War is prevalent in the history of mankind. From the time of Alexander the great to the exploits of Napoleon, mankind has been no foreigner to war. Every nation has its military arms that it spends on training so as to protect the country if the need arises. It usually consists of the army (for defense and attack on land), the Air Force (for aerial defense and attack), and the Navy (for attack and defense on water), and they are collectively regarded as the nation’s Armed Forces. The United States has the basics which are the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force but it also has 3 others for specific functions and they are the Marine Corps, the Space Force, and the Coast Guard.
What is the Marine Corps?
The United States Marine Corps acts like a sister to the Navy and they are both under the United States Department of the Navy. As such it operates in close cooperation with the Navy. The US Marine Corps operates on Land and on the water. Its mission as outlined in its inception includes:
- Defense of proprietary naval bases and other land operations to aid naval campaigns
- Coordinate with the Army and Air Force to develop tactics and techniques
- Any other duties it is ordered to do by the President or by the Department of Defense
How was the Marine Corps founded?
The Marine Corps was founded in Philadelphia on the 10th of November 1775 as a branch of the infantry troops to fight both on land and at the sea. Its initial responsibility was to protect the naval officers on board and also protect the ship. Their first official use was during the Revolutionary war in March 1776. Times have changed since then and maritime warfare and tactics have significantly improved so the scope and operations of the US Marine Corps have also expanded. It has become one of the most elite forces in the whole world
What are the qualifications needed to be a Marine?
- You have to be a US citizen
- You have to meet certain physical, mental, and moral standards
- You have to be between 18 to 28 years old
- You have to at least have a high school diploma
- You have to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- You have to pass a military entrance medical exam
Note that the ASVAB test is an aptitude test that spans over 10 different sections – coding, numerical understanding, general science, electronics understanding, etc.
Ranking System in the Marine Corps
In the Marine Corps, you can be Enlisted, a Warrant Officer or an Officer
- Enlisted: Enlisted Marine Corps members are the majority of the corps. They include Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and Staff (NCOs). The lowest enlisted rank is Private followed by Private First Class, Lance Corporal, etc. while the highest is Sergeant Major.
- Warrant Officer: Warrant Officers start as simply warrant Officers and progress to Chief Warrant Officer 2 until you get to Chief Warrant Officer 5 which is the highest attainable rank. Warrant officers are regarded as commissioned officers when they become Chief Warrant Officers 2.
- Commissioned officers in the marines are at least college graduates. They are tasked with leading the marines when the time arises to defend their country. The highest officer rank is the General while the lowest is the Second Lieutenant.
Advantages of joining the US Marine Corps
- You receive payment on the first day of the month and also on the 15th day of the month.
- You are guaranteed promotion as your knowledge and experience of the job increase.
- Like all other divisions of the armed forces, you are entitled to 30 days of paid leave every year which can be accumulated up to a maximum of 120 days.
- There are a lot of career paths open to you based on the result of your aptitude tests, your physical abilities, and your determination.
- During active service, you are entitled to free medical and dental care.
- You can also receive various housing allowances such as the BAH (Basic allowance for housing), BAS (Basic allowance for subsistence), and the uniform allowance which are all tax-free as only your basic pay is tax-deductible.
- As a military personnel, you have access to the GI Bill which can help pay for your college education or vocational training.
- Other benefits include survivor benefits, traveling allowance, commissary privileges, etc.
The Marine Corps has been the United States’ go-to armed force when it wants to react to hostile threats because it can be mobilized and deployed quickly. Also, it is seen as a complete package because it has its own airpower, artillery, and logistics support although they use Navy vehicles to move. Additionally, no matter the section of the Corps you are in, you will be trained to perform adequately as an infantryman should the need arise. This mindset is fairly unique to the Marine Corps only. Every Marine Corps recruit will have to undergo 13 weeks of training in California. The training is usually very intense mentally and physically as it is designed to instill Marine Corps values into the recruits
Frequently Asked Questions?
- Can I enlist even when I’m not a US citizen?
No. Only citizens of the US or legal residents with Green cards can enlist
- Does the Marine Corps have pilots?
Yes, the Marine has expanded from its amphibious origin and their pilots fly fighter jets, helicopters, etc.
