United States Marine Corps
History
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States.
The Marine Corps has been a component of the U.S. Department of the Navy since 30 June 1834, working closely with naval forces for training, transportation, and logistics. The USMC operates installations on land and aboard sea-going amphibious warfare ships around the world, and several of the Marines' tactical aviation squadrons, primarily Marine Fighter Attack squadrons, are also embedded in Navy carrier air wings.
Role
The Marine Corps serves as an all-purpose, fast-response task force, capable of quick action in areas requiring emergency intervention. Using the mobility of the Navy, the Marine Corps can act on a moment's notice to serve as an effective and efficient force to counter or stave off threats to the United States and its interests. This versatility allows the Marines to be the first on the ground in combat situations, humanitarian crises, or other emergent scenarios.
Structure
The Marine Corps is organized into four principal subdivisions: Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), the Operating Forces, the Supporting Establishment, and the Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES or USMCR).
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) consists of the Commandant of the Marine Corps and those staff agencies that advise and assist him in discharging his responsibilities prescribed by law and higher authority. The Commandant is directly responsible to the Secretary of the Navy for the total performance of the Marine Corps.
Operating Forces
The Operating Forces are divided into three categories: Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC), Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM), and Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).
Supporting Establishment
The Supporting Establishment includes all the services and units that provide logistical, training, administrative, and other support to the Operating Forces. These include the Marine Corps Logistics Command (MARCORLOGCOM), the Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC), and the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC).
Marine Forces Reserve
The Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES or USMCR) is the reserve force of the Marine Corps. It is the largest command, by assigned personnel, in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Training
Marine Corps training is rigorous, demanding, and relentless, designed to ensure that every Marine is ready to serve as an effective member of a team capable of responding quickly and effectively to crisis and conflict.
Equipment
The Marine Corps utilizes a variety of equipment and weapons systems to carry out its missions, including aircraft, artillery, armored vehicles, and infantry weapons.
Culture
The Marine Corps culture emphasizes the elements of honor, courage, and commitment, and fosters a sense of belonging and pride among its members. The Corps' ethos, "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful), is a reflection of this culture.