Founded on November 10, 1775, the United States Marine Corps became America’s first line of defense — warriors forged on land and sea. Discover how the Marines began, why they were created, their legendary battles, and the combat system that makes them one of the most respected fighting forces in the world.
The Birth of a Legend
On November 10, 1775, inside Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress authorized the formation of two battalions of Marines.
They were created to serve as shipborne infantry for the newly formed Continental Navy — capable of fighting on sea, boarding enemy ships, or landing ashore to strike where regular troops could not.
The resolution called for “a few good men” — and that phrase has defined the Marine spirit ever since.
Captain Samuel Nicholas, a Philadelphia Quaker, became the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. His men were recruited mostly from local taverns and docks — rough, loyal, and fearless.
Their mission was clear: protect America’s ships, fight her battles, and serve as the tip of the spear in any war the new nation would face.
Early Battles and the Making of a Reputation
The Marines saw their first combat during the Battle of Nassau (1776) in the Bahamas, where they raided British gunpowder stores — the first amphibious landing in Marine Corps history.
From that moment, the Marines became synonymous with swift, aggressive, and decisive action.
During the War of 1812, they defended Washington, D.C. and fought aboard U.S. ships across the Atlantic. In the Mexican–American War, Marines stormed the fortress of Chapultepec in 1847 — a victory so iconic that the line “From the Halls of Montezuma” became part of the Marine Corps Hymn.
By the time of World War I, Marines were feared worldwide. At Belleau Wood in 1918, they earned the nickname “Teufel Hunden” — Devil Dogs, given by German soldiers for their relentless fighting.
A Brotherhood Forged in Fire
The Marine Corps is more than a military branch — it’s a culture of brotherhood.
Every Marine, regardless of rank, earns the same title through the same crucible of training.
In the early days, training was harsh and basic — rifle drills, shipboard combat, and hand-to-hand fighting with bayonets and knives.
Today, Marine recruits endure 13 grueling weeks of boot camp, followed by advanced combat training and specialty schools.
From the first moment they step onto the yellow footprints at Parris Island or San Diego, they are transformed — mentally, physically, and spiritually — into members of one of the most respected military forces on Earth.
Modern Warfare and Global Reach
The modern Marine Corps operates as America’s 911 Force — able to deploy anywhere in the world within hours.
They’ve led assaults from Iwo Jima and Chosin Reservoir to Fallujah, Helmand, and beyond.
Marines are trained in combined-arms tactics, using infantry, armor, artillery, and aircraft in tight coordination. Their elite units — Marine Recon and MARSOC (Marine Raiders) — are among the most capable special operations forces in the world.
Each Marine learns to fight in any environment — desert, jungle, mountain, or urban streets — and to adapt instantly to mission demands.
Marine Corps Martial Arts — The Modern Warrior Ethos
In 2001, the Marine Corps created its own martial arts system — MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) — combining techniques from karate, judo, jujitsu, boxing, bayonet fighting, and modern combatives.
But MCMAP is more than just a system of techniques — it’s built on a warrior ethos, blending physical combat, mental discipline, and character development.
Every Marine earns a belt ranking, from tan to black, symbolizing not just skill but also leadership and honor.
This program ensures that every Marine — whether rifleman, pilot, or cook — is a warrior first and a specialist second.
A Legacy That Endures
For nearly two and a half centuries, the Marines have served on every continent and fought in every major American conflict.
Their motto, “Semper Fidelis” — Always Faithful, isn’t just words; it’s a promise that has been kept by generations.
From the wooden decks of 1775 to the digital battlefields of today, the United States Marines remain what they have always been —
the first to fight, the last to leave, and the embodiment of American courage.
