1. Overview of the United States Marine Corps

• Founded: November 10, 1775 (Second-oldest branch of the U.S. military)
• Mission: “The United States Marine Corps is America’s expeditionary force in readiness. We are forward deployed to respond swiftly and aggressively in times of crisis. We fight on land, sea, and air, and provide forces and detachments to naval ships and ground operations.”
• Primary Responsibilities: 
  • Rapid response to crises worldwide
  • Amphibious assault operations
  • Supporting and securing U.S. embassies
  • Special operations and counterterrorism missions
  • Humanitarian and disaster relief efforts

U.S. Marine Corps Official Website: 

https://www.marines.mil/

1. The Mission of the U.S. Marine Corps

1. Expeditionary Warfare & Readiness 
   • The Marines are always ready to respond to military and humanitarian crises anywhere in the world.
   • Their ability to deploy rapidly makes them the first line of defense in many situations.
2. Amphibious Operations 
   • Marines specialize in fighting from the sea to establish a foothold on land.
   • They conduct amphibious landings using specialized landing craft and aircraft.
3. Naval Integration 
   • The Marine Corps is part of the Department of the Navy, working alongside the Navy in joint missions.
   • Marines deploy on Navy ships as part of Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs).
4. Special Operations & Security 
   • Marines conduct security for U.S. embassies worldwide.
   • Marine Raiders operate as special operations forces for direct action and unconventional warfare.
5. Humanitarian & Disaster Relief 
   • The Marine Corps provides critical aid in natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide.

Marine Corps Structure & Organization: 

https://www.marines.com/life-as-a-marine/roles-in-the-corps.html

III. History & Founding of the U.S. Marine Corps

1. Revolutionary War (1775-1783) 
   • The Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, to serve aboard naval vessels and conduct shipboard security and boarding operations.
2. Early U.S. Conflicts (1800s-1900s) 
   • Marines fought in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Spanish-American War.
   • They were instrumental in securing foreign ports and engaging in expeditionary warfare.
3. World War I & II (1917-1945) 
   • The Marines established their reputation in battles such as Belleau Wood (WWI) and Iwo Jima (WWII).
   • Their expertise in amphibious landings led to the success of the Pacific Island-hopping strategy.
4. Cold War to Modern Day (1950-Present) 
   • The Marine Corps played key roles in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
   • They continue to evolve, focusing on cyber warfare, counterterrorism, and rapid response missions.

History of the U.S. Marine Corps:

 https://www.usmcu.edu/

1. Key Roles of the U.S. Marine Corps

1. Infantry & Ground Combat 
   • Marines engage in direct combat operations, including urban warfare, jungle fighting, and mountain operations.
2. Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 
   • The Marines use a combined arms approach that integrates infantry, aviation, armor, and logistics into a single force.
3. Special Operations (Marine Raiders) 
   • The Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) executes critical counterterrorism and unconventional warfare operations.
4. Marine Embassy Security 
   • Marines guard over 150 U.S. embassies and diplomatic facilities worldwide.
5. Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Relief 
   • Deployed after hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis to provide medical care, food, and rescue operations.

How to Serve in the U.S. Marine Corps:

 https://www.marines.com/

1. Famous Marine Corps Units & Leaders

1. Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) 
   • Highly mobile, rapid-response forces deployed worldwide on Navy ships.
2. Marine Raiders (MARSOC) 
   • Special operations forces conducting high-risk missions.
3. Notable Marine Corps Leaders 
   • Chesty Puller – Most decorated Marine in history.
   • John Basilone – Medal of Honor recipient for bravery in WWII.
   • Gen. James Mattis – Former Secretary of Defense and respected Marine General.

Famous Marine Leaders: 

https://www.marines.mil/History/Famous-Marines/

1. Notable Contributions of the U.S. Marine Corps

1. World War II Pacific Theater (1941-1945) 
   • The Marines played a vital role in the Island-Hopping campaign, securing Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa.
2. Cold War Conflicts 
   • Fought in Korea (Inchon Landing), Vietnam (Hue City), and the Persian Gulf War.
3. Modern Counterterrorism & Global Security 
   • Marines were among the first deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in the Global War on Terror.
   • Continue to provide rapid deployment forces worldwide.