The Marines

The United States Marine Corps is a force in readiness;
always prepared to fight, anywhere, anytime.

There is a special aura surrounding the word "Marine". It means something different than a soldier, a cut above, and more can be expected from this person. Pride and cockiness are the trademarks of Marines, the strongest brotherhood in the world. To serve in the Marine Corps is to serve in an organization that demands and delivers excellence beyond all others. Service in the Marines leaves a lasting impression upon the innermost being of everyone who is privileged enough to serve. "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." To dispute this is to invite a brawl.

Marines enjoy a reputation of prowess in battle, that was earned "in every clime and place" throughout the world in our nation's history.

While other services recruit by promising benefits, pay incentives, education opportunities and job selections, the Marine Corps recruiting is markedly different. (See recruiting posters) Slogans such as "Maybe you can be one of us", "We never promised you a rose garden" and "We're looking for a few good men and women" lay down the challenge for the extraordinary young men and women who will become the next generation of Marines.

Marine Corps History
The United States Marine Corps trace its heritage the the British Royal Marines. Although the current ranks of the Royal Marines number quite small compared to today's US Marines (7,000 vs. 175,000), both Corps of Marines have stood side by side in conflicts around the globe and maintain their close ties. Both Corps of Marines frequently have liaison officers on exchange with each other. The USMC emblem was loosely modeled from the Royal Marines. Neither Corps' emblems incorporates a shield signifying defense, unlike those of other services.

During the war of 1812 with England, the British burned nearly every public building in Washington (including the White House and the Capital). The Marine Barracks were spared the burning out of respect.

Ancient Marines:
The first documented use of marines as a class of soldier in a standing army belongs to the Greeks and Romans. Themistocles, leader of the Athenians, issued a decree that his navy "enlist Marines, twenty to a ship" to turn back a Persian attack. Rome had special legions of "Milites Classiarri" or "soldiers of the fleet". Roman Marines served through out the remainder of the empire's life, not only at sea but also on land.

During the Dark Ages, Vikings performed many ship to shore raids. Although not as orthodox as their predecessors, their amphibious tactics would qualify them as Marines.

Royal Marines:
October 28, 1664 is the birthday of the Royal Marines. The Royal Marines were formed during the early stages of the Second Dutch War. King Charles II sanctioned the formation of the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot, the first Regiment to be formed specially for service afloat. He decreed "That twelve hundred land souldjers be fortwith raysed, to be in readinesse, to be distributed into his Fleets, prepared for Sea Service [where] twelve hundred men are to be putt into One Regiment". The regiment was raised mainly from the Trained Bands of the City of London from which the Royal marines derive the privilege of marching through the City of London with Colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed. British Royal Marine

As early as 1740, England had raised four battalions of 3,000 men for service against Spain. These men were known as "Gooch's Marines", after their leader Colonel William Gooch. In 1741, Gooch's Marines secured Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as a British fleet base. (US Marines landed and secured Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from the Spanish later in June of 1898)

Another name associated with Gooch's Marines is Admiral Edward Vernon. He was taken by a young Marine officer in the regiment for a home he built at Little Hunting Creek, Virginia; he called it 'Mount Vernon'. The officer was Lawrence Washington, and upon his death the home passed to his younger brother, our first president.