United States Marine Corps
Semper Fi
The Motto of the United States Marine Corps. Latin for always faithful. Faithful to God.
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. On any given day 173,000 Marines are deployed away from their home bases. Since the end of the Persian Gulf Crisis (in 1991) through 1998, the Marines were "sent-in" over fifty times.
On average, the Marine Corps is called upon once every five weeks.
Four separate Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable) deploy for six months, each having an average strength of 2,200 Marines and Sailors. Consisting of three to five amphibious assault ships, they move freely across the high seas without clearances or other diplomatic restraints. They represent the United States most flexible means of exerting force abroad.
For a quarter of a century, Marines have maintained their own aviation equipment. Shown here in tight formation is a flight of Marine AV-8B "Harriers", the world's premiere vertical/short takeoff and landing aircraft. Marines do not have the luxury of choosing where to fight. From tropical jungles, blistering deserts or arctic cold, the Marine Corps trains to fight in all climates. Marine Expeditionary Units are completely self sufficient. Shown here is the 24th MEU deploying combat ready scout-swimmers. All deployable Marine units are trained for combat in the surf-line
Here are all of the Ranks of the United States Marine Corps:
