| 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 |
| mission of the Marines is triple-pronged; to defend or | | | | to demonstrate their invaluable ability to deploy |
| seize naval bases and other land operations as | | | | quickly. This was when the Marines seized |
| needed, to develop equipment and tactics that will | | | | Guatanamo Bay, a base still used today by the |
| advance the capabilities of amphibious landing forces, | | | | United States Navy. |
| and to perform other duties as directed by the | | | | The Marines continued to play a crucial role in the |
| President. | | | | first World War, and would capture America's |
| Created on November 10, 1775 as the Continental | | | | imagination and pride in the Pacific battles of World |
| Marines, this small force originally consisted of infantry | | | | War II. Marines were absolutely essential to the |
| soldiers who served aboard naval vessels, defending | | | | success of difficult island battles such as Tarawa, |
| the ship, engaging in combat during landing and | | | | Okinawa, and Iwo Jima, a seize made famous by the |
| boarding actions, and manning any raiding parties. | | | | infamous flag-raising photograph that is so often used |
| Having been involved in every armed American | | | | as a symbol of victory and military commitment. |
| military conflict since, the force quickly evolved. | | | | Today, Marines are very focused on infantry |
| During the War of 1812, Marines participated in | | | | development. Their philosophy emphasizes the |
| frequent frigate battles, which were some of the | | | | importance of close combat, rather than depending |
| first American victories in this eventually lost conflict. | | | | solely on strategic bombing or more distance-oriented |
| Though they still fought, the Marine forces | | | | battle. Prized for their ability to deploy rapidly, their |
| experienced decline and disorganization in the latter | | | | loyalty, and their proud traditions, the United States |
| 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. |