The U.S. Marine Corps – From The Revolutionary War to Today!

Veteran’s Day is right around the corner; however, this important day of recognition is preceded by another date in military history, the birthday of the Marine Corps on November 10th.

The smallest branch of the Department of Defense, the Marine Corps has roughly 185,000 active members and 35,000 reservists today, which is less than half that of the Navy as well as Air Force and a mere fourth of the Army.

Though smaller in number, Marines are tough, skilled, and provide unique service in our armed forces, working both on land and at sea to assist other forces.

A Brief History of the Marine Corps

Designated in 1775 by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, the Continental Marines were organized when it was declared that “two Battalions of Marines be raised” to serve alongside the Continental Navy and ground troops during the early months of the Revolutionary War.

The Marines served in many important missions during the war, including the known amphibious raid on the Bahamas in 1776, but once the Revolutionary War ended in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, they were disbanded along with the Navy fleet.

With other military action required in the coming years, the Marines were once again organized in 1798 during the Quasi-War, a naval war with France, and remained as an entity ever since.

They participated in naval operations during the War of 1812, aided Andrew Jackson’s troops as they defeated the British in New Orleans, and then went on to protect the United States in various other land and naval battles all over the world.

During World War I, the Marines played an essential military role on the battlefields in France both on land and in the air, as Marine aviation pilots flew day bomber missions over the Belgium and France.

Between the World Wars, the Marines improved their equipment and capabilities for fighting amphibious wars, making them a true asset in World War II and beyond.

They played a key role in the Vietnam War, then went on to defend NATO countries in Europe in the 1970s, became American watchers in the 1980s as terrorism grew, and played major roles during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the Persian Gulf War, and more.

In more recent military history, Marines have participated in military efforts, rescue and relief efforts, and countless other missions assisting the United States and other countries to restore and maintain peace in various regions including Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, and many others.

They have also participated in natural disaster relief efforts in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Some Interesting Facts About the U.S. Marine Corps

• Semper Fi – An abbreviation for Semper Fidelis, the Latin phrase that means “always faithful” became the official motto of the Marines sometime throughout the years. Today, it is a meaningful reminder to these soldiers of their love of this country and the irreplaceable role that the Marines play within the United States Armed Forces.
• Marines Hymn – Copyrighted in 1919, the Marines Hymn is the oldest official song of all of the U.S. military forces. It is the last song to be played at the end of official Marine ceremonies.
• Navajo Code Talkers – During World War II, the Marines stationed in the Pacific theater relied heavily on enlisted who were Navajo natives and communicated over radio in their complex native language which could not be deciphered by enemy forces.
• Marine Threes – There are three operating forces within the Marines: the Marine Corps Forces, the Fleet Marine Forces, and the Security Guard Detachment for American Embassies abroad. The three duties of the Marine Corps are:
  • Defense or seizure of naval bases and any land operations that defend naval operations.
  • Development of amphibious equipment and tactics to assist the Army and Air Force.
  • Any other duties required by the DoD or the President.
• Marines Mascot – The official mascot of the Marine Corps is Chesty the Bulldog, named after Marine Lt. Gen. Louis B. “Chesty” Puller. There have been 15 Chesty’s to date, with Chesty XV having “assumed duty” in August of 2018.
• Cake Cutting Ceremony – Every November 10th, the Marine Corps does a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony. A birthday cake is cut with an official Mameluke sword such as those carried by the Marines and the pieces are given out in a specific order. The first piece is always given to the Guest of Honor at the event, the second piece to the oldest Marine in attendance at the ceremony, and the third piece to the youngest Marine attending.