United States Marine Corps Emblem

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the U.S. military. While concerned almost exclusively with shipboard security service and amphibious warfare in its formative years, the Marine Corps has evolved to fill a unique, multi-purpose role within the modern United States military. Source: http://www. ... Source: http://www. ... The armed forces of the United States of America consist of the United States Army United States Navy United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United States Coast Guard Note: The United States Coast Guard has both military and law enforcement functions. ...

The Marine Corps is the second smallest of the five branches of the U.S. military, with 176,000 active and 40,000 reserve Marines as of 2002. Only the United States Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is smaller. The armed forces of the United States of America consist of the United States Army United States Navy United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United States Coast Guard Note: The United States Coast Guard has both military and law enforcement functions. ... 2002 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Coast Guard shield The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is the coast guard of the United States. ... The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a Cabinet department of the federal government of the United States that is concerned with protecting the American homeland and the safety of American citizens. ...

Both the Marine Corps and the United States Navy fall under the umbrella of the Department of the Navy. While organizationally separate forces, the two services work closely together. The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... Seal The United States Department of the Navy was established by an Act of Congress on April 30, 1798, to provide administrative and technical support, and civilian leadership to the United States Navy. ...

Mission

The Marine Corps serves as a versatile combat element, and is adapted to a wide variety of combat operations. The Marine Corps was initially composed of infantry combat forces serving aboard naval vessels, responsible for security of the ship, its captain and officers, offensive and defensive combat during boarding actions, by acting as sharpshooters, and carrying out amphibious assaults. The Marines fully developed and used the tactics of amphibious assault in World War II, most notably in the Pacific Island Campaign. A marksman (also designated marksman) is a profession which is mostly to be found in military context. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km (over 11 miles) into the air. ... The Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) is the term used in the United States for all military activity in the Pacific Ocean and the countries bordering it, in World War II. Pacific War is a more common name, around the world, for the broader conflict between the Allies and Japan...

United States Military US Army US Navy US Air Force US Marine Corps US Coast Guard

Since its creation in 1775 the Corps' role has expanded significantly. The Marines have a unique mission statement, and, alone among the branches of the U.S. armed forces, "shall, at any time, be liable to do duty in the forts and garrisons of the United States, on the seacoast, or any other duty on shore, as the President, at his discretion, shall direct." In this special capacity, charged with carrying out duties given to them directly by the President of the United States, the Marine Corps serves as an all-purpose, fast-response task force, capable of quick action in areas requiring emergency intervention. The armed forces of the United States of America consist of the United States Army United States Navy United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United States Coast Guard Note: The United States Coast Guard has both military and law enforcement functions. ... Source: http://www. ... The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... Source: http://www. ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... Source: http://www. ... Seal of the Air Force. ... Source: http://www. ... File links The following pages link to this file: United States Army United States Coast Guard Template:United States armed forces ... Coast Guard shield The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is the coast guard of the United States. ... 1775 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Seal of the President of the United States The President of the United States is the head of state of the United States. ...

The Marine Corps possesses organic ground and air combat elements, and relies upon the US Navy to provide sea combat elements to fulfill its mission as "America's 9-1-1 Force." Ground combat elements are largely contained in three Marine divisions, or "MarDivs." The 1st Marine Division is based out of Camp Pendleton, California, the 2nd out of Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, while the third is based on Okinawa, Japan. Recon battalions are composed of the elite Marines, and their mission is to scout the enemy or even to penetrate the enemy line. In military terminology, organic refers to a military unit of one type within a larger unit predominantly of a different type. ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... Most emergency vehicles in the U.S. display Emergency 911 9-1-1 or nine-one-one is the emergency telephone number for the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). ... Reconnaissance battalions in the U. S. Marine Corps, often called Recon Marines, exist to provide information about the enemy to higher command. ...

Air combat elements are similarly grouped in the first, second and third Marine wings.

Marine tactics and doctrine tends to emphasize aggressiveness and the offensive, compared to Army tactics for similar units. The Marines have been central in developing groundbreaking tactics for maneuver warfare; they can be credited with the development of helicopter insertion doctrine and modern amphibious assault. Maneuver warfare is a concept of warfare that advocates attempting to defeat an adversary by incapacitating their decision-making through shock and disruption. ... Air assault (or air mobile) is a military term used to describe the movement of friendly assault forces by rotary-wing aircraft to engage and destroy enemy forces or to seize and hold key terrain. ...

The Marines also maintain an operational and training culture dedicated to emphasizing the infantry combat abilities of every Marine. All Marines receive training first and foremost as riflemen, and thus the Marine Corps at heart functions as an infantry corps. The Marine Corps is famous for the saying "Every Marine is a rifleman." The word rifleman can mean:- A man with a rifle: see gunner or army. ... Infantry, thought to be of the Royal Irish Rifles, in the First World War Infantry are soldiers who fight primarily on foot, although modern infantry may be transported in any number of fashions. ...

While the Marine Corps does not necessarily fill unique combat roles, only when combined do the US Army, Navy, and US Air Force overlap every area that the Marine Corps covers. As a force, the Marines consistently use all essential elements of combat (air, ground, sea) together. While the creation of joint commands under the Goldwater-Nichols Act has improved interservice coordination between the larger services, the Marine Corps' ability to permanently maintain integrated multi-element task forces under a single command provides a special ability to respond to flexibility and urgency requirements. The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... Seal of the Air Force. ... The Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 (PL 99-433) was a reorganization plan which focused the chain of command in military operations undertaken by the United States Department of Defense. ...

The Marines argue that they do not and should not take the place of the other services, any more than an ambulance takes the place of a hospital. Nonetheless, when a pressing emergency develops, the Marines essentially act as a stopgap, to get into and hold an area until the larger machinery can be mobilized. The opinions of other military men and politicians have, at times, differed, and President Harry S. Truman considered abolishing the Corps as part of the 1948 reorganization of the military. As Harry Truman said, "The only propaganda machine that rivals that of Stalin is that of the United States Marine Corps." Truman, a former U.S. Army artillery captain, felt that the Marines were useless, despite their many successes in World War Two and Korea. For the victim of Mt. ... 1948 is a leap year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar). ...

An example of this coordinated, time-sensitive capability could be seen in 1990, when the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) conducted Operation Sharp Edge, a noncombatant evacuation operation, or NEO, in the west African city of Monrovia, Liberia. Liberia suffered from civil war at the time, and civilian citizens of the United States and other countries could not leave via conventional means. Sharp Edge ended in success. Only one reconnaissance team came under fire, with no casualties incurred on either side, and the Marines evacuated several hundred civilians within hours to U.S. Navy vessels waiting offshore. 1990 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Operation Sharp Edge was carried out by the United States Marine Corps 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in mid-1990 amid increasing internal unrest which threatened U.S. diplomats and civilians in Liberia. ... Africa is the worlds second-largest continent in both area and population, after Asia. ... For alternate meanings, see Monrovia (disambiguation). ...

Creation and history

The Marine Corps was originally created as the "Continental Marines" during the American Revolutionary War, were formed by a resolution of the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775, and first recruited at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They served as landing troops for the recently created Continental Navy. The Continental Marines were disbanded at the end of the war in April 1783 but re-formed on July 11, 1798. Despite the gap, Marines worldwide celebrate November 10 as the Marine Corps Birthday. The Continental Marines were formed in November 10, 1775 and was disbanded in 1783. ... The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the American War of Independence, was a war fought primarily between Great Britain and revolutionaries within thirteen North American colonies. ... The Continental Congress was the federal legislature of the Thirteen Colonies and later of the United States from 1774 to 1789, a period that included the American Revolutionary War and the Articles of Confederation. ... November 10 is the 314th day of the year (315th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 51 days remaining. ... 1775 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Independence Hall Philadelphia (sometimes referred to as Philly or the City of Brotherly Love) is the fifth most populous city in the United States and the most populous city in the state of Pennsylvania, occupying all of Philadelphia County. ... 1783 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... July 11 is the 192nd day (193rd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 173 days remaining. ... 1798 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... November 10 is the 314th day of the year (315th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 51 days remaining. ...

Historically, the United States Marine Corps has achieved fame in several campaigns, as referenced in the first line of the Marine Corps Hymn: "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli". In the early 19th century, First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon led a group of eight Marines and 300 Arab and European mercenaries in deposing the dictator of Tripoli. Separately, the Marines took part in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848) and assaulted the Castillo de Chapultepec, or the Castle of Chapultepec, which overlooked Mexico City. The Marines were placed on guard duty at the Mexican Presidential Palace, "The Halls of Montezuma." The Marines hymn is the official hymn of the United States Marine Corps. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Presley Neville O’Bannon (1784 – 12 September 1850) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps, famous for his exploits in the First Barbary War. ... The Arabs (Arabic: عرب Ê»arab) are an originally Arabian ethnicity widespread in the Middle East and North Africa. ... This article is about the continent. ... Tripoli (population 1. ... The Mexican-American War was a war fought between the United States and Mexico between 1846 and 1848. ... Battle of Chapultepec Conflict Mexican-American War Date September 12-13, 1847 Place Mexico City, D.F. Result U.S. victory The Battle of Chapultepec took place in September 1847 during the Mexican-American War, at Chapultepec Castle on Chapultepec Hill, on the outskirts of Mexico City. ... Chapultepec (Grasshopper Hill in the Nahuatl language) is a large hill on the outskirts of central Mexico City with much significance in Mexican history. ... Mexico City (Spanish: Ciudad de México) is the federal capital of, and largest city in, Mexico. ...

After these early 19th-century engagements, the Marine Corps occupied a small role in American military history. They saw little significant action in the American Civil War, but later become prominent due to their deployment in small wars around the world. During the latter half of the 19th century, the Marines saw action in Korea, Cuba, the Philippines, and China. During the years before and after World War I, the Marines saw action throughout the Caribbean in places such as Haiti and Nicaragua. These actions became known as "The Banana Wars," and the experiences gained in counter-insurgency and guerrilla operations during this period was consolidated into the Small Wars Manual. The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ...

In World War I, the battle-tested, veteran Marines served a central role in the U.S. entry into the conflict, and at the Battle of Belleau Wood, Marine units were in the front, earning the Marines a reputation as the "First to Fight". This battle marked the creation of the Marines' reputation in modern history. Rallying under the battle cries of "Retreat hell! We just got here!" (Captain Lloyd Williams) and "Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?" (Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly, two time Medal of Honor receipient), the Marines drove German forces from the area. The Germans referred to the Marines in the battle as "Teufelhunde", literally, "Devil Dogs", a nickname Marines proudly hold to this day. Ypres, 1917, in the vicinity of the Battle of Passchendaele. ... The Battle of Belleau Wood was a battle of the first World War. ... 1 June 1918 2nd Division troops dig in along a defensive line just north of the village of Lucy-le-Bocage. ... Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Dan Daly (11 November 1873 – 28 April 1937) was a United States Marine. ... This article is about the military award; for the computer game, see Medal of Honor (computer game). ...

(Joe Rosenthal / ©Associated Press)
U.S. Marines raise the American Flag on Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945

In World War II, the Marines played a central role in the Pacific War, and the war saw the expansion of the Corps from two brigades to two corps with six divisions and five air wings with 132 squadrons. The battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa saw fierce fighting between U.S. Marines and the Imperial Japanese Army. The secrecy afforded their communications by the now-famous Navajo code talkers program, is widely seen as having contributed significantly to their success. Download high resolution version (1380x1111, 200 KB) Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima The image is from [1], specifically [2]. See also image 520748 at [3]. The image has been brightened, probably by Commons:User:W.wolny. ... Download high resolution version (1380x1111, 200 KB) Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima The image is from [1], specifically [2]. See also image 520748 at [3]. The image has been brightened, probably by Commons:User:W.wolny. ... Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima Joe Rosenthal (born October 9, 1911) was a American photographer, who received the Pulitzer Prize for his World War II iconic portrait of American troops raising the flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. ... Associated Press logo This article concerns the news service. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km (over 11 miles) into the air. ... The Pacific War, which is known in Japan as the Greater East Asia War and in China as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (kang-Ri zhanzheng, literally Resist Japan War), occurred in the Pacific Ocean, its islands, and in Asia. ... Brigade is a term from military science which refers to a group of several battalions (typically two to four), and directly attached supporting units (normally including at least an artillery battery and additional logistic support). ... This article is about a military unit. ... Guadalcanal, a 2,510 square mile (6,500 km²) island in the Pacific Ocean and a province of the Solomon Islands, is largely a jungle. ... Tarawa is an atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, previously the capital of the former British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. ... Landsat photo of Iwo Jima, circa 2000 Iwo Jima  listen? (Japanese 硫黄島 Iōtō, or Iōjima, meaning sulfur island) is a volcanic island in Japan, part of the Volcano Islands (also known as the Ogasawara Islands), approximately 650 miles (1046 km) south of Tokyo (24. ... This article is about the prefecture. ... Page one of Navajo recommendation letter, 1942. ...

During the Battle of Iwo Jima, the famous photograph of five Marines and one Navy hospital corpsman raising the U.S. flag on Mt. Suribachi was taken. The acts of the Marines during the war added to their already significant popular reputation, and the USMC War Memorial in Arlington, VA was dedicated in 1954. Battle of Iwo Jima Conflict World War II, Pacific War Date February 16, 1945 – March 26, 1945 Place Iwo Jima, Japan Result American victory The Battle of Iwo Jima was fought between the United States and Japan during February and March of 1945, during the Pacific Campaign of World War... (©Joe Rosenthal/Associated Press) Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima (©Joe Rosenthal/Associated Press) A photo colorized to show all six men - Ira Hayes (red), Franklin Sousley (violet), John Bradley (green), Harlon Block (Yellow), Michael Strank (brown), Rene Gagnon (teal) Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima is a famous photograph... Iwo Jima (Japanese 硫黄島 Iōjima, meaning sulfur island) is a volcanic island in Japan, part of the Volcano Islands (also known as the Ogasawara Islands), approximately 650 miles (1046 km) south of Tokyo (24. ... The American flag waves over the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, located in Washington, D.C. The Marine Corps War Memorial is a military memorial statue located adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery in Rosslyn, Virginia, U.S.A. The memorial is dedicated to all personnel of the U.S... Arlington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Virginia (which calls itself a commonwealth), directly across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. By an act of Congress July 9, 1846, the area south of the Potomac was returned to Virginia effective in 1847 As of 2000...

The Korean War saw the Marines land at Inchon and assault north into North Korea along with the Army. As U.S. forces approached the Yalu River, the People's Republic of China, fearing an incursion by American forces, sent armies over the river to engage American forces within Korea. The Korean War (Korean: 한국전쟁/韓國戰爭), from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953, was a conflict between North Korea and South Korea. ... Incheon Metropolitan City is a metropolitan city and major seaport on the west coast of South Korea, near Seoul. ... The Yalu (Amnok) River is a river on the border between China and North Korea. ...

At the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, the First Marine Division fought Chinese forces, vastly outnumbered but vastly better equipped and trained. Recovering equipment left by Army forces who had scattered in disordered retreat, the Marines regrouped, assaulted the Chinese, and inflicted heavy casualties during their fighting withdrawal to the coast. The Battle of Chosin Reservoir was a battle in the Korean War, shortly after Chinese entry into the conflict. ...

The Marines also played an important role in the Vietnam War at battles such as Da Nang, Hue City, and Khe Sanh. Marines were among the first troops deployed to Vietnam, as well as the last to leave during the evacuation of the American embassy in Saigon. The Vietnam War was fought from 1957 to 1975 between Soviet and Chinese-supported Vietnamese nationalist and Communist forces and an array of Western and pro-Western forces, most notably the United States. ... Đà Nẵng is a region and city in central Vietnam near the ancient capital of Huế. ... Khe Sanh was a United States Marines military base in the Republic of Vietnam (the south) constructed near the border with Laos and just south of the border with North Vietnam which became the scene of a large offensive operation by the Peoples Army of Vietnam (PAVN, also known... Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnamese: Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh) is the largest city in Vietnam and, as Saigon (Vietnamese: Sài Gòn), was the capital of South Vietnam from 1954 to 1976. ...

After Vietnam, Marines served in a number of important events and places. In 1983, a Marine barracks in Lebanon was bombed, causing the highest peacetime losses to the Corps and leading to the American withdrawal from Lebanon. Marines were also responsible for liberating Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War, as the Army made an attack to the west directly into Iraq. In 1995, Marines performed a successful mission in Bosnia, rescuing Captain Scott O'Grady, a downed Air Force fighter pilot, in what is called a TRAP (Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel). 1983 is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The 1983 barracks bombing was a major terrorist incident during the Lebanese Civil War. ... See also: 2003 invasion of Iraq and Gulf War (disambiguation) C Company, 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment, 1st UK Armoured Division The Persian Gulf War was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States. ... 1995 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Scott OGrady is a retired United States Air Force captain who gained prominence after he was shot down in his F-16 on June 2, 1995 while patrolling the no-fly zone over Bosnia. ...

Most recently, in 2003 and 2004, the Marines served prominently in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the occupation of Iraq, where a light, mobile force was and is especially needed. 2003 is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2004 is a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The 2003 invasion of Iraq, also called the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom, began March 20, 2003, initiated by the United States, the United Kingdom and a loosely-defined coalition. ... This article deals with the post-invasion period in Iraq and its occupation. ...

Reputation of the Marine Corps

The Marine Corps has a widely-held reputation as a fierce and effective fighting force and the Marines take pride in their gung-ho attitude, are indoctrinated with a strong belief in their chain of command and the importance of esprit de corps, a spirit of enthusiasm and pride in themselves and the Corps. The Marine Corps is popularly seen as possessing a degree of fame and infamy among the enemies they fight, and examples of this effect are readily seized upon and publicized by the Corps and its supporters. During the 1991 Gulf War, U.S. Army General Norman Schwarzkopf used a public demonstration of a Marine landing on Kuwait and the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr to pin down Iraqi units, while the Army then executed a sweep from the West. Gung-ho is a phrase borrowed from Chinese, frequently used in English as an adjective meaning enthusiastic. ... In a military context, the chain of command is the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed. ... (Redirected from 1991 Gulf War) See also: 2003 invasion of Iraq and Gulf War (disambiguation) C Company, 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment, 1st UK Armoured Division The Gulf War was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States. ... Norman Schwarzkopf can refer to: Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr. ... Cranes at Umm Qasr await cargo. ...

Most recently, Iraqis in the Persian Gulf War and 2003 invasion of Iraq were said to have taken special note of Marine Cobra helicopters and the distinctive look of the Marine combat uniform. The Marines have taken steps to build on this psychological advantage by, for instance, developing a new utility uniform that makes Marines easier to distinguish from other US servicemen. See the Web site of the Permanent Marine Corps Uniform Board (PMCUB) for illustrations of the various Marine uniforms. See also: 2003 invasion of Iraq and Gulf War (disambiguation) C Company, 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment, 1st UK Armoured Division The Persian Gulf War was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States. ... The 2003 invasion of Iraq, also called the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom, began March 20, 2003, initiated by the United States, the United Kingdom and a loosely-defined coalition. ...

The Marine Corps has also recently initiated a martial arts program; an idea borrowed from the South Korean Marines, who train in martial arts and who, during the Vietnam War, were widely rumored to all be black belts. This program marks another step in a series of calculated efforts to bolster the perception of the Marine Corps as a fierce and effective "warrior culture" both with outside observers, and with its own servicemembers. The Vietnam War was fought from 1957 to 1975 between Soviet and Chinese-supported Vietnamese nationalist and Communist forces and an array of Western and pro-Western forces, most notably the United States. ...

While the reputation of the Marine Corps has remained largely positive in recent years, at least within the United States, the Corps has still struggled with occasional negative press and perceptions. In many conflicts, members of the other armed forces of the United States have complained that the Marine Corps often emphasizes its prowess at the expense of the reputation of Army or Navy units which are nearby. An example occurred at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War, when a Marine officer (probably Lt. General Lewis "Chesty" Puller) disparaged the undermanned Army infantry regiment which took the initial Chinese attack. Additionally, the aggressive tradition of the Marine Corps, and the Corps' widespread efforts to inculcate its Marines and the American public with this image have also sometimes backfired, leading to numerous accusations of sexism, racism and bullying over the years. The armed forces of the United States of America consist of the United States Army United States Navy United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United States Coast Guard Note: The United States Coast Guard has both military and law enforcement functions. ... The Battle of Chosin Reservoir was a battle in the Korean War, shortly after Chinese entry into the conflict. ... The Korean War (Korean: 한국전쟁/韓國戰爭), from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953, was a conflict between North Korea and South Korea. ... Chesty Puller Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell Chesty Puller (June 26, 1898 – October 11, 1971) was a United States Marine officer, notable as the most decorated Marine in history. ... Sexism is discrimination against people based on their sex rather than their individual merits. ... Racism - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... A bully is an individual who tends to torment others, either through verbal harassment or physical assaults, or through more subtle methods of coercion. ...

Symbols

The Marine motto "Semper Fidelis" means "Always faithful" in Latin. This motto often appears in the shortened form "Semper Fi!" It is also the name of the official march of the Corps, composed by John Phillip Sousa. Arms of Exeter, showing motto Semper Fidelis is a Latin motto translating to always faithful. It is the motto of: Plymouth Argyle, and the song is played as the team enters the pitch before the start of the game. ... John Philip Sousa John Philip Sousa (November 6, 1854 - March 6, 1932), is probably the most famous marching band conductor (although his band rarely marched) and composer in history. ...

The colors of the Marine Corps are scarlet and gold. They appear on the flag of the United States Marine Corps, along with the Marine Corps emblem: the eagle, globe, and anchor, with the eagle representing service to the country, the globe representing worldwide service, and the anchor representing naval traditions. The emblem, adopted in its present form in 1868, derives partially from ornaments worn by the Continental Marines and the British Royal Marines, and is usually topped with a ribbon reading "Semper Fidelis". The flag of the United States Marine Corps is scarlet with the Corps badge in gray and yellow. ... 1868 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... The Corps of Royal Marines, usually just known as the Royal Marines (RM), are the United Kingdoms amphibious forces and a core component of the countrys Rapid Reaction Force. ...

Two styles of swords are worn by Marines. The Marine Corps officer sword is a Mameluke sword, similar to the sword presented to Lt. Presley O'Bannon after the capture of Derne during the First Barbary War. Noncommissioned officers carry a different style of sword, similar in style to a Civil War cavalry sabre, making them the only enlisted personnel in the U.S. military authorized to carry a sword. An Ottoman Mamluk, from 1810 Mamluks (or Mameluks) (the Arabic word usually translates as owned, singular: مملوك plural: مماليك) comprised slave soldiers used by the Muslim Caliphs and the Ottoman Empire, and who on more than one occasion seized power for themselves. ... Presley Neville O’Bannon (1784 – 12 September 1850) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps, famous for his exploits in the First Barbary War. ... The Battle of Derna was a decisive victory of a combined army of U.S. Marines, Greeks, Turks and Arabs over the forces of the Barbary coast nation of Tripoli during the First Barbary War. ... Burning of the frigate Philadelphia in the harbor of Tripoli, February 16, 1804, by Edward Moran, painted 1897, depicts a naval action of the First Barbary War. ...

Marines have several generic nicknames, mildly derogatory when used by outsiders but complimentary when used by Marines themselves. They include "jarhead" (it was said their hats on their unifom made them look like mason jars), "gyrene" (perhaps a combination of "G.I." and "Marine"), "leatherneck," referring to the leather collar that was a part of the Marine uniform during the Revolutionary War period, and "Devil Dog" (German: Teufelshunde) after the Battle of Belleau Wood. A nickname is a short, clever, cute, derogatory, or otherwise substitute name for a person or things real name (for example, Nick is short for Nicholas). ... The abbreviation G.I. is most commonly used to shorten government issue, and has different meanings depending on the part of speech in which it is used. ... The Battle of Belleau Wood was a battle of the first World War. ...

In the 1991 Gulf War, Iraqi soldiers nicknamed the Marines "Angels of Death." Another so-called term of endearment for Marines was "blackboots." This was due to supply shortages, leaving tan, desert boots unavailable to most Marine units. Somalians and Haitians called Marines participating in relief operations "whitesleeves" because of the way they roll up the sleeves of their utility uniform, called "cammies" colloquially. 1991 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... C Company, 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment, 1st UK Armoured Division The 1991 Persian Gulf War was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 34 nations mandated by the United Nations and led by the United States. ... Look up Somalia in Wiktionary, the free dictionary News AllAfrica. ... This page describes uniform in the sense of clothing. ...

Organization

Here is the typical organization for ground units:

• Fire team: four Marines
• Squad: three fire teams and a corporal or sergeant as squad leader
• Platoon: three squads, a platoon sergeant, and a lieutenant as platoon commander
• Company: three platoons, a Navy corpsman, a company gunnery sergeant, first sergeant, a first lieutenant as executive officer, and captain as commander
• Battalion: three or four companies, commanded by a lieutenant colonel
• Regiment: three or four battalions, commanded by a colonel
• Brigade: uncommon in the Marine Corps, but typically made up of one or more regiments and commanded by a brigadier general
• Division: three or four regiments, officers and others, commanded by a major general

Battalions and larger units have a sergeant major, and an executive officer as second in command, plus officers and others for: Administration (S-1), Intelligence (S-2), Operations (S-3), Logistics (S-4), Civil Affairs [wartime only] (S-5), and Communications (S-6). A fire team is the smallest recognized military unit. ... A squad is a military unit consisting of several soldiers, larger than a fire team but smaller than a platoon. ... See also Platoon (movie) and platoon (automobile) for the concept for reducing traffic congestion. ... A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 100-200 soldiers. ... In military terminology, a battalion consists of two to six companies typically commanded by a lieutenant colonel. ... A regiment is a military unit, larger than a company and smaller than a division. ... Brigade is a term from military science which refers to a group of several battalions (typically two to four), and directly attached supporting units (normally including at least an artillery battery and additional logistic support). ... A division is a large military unit or formation usually consisting of around ten to fifteen thousand soldiers. ...

As of 2004, there are four Marine divisions: 2004 is a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

• the First in Camp Pendleton, California;
• the Second in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina;
• the Third in Camp Smedley Butler in Okinawa, Japan; and
• the Fourth is a reserve unit headquarted in New Orleans, Lousiania, with units scattered throughout the continental United States.

In World War II, two more Marine Divisions were formed: the Fifth and Sixth, which fought in the Pacific War. These divisions were disbanded after the end of the war. The 1st Marine Division is the oldest, largest (active duty), and most decorated division-sized unit in the United States Marine Corps representing a combat-ready force of more than 19,000 men and women. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is near Oceanside, California. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... The U.S. 2nd Marine Division is a division of the United States Marine Corps, which forms the ground-force component of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is near Jacksonville, North Carolina, on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. ... State nickname: Tar Heel State Other U.S. States Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Governor Michael Easley Official languages English Area 139,509 km² (28th)  - Land 126,256 km²  - Water 13,227 km² (9. ... The U.S. 3rd Marine Division is a unit of the United States Marine Corps, one of three active divisions. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler (usually Butler Marine Base in Okinawa) is a United States military Marine base located in the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa. ... This article is about the prefecture. ... The U.S. 4th Marine Division is a division of the United States Marine Corps. ... New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, United States of America. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km (over 11 miles) into the air. ... The 5th Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps was created during World War II for the Battle of Iwo Jima and the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands. ... The Sixth Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps was a short-lived unit created during World War II for the Battle of Okinawa and a planned invasion of the Japanese home islands. ... The Pacific War, which is known in Japan as the Greater East Asia War and in China as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (kang-Ri zhanzheng, literally Resist Japan War), occurred in the Pacific Ocean, its islands, and in Asia. ...

Typical aviation units are squadron, group and wing. There are four Marine aircraft wings: A Squadron is a grouping of aircraft, naval vessels, armoured fighting vehicles or soldiers. ... The term group can refer to several concepts: Look up Group in Wiktionary, the free dictionary In music, a group is another term for band or other musical ensemble. ... In computing, WinG (pronounced Win Gee) was an API to provide fast graphics performance on Windows 3. ...

• the First in Okinawa, Japan;
• the Second in Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina;
• the Third at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California; and
• the Fourth, a reserve unit.

There are also four Force Service Support Groups: Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is a United States airfield near New Bern, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. ... Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is about 10 miles (16 km) north of downtown San Diego, California, USA. The United States Marine Corps installation is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 11, and Marine Aircraft Group 16. ...

• the First in Okinawa, Japan;
• the Second in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina;
• the Third in Camp Pendleton, California;
• and the Fourth in New Orleans.

This article is about the prefecture. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is near Jacksonville, North Carolina, on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. ... State nickname: Tar Heel State Other U.S. States Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Governor Michael Easley Official languages English Area 139,509 km² (28th)  - Land 126,256 km²  - Water 13,227 km² (9. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is near Oceanside, California. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, United States of America. ...

Air-ground task forces

The Marine Corps organization is flexible, and task forces can be formed of any size. Modern deployed Marine units are based upon the doctrine of the Marine air-ground task force, or MAGTF. A MAGTF can generally be of any of three sizes, based upon the amount of force required in the given situation; however, all MAGTFs have a similar organization.

A MAGTF is comprised of four elements: the command element (CE), the ground combat element (GCE), the air combat element (ACE) and the combat service support element (CSSE).

• Command element — A headquarters unit that directs the other elements
• Ground combat element — Usually infantry, supported by armor (tanks), and artillery, but including special units such as scouts or Force Reconnaissance, snipers and forward air controllers
• Air combat element — The total airpower strength of the MAGTF, the ACE includes all aerial vehicles (both fixed wing and helicopter), their pilots and maintenance personnel
• Combat service support element — This element includes all of the support units for the MAGTF: communications, combat engineers, motor transport, medical and supply units, and certain specialized groups such as air delivery and landing support teams

The smallest type of MAGTF is the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The MEU is trained to operated as an independant force or as part of a Joint Task Force. Four elements make up a Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable): The Command Element is the standing headquarters for the MEU, usually headed by a Colonel (O-6). The Ground Combat Element is a Battalion Landing Team; an infantry battalion reinforced with tanks, artillery, engineers, amphibious vehicles, light armored vehicles, and other ground combat assets. The Aviation Combat Element is made up of a composite squadron of both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. The Combat Service Support Element consists of a MEU Service Support Group which handles the logistics and administration needs of the MEU. The specific makeup of the MEU can be customized based upon the task at hand; additional artillery, armor, or air units can be attached, including squadrons of F/A-18 Hornet and Harrier jets. Headquarters denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are concentrated. ... The word unit means any of several things: The natural or usual or smallest measure of something, of which there are multiples and of which there may be fractions. ... Infantry, thought to be of the Royal Irish Rifles, in the First World War Infantry are soldiers who fight primarily on foot, although modern infantry may be transported in any number of fashions. ... Alternative meanings: vehicle armour, Armor (novel) A hoplite wearing a helmet, a breastplate and greaves (and nothing else). ... Historically, artillery refers to any engine used for the discharge of projectiles during war. ... For professional sport scouts, see Scout (sport). ... Official Name USMC Force Reconnaissance Force Recon Marines Branch United States Marine Corps Command Structure MARFORPAC; MEF I, III; MEU(SOC) 11, 13, 15, 31 MARFORLANT, MEF II; MEU(SOC) 22, 24, 26 MARFORRES, Reserves Description MEU(SOC) Deep Recon Capability, Special Operations Capability Readiness Any shore in the world... The traditional definition of a sniper is an infantry soldier especially skilled in field craft and marksmanship who kills selected enemies from concealment with a rifle at large distances. ... Fixed-wing aircraft is a term used to refer to what are more commonly known as aeroplanes in Commonwealth English (excluding Canada) or airplanes in North American English. ... A helicopter is an aircraft which is lifted and propelled by one or more large horizontal rotors (propellers). ... Aviators are people who fly aircraft either for pleasure or for a job. ... Maintenance see repair and maintenance Maintenance is a legal term of art that is used to describe child support and alimony (also called spousal support). ... Human Resources has at least two meanings depending on context. ... The word support has several specialized meanings: In mathematics, see support (mathematics). ... The word unit means any of several things: One, the first natural number. ... The term communications is used in a number of disciplines: Communications, also known as communication studies is the academic discipline which studies communication. ... A US army combat engineer setting up a communications cable. ... See drugs, medication, and pharmacology for substances that are used to treat patients. ... The supply and demand model describes how prices vary as a result of a balance between product availability at each price (supply) and the desires of those with purchasing power at each price (demand). ... The word unit means any of several things: One, the first natural number. ... A Marine Expeditionary Unit is the smallest combined forces unit in the United States Marine Corps. ... April 2003: Two United States Navy F/A-18 Hornets prepare to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman. ... The word Harrier when used alone, has several possible meanings in the English language. ...

There are usually three MEUs assigned to each of the U.S. Navy Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, with another MEU based on Okinawa. While one MEU is on deployment, one MEU is training to deploy and one is standing down, resting its Marines, and refitting. Each MEU is rated as capable of performing special operations. This article is about the prefecture. ...

A Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) is larger than a MEU, and is based upon a Marine regiment, with larger air and support contingents.

A Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), as deployed in Iraq in 2003, comprises a Marine division with an artillery regiment, several tank battalions, several LAV battalions, as well as an air wing. The I Marine Expeditionary Force as deployed in the Persian Gulf War ultimately consisted of the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions as well as considerable Marine air and support units. 2003 is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A regiment is a military unit, larger than a company and smaller than a division. ... Lineage Activated November 8th, 1969 at Okinawa, Japan as the I Marine Expeditionary Force Redesignated August 17th, 19780 as the I Marine Amphibious Force Relocated in April 1971 to Camp Pendleton, California Redesignated February 5th, 1988 as the I Marine Expeditionary Force Recent Service Persian Gulf War Participated in Operation... See also: 2003 invasion of Iraq and Gulf War (disambiguation) C Company, 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment, 1st UK Armoured Division The Persian Gulf War was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States. ...

Appearance

The new camouflage 'Marine pattern', aka 'MARPAT', used by the Marines. Shown here is the woodland pattern. There is also a desert pattern.

Marine blue dress uniform.

Marines are often confused with soldiers, who are in the United States Army. Some differences in appearance are: This work is copyrighted. ... This work is copyrighted. ... File links The following pages link to this file: United States Marine Corps User:Brhaspati/ActiveStealth ... A Norwegian soldier (a Corporal, armed with an MP-5) A soldier is a person who has enlisted with, or has been conscripted into, the armed forces of a sovereign country and has undergone training and received equipment to defend that country or its interests. ... The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ...

• Marines do not wear berets.
• Marines wear boots only with the utility uniform, not other uniforms.
• Reflecting their naval heritage, Marines do not salute unless they are wearing a hat (known as a 'cover').
• The Marine service uniform, roughly equivalent to business attire, has a khaki shirt. The equivalent Army uniform has a light-green shirt. Enlisted Marines wear their rank insignia on the sleeve of the service shirt, officers on the collar. Army soldiers wear their rank insignia on epaulets over the shoulder.
• The Marine class "A" service coat is olive green (as opposed to forest green for the Army) and has a waist-belt. The Marine service uniform is worn with either a barracks (service) cover, which has a bill and a round top, or a garrison cover, which comes to a peak.
• Marines are less generous with awards and unit identification. For example, with the exception of breast insignia denoting a few specialized qualifications such as airborne (parachute), pilot or scuba qualification, or red stripes on trouser legs of NCO's, E4 and above, sewn on the trouser legs and covers of some logistics Marines, Marines do not normally wear any insignia or device on their utility uniforms denoting their unit, MOS (military occupational specialty), or training. Further, many senior Marines involved in ground combat operations eschew the wearing of multiple rank insignia on the theory that it simply makes them targets (as in Vietnam). Enlisted Marines know who their leaders are, regardless of whether or not they are wearing rank insignia.

Black beret A beret (UK: , US: ; IPA) is a soft round cap with a flat crown which is worn by both men and women. ... Khaki, in British or European parlance, is a type of green tinged brown fabric, or the color of such fabric. ...

Utility uniform

Differences in the utility uniform include:

• The cover (hat) of the utility uniform is constructed differently. Marine covers have eight sides and corners (hence the name "eight-point cover").
• Marines wear green-colored "skivvie" undershirts with their utility uniform, even in the desert. Soldiers wear brown undershirts. (Note, as of 2004, the Marine Corps has announced the intention to switch to brown undershirts when desert camouflage is worn.)
• Soldiers roll up the sleeves of their utility uniform so the camouflage is facing out. Marines roll their sleeves so that the lighter-colored underside faces out.
• Marines "blouse" their boots. That is, they roll the cuffs of their trousers back inside and tighten them over the boots with a cord or an elastic band known as a boot band. Soldiers either blouse their boots or tuck their trousers directly into their boots.
• Marines do not wear any rank insignia or other device on the utility cover. The front of the cover has instead the Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem.
• On their utility uniforms, Marine officers typically wear their rank insignia on both collars, while Army officers typically wear their rank insignia on the right collar and an insignia identifying their specific occupational specialty (i.e. infantry, artillery, armor) on the left. In a garrison environment, Marine officer's insignia is usually shiny metal, and is affixed in a manner similar to a pin, while Army officers usually wear a subdued stitched-on insignia.
• Marines wear a colored belt, often referred to as a "rigger's belt", that is color coded to represent their specific qualification under the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
• Marines used to wear black combat boots with the utility uniform, as do the Army and Air Force. But in 2002, light-brown combat boots were introduced along with a new type of camouflage, the "MARPAT" uniform. (See photo.) Effective 1 October 2004, black combat boots were declared obsolete and no longer authorized for general wear by Marines. Exception is made for black safety boots worn for certain tasks, such as parachuting.
• As of 1 October 2006, the old-style camouflage utility uniform, also worn by the Army and Air Force, will be declared obsolete. The only utility uniform authorized for Marines will be the MARPAT uniform.
• As of 2004, both the Army and the Air Force have announced plans to replace their old-style "pickle suit" camouflage utility uniforms with newer designs similar to the Marine Corps digital "MARPAT" pattern. The Navy has started experimentations on the replacement of their "dungaree" and Officer/Chief Petty Officer uniforms with a variation of the "MARPAT" pattern.

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is a combination of a few martial arts such as judo and karate, and mostly joint manipulations and holds. ... Woodland MARPAT uniform. ... October 1 is the 274th day of the year (275th in Leap years). ... 2004 is a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Ranks

This list is in ascending order. It includes pay grades and abbreviations in the style used by the Marine Corps.

Enlisted: Enlisted is a term for someone who has joined, or enlisted, in a group or organization for a specified period of time. ...

• • E-1, Private, Pvt
  • E-2, Private First Class, PFC
  • E-3, Lance Corporal, LCpl
• Noncommissioned Officers, or NCOs:
  • E-4, Corporal, Cpl
  • E-5, Sergeant, Sgt
• Staff Noncommissioned Officers, or SNCOs:
  • E-6, Staff Sergeant, SSgt
  • E-7, Gunnery Sergeant, GySgt
  • E-8
    • Master Sergeant, MSgt
    • First Sergeant, 1stSgt
  • E-9
    • Master Gunnery Sergeant, MGySgt
    • Sergeant Major, SgtMaj
    • Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

NOTE 1: The E-8 and E-9 levels each have two ranks per pay grade, each with different responsibilities. Gunnery Sergeants indicate on their annual evaluations, called "fitness reports," or "fitreps" for short, their preferred promotional track: Master Sergeant or First Sergeant. The First Sergeant and Sergeant Major ranks are command-oriented, with Marines of theses ranks serving as the senior enlisted Marines in a unit, charged to assist the commanding officer in matter of discipline, administration and the morale and welfare of the unit. Master Sergeants and Master Gunnery Sergeants provide technical leadership as occupational specialists in their specific MOS. First Sergeants typically serve as the senior enlisted Marine in a company, battery or other unit at similar echelon, while Sergeants Major serve the same role in battalions, squadrons or larger units. A private is a military soldier of the lowest military rank. ... US Military Private First Class insignia (U.S. Army) Private First Class insignia (U.S. Marine Corps) In the U.S. Army, Private First Class is the third lowest enlisted rank, just above Private and below Corporal or Specialist. ... Lance Corporal (LCpl or L/Cpl) is a military rank used by some elements of the British and U.S. armed forces. ... A non-commissioned officer (sometimes noncommissioned officer), or NCO, is an enlisted member of an armed force who has been delegated leadership or command authority by a commissioned officer. ... Corporal is a military rank in use by several militaries of the world. ... This article is about the rank of sergeant. ... Staff noncommissioned officers are those career Marines serving in grades E-6 through and including E-9. ... United States Military Staff Sergeant insignia (U.S. Air Force) Staff Sergeant is the fifth enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, just above Senior Airman and below Technical Sergeant. ... Gunnery Sergeant insignia (U.S. Marine Corps) Gunnery Sergeant is the seventh enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant, and is a non-commissioned officer. ... United States Master Sergeant insignia U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant insignia U.S. Army Master Sergeant insignia U.S. Marine Corps A Master Sergeant is: the seventh enlisted rank in the United States Air Force, just above Technical Sergeant and below Senior Master Sergeant. ... First Sergeant insignia U.S. Army First Sergeant insignia U.S. Marine Corps First Sergeant is the title given to holders of certain ranks and positions within the United States Armed Forces. ... Master Gunnery Sergeant Insignia Master Gunnery Sergeant is the ninth and highest enlisted rank (along with the grade-equivalent rank of Sergeant Major) in the U.S. Marine Corps. ... This article is about a military rank and position. ... This article is about a military rank and position. ...

NOTE 2: The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is the senior enlisted Marine of the entire Marine Corps, personally selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. This article is about a military rank and position. ... The Commandant of the United States Marine Corps is the highest ranking officer of the United States Marine Corps, who is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and reports to the Secretary of the Navy but not to the Chief of Naval Operations. ...

Warrant Officers A warrant officer (WO) or a chief warrant officer (CWO) is a member of a military organization, with a rank subordinate to other commissioned officers and senior to noncommissioned officers, or a senior noncommissioned officer depending on the nationality. ...

• W-1, Warrant Officer 1, WO1
• W-2, Chief Warrant Officer 2, CWO2
• W-3, Chief Warrant Officer 3, CWO3
• W-4, Chief Warrant Officer 4, CWO4
• W-5, Chief Warrant Officer 5, CWO5

NOTE 3: A Chief Warrant Officer, CWO2-CWO5, serving in the MOS 0306 "Infantry Weapons Officer" is designated as a special rank: "Marine Gunner". A Marine Gunner replaces the Chief Warrant Officer insignia on the right collar with a bursting bomb insignia. Other Warrant Officers are sometimes informally also referred to as "Gunner" but this usage is not considered correct.

Commissioned officers: Any holder of an office or of a post may bear the title officer. ...

• Company-grade officers
  • O-1, Second Lieutenant, 2ndLt
  • O-2, First Lieutenant, 1stLt
  • O-3, Captain, Capt
• Field-grade officers
  • O-4, Major, Maj
  • O-5, Lieutenant Colonel, LtCol
  • O-6, Colonel, Col
• Generals
  • O-7, Brigadier General, BGen
  • O-8, Major General, MajGen
  • O-9, Lieutenant General, LtGen
  • O-10, General, Gen

NOTE 4: There has never been any 0-11 "five-star" General rank thus far in the Marine Corps, though such a rank could theoretically be created at any time by act of Congress. Currently, no officer in any branch of the U.S. military holds such a grade. Second Lieutenant is the lowest commissioned rank in many armed forces. ... First Lieutenant is a military rank. ... Captain is both a nautical term and a military rank. ... Insignia of an 0-4 in the U.S. Armed Forces In the US Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and the British Army, a major is a commissioned officer superior to a captain and inferior to a lieutenant colonel. ... In the U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a commissioned officer superior to a major and inferior to a colonel. ... Insignia of a United States Air Force Colonel Colonel is a military rank, usually the highest below general grades, and just above Lieutenant Colonel. ... A Brigadier General, or one-star general, is the lowest rank of general officer in the United States and some other countries, ranking just above Colonel and just below Major General. ... Insignia of a United States Air Force Major General German Generalmajor Insignia Major General is a military rank used in many countries. ... Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. ... General is a military rank, in most nations the highest rank, although some nations have the higher rank of Field Marshal. ...

Commandants

The Commandant of the Marine Corps functions as the highest-ranking officer of the Marine Corps. Even though higher-ranking Marine officers occasionally exist, the commandant is still in charge of the Marine Corps. The commandant is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and reports to the Secretary of the Navy, but not to the Chief of Naval Operations. The Commandant of the United States Marine Corps is the highest ranking officer of the United States Marine Corps, who is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and reports to the Secretary of the Navy but not to the Chief of Naval Operations. ... The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a panel comprising the highest-ranking members of each major branch of the armed services in any particular country. ... Flag of the United States Secretary of the Navy. ... The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is the senior military officer in the United States Navy. ...

As of September 2004, Marine Generals Peter Pace (Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) and James L. Jones (Commander in Chief of the United States European Command; NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; and a former commandant of the Marine Corps) are senior in time in grade to the commandant. However, the commandant does not report to them. 2004 is a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... General Peter Pace Peter Pace, a general in the United States Marine Corps, is the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. ... General James L. Jones is the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) and the Commander of the United States European Command (COMUSEUCOM). ... NATO military is divided into two commands, Atlantic and Europe. ...

The commandant is responsible for keeping the Marine Corps in fighting condition and does not serve as a direct battlefield commander. However, he is the symbolic and functional head of the Corps, and holds a position of very high esteem among Marines.

As of April 2005, the Commandant of the Marine Corps is General Michael W. Hagee, who became Commandant in January of 2003. 2005 is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Michael W. Hagee General Michael W. Hagee, 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps, graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. ...

Initial training

Training for commissioned officers occurs through NROTC, the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps; OCS, Officer Candidate School, including the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC), or the United States Naval Academy. After that, all officers spend their first six months, regardless of accession route or further training requirements, at The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. The Basic School, solely for freshly commissioned second lieutenants learning the art of infantry and combined arms warfare, is an example of the unique approach the Corps takes to fostering the credo that "Every Marine is a rifleman first". The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a training program of the United States armed forces present on college campuses to recruit and educate commissioned officers. ... In the United States armed forces, Officer Candidate School (OCS) or the equivalent is a training program for non-commissioned officers, soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and recent college graduates to earn commissions as officers. ... Teamwork: Fourth Class Midshipmen lock arms and use ropes made from uniform items as they brace themselves climbing the Herndon Monument The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is an institution for the undergraduate education of officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. ... The Marine Corps Base Quantico, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, is one of the largest United States Marine Corps bases in the world. ...

Enlisted Marines attend boot camp, at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego or Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, just outside Beaufort, South Carolina. Women must attend Parris Island, but men train at either depot. The Mississippi River serves as the dividing line which delineates who will be trained where, based on the recruit's home of record. U.S. Army recruits learn about bayonet fighting skills in an infantry Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. ... Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is a United States military installation in San Diego, California. ... Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an 8,500 acre military installation near Beaufort, South Carolina tasked with the training of enlisted Marines. ...

Enlisted Marines then attend School of Infantry training at Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton. Infantry Marines begin their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training immediately with the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), while all other Marines train with the Marine Combat Training (MCT) Battalion before continuing on to their MOS schools. The School of Infantry (SOI) at United States Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune and the School of Infantry (West) at Camp Pendleton, host the second stage of initial military training for enlisted Marines after boot camp. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is near Jacksonville, North Carolina, on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is near Oceanside, California. ... A Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is a job classification in use in the U. S. Army and the U. S. Marine Corps. ...

In 1997, the school at Camp Lejeune expanded the MCT program to integrate female Marines. This basic infantry training for all Marines is one element of the philosophy that "Every Marine is a Rifleman."

Marine bases and stations

Main article: List of U.S. Marine Corps bases This is a list of U.S. Marine Corps bases and installations, organized by U.S. state within the territory of the U.S. and by country if overseas. ...

• Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, D.C.
• Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California
• Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina
• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina
• Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan
• Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan
• Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California
• Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina
• Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona
• Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan
• Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
• Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California
• Marine Corps Base Hawaii
• Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia
• Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia
• Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California
• Camp Le Monier, Djibouti, Africa

A Marine barracks is located at 8th and I streets in Washington, D. C. It is an historical site and present home to the Commandant and to enlisted Marines who perform ceremonial functions, such as honor guards, casket escorts and aides to visiting dignitaries. ... Twentynine Palms Base, officially the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), is a census-designated place and United States Marine Corps base located in Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County, California. ... Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is a United States military installation near Beaufort, South Carolina. ... Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is a United States airfield near New Bern, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. ... The United States Marine Corps base at Futenma is located in the city of Ginowan on the island of Okinawa. ... United States Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is located at the Nishiki river delta in the city of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture in the Chugoku region of the island of Honshu, Japan. ... Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is about 10 miles (16 km) north of downtown San Diego, California, USA. The United States Marine Corps installation is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 11, and Marine Aircraft Group 16. ... Marine Corps Air Station New River is a helicopter base near Jacksonville, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. ... The MCAS Yuma is located 2 miles (3 km) from the city of Yuma, Arizona. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is near Jacksonville, North Carolina, on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is near Oceanside, California. ... Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), formerly Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station (KMCAS), is a U.S. Marine Corps base facility and air station located on the Mokapu Peninsula of windward Oahu in the City & County of Honolulu. ... The Marine Corps Base Quantico, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, is one of the largest United States Marine Corps bases in the world. ... Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an 8,095 acre (32. ... Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is a United States military installation in San Diego, California. ... Camp Le Monier is a United States Army Base situated in Djibouti. ...

Miscellaneous

• Marines guard U.S. embassies and other foreign missions, in cooperation with the Diplomatic Security Service. Marines also stand guard at the White House.

• The president's helicopter is Marine One, part of HMX-1, in Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

• Marines do not serve as chaplains or medical workers. Naval personnel fill those roles. They wear Marine uniforms when serving with the Marines, unless there is a corresponding Navy uniform.

• Three infamous former Marines are Lee Harvey Oswald, Clayton Lonetree and Charles Whitman.

• Four former Marines have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor: Lee Marvin (won for Cat Ballou), Steve McQueen (nominated for The Sand Pebbles), George C. Scott (won for Patton but returned the statue) and Gene Hackman (won for The French Connection). Another, director Sam Peckinpah, was also nominated for writing the original screenplay for The Wild Bunch.

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the agency responsible for the safe conduct of foreign policy. ... Marine One in front of the White House. ... Presidents George W. Bush and Vicente Fox board Marine One. ... The Marine Corps Base Quantico, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, is one of the largest United States Marine Corps bases in the world. ... A chaplain is a priest or a member of the clergy serving a group of people who are not organized as a mission or church. ... Famous people who served in the United States Marine Corps. ... Lee Harvey Oswald (October 18, 1939 – November 24, 1963) assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, according to the conclusions of two government investigations into the assassination. ... Espionage is the practice of obtaining secrets (spying) from rivals or enemies for military, political, or economic advantage. ... On August 1, 1966, former-Marine Charles Joseph Whitman (June 24, 1941 - August 1, 1966) embarked on a shooting spree that left 16 residents of Austin, Texas dead and 31 others wounded. ... Academy Award for Best Actor - Wikipedia /**/ @import /w/skins-1. ... Lee Marvin, (February 19, 1924 - August 29, 1987) was an American film actor. ... Steve McQueen in The Great Escape Steve McQueen (March 24, 1930 – November 7, 1980) was an American movie actor and one of the most popular and highly-successful box-office superstars of the 1960s and 1970s. ... George C. Scott - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Gene Hackman Gene Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is an American actor. ... Sam Peckinpah (February 21, 1925 - December 28, 1984) was an American film director famous for his films with extremely bloody climaxes. ...

See also

The "Commandant's Own" Drum and Bugle Corps

• Force Reconnaissance
• Marine
• Commandant's Own Drum and Bugle Corps
• Lists
  • List of weapons of the US Marine Corps
  • List of famous U.S. Marines

The US Marine Corps Commandants Own Drum and Bugle Corps. ... The US Marine Corps Commandants Own Drum and Bugle Corps. ... The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps A modern drum and bugle corps (or drum corps) is a musical performing unit consisting of only brass, percussion, and color guard. ... Official Name USMC Force Reconnaissance Force Recon Marines Branch United States Marine Corps Command Structure MARFORPAC; MEF I, III; MEU(SOC) 11, 13, 15, 31 MARFORLANT, MEF II; MEU(SOC) 22, 24, 26 MARFORRES, Reserves Description MEU(SOC) Deep Recon Capability, Special Operations Capability Readiness Any shore in the world... Marine is an umbrella term for things relating to the ocean, as with Marine biology, Marine geology, and as a term for a navy, etc. ... The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps A modern drum and bugle corps (or drum corps) is a musical performing unit consisting of only brass, percussion, and color guard. ... Small arms Pistols .38 Caliber Revolver M1911A1 . ... Famous people who served in the United States Marine Corps. ...

External links

• Official Web site
• marines.com
• Commandant's Own Drum & Bugle Corps
• United States Marine Corps History and Museums Division
• Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
• History of the Marine Corps Martial Art Program