U.S. Marine Corps Celebrates Two Hundred Fiftieth Birthday

What Happened?

This year, the United States Marine Corps is celebrating the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its founding. On November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John Adams drafted a resolution creating what was then called the Continental Marines, which went on to become known as the U.S. Marine Corps. Since that time, U.S. Marines have fought to defend the U.S. and American values around the world. 

When the Revolutionary War officially ended in 1783, the Corps was disbanded, until it was reformed in 1798 by then-President John Adams. However, beginning in the early 1900s, Marines began celebrating the original birthday in 1775, a tradition that continues to this day.

Why it Matters

The two hundred and fiftieth birthday means the Marine Corps is actually older than the United States itself. Today, even though the Marine Corps is formally part of the Department of the Navy, the Marines are considered a distinct branch of service. Presently, some thirty-eight thousand Marines serve abroad in a variety of capacities, from embassy security guards to advisers in foreign military operations. 

Including active duty and reserves, there are currently some two hundred thousand Marines serving in a wide variety of roles and missions worldwide. In the past few years, while other branches of service have struggled and even missed recruiting goals, the Marine Corps consistently achieved or exceeded all its recruiting standards. 

Marines were responsible for some of the most critical military victories in American history. During World War Two, U.S. Marines played a crucial role in defeating Japanese forces throughout the Pacific region. Because much of the warfare against Japan was littoral in nature, meaning it was fought by sea and land, frequently on islands with lots of coastline, the amphibious assault capabilities of the U.S. Marine Corps proved decisive. 

Today, the Marine Corps has the reputation of being the toughest of the armed forces in terms of training difficulty and requirements. Every Marine is required to complete the crucible, a multi-day nonstop field exercise that requires recruits to complete a grueling forty plus mile hike while carrying a full load of equipment in all weather conditions with little to no sleep or food. Only after completing the crucible do recruits earn their anchor and globe, making them officially Marines.

The difficulty and intensity of Marine Corps training is often seen as a selling point to potential recruits, especially those who are looking for the toughest challenge they can find.

How it Affects You

The Marine Corps is a world-class fighting force known globally for its toughness and combat capabilities. For two hundred and fifty years, Marines have answered America’s call whenever and wherever they were needed. Today’s Marines continue the tradition of excellence as defenders of the United States.