Day 101: The Few the Proud

Today, marks the 233rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps (USMC)! Originally organized on November 10th, 1775 as the Continental Marines, the USMC has been involved in every American conflict since the American Revolution. Their role is best described as "Naval Infantry". The USMC utilizes the mobility of the United States Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces or MAGTFs (Marine Air-Ground Task Forces). Their amphibious warfare tactics became the cornerstone of the Pacific campaign of WWII. In other words, Marine units have capabilities that overlap elements of all the various armed forces. They have infantry and aviation capabilities and everything in between.


Administratively, they do fall under the Department of the Navy, but operationally, they function independently. Although, they do rely on the Navy for transportation, training, and logistics (i.e. there are no such thing as Marine doctors only Navy doctors).


As the smallest branch of the armed forces under the Department of Defense, these courageous men and women are truly "the few and the proud".

Some famous Marines: John Phillip Sousa (composer), Drew Carey (new host of the Price is Right), Senator John Glenn (astronaut), and even Orville Burrell (aka. the reggae artist, "Shaggy").


Above is today's picture of the dining facility here on base, and decorated specifically in honor of the Marine Corps Birthday. As you can see, we really know how to party!