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Military 101: The U.S. Marine Corps
15th MEU Marines hit sand running in Kuwait [Image 3 of 5] KUWAIT 08.17.2015 Photo by Cpl. Elize McKelvey 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
By Joe Paul, Policy Analyst
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces operating under the Department of the Navy. Overall, the Marine’s mission is to provide power projection from the sea by utilizing the U.S. Navy’s resources to rapidly deliver multi-skilled forces and strategies. The Marine Corps works with the Navy, Army, Air Force and other branches. The Marine Corps is known for its focus on expeditionary warfare and the ability to quickly respond to crises around the world. The mission of the Marine Corps can be summarized by its motto: “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “Always Faithful.”
History
The Marines were formed on Nov. 10, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. Originally established as the Continental Marines to serve aboard naval vessels, the Marines have since evolved into a versatile and elite fighting force. Throughout their history, the Marines engaged in numerous conflicts and operations, playing a pivotal role in defending the nation’s interests at home and abroad, including raids on the Bahamas and Nova Scotia during the Revolutionary War and alongside French troops in the war against the Barbary States.
The Marine Corps was instrumental in the Mexican-American War, including the battle of Chapultepec which inspired the Marine Corps Hymn “The Halls of Montezuma.” During the Mexican-American War, the Marines earned the name “leatherneck” for the thick leather collars they wore to ward off saber blows.
In World War I, Marines fought in significant battles like Belleau Wood in France, earning them the nickname “Devil Dogs” from German forces. In later conflicts Marines continued to be known for their success in harsh conditions. This includes the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in World War II, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during and in major battles like Hue City and Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War.
After the Vietnam war, the Marines adapted and modernized to the changing military landscape by participating in peacekeeping missions and the Gulf War of 1990-1991. Following 9/11, the Marines conducted combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with training local security forces.
Marine Corps Key Sectors
Infantry: As the backbone of the Marines, infantry units engage enemy forces on the ground. They may operate in various physical environments. Marines are trained and equipped for ground combat operations, including riflemen, machine gunners, mortarmen and anti-tank missilemen.
Aviation: The Marines operate a wide range of aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, transport planes and unmanned aerial vehicles. Aviation units provide close air support, transport, reconnaissance and other services to support ground forces. Aviation roles include pilots, aircrew, maintenance personnel and support staff.
Logistics: Logistics units supply and sustain Marine Corps operations around the world. This includes transportation, supply chain management, maintenance and other logistical support functions. These units provide supplies, transportation, maintenance and other logistical support to units in the field.
Armor and Artillery: The Marines’ armor and artillery units provide firepower and support to ground forces. This includes tanks, artillery guns and other heavy weapons systems used to suppress enemy positions. The unit also provides fire support to infantry units including cannons, rockets and missiles.
Special Operations: The Marines have special operations forces, including Marine Raiders and Force Reconnaissance units, which are trained to conduct missions including direct action, special reconnaissance and unconventional warfare. This includes Marines trained in gathering, analyzing and disseminating intelligence to support decision-making.
Other units include engineering and communications. Overall, the Marines are a versatile force capable of operating in diverse environments and conducting a wide range of missions to protect and advance national interests.
Command Structure
The command structure of the Marines is like the Army’s, with teams, squadrons, platoons, company, battalions, regiments and divisions. Generally, it follows the “rule of three,” meaning there are three lower units within each of the next larger units. Teams consist of three Marines with a corporal as team leader. A squad consists of nine Marines with a sergeant as the squad lead. Platoons consist of 27 Marines with a lieutenant in command. Divisions consist of 6,561 Marines and are commanded by a major general.
Rank
Again, the rank structure of the Marine Corps mirrors the Army’s as they both have enlisted personnel and commissioned officers. Enlisted ranks range from private to sergeant, while officer ranks range from second lieutenant to general. Marine Corps ranks also include the unique title of “marine gunner,” which is a warrant officer ran
Enlisted Ranks
Officer Ranks:
Private (E-1)
Private First Class (E-2)
Lance Corporal (E-3)
Corporal (E-4)
Sergeant (E-5)
Staff Sergeant (E-6)
Gunnery Sergeant (E-7)
Master Sergeant (E-8)
First Sergeant (E-8)
Sergeant Major (E-9)
Second Lieutenant (O-1)
First Lieutenant (O-2)
Captain (O-3)
Major (O-4)
Lieutenant Colonel (O-5)
Colonel (O-6)
Brigadier General (O-7)
Major General (O-8)
Lieutenant General (O-9)
General (O-10)
The highest-ranking enlisted member of the Marine Corps is sergeant major. The highest-ranking officer is the commandant of the Marine Corps. Marines can also hold rank as a warrant officer in specialties from W-1 through W-5. Warrant officers are officer-level technical specialists in a particular field that provide leadership, training and extensive knowledge to the Marines in their occupational specialty. Five-star generals only exist during times of war.
The Roles of the Marine Corps
The Marines are a rapid-response force capable of a wide range of military operations. It’s website states “the mastery of the (sic) evolution in warfare is what allows (the Marines) to punch above their weight class. It is what keeps the U.S. Marine Corps, a small but effectively lethal service, respected by our allies and feared by enemies around the globe.”
The primary, yet evolving roles of the Marines include:
- Amphibious operations: The Marines conduct amphibious assaults with naval vessels and aircraft to project power ashore from the sea.
- Combat operations: The Marines form highly trained units equipped to engage in ground combat operations that neutralize enemy forces, seize and hold territory to further tactical, and strategic objectives.
- Force projection: The Marine Corps strategically maintains forward deployed units. These units respond to military contingencies and crises, like natural disasters, at short notice. These units support allies, deter threats and conduct special operations in support of national objectives.
- Security operations: The Marines provide security for military installations, diplomatic facilities and other strategic installations. They also promote stability in conflict areas by performing operations for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
For administrative purposes, The Marines are divided into four groups:
- Operating forces — the fighting force.
- Headquarters — Marine leadership.
- Support — Logistical support.
- Marine Corps Reserve — Civilian reinforcements ready to support the Marines in major combat, humanitarian and emergency operations.
"Marines, war is evolving – but that is nothing new. We evolve our equipment, training, and tactics to stay ahead of our adversaries. This evolution may change the shape of our formations or the technology we fight with, but it will never change the fundamental nature of our Marine Corps, nor the significance of each Marine. We have adapted alongside the changing character of war for centuries – we are still on top, and we will stay there."