Semper Fidelis
Mission
The United States Marine Corps serves as an expeditionary force-in-readiness. As outlined in 10 U.S.C. § 5063 and as originally introduced under the National Security Act of 1947, it has three primary areas of responsibility:
- The seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and other land operations to support naval campaigns;
- The development of tactics, technique, and equipment used by amphibious landing forces; and
- Such other duties as the President may direct.
This last clause, while seemingly redundant given the president's position as Commander-in-chief, is a codification of the expeditionary duties of the Marine Corps. It derives from similar language in the Congressional acts "For the Better Organization of the Marine Corps" of 1834, and "Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps" of 1798. In 1951, the House of Representatives' Armed Services Committee called the clause "one of the most important statutory — and traditional — functions of the Marine Corps." It noted that the corps has more often than not performed actions of a non-naval nature, including its famous actions in Tripoli, the War of 1812, Chapultepec, and numerous counter-insurgency and occupational duties (such as those in Central America), World War I, and the Korean War. While these actions are not accurately described as support of naval campaigns nor as amphibious warfare, their common thread is that they are of an expeditionary nature, using the mobility of the Navy to provide timely intervention in foreign affairs on behalf of American interests.
In addition to its primary duties, the Marine Corps has missions in direct support of the White House and the State Department. The Marine Band, dubbed the "President's Own" by Thomas Jefferson, provides music for state functions at the White House. Marines guard presidential retreats, including Camp David, and the Marines of the Executive Flight Detachment of HMX-1 provide helicopter transport to the President and Vice President, using the call signs "Marine One" and "Marine Two" respectively.
By authority of the 1946 Foreign Service Act, the Marine security guards of the Marine Embassy Security Command provide security for American embassies, legations, and consulates at more than 140 posts worldwide.
Core Values
Honor: Honor requires each Marine to exemplify the ultimate standard in ethical and moral conduct. Honor is many things; honor requires many things. A U.S. Marine must never lie, never cheat, never steal, but that is not enough. Much more is required. Each Marine must cling to an uncompromising code of personal integrity, accountable for his actions and holding others accountable for theirs. And, above all, honor mandates that a Marine never sully the reputation of his Corps.
Courage: Simply stated, courage is honor in action -- and more. Courage is moral strength, the will to heed the inner voice of conscience, the will to do what is right regardless of the conduct of others. It is mental discipline, an adherence to a higher standard. Courage means willingness to take a stand for what is right in spite of adverse consequences. This courage, throughout the history of the Corps, has sustained Marines during the chaos, perils, and hardships of combat. And each day, it enables each Marine to look in the mirror -- and smile
Commitment: Total dedication to Corps and Country. Gung-ho Marine teamwork. All for one, one for all. By whatever name or cliche, commitment is a combination of (1) selfless determination and (2) a relentless dedication to excellence. Marines never give up, never give in, never willingly accept second best. Excellence is always the goal. And, when their active duty days are over, Marines remain reserve Marines, retired Marines, or Marine veterans. There is no such thing as an ex-Marine or former-Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Commitment never dies.
Courage: Simply stated, courage is honor in action -- and more. Courage is moral strength, the will to heed the inner voice of conscience, the will to do what is right regardless of the conduct of others. It is mental discipline, an adherence to a higher standard. Courage means willingness to take a stand for what is right in spite of adverse consequences. This courage, throughout the history of the Corps, has sustained Marines during the chaos, perils, and hardships of combat. And each day, it enables each Marine to look in the mirror -- and smile
Commitment: Total dedication to Corps and Country. Gung-ho Marine teamwork. All for one, one for all. By whatever name or cliche, commitment is a combination of (1) selfless determination and (2) a relentless dedication to excellence. Marines never give up, never give in, never willingly accept second best. Excellence is always the goal. And, when their active duty days are over, Marines remain reserve Marines, retired Marines, or Marine veterans. There is no such thing as an ex-Marine or former-Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Commitment never dies.
US Marine Corps Rifleman's Creed
My Rifle
The Creed of a United States Marine
The Creed of a United States Marine
by MGen William H. Rupertus, USMC Retired
This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.
My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will...
My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit...
My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...
Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life.
So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace!
My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.
My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will...
My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit...
My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...
Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life.
So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace!
What you may not know about the Marine Corps
Items that distinguish the United States Marine Corps from other branches
Items that distinguish the United States Marine Corps from other branches
- USMC is the Only branch of the US military that operates within another branch, Department of the Navy!
- For Over 235 years alongside Our Naval Brethren, US Marines have been the most expeditionary, amphibious force in the World! the "Tip of the Spear!" engaging in countless joint training operations, humanitarian operations, peacekeeping, maritime security etc ....
- Two major accomplishments since the Corps inception as stated by Gen. Charles C. Krulak, USMC (CMC); 5 May 1997 “For over 221 years our Corps has done two things for this great Nation. We make Marines, and we win battles.”
- USMC receives the smallest or minimum amount in annual DoD budget! Regardless, they makes the most of in the ever changing demands and restraints of Drawing Down with regards to personnel, equipment, logistics and operating expenses by IMPROVISING, ADAPTING and OVERCOMING any and all obstacles We face daily!
- We, Marines take tremendous Pride in Ourselves, Our Traditions, Our History, Our Legacy and We continue to ensure that the will be a Marine Corps for the next generations by passing on these things to them! Many believe they are called but Fewer have what it takes to Earn the Title! We make No Promises, No Guarantees ... everything must be Earned!
- USMC has been the most adaptability, innovators in modern warfare Always looking to improve Ourselves, preparing for anything, everything and constantly fighting for peace for All!
Units
Expeditionary Units
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade
II Marine Expeditionary Force
III Marine Expeditionary Force
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade
II Marine Expeditionary Force
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Air Wings
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
4th Marine Aircraft Wing
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
4th Marine Aircraft Wing
Aviation Elements
Marine Air Control Group 18
Marine Air Control Squadron 4
Marine Aircraft Group 11
Marine Aircraft Group 12
Marine Aircraft Group 14
Marine Aircraft Group 16
Marine Aircraft Group 39
Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico
Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico Meteorology & Oceanographic Division
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369
Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18
Marine Air Control Group 18
Marine Air Control Squadron 4
Marine Aircraft Group 11
Marine Aircraft Group 12
Marine Aircraft Group 14
Marine Aircraft Group 16
Marine Aircraft Group 39
Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico
Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico Meteorology & Oceanographic Division
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369
Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18
Infantry Units
1st Marine Regiment
2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion
2nd Battalion 4th Marine Regiment
2nd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment
3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion
3rd Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment
3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment
3rd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment
3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment
5th Marine Regiment
7th Marine Regiment
8th Marine Regiment
1st Marine Regiment
2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion
2nd Battalion 4th Marine Regiment
2nd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment
3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion
3rd Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment
3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment
3rd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment
3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment
5th Marine Regiment
7th Marine Regiment
8th Marine Regiment
Artillery Units
11th Marine Regiment
2nd Battalion 10th Marine Regiment
11th Marine Regiment
2nd Battalion 10th Marine Regiment
Force Service Support Groups
1st Force Service Support Group2nd Force Service Support Group
3rd Force Service Support Group
4th Force Service Support Group
1st Force Service Support Group2nd Force Service Support Group
3rd Force Service Support Group
4th Force Service Support Group
Headquarters Agency
Command, Control, Communication, Computers
Doctrine Division
Equal Opportunity Branch
Marine Corps Systems Command
Navy and Marine Corps Appellate Leave Activity
Command, Control, Communication, Computers
Doctrine Division
Equal Opportunity Branch
Marine Corps Systems Command
Navy and Marine Corps Appellate Leave Activity
Commands
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Marine Corps Materiel Command
Marine Corps Recruiting Command
Marine Corps Reserve Support Command
Marine Corps Security Force Battalion
Training & Education Command
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Marine Corps Materiel Command
Marine Corps Recruiting Command
Marine Corps Reserve Support Command
Marine Corps Security Force Battalion
Training & Education Command
Divisions
1st Marine Division
2nd Marine Division
3rd Marine Division
4th Marine Division
1st Marine Division
2nd Marine Division
3rd Marine Division
4th Marine Division
Detachments
Marine Corps Detachment Aberdeen Proving Grounds
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Benning
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Bliss
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Gordon
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Huachuca
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Knox
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Meade
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Sill
Marine Corps Detachment Naval Station Newport
Marine Corps Detachment Aberdeen Proving Grounds
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Benning
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Bliss
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Gordon
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Huachuca
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Knox
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Meade
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Sill
Marine Corps Detachment Naval Station Newport
*Information on this page obtained from Wikipedia.com
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