| The United States Marines are a highly specialized | | | | the Marines entered what is often considered their |
| branch of the U.S. Military, known for their rapid | | | | formative years. During the conflict, Marines were |
| deployment and amphibious warfare abilities. The | | | | responsible for leading forces ashore and were able to |
| mission of the Marines is triple-pronged; to defend or | | | | demonstrate their invaluable ability to deploy quickly. |
| seize naval bases and other land operations as | | | | This was when the Marines seized Guatanamo Bay, a |
| needed, to develop equipment and tactics that will | | | | base still used today by the United States Navy. |
| advance the capabilities of amphibious landing forces, | | | | The Marines continued to play a crucial role in the first |
| and to perform other duties as directed by the | | | | World War, and would capture America's imagination |
| President. | | | | and pride in the Pacific battles of World War II. Marines |
| Created on November 10, 1775 as the Continental | | | | were absolutely essential to the success of difficult |
| Marines, this small force originally consisted of infantry | | | | island battles such as Tarawa, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima, |
| soldiers who served aboard naval vessels, defending | | | | a seize made famous by the infamous flag-raising |
| the ship, engaging in combat during landing and | | | | photograph that is so often used as a symbol of |
| boarding actions, and manning any raiding parties. | | | | victory and military commitment. |
| Having been involved in every armed American military | | | | Today, Marines are very focused on infantry |
| conflict since, the force quickly evolved. During the | | | | development. Their philosophy emphasizes the |
| War of 1812, Marines participated in frequent frigate | | | | importance of close combat, rather than depending |
| battles, which were some of the first American | | | | solely on strategic bombing or more distance-oriented |
| victories in this eventually lost conflict. Though they still | | | | battle. Prized for their ability to deploy rapidly, their |
| fought, the Marine forces experienced decline and | | | | loyalty, and their proud traditions, the United States |
| disorganization in the latter part of the 19th century. | | | | Marines are an integral part of the United States' |
| It wasn't until the Spanish-American War of 1898 that | | | | Department of Defense. |