United States Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, by
resolution of the Continental Congress. Marine Corps composition and functions
are detailed in 10 U.S.C. 5063. The Marine Corps, which is part of the
Department of the Navy, is the smallest of the Nation’s combat forces and is
the only service speci?cally tasked by Congress to be able to ?ght in the air, on
land, and at sea. Although marines ?ght in each of these dimensions, they are
primarily a maritime force, inextricably linked with the Navy to move from the
sea to ?ght on land.

The Marine Corps conducts entry-level training for its enlisted marines at two
bases, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, and Marine Corps Recruit
Depot, San Diego, CA. Officer candidates are evaluated at Officer Candidate School
at Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, VA. Marines
train to be ?rst on the scene to respond to attacks on the United States or its
interests, acts of political violence against Americans abroad, disaster relief,
humanitarian assistance, or evacuation of Americans from foreign countries.
For a complete list of Marine Corps units, go to http://www.marines.mil/news/
Pages/UnitDirectory.aspx.

Marine Corps Military Career and Training Opportunities

The Marine Corps conducts enlisted personnel
and of?cer training programs; provides specialized skill training; participates in
the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program for commissioning of?cers in
the Marine Corps; provides the Platoon Leaders Class program for commissioning
of?cers in the Marine Corps Reserve to college freshmen, sophomores, or
juniors and the Officer Candidate Class program for college graduates or seniors.
Information about these programs is available at most civilian educational
institutions and Navy and Marine Corps recruiting stations. Interested persons
also may write directly to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command, 3280 Russell
Road, Quantico, VA 22134–5103. Phone, 703–784–9454. Information about
Marine Corps Reserve opportunities can be obtained from local Marine Corps
recruiting stations or Marine Corps Reserve drill centers. Interested persons
may also write directly to the Director, Reserve Affairs, 3280 Russell Road, Suite 507, Quantico, VA 22134–5103. Phone, 703–784–9100.

For further information regarding the Marine Corps, contact the Director of Public Affairs, Headquarters,
U.S. Marine Corps, 2 Navy Annex (Pentagon 5D773), Washington, DC 20380–1775. Phone, 703–614–1492.
Internet, http://www.usmc.mil.