The BATTLE OF IWO JIMA: On 19 February 1945, Marines landed on Iwo Jima in what was the largest all-Marine battle in history. It was also the bloodiest in Marine Corps history. The Marine Corps suffered over 23,300 casualties.

1776: First Amphibious Raid – Fort Nassau.

3 March 1776 On 3 March 1776, the Continental Marines made their first amphibious landing in American history when they attempted an amphibious assault during the Battle of Nassau.

Marines belong to the Corps, to one another and to the Nation we serve, united by pride and common purpose. We are committed to one another in order to win every battle today and into the future. Among our ranks stand those committed to a force unlike any other in the world.

Did you ever wonder why the Marine Corps is part of the Department of the Navy? Historically, marines serve as a navy's ground troops. In fact, the word "marine" is the French word for sea, which may be why the French military historically called English troops - who all had to arrive by sea - "marines."

First Battle of the Marne

Lexington and Concord April 19, 1775 The first shots of the Revolutionary War are fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts.

The Marine Corps plays a major role as the first force on the ground in most conflicts. Today, Marines are stationed around the world at all times, ready to deploy quickly whenever and wherever needed.

Marines are trained to improvise, adapt, and overcome all obstacles in all situations. They possess the willingness and the determination to fight and to keep fighting until victory is assured. Watch how Marines make critical decisions at a moment's notice.

In general, the Marines can and often do a more difficult task with fewer men, less equipment, older equipment, less money, and in less time. Also, the Marine Corps specializes in "amphibious warfare", which means being able to fight their way from the water, onto the shore, and then onto land.

Soldier. Marines are not soldiers, though they have been referred to as “soldiers of the sea” in past recruiting posters. In the U.S., people not in the Army are not soldiers, especially so for Marines - who will strongly protest being painted with that brush.

While the Marine Corps falls under the Department of the Navy, its command structure is similar to the Army's, with teams, squadrons, platoons and battalions, except it follows the “rule of three,” meaning there are usually three of each lower unit within the next larger unit.