| Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 | | | | addition to being responsible for amphibious |
| many Americans serving in the nation's armed forces | | | | operations, they are also engaged in combat on the |
| soon learned they would probably be involved in a | | | | ground as well. Often, the Marines are deployed first |
| war. Unfortunately, thousands of our military | | | | because they are quick to react and also have their |
| members have been killed in the ongoing conflict in | | | | own power in the form of air power and attack |
| the Middle East that still continues today. Lives have | | | | helicopters. The Marines do rely on the Navy for |
| been lost in all five of the different military branches. | | | | other things though like logistics and medical aid for |
| When they arrive home after a long deployment in | | | | example. There are only 18,000 officers and a little |
| the Middle East they are greeted by loved ones | | | | over 150,000 enlisted members of the Marines |
| bearing military gifts and holding posters with the | | | | making them one of the smallest branches. |
| military decals on them thankful their soldier is arriving | | | | The Coast Guard was originally started as the |
| home safe. | | | | Revenue Cutter Service in 1790 and was later named |
| The people who are veterans or active members of | | | | the Coast Guard in 1915, under the Treasury |
| these various branches are very proud of the duty | | | | Department. Then in 1967, the Coast Guard was |
| they have taken on to protect this country as they | | | | transferred to the Department of Transportation |
| should be. The Armed Forces of the United States of | | | | versus the Department of Defense as all of the |
| America take their job to protect our country | | | | other military branches are under. Then in 2002, they |
| seriously and we should be so lucky to have so many | | | | became part of the Department of Homeland |
| men and women volunteer to serve on the armed | | | | Security. In the past, the Coast Guard was |
| forces and to risk their lives for their country. Two | | | | responsible for boating safety, sea rescue and illegal |
| of the branches which will be discussed in this article | | | | immigration control but now the President can |
| are the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. | | | | transfer the Coast Guard to the Navy in times of |
| The Marine Corps are often referred to as the | | | | conflict for additional help. It is the smallest military |
| Infantry of the Navy because of the duties and | | | | service with only 7,000 members and 29,000 enlisted |
| responsibilities they have. Their main specialty is to | | | | on active duty. |
| assault, capture and control those on the beach in | | | | Both the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard are |
| order to be able to attack them from all aspects of | | | | crucial to keeping our country safe whether it is on |
| land, sea and air. They were established on | | | | land or at sea. Despite their smaller numbers, these |
| November 10, 1775 as a landing force for the Navy. | | | | two branches are some of the important elements in |
| They were made into a separate branch in 1798. In | | | | our Armed forces. |