated below the knee, he refused medical evacuation and continued fighting to good effect until his fellow Marines were safe from the enemy. (Marine Corps News, April 6, 2009; Marine Corps Times, Mar 30, 2009)
- The New York Times will now Capitalize the word "Marine" in print.(Marine Corps Times, Feb 26, 2009; New York Times, Feb 18, 2009)
More USMC-related news can be found at usmc.mil or Marine Corps Times. This month in Marine history - Each year, on 10 November, the United States Marine Corps birthday ball is celebrated to commemorate the day in 1775 when the Second Continental Congress authorized the formation of the Continental Marines.
- On November 17, 1915, Smedley Butler led a group of Marines in a successful assault on Fort Riviere in Haiti.
- In November 1943, Marines began the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, which included the Battle of Tarawa (November 20-23)
- On November 4, 1976, the first Marine Corps Marathon was held in Washington, D.C. and Arlington County, Virginia.
- On November 25, 2001, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit captured Camp Rhino, the first American base in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
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