Have you heard of the fact that the U.S. Marine Corps , which is one of the 6 U.S. Military Branches, has nearly 190,000 members on active duty, as of early 2023? If you are thinking of joining the Marine Corps and want to know its history and roles, what Marines do everyday, what types of jobs in the Marines are available etc., head over to our following article right now to learn more about the United States Marine Corps. 

Furthermore, we’ll cover some useful information about joining the Marines in this article. Read on to see whether the Marine Corps is right for you.

 

1. What is the history of the U.S. Marine Corps?

 

The Marine Corps set up its first recruiting headquarters in a tavern in Philadelphia on Nov. 10, 1775, when the Continental Congress ordered two battalions of Marines be created to serve during the Revolutionary War. 

Furthermore, this force is acquainted with maritime operations so as to serve aboard naval vessels. Therefore, the United States Marine Corps is regarded as an expeditionary naval force ready to defend the nation’s interests overseas. For example, in subsequent decades the Marine Corps carried out special military operations, including the first amphibious raid on Fort Nassau and the battle of Derna.

As years went on,  the Marine Corps was continuously used for military interests and special operations, particularly in major wars abroad such as the Second World War, the Vietnam War, Afghanistan and Iraq War. In general, they have been remaining  present for all forms of potential combat and security concerns in an uncertain global landscape. 

 

2. What do U.S. Marines do?

 

Actually, the current Marines members consist of both men and women from all walks of life. The responsibility to protect and serve the United States citizens and nation is definitely prior. As you know, being a Marine is regarded as a prestigious honor and only some select excellent individuals will be able to complete all of the necessary training. Therefore, if you are seriously considering joining the Marines, you need to think about several career factors as well as have a clear picture of what your daily life will be like as a member of the marine corps. 

united states marine corps
The responsibility to protect and serve the United States citizens and nation is great

In fact, U.S. marines, one of the finest and most elite fighting units within the United States military, has relatively unique roles compared to other services.

More specifically, Marines primarily serve on US Navy ships and naval bases. What’s more, they might guard United States embassies in other countries. Additionally, in some cases, they might be mobilized as an ever-ready combat force picked up and moved anywhere around the world wherever additional forces are needed

Furthermore, marines are warriors who always hold themselves to an extremely high standard, and are highly skilled in the art and tradition of war and also modern combat.

 

3.What are the Unique Roles of Marines?

 

In addition to typical combat roles, it is surprising that musicians and lawyers are employed to serve in Marine ranks. 

First, lawyers might become judge advocates that protect the Marine officers’ interests in various legal settings. Similarly, musicians can be hired for a variety of roles within the unit in addition to receiving combat training.

There are some dedicated military occupational specialties such as communications, logistics, infantry, intelligence, and more.

It should be noted that the marine corps aim to maximize your strengths wherever appropriate.

 

4. Do Marines Fight in War?

 

The U.S Marines is one of the first units to engage in combat and successfully executed more than 300 landings on foreign shores.

As aforementioned, the Marines have contributed to the critical successes of the United States Military in each conflict. 

Although Marines do fight in war, many Marine units are involved in logistics and operations that occur far away from the front lines. Hence, It is possible that a marine might serve your country without ever facing gunfire.

On the other hand, a typical Marine combat unit is always prepared to take on an incredible array of military strategies. The marine special soldiers possess a diverse and highly trained skill set. For example, they are trained to operate everything from jet fighters to infantry, Marine hovercraft, and heavily armored tanks. They are trained to prepare them for war situations across a wide spectrum of combat.

>>> Read More: Top 10 Must-Know Incredible Reasons To Join The Military in the United State

 

5. Are the Marines Harder Than the Army?

 

Up to now, among different wings of the U.S. armed forces, especially between the Army and the Marines, there is a healthy rivalry. 

The Army is known as one of the largest units in the United States military, meanwhile,  the Marines make them stand out because of being more elite and tougher. It cannot be denied that the basic training required to become a Marine is significantly more intense than the basic training required to join the United States Army.

Since The United States Marine Corps is a much smaller military division than the United States Army, the Marine recruiting  process is harder to weed out individuals who are unable to complete the tasks required of Marines. The physical protocols are combined with daily classes, including subjects like marksmanship, navigation, search and rescue, and law enforcement.

 

6. What Does a Marine Get Paid?

 

Although the marines’ earnings vary by rank and status, on average, the current basic pay of an active-duty soldier is approximately $1,600 per month or $20,000 per year. This increases slightly after the first four months of service. 

Furthermore, soldiers at the PFC level can expect a salary increase of a few thousand dollars, to roughly $24,000 per year. For Lance Corporal status, the annual salary is up to $30.000 per year depending on the amount of time the member has been in service.

Addition to the largest determinants such as rank and status, food and housing allowances, education status, and family status might influence the active-duty pay of a new Marine.  Besides, the length of service a Marine has provided the country also helps increase his or her salary significantly. For Instance, a staff noncommissioned officer who has served for over 10 years can get a salary of approximately $65,000 per year.

 

7. What are the U.S. Marine Corps requirements?

 

us marine corps requirements
The requirement for 

If you want to join the Marine Corps, you need to meet some primary requirements as follows: 

  • Be a legal United States resident between the ages of 17 and 28 
  • Hold a high school diploma or a high-school equivalency certificate (GED) 

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If you want to enlist as a Marine Corps officer, you must :

  • Be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 20 and 28
  • Hold both a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree from a university. 
  • Pass a criminal background check 
  • Have no felony convictions on your record.

If you are a new recruit, you’ll need to:

  • Pass the IST (so-called Initial Strength Test), which is a set of tests that demonstrates the basic physical fitness necessary for the military. The tests encompass pull-ups and push-ups, crunches and plank poses, as well as a 1.5-mile timed run.
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, which is a multiple-choice test consisting of various questions designed to assess your knowledge in everything from arithmetic to electronics to the comprehension of mechanical design.

Because ASVAB scores directly impact both MOS (Military Occupational Specialties)  options and overall enlistment eligibility, you need to get well prepared for it. It is highly recommended that you should access numerous ASVAB Practice Tests , study guides at ASVAB Test Pro – a leading online learning platform.  

 

8. What Is the Marine Physical Fitness Test?

 

The Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT), a standard test applied to all Marines once per year, assesses their overall stamina and physical conditioning. The test consists of three categories: 

  • a 3-mile run, 
  • push-ups and pull-ups
  • abdominal exercises. 

Marines are required to get a high enough score to pass the test and remain eligible. 

 

9. Do Marine Corps Members Get Health Benefits?

 

us marine corps benefits
Marines and their immediate family will be eligible for free healthcare

Like other United States military branches, members of the United States Marine Corps are provided an exceptional medical and dental benefits package while in service and in retirement.  Furthermore, both marines and their immediate family will be eligible for free, comprehensive and easily accessible healthcare. 

 

10. Do the Marines Pay for College?

 

Yes. If you commit to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, 100% of your college tuition might be paid. More specifically, the college assistance program covers everything necessary for participation in either a two or four-year university such as tuition, fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. Additionally, after a bachelor’s degree, Marine officers may also be eligible for compensation to support advanced education.

 

11. Why should you join the U.S. Marine Corps

 

After reading our informative article, you might find that joining the Marines is one of the most honorable decisions you can make as a United States citizen. 

U.S. Marines, who are led by their famous motto  “Semper Fidelis” (Latin for “Always Faithful”), are tough, capable, and dedicated soldiers rising to any challenge placed before them.

In conclusion, all information regarding U.S. Marine Corps are raised in this article. If you are planning on enlisting in the Marines, let’s get well prepared for your ASVAB test by taking as many as ASVAB Practice Tests by Estudyme right now!