BF2S Forums Usmc B-day

pennsylvania wasn't it?

Today... is Christmas! There will be a magic show at zero-nine-thirty! Chaplain Charlie will tell you about how the free world will conquer Communism with the aid of God and a few marines! God has a hard-on for marines because we kill everything we see! He plays His games, we play ours! To show our appreciation for so much power, we keep heaven packed with fresh souls! God was here before the Marine Corps! So you can give your heart to Jesus, but your ass belongs to the Corps! Do you ladies understand?

SEREMAKER wrote:

kr@cker wrote:

pennsylvania wasn't it?

are talking about tun tavern ?

aye, do you prefer jarhead or leatherneck? I miss leatherneck, no one uses it anymore. besides it's a nod to the birth of the marines.

Do you guys remember what war they were created for??? +1 karma for whoever knows.

Last edited by Naughty_Om (2006-11-10 14:01:28)

If we are talking about the Continental Marines...The Revolutionary War.

If we are talking about the USMC...then the Quasi-War (started 1798).

Last edited by Navyholdi99 (2006-11-10 14:14:58)

SoC./Omega wrote:

SEREMAKER wrote:

Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps

OORAH
http://www.joe4art.com/images/Art-Examp … C%20BD.jpg

OOOOOOO RAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Marines are from the descent of the British Royal Marines, if that answers your question.

so true, the royals came about on the 28th october 1664.

But anyway happy b-day

Last edited by -EcS-Blade (2006-11-10 14:15:45)

Is anyone here in the USMC?

Last edited by MDFSpacePhantom (2006-11-10 14:15:53)

and me

MDFSpacePhantom wrote:

I made this SiG here some time ago. If you guys want to use it.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m45/ … arines.png

Little late, but I had to perform in the Birthday Ceremony at my school yesterday. ROTC for the win.

Tjasso wrote:

im the ministry of death  A HOOAH !!!
im a MARINE , im HARD ,im TRAINED
im part of a brotherhood NO HACKERS ALLOWED !!!

MY CORPS ,YOUR CORPS , OUR CORPS >>> MARINE CORPS >>> A HOOAH !!!

SEMPER FI

its OORAH not HOOAH - thats Army

United States Marine Corps
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United States Marine Corps
   
Major Commands
Organization of the Marine Corps
I Marine Expeditionary Force
II Marine Expeditionary Force
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Marine Forces Reserve
MARSOC
Headquarters Marine Corps
Personnel
Commandant
Officer Insignia
Enlisted Insignia
Uniforms
Famous Marines
Structure
Battalions
Aircraft squadrons
Expeditionary units
Bases
History and Traditions
Marine Corps history
Marine Hymn
Marine Band
Marine One
Marine Flag

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the U.S. military responsible for providing power projection from the sea,[1] utilizing the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces to global crises. Alongside the U.S. Navy, the Marine Corps operates under the United States Department of the Navy.

Originally organized as the Continental Marines in 1775 as naval infantry, the Marine Corps would evolve its mission with changing military doctrine and American foreign policy. Owing to the availability of Marines at sea, the Marine Corps has served in every American armed conflict going back to the Revolutionary War. It attained prominence in the 20th century when its theories and practice of amphibious warfare proved prescient, and ultimately formed a cornerstone of the Pacific campaign of World War II.[2] By the early 20th century, the Marine Corps would become the dominant theorist and practitioner of amphibious warfare. Its ability to rapidly respond to regional crises has made and continues to make it an important body in the implementation and execution of American foreign policy.[3]

The Marine Corps, with 180,000 active duty and 40,000 reserve Marines as of 2005, is the smallest of the United States' armed forces in the Department of Defense (the United States Coast Guard, about one fifth the size of the Marine Corps, is under the Department of Homeland Security). The Corps is nonetheless larger than the entire armed forces of many significant military powers; for example, it is larger than the Israeli Defense Forces.[4][5]
Contents
[hide]

    * 1 Mission
          o 1.1 Historical mission
          o 1.2 Capabilities
    * 2 History
          o 2.1 Origins
          o 2.2 Formative years
          o 2.3 World War I
          o 2.4 World War II
          o 2.5 Korean War
          o 2.6 Vietnam War
          o 2.7 Post Vietnam and Pre-9/11
          o 2.8 Global War on Terrorism
    * 3 Organization
          o 3.1 Relationship with other services
          o 3.2 Air-ground task forces
          o 3.3 Special warfare
    * 4 Personnel
          o 4.1 Commandants
          o 4.2 Rank structure
                + 4.2.1 Commissioned Officers
                + 4.2.2 Warrant Officers
                + 4.2.3 Enlisted
                + 4.2.4 Forms of address
          o 4.3 Initial training
                + 4.3.1 Officers
                + 4.3.2 Enlisted
    * 5 Uniforms
    * 6 Culture
          o 6.1 Official traditions and customs
          o 6.2 Unofficial traditions and customs
          o 6.3 Former Marines
          o 6.4 Martial arts program
    * 7 Equipment
          o 7.1 Infantry weapons
          o 7.2 Ground vehicles
          o 7.3 Aircraft
    * 8 Marine bases and stations
    * 9 Famous Marines
    * 10 See also
    * 11 References
    * 12 External links
    * 13 Other military links

[edit] Mission
Colors of the U.S. Marine Corps
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Colors of the U.S. Marine Corps

The Marine Corps serves as an amphibious force in readiness. Today, it has three primary areas of responsibility, as outlined in 10 U.S.C. § 5063, originally introduced under the National Security Act of 1947:

    * The seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and other land operations to support naval campaigns
    * The development of tactics, technique, and equipment used by amphibious landing forces
    * "Such other duties as the President may direct."

The quoted clause, while seemingly a consequence of the President's position as Commander in Chief, is a codification of the expeditionary duties of the Marine Corps. It derives from similar language in the Congressional Acts "For the Better Organization of the Marine Corps" of 1834, and "Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps" of 1798. In 1951, the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee called the clause "one of the most important statutory–and traditional–functions of the Marine Corps." It noted that the Corps has more often than not performed actions of a non-naval nature, including its roles in the War of 1812, World War I, the Korean War, its famous actions at Tripoli and Chapultepec, and their numerous counterinsurgency and occupational duties in Central America and East Asia. These actions are not accurately described as support of naval campaigns nor as amphibious warfare. Their common thread is that they are of an expeditionary nature - using the mobility of the Navy to provide timely intervention in foreign affairs on behalf of American interests.[6]

In addition to its primary duties, the Marine Corps has missions in support of the White House and State Department. President Jefferson dubbed the Marine Band the "President's Own" for its role of providing music for state functions at the White House.[7]In addition, Marines guard presidential retreats, including Camp David,[8] and the Marine unit HMX-1 provides helicopter service to the President. By authority of the 1946 Foreign Service act, Marines of the Marine Corps Security Guard provide security for American embassies, legations, and consulates at over 110 State Department posts overseas.[9]

[edit] Historical mission

At its founding, the Marine Corps was composed of infantry serving aboard naval vessels, responsible for the security of the ship and her crew by conducting offensive and defensive combat during boarding actions, and defending the ship's officers from mutiny; to the latter end, their quarters on ship was often strategically positioned between the officers' quarters and the rest of the vessel. They were also responsible for manning raiding parties. The Marine Corps' role has since expanded significantly. As the importance of its original naval mission declined with changing naval warfare doctrine and the professionalization of the Naval service, the Corps adapted by focusing on what were formerly secondary missions ashore. The Advanced Base doctrine of the early 20th century codified their combatant duties ashore, outlining the use of Marines in the seizure of bases and other duties on land to support naval campaigns. The Marines would also develop tactics and techniques of amphibious assault on defended coastlines in time for use in World War II.[10] Its original mission of providing shipboard security finally ended in the 1990's, when the last Marine security detachments were withdrawn from U.S. Navy ships.

[edit] Capabilities

While the Marine Corps does not employ any unique combat arms, it, as a force, has the unique ability to rapidly deploy a combined-arms task force to almost anywhere in the world within days. The basic structure for all deployed units is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) that integrates a ground combat component, an air component, and a combat service support component under a common command element. While the creation of joint commands under the Goldwater-Nichols Act has improved interservice coordination between the U.S. military services, the Marine Corps' ability to permanently maintain integrated multi-element task forces under a single command provides a smoother implementation of combined-arms warfare principles.[2]

The close integration of disparate Marine units stems from an organizational culture centered around the infantry. Every other Marine capability exists to support the infantry. Unlike many Western militaries, the Corps remained conservative against theories proclaiming the ability of new weapons to win wars independently. For example, Marine Aviation has always been focused on close air support and has remained largely uninfluenced by airpower theories proclaiming that strategic bombing can singlehandedly win wars.[10]

This focus on the infantry is matched with the notion that "every Marine is a rifleman," emphasizing the infantry combat abilities of every Marine. All enlisted Marines receive training first and foremost as a rifleman; all officers receive training as infantry platoon commanders.[11] The value of this culture has been demonstrated many times throughout history. At Wake Island, when all the Marine aircraft were shot down, their pilots continued the fight as riflemen, leading supply clerks and cooks in a final defensive effort.[12]

The amphibious assault techniques developed for World War II evolved with the addition of air assault and maneuver warfare doctrine, into the current "Operational Maneuver from the Sea" doctrine of power projection from the seas.[1] The Marines are credited with the development of helicopter insertion doctrine, and were the earliest in the American military to widely adopt maneuver warfare principles, which emphasize low-level initiative and flexible execution. As a result, a large degree of initiative and autonomy is expected of junior Marines, particularly the NCOs (Corporals and Sergeants) as compared to many other military organizations. The Marine Corps pushes authority and responsibility downward to a greater degree than the other services. Flexibility of execution is implemented via an emphasis on "commander's intent" as a guiding principle for orders - specifying the endstate but leaving open the method of execution.[13]

The Marine Corps relies upon the Navy for sealift to provide its rapid deployment capabilities. In addition to basing a third of the Marine Corps Operating Forces in Japan, Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)'s, a smaller MAGTF, are typically stationed at sea. This allows them the ability to function as first responders to international incidents. The U.S Army now maintains light infantry units capable of rapid worldwide deployment, though they do not match the combined-arms integration of a MAGTF, nor have the logistical train that the Navy provides.[2] For this reason, the Marine Corps is often assigned to non-combat missions such as the evacuation of Americans from unstable countries, and humanitarian relief of natural disasters. In larger conflicts, the Marines act as a stopgap, to get into and hold an area until larger units can be mobilized. It performed this role in World War I, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm, where Marines were the first significant combat units deployed from the United States and held the line until the country could mobilize for war.[14]

[edit] History

    Main article: History of the United States Marine Corps

[edit] Origins

The United States Marine Corps traces its institutional roots to the Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War, formed at the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by a resolution of the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775, a date regarded and celebrated as the birthday of the Marine Corps. At the end of the Revolution in 1783, both the Continental Navy and Marines were disbanded, and although individual Marines were enlisted for the few American naval vessels left, the institution itself would not be resurrected until 1798. In preparation for the Naval War with France, Congress created the United States Navy and Marine Corps.[15] The Marines' most famous action of this period occurred during the First Barbary War (1801–1805), when William Eaton and First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon led eight Marines and 300 Arab and European mercenaries in an effort to capture Tripoli. Though they only reached Derna, the action at Tripoli has been immortalized in the Marines' Hymn and the Mameluke sword carried by Marine officers.[16]

During the War of 1812, Marine naval detachments took part in the great frigate duels that characterized the war, which were the first American victories in the conflict. Their most significant contributions came at the Battle of Bladensburg and the defense of New Orleans. At Bladensburg, they held the line after the Army and militias retreated, and although eventually defeated, they inflicted casualties on the British and delayed their march to Washington. At New Orleans, the Marines held the center of Gen. Andrew Jackson's defensive line. By the end of the war, the Marines had acquired a well-deserved reputation as expert marksmen, especially in ship-to-ship actions.[16]

After the war, the Marine Corps fell into a depression. The third and fourth commandants were court-martialed. However, the appointment of Archibald Henderson as its fifth commandant in 1820 breathed new life into the Corps. He would go on to become the Corps' the longest-serving commandant. Under his tenure, the Marine Corps took on expeditionary duties in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, Key West, West Africa, the Falkland Islands, and Sumatra. Commandant Henderson is credited with thwarting President Andrew Jackson's attempts to combine and integrate the Marine Corps with the Army.[16] Instead, Congress passed the Act for the Better Organization of the Marine Corps in 1834, stipulating that the Corps was part of the Department of the Navy as a sister service to the US Navy.[17] This would be the first of many times that Congress came to the aid of the Marines.
James Walker, Storming of Chapultepec (1847)
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James Walker, Storming of Chapultepec (1847)

When the Seminole Wars of 1835 broke out, Commandant Henderson volunteered the Marines for service, leading two battalions, nearly half of the entire Corps, to war. A decade later, in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), the Marines made their famed assault on Chapultepec Palace, an imposing complex overlooking Mexico City. The Marines were placed on guard duty at the Mexican Presidential Palace, "The Halls of Montezuma." In the 1850s, the Marines would further see service in Panama and Asia, escorting Matthew Perry's East India Squadron on its historic trip to the Far East.[18]

Despite their vast service in foreign engagements, the Marine Corps played only a minor role in the Civil War (1861–1865); their most important task was blockade duty. The battalion of recruits formed for the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) performed poorly, retreating with the rest of the Union forces. The Confederate Congress authorized the formation of a marine corps of its own, to be made up of ten companies, but this organization had little impact on the war.[14]

[edit] Formative years

The remainder of the 19th century was marked by declining strength and introspection about the mission of the Marine Corps. The Navy's transition from sail to steam put into question the need for Marines on naval ships. Meanwhile, Marines served as a convenient resource for interventions and landings to protect American lives and interests overseas. The Marine Corps was involved in over 28 separate interventions in the 30 years from the end of the Civil War to the end of the 19th century, including China, Formosa, Japan, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Mexico, Korea, Panama, Hawaii, Egypt, Haiti, Samoa, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. They would also be called upon to stem political and labor unrest within the United States.[19] During this period, war correspondent Richard Harding Davis coined the phrase "The Marines have landed and have the situation well in hand". Under Commandant Jacob Zeilin's term, Marine customs and traditions took shape. The Corps adopted the Marine Corps emblem in 19 November, 1868. It was also during this time that "The Marines' Hymn" was first heard. Around 1883, the Marines adopted their current motto "Semper Fidelis".[16]
Marines in Nicaragua, 1932
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Marines in Nicaragua, 1932

During the Spanish-American War (1898), Marines led U.S. forces ashore in the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, demonstrating their readiness for deployment. At Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, Marines seized an advanced naval base that remains in use today. Between 1899 and 1916, the Marine Corps continued its record of participation in foreign expeditions, including the Philippine Insurrection, the Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901), Panama, the Cuban Pacifications, Veracruz, Haiti, Santo Domingo, and Nicaragua. In 1900's and 1910's, the seizure of advance naval bases entered Marine Corps doctrine with the formation of the Marine Corps Advanced Base School and the Advance Base Force, the prototype of the Fleet Marine Force.[18]

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, before and after World War I, the Marines saw action throughout Central America, including Haiti and Nicaragua. These actions became known as "The Banana Wars", and the experiences gained in counter-insurgency and guerrilla operations during this period were consolidated into the Small Wars Manual.[20]

[edit] World War I
Georges Scott, American Marines in Belleau Wood (1918)
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Georges Scott, American Marines in Belleau Wood (1918)

In World War I, battle-tested, veteran Marines served a central role in the U.S. entry into the conflict. Unlike the U.S. and British armies, the Marine Corps had a deep pool of officers and NCO's with battle experience, and experienced a relatively smaller expansion. Here, the Marines fought their celebrated battle at Belleau Wood, then the largest in the history of the Corps; it created the Marines' reputation in modern history. Rallying under the battle cries of "Retreat? Hell, we just got here!" (Captain Lloyd Williams) and "Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?" (GySgt. Dan Daly), the Marines drove German forces from the area. While its previous expeditionary experiences had not earned it much acclaim in the Western world, the Marines' fierceness and toughness earned them the respect of the Germans, who rated them of storm-trooper quality. Though Marines and American media reported that Germans had nicknamed them "Teufel Hunden" or "Devil Dogs", there is no evidence of this in German records. Nevertheless, the name stuck.[21] The Marine Corps had entered the war with 511 officers and 13,214 enlisted personnel and, by November 11, 1918, had reached a strength of 2,400 officers and 70,000 men.[22]

Between the World Wars, the Marine Corps was headed by Commandant John A. Lejeune. Under his leadership, the Marine Corps presciently studied and developed amphibious techniques that would be of great use in World War II. Many officers, including LtCol Earl Hancock "Pete" Ellis foresaw a pacific war with Japan and took preparations for such a conflict. While stationed in China, then LtCol. Victor H. Krulak observed Japanese amphibious techniques in 1937. Through 1941, as the prospect of war grew, the Marine Corps pushed urgently for joint amphibious exercises, and acquired amphibious equipment such as the Higgins boat which would prove of great use in the upcoming conflict.[23]

[edit] World War II

In World War II, the Marines played a central role in the Pacific War; the Corps expanded from two brigades to two corps with six divisions, and five air wings with 132 squadrons. In addition, 20 Defense Battalions and a Parachute Battalion were set up.[24] The battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa saw fierce fighting between U.S. Marines and the Imperial Japanese Army.
Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal / The Associated Press
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Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal / The Associated Press

During the battle of Iwo Jima, photographer Joe Rosenthal took the famous photo Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima of five Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the American flag on Mt. Suribachi. Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, who had come ashore earlier that day to observe the progress of the troops, said of the flag raising on Iwo Jima, "...the raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years." The acts of the Marines during the war added to their already significant popular reputation, and the USMC War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia was dedicated in 1954. By the war’s end, the Corps had grown to include six divisions, five air wings and supporting troops totaling about 485,000 Marines. Nearly 87,000 Marines were killed or wounded during World War II and 82 received the Medal of Honor.[25]

Despite Secretary Forrestal's prediction, the Corps faced an immediate institutional crisis following the war. Army generals pushing for a strengthened and reorganized defense establishment also attempted to fold the Marine mission and assets into the Navy and Army. Drawing on hastily assembled Congressional support, the Marine Corps rebuffed such efforts to dismantle the Corps, resulting in statutory protection of the Marine Corps in the National Security Act of 1947.[26] Shortly after, in 1952, the Douglas-Manfield Bill afforded the Commandant an equal voice with the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters relating to the Marines, and established the structure of three divisions and air wings that remains today. This allowed the Corps to permanently maintain a division and air wing in the Far East and participate in various small wars in Southeast Asia - in the Tachen Islands, Taiwan, Laos, Thailand, and South Vietnam.[2]

[edit] Korean War
Scaling the seawall at Inchon
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Scaling the seawall at Inchon

.

The Korean War (1950 - 1953) saw the hastily formed Provisional Marine Brigade holding the defensive line at the Pusan Perimeter. To execute a flanking maneuver, General Douglas McArthur called on Marine air and ground forces to make an amphibious landing at Inchon. The successful landing resulted in the collapse of North Korean lines and the pursuit of North Korean forces north near the Yalu River until the entrance of the People's Republic of China into the war. Chinese troops surrounded, surprised and overwhelmed the overextended and outnumbered American forces. However, unlike the Eighth Army, which retreated in disarray, the 1st Marine Division regrouped and inflicted heavy casualties during their fighting withdrawal to the coast. Now known as the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, it entered Marine lore as an example of toughness and resolve. Marines would continue a battle of attrition around the 38th Parallel until the 1953 armistice[27] The Korean War saw the Marine Corps expand from 75,000 regulars to a force, by the end of the conflict in 1953, of 261,000 Marines, most of whom were reservists. 30,544 Marines were killed or wounded during the war and 42 were awarded the Medal of Honor.[28]

[edit] Vietnam War
Operation Hastings - Marines on patrol.
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Operation Hastings - Marines on patrol.
Evacuation of Saigon.
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Evacuation of Saigon.

The Marines also played an important role in the Vietnam War at battles such as Da Nang, Hué City, and Khe Sanh. The Marines operated in the northern I Corps regions of South Vietnam and fought both a constant guerilla war against the NLF and an off and on conventional war against NVA regulars. Marines also conducted the less well-known Combined Action Program that implemented unconventional techniques for counter insurgency warfare. The Marine presence was withdrawn in 1971, but returned briefly in 1975 to evacuate Saigon and attempt to rescue the crew of the Mayagüez.[29] Vietnam was the longest war for the Marine Corps; at its end 13,091 Marines were killed in action and 51,392 wounded, and 57 Medals of Honor were awarded.[30][31] Due to rotation policies, more Marines served in Vietnam than World War II.[32]

Returning from Vietnam, the Marine Corps hit one of the lowest points in its history with high rates of courts-martial, non-judicial punishments, unauthorized absences, and outright desertions. The re-making of the Marine Corps began in the late 1970s when policies for discharging inadequate Marines were relaxed, leading to the removal of the worst performing ones. Once the quality of new recruits started to improve, the Marine Corps began reforming its NCO corps, a vital element in the functioning of the Marine Corps.[2]

[edit] Post Vietnam and Pre-9/11

After Vietnam, the Marines resumed their expeditionary role, participating in the invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury) and the invasion of Panama (Operation Just Cause). On October 23, 1983, the Marine headquarters building in Beirut, Lebanon was bombed, causing the highest peacetime losses to the Corps in its history (220 Marines and 21 other service members of the 24th MAU were killed) and leading to the American withdrawal from Lebanon. 1990 saw Marines of the Joint Task Force Sharp Edge save thousands of lives by evacuating the British, French and American Nationals from the violence of the Liberian civil war. During the Persian Gulf War (1990–1991), Marine task forces formed the initial core for Desert Shield, while U.S. and Coalition troops mobilized, and later liberated Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm.[16] U.S. Marines participated in combat operations in Somalia (1992–1995) during Operations Restore Hope, Restore Hope II, and United Shield to provide humanitarian relief.[33]

[edit] Global War on Terrorism
Fighting in Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury, November 2004
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Fighting in Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury, November 2004

Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit were the first conventional forces into Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in November of 2001. Since then Marine battalions and squadrons have been rotating through, engaging Taliban and Al Queda forces. Most recently, the Marines have served prominently in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I MEF along with the Army's 3rd Infantry Division spearheaded the 2003 invasion of Iraq.[34] During the occupation of Iraq, Marines spearheaded both assaults on the city of Fallujah in April and November 2004.[35]and continue to operate in the Al Anbar province in western Iraq.

[edit] Organization

    Main article: Organization of the United States Marine Corps

The Department of the Navy, lead by the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), administers both the Marine Corps and the Navy. The most senior Marine officer is the Commandant of the Marine Corps, responsible for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the Marine Corps so that it is ready for operation under the command of the Unified Combatant Commanders. The Marine Corps is organized into four principal subdivisions: Headquarters Marine Corps, the Operating Forces, the Supporting Establishment, and the Marine Forces Reserve.

The Operating Forces are further subdivided into three categories: Marine Corps Forces (MARFOR) assigned to unified commands, Marine Corps Security Forces guarding high risk naval installations, and Marine Corps Security Guard detachments at American embassies. Under the "Forces for Unified Commands" memo, Marine Corps Forces are assigned to each of the regional unified commands at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense and with the approval of the President. Since 1991, the Marine Corps has maintained component headquarters at each of the regional unified combatant commands.[36] Marine Corps Forces are further divided into Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM) and Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC), each headed by a Lieutenant General. MARFORCOM has operational control of the II Marine Expeditionary Force; MARFORPAC has operational control of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and the III Marine Expeditionary Force.[14]

The Supporting Establishment includes Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC), Marine Corps Recruit Depots, Marine Corps Logistics Command, Marine bases and air stations, Recruiting Command, and the Marine Band.

[edit] Relationship with other services

Since the Marine Corps' combat capabilities overlap those of the U.S. Army, the latter has historically viewed the Corps as encroaching on the Army's capabilities and competing for money, missions, and fame. The attitude dates back to the founding of the Colonial Marines, when General George Washington refused to allow the initial Marine battalions to be drawn from among his army. Most significantly, in the aftermath of World War II, Army efforts to restructure the American defense establishment included the dissolution of the Marine Corps and the folding of its capabilities into the other services. Leading this movement were such prominent Army officers as General Dwight Eisenhower and Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall.[26]

The Marine Corps is a partner service with the U.S. Navy under the Department of the Navy. Both the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and Commandant of the Marine Corps, heads of their respective services, report directly to the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), a civilian who heads the Department of the Navy. As a result, the Navy and Marine Corps have a close relationship, more so than with other branches of the United States Military. Whitepapers and promotional literature of the 20th century have commonly used the phrase "Navy-Marine Corps Team".[37] [38] This relationship stems from the Navy providing transport, logistical, and combat support to put Marine units into the fight. Conversely, the Marine Corps is responsible for conducting land operations to support Naval campaigns, including the seizure of naval and air bases. Marines still serve aboard Navy ships.

The Marine Corps cooperates with the Navy on many institutional support services. The Corps receives a significant portion of its officers from the United States Naval Academy and Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), which are partially staffed by Marines. Marine Corps Drill Instructors contribute to training Naval officers in Officer Candidate School. Marine aviators are trained in the Naval Aviation training pipeline, and utilize Naval weapons and test pilot schools. Navy aircraft carriers deploy with a Marine Hornet squadron alongside Navy squadrons. The Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team includes at least one Marine pilot and is supported by a Marine C-130 Hercules aircraft.[10]

Since the Marines do not train chaplains or medical personnel, officers and enlisted sailors from the Navy fill these roles. Some of these sailors, particularly Hospital Corpsmen, generally wear Marine uniforms emblazoned with Navy insignia and markings in order to be noticeably distinct to compatriots but indistinguishable to enemies. The Marines also operate a network security team in conjunction with the Navy. Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients wear the Navy variant of the award. Marines also may be awarded the Navy Cross.[10]

[edit] Air-ground task forces

    Main article: Marine Air-Ground Task Force

Today, the basic framework for deployable Marine units is the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), a flexible structure of varying size. A MAGTF integrates a ground combat element (GCE), a air combat element (ACE), and and a combat service support element (CSSE) under a common command element (CE). A MAGTF can operate independently or as part of a larger coalition. It is a temporary organization formed for a specific mission and dissolved after completion of that mission. The MAGTF structure reflects a strong tradition in the Corps towards self-sufficiency and a commitment to combined arms, both essential assets to an expeditionary force often called upon to act independently in discrete, time-sensitive situations. The history of the Marine Corps as well has led to a wariness towards overreliance on its sister services, and towards joint operations in general.[2]

A MAGTF varies in size from the smallest, a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based around a reinforced infantry battalion and a composite squadron, up to the largest, a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), which ties together a Division, an Air Wing, and a Logistics Group under a MEF Headquarters Group. There are usually three MEUs assigned to each of the U.S. Navy Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, with a seventh MEU based on Okinawa. While one MEU is on deployment, one MEU is training to deploy and one is standing down, resting its Marines, and refitting. Each MEU is rated as capable of performing special operations.[39]

The three Marine Expeditionary Forces are:

    * I Marine Expeditionary Force located at Camp Pendleton, California
    * II Marine Expeditionary Force located at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina
    * III Marine Expeditionary Force located at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan

[edit] Special warfare

Although the notion of a Marine special warfare contribution to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) was considered as early as the founding of USSOCom in the 1980's, it was resisted by the Marine Corps. Then-Commandant Paul X. Kelley expressed the popular belief that Marines should support Marines, and that the Corps should not fund a special warfare capability that would not support Marine operations.[40] However, resistance from within the Marine Corps dissipated when Marine leaders watched the Corp's "crown jewels" - the 15th and 26th MEU (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)s) sit on the sidelines during the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom while other special warfare units led the way.[41] After a three-year development period, the Marine Corps agreed in 2006 to supply a 2,600 - strong unit, Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), which would answer directly to USSOCOM. [42]

[edit] Personnel

[edit] Commandants
Gen Michael W. Hagee, 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps
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Gen Michael W. Hagee, 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps

The Commandant of the Marine Corps is the highest-ranking officer of the Marine Corps, though he may not be the senior officer in time and grade. He is the symbolic and functional head of the Corps, and holds a position of very high esteem among Marines. The commandant has the US Code Title 10 responsibility to man, train, and equip the Marine Corps. He does not serve as a direct battlefield commander. The Commandant is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and reports to the Secretary of the Navy.[6]

The current and 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps is General Michael W. Hagee, who assumed the command in January 2003. As of October 2005, Marine Generals Peter Pace (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) and James L. Jones (Commander of the United States European Command; NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; and a former commandant of the Marine Corps) are senior in time in grade to the commandant.[43] President Bush has nominated LtGen. James T. Conway to succeed Hagee as the 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Conway is currently the JCS Director of Operations (J-3).[44] The nomination was confirmed by the Senate on August 2, 2006. Before assuming his new post, Conway will be promoted to General.[45]

[edit] Rank structure

As in the rest of the U.S. military, (with the exception of the Air Force, which does not have Warrant Officers) ranks fall into one of three categories: commissioned officer, warrant officer, and enlisted, in decreasing order of authority. To standardize compensation, each rank is assigned a pay grade. The following tables list the rank, abbreviation, paygrade, and insignia of each rank.[46]

[edit] Commissioned Officers

    See also: United States Marine Corps officer rank insignia

Commissioned Officers are distinguished from other officers by their commission, which is the formal written authority, issued in the name of the President of the United States, that confers the rank and authority of a Marine Officer. Commissioned officers carry the "special trust and confidence" of the President of the United States. Commissioned officer ranks are further subdivided into Generals, field-grade officers, and company-grade officers.[6]
Commissioned Officer Rank Structure of the United States Marine Corps
Generals
General (Gen)     Lieutenant General (LtGen)     Major General (MajGen)     Brigadier General (BGen)
O-10     O-9     O-8     O-7
   
   
   
Field-grade Officers
Colonel (Col)     Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol)     Major (Maj)
O-6     O-5     O-4
   
   
Company-grade Officers
Captain (Capt)     First Lieutenant (1stLt)     Second Lieutenant (2ndLt)
O-3     O-2     O-1
   
   

[edit] Warrant Officers

Warrant Officers provide leadership and skills in specialized fields. Unlike most other militaries, the American military confers commissions on its Warrant Officers, though they are generally not responsible for leadership outside of their specialty. Warrant officers come primarily from the senior Non-Commissioned Officer ranks.

A Chief Warrant Officer, CWO2-CWO5, serving in the MOS 0306 "Infantry Weapons Officer" carries a special title, "Marine Gunner" (not a rank). A Marine Gunner replaces the Chief Warrant Officer insignia on the left collar with a bursting bomb insignia. Other warrant officers are sometimes informally also referred to as "Gunner" but this usage is not correct.
Warrant Officer Rank Structure of the United States Marine Corps
Chief Warrant Officer-2 (CWO-2)     Chief Warrant Officer-3 (CWO-3)     Chief Warrant Officer-4 (CWO-4)     Chief Warrant Officer-5 (CWO-5)
W-2     W-3     W-4     W-5
   
   
   

[edit] Enlisted

    See also: United States Marine Corps enlisted rank insignia

Enlisted Marines in the paygrades E-1 to E-3 are "non-noncommissioned officers" or simply "non-rates" and make up the bulk of the Corps' ranks. Although they don't technically hold leadership ranks, the Corps' ethos stresses leadership among all Marines and junior Marines are often assigned responsibility normally reserved for superiors. Those paygrades of E-4 and E-5 are considered non-commissioned officers (NCOs). They primarily supervise junior Marines and act as a vital link with the higher command structure, ensuring that orders are carried out correctly. Marines E-6 and higher are considered Staff Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs), charged with supervising NCOs and acting as enlisted advisors to the command.

The E-8 and E-9 levels each have two ranks per pay grade, each with different responsibilities. Gunnery Sergeants (E-7) indicate on their annual evaluations, called "fitness reports", or "fitreps" for short, their preferred promotional track: Master Sergeant or First Sergeant. The First Sergeant and Sergeant Major ranks are command-oriented, with Marines of these ranks serving as the senior enlisted Marines in a unit, charged to assist the commanding officer in matter of discipline, administration and the morale and welfare of the unit. Master Sergeants and Master Gunnery Sergeants provide technical leadership as occupational specialists in their specific MOS. First Sergeants typically serve as the senior enlisted Marine in a company, battery or other unit at similar echelon, while Sergeants Major serve the same role in battalions, squadrons or larger units.

The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is a unique rank conferred on the senior enlisted Marine of the entire Marine Corps, personally selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps wears unique chevrons with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor at the center.
Staff Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) Rank Structure of the United States Marine Corps
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SgtMajMC)     Sergeant Major (SgtMaj)     Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt)     First Sergeant (1stSgt)     Master Sergeant (MSgt)     Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt)     Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
E-9     E-9     E-9     E-8     E-8     E-7     E-6
   
   
   
   
   
   
Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Rank Structure of the United States Marine Corps
Sergeant (Sgt)     Corporal (Cpl)
E-5     E-4
   
Enlisted Rank Structure of the United States Marine Corps
Lance Corporal (LCpl)     Private First Class (PFC)     Private (Pvt)
E-3     E-2     E-1
   
   
no insignia

[edit] Forms of address

Marines address all enlisted personnel by rank, and all Commissioned officers with "sir" or "ma'am". Warrant Officers, regardless of rank, are addressed as "Warrant Officer" or "Gunner", although this latter usage is improper unless the Warrant Officer holds the Military Occupational Specialty of Infantry Weapons Officer (MOS 0306). However, during recruit training, recruits are indoctrinated to address drill instructors as "sir". Unlike the Army, ranks containing "Sergeant" are always addressed by their full rank and never shortened to simply "Sergeant"

Informally, some enlisted ranks have commonly used nicknames, though they are not official and technically improper. For instance, a Master Sergeant is commonly called "Top," and a Master Gunnery Sergeant is "Master Guns" or "Master Gunny." A First Sergeant is always referred to by his/her proper rank. A Gunnery Sergeant is typically called "Gunny," and (much less often) "Guns." Likewise, Lance Corporals are often referred to (derisively) as "Lance Coolies", "Lance Coconuts", "Lance Criminals" or some other derivative. They are not usually called by rank due to their status as "non-NCOs", or "non-rates." The rank of Sergeant is never referred to as "Sarge."[6]

[edit] Initial training

[edit] Officers

Every year, approximately 1600 new Marine officers are commissioned, and 38,000 recruits accepted and trained.[14] Commissioned officers are commissioned mainly through one of three sources: Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), Officer Candidate School (OCS) – including the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) and Officer Candidates Class (OCC) – or the United States Naval Academy (USNA).

Following commissioning, all Marine commissioned officers, regardless of accession route or further training requirements, attend The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. There, they spend six months learning to command a rifle platoon. The Basic School, for second lieutenants and warrant officers learning the art of infantry and combined arms warfare, is an example of the Corps' approach to furthering the concept that "Every Marine is a rifleman."[6]

[edit] Enlisted

Enlisted Marines attend boot camp, at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego or Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, just outside Beaufort, South Carolina. Women only attend the Parris Island depot, in the Fourth Recruit Training Battalion, while males who train at Parris Island comprise the First through Third Battalions. Historically, the Mississippi River served as the dividing line which delineated who would be trained where. More recently, the recruiting district system has been implemented resulting in a more even distribution of male recruits between the two MCRD facilities. Marine recruit training is the longest among the American services; it is 13 weeks long, compared to the Army's 9 weeks.

Enlisted Marines then attend School of Infantry training at Camp Geiger or Camp Pendleton, generally based upon where the Marine received their recruit training. Infantry Marines begin their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training immediately with the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), while all other Marines train with the Marine Combat Training (MCT) Battalion for 22 days, learning common infantry skills, before continuing on to their MOS schools.[47]

[edit] Uniforms

    Main article: Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps

Enlisted Blue Dress Uniform
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Enlisted Blue Dress Uniform
Officer Service Uniform
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Officer Service Uniform
Gen. Hagee and an enlisted Marine in woodland MARPAT
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Gen. Hagee and an enlisted Marine in woodland MARPAT

Uniforms serve to distinguish Marines from members of other services and militaries. The Marine Corps has the most stable and hence most recognizable uniforms in the American military; the Blue Dress dates back to the early 19th century[14] and the service uniform to the early 20th century. Marines' uniforms are also distinct in their simplicity; Marines do not wear unit patches or U.S. flags on any of their uniforms, nor name tags on their service and formal uniforms (with some exceptions.) Only a handful of skills (parachutist, air crew, explosive ordnance disposal, etc.) warrant distinguishing badges, and rank insignia is not worn on uniform headgear (with the exception of an officer's garrison service cover). While other servicemen commonly identify with a sub-group as much as or more than their service, (ranger, submariner, aircrew, etc.) Marines consider it enough to be distinguished simply as a Marine and their uniforms reflect this.

The Marines have three main uniforms: Dress, Service, and Utility.

The Marine Corps Dress uniform is the most elaborate, worn for formal or ceremonial occasions. There are three different forms of the Dress uniform. The most common is the Blue Dress Uniform. There is also a "Blue-White" Dress for summer, and Evening Dress for formal (white tie) occasions. It is also worn by Marine Corps enlisted recruiters on a daily basis. It is the only U.S. military uniform which bears all three colors of the U.S. flag.

The Blue Dress uniform, often seen in recruiting advertisements, is also often called "Dress Blues" or simply "Blues". It is equivalent in composition and use to black tie, worn at ceremonial events. It consists of a long-sleeved midnight blue coat with a standing collar, white barracks cover, plain white shirt, sky blue trousers with tan web belt or suspenders, white gloves, and black shoes and socks. The uniform may also be worn with a khaki long- or short-sleeved shirt in place of the coat. The Mameluke Sword (for officers) or NCO's sword may be worn as prescribed. NCO's, SNCO's, and Officers wear a blood stripe on their trousers.[48]

The Service Uniform was once the prescribed daily work attire in garrison, however it has been largely superseded in this role by the utility uniform. Consisting of olive green and khaki colors, it is commonly referred to as "Greens" or "the pickle suit." It is roughly equivalent in function and composition to a business suit. It consists of green trousers with khaki web belt, khaki longsleeve or shortsleeve shirt, khaki tie (with long sleeves), tie clasp, and black shoes. When worn with a green coat, it becomes the "Service Alpha" uniform, worn to formal but non-ceremonial occasions such as checking into a unit and court-martial hearings. Females wear a green necktab in place of the tie, pumps instead of shoes, and have the option of wearing a skirt instead of slacks. Marines may wear a soft garrison cap (sometimes nicknamed "piss cutter"), or a hard framed hat, which differs in design between females and males.[48]

The Utility Uniform is intended for wear in the field or for dirty work in garrison, though as noted above it has now been standardized for regular duty. It consists of camouflage blouse and trousers, tan rough-out leather boots, and green undershirt. It is rendered in MARPAT pixelated camouflage that breaks up the wearer's shape, and also serves to distinguish Marine uniforms from those of other services. There are two approved varieties of MARPAT, woodland (green/brown/black) and desert (tan/brown/grey). The same boots and undershirt are worn with either pattern. In garrison, during the summer months, the sleeves of the blouse are tightly folded up to the biceps, exposing the lighter inside layer, and forming a neat cuff to present a crisper appearance to the otherwise formless uniform. In years past when Marines wore identical utilities to their Army and Air Force counterparts, this served to distinguish them as the other services have a different standard for rolling sleeves. In Haiti, the practice earned them the nickname "whitesleeves". [49]

The approved headwear for this uniform is the utility cover, an eight-pointed brimmed hat that is worn "blocked", that is, creased and peaked. In the field, a boonie cover is also authorized. Since the introduction of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program(MCMAP), Marines have the option of substituting a color-coded rigger's belt for their web belt, indicating their level of proficiency in MCMAP. Unlike the Dress and Service uniforms, utilities are not permitted for off-base wear. Though exceptions are made for essential commuting tasks, e.g. picking up children from daycare or purchasing gas, the wear of utilities in public is otherwise ordinarily prohibited.[48]

[edit] Culture

As in any military organization, the official and unofficial traditions of the Marine Corps serve to reinforce camaraderie and set the service apart from others. The Corps' embracement of its rich culture and history is cited as a reason for its high esprit de corps.[6]

[edit] Official traditions and customs

The Marines' Hymn dates back to the 19th century and is the oldest official song in the U.S. Armed Forces. It embraces some of the most important battles the Corps had been in at this time (Chapultepec, Derna), and (informal) additional verses were created to honor later events.

The Marine motto "Semper Fidelis" means "Always faithful" in Latin. This motto often appears in the shortened form "Semper Fi". It is also the name of the official march of the Corps, composed by John Phillip Sousa. It was adopted in 1883, before which, the traditional mottos were "Fortitudine" (With Fortitude); By Sea and by Land, a translation of the Royal Marines' Per Mare, Per Terram; and To the Shores of Tripoli.[50]
A rendition of the emblem on the flag of the U.S. Marine Corps
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A rendition of the emblem on the flag of the U.S. Marine Corps

The Marine Corps emblem is the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor or EGA. Adopted in its present form in 1868, it derives partially from ornaments worn by the Continental Marines and the British Royal Marines, and is usually topped with a ribbon reading "Semper Fidelis". The eagle stands for a proud country, the globe signifies global service, and the fouled anchor signifies maritime traditions. The eagle is a crested eagle found worldwide, not the bald eagle that appears in other American symbols and is native to North America only. The eagle is standing on the western hemisphere and is a holding a scroll with the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, on it. It is inscribed with gold letters, “Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps.[51]

The Marine Corps seal was designated by General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr., and consists of the Marine emblem in bronze, the beak holding a ribbon reading "Semper Fidelis", on a scarlet and blue background with gold trim. On the seal, however, a bald eagle appears in place of the crested eagle[50]. The blue signifies naval ties, the scarlet and gold are the official Marine Corps colors. They appear ubiquitously in the Marine Corps, particularly on signage. They also form the base colors of the flag of the United States Marine Corps.[52]

Two styles of swords are worn by Marines. The Marine Corps officers' sword is a Mameluke sword, similar to the Persian shamshir presented to Lt. Presley O'Bannon after the Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War. After its adoption in 1825 and initial distribution in 1826, Mameluke swords have been worn by Marine officers ever since, except during the period 1859-1875, when they were required to wear the Army's Model 1850 foot officers' sword. Since 1859, Noncommissioned officers have worn a different style of sword, similar to the U.S. Army's foot officers' sword of the Civil War, making Marine NCOs along with U.S. Cavalry NCOs the only enlisted service members in the U.S. Armed Forces authorized to carry a sword.[14]

The Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated every year on the 10th of November. The celebrations were formalized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd in 1952, outlining the cake ceremony, which would enter the Marine Drill Manual in 1956. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, and the second to the youngest Marine present. The celebration also includes a reading of Marine Corps Order 47, Commandant Lejeune's Birthday Message.[53]

[edit] Unofficial traditions and customs
A recruiting poster makes use of the "Teufelhunden" nickname
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A recruiting poster makes use of the "Teufelhunden" nickname

Marines have several generic nicknames, mildly derogatory when used by outsiders but complimentary when used by Marines themselves. They include "jarhead" (it was said their hats on their uniform made them look like mason jars, or that the regulation "high and tight" haircut gave the appearance of a jar-lid), "gyrene" (perhaps a combination of "G.I." and "Marine"), and "leatherneck", referring to the leather collar that was a part of the Marine uniform during the Revolutionary War period. "Devil Dog" ("Teufelhunden", a modified version of the German Teufelshund, on posters and in print) arises from the nickname German troops conferred on Marines after the Battle of Belleau Wood. The German high command classified Marines as Storm Trooper quality(elite troops). The bulldog has also been closely associated with the Marine Corps and some units keep one as a mascot.[14]

A spirited cry, "Ooh-rah!", is common among Marines, being similar in function and purpose to the Army's "Hooah" cry. "Ooh-rah!" is usually either a reply in the affirmative to a question, an acknowledgment of an order, an expression of enthusiasm (real or false), or a greeting. Usage of the term appears to have begun sometime after the second World War and became more firmly established after the Korean War. There is little agreement or authoritative documentation on where, or why, the practice originated. Apocryphal stories have arisen regarding the origin of the term, including imitations of submarine alarm klaxons, air raid sirens and modifications by English speakers of the word "kill" in languages such as Turkish and Russian. Another theory, (commonly held although there is no firm data pointing toward it), is that "Oorah!" is based off the British cheer "Hurrah!".[54] "Semper Fi, Mac", was the common and preferred form of greeting in times past. This term is more than a "spirited cry" or a guttural sound. It was a proclamation of the Marine Corps Motto and a welcome greeting to the ears of those being greeted. It fostered a tie among the brethren who fought in the bloody fields of the Pacific Island hopping campaign and all around the world.[55]

[edit] Former Marines

Marines and those familiar with Marine Corps tradition will often object to the use of the term "ex-Marine" because Marines are inculcated with the ethos "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

Former Marine refers to an individual that completed their service and has received an honorable or general discharge from the service. Marines who have retired are commonly called "retired Marines", "Sir/Ma'am" out of respect, "Marine", which they still are, or according to the "Commandant's White letters" from Commandant General Gray until present, by their earned rank.[49]

[edit] Martial arts program

    Main article: Marine Corps Martial Arts Program

In 2001, the Marine Corps initiated an internally designed martial arts program, called Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, or MCMAP for short. The idea was borrowed from the South Korean Marines, who train in martial arts and who, during the Vietnam War, were widely rumored to all hold black belts. Due to an expectation that urban and police-type peacekeeping missions would become more common in the 21st century, placing Marines in even closer contact with unarmed civilians, MCMAP was implemented to provide Marines with a larger and more versatile set of less-than-lethal options for controlling hostile, but unarmed individuals. It is also a stated aim of the program to instill and maintain the "Warrior Ethos" within Marines.[56]

The Marine Corps Martial Arts program is an eclectic mix of different styles of martial arts. MCMAP consists of boxing movements, joint locking techniques, opponent weight transfer (Jujutsu), ground grappling (mostly wrestling), bayonet, knife and baton fighting, noncompliance joint manipulations, and blood restriction chokes.

Marines begin MCMAP training in boot camp. There are 5 levels of MCMAP, signified by the color of a riggers belt. The colors from the lowest to the highest levels; Tan, Grey, Green, Brown, and Black. A minimum level of achievement is set for each rank level, including officers. Recruits and junior officers must earn a tan belt in initial training before being allowed to graduate. After entering the Fleet Marine Forces (FMF), Marines are allowed to progress further in MCMAP. Tan and Grey belts are considered the foundation of the movements in MCMAP, with succeeding belts building on those basic techniques. When a Marine reaches the level of Green belt, he has the opportunity to become an instructor or instructor trainer. This is represented by a tan stripe to the left of the buckle. At the brown belt level, a Marine must be at a minimum an instructor in MCMAP. The highest level in belts is the black belt which has 6 degrees indicated by red stripes to the right of the buckle.[56]

[edit] Equipment

    Main article: :Category:United States Marine Corps equipment

[edit] Infantry weapons

    Main article: List of weapons of the U.S. Marine Corps

Marine sniper using the M14 designated marksman rifle
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Marine sniper using the M14 designated marksman rifle

The basic infantry weapon of the Marine Corps is the M16 assault rifle family, with a majority of forward-deployed Marines being equipped with the M16A4 service rifle or the M4 carbine, a compact variant. Suppression fire is provided by the M249 SAW and M240G machine guns at the fireteam, and company levels, respectively. In addition, indirect fire is provided by the M203 grenade launcher in fireteams, M224 60 mm mortar in companies, and M252 81 mm mortar in battalions. The M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun and MK19 Automatic Grenade Launcher (40 mm) are available for use by dismounted infantry, though they are more commonly vehicle-mounted. Precision fire is provided by the M14 designated marksman rifle and M40A3 Sniper Rifle.[57]

The Marine Corps utilizes a variety of direct-fire rockets and missiles to provide infantry with an offensive and defensive anti-armor capability. The SMAW and AT4 Anti-Tank Missile are unguided rockets that can destroy armor and fixed defenses (e.g. bunkers) at ranges up to 500 meters. The Predator SRAW, FGM-148 Javelin, BGM-71 TOW are guided anti-tank missiles. All three can utilize top-attack profiles to avoid heavy frontal armor. The Predator is a short-range fire-and-forget weapon; the Javelin and TOW are heavier missiles effective past 2000 meters that give infantry an offensive capability against armor.[58]

[edit] Ground vehicles
AAV-7A1 outside of Fallujah, Iraq in 2005
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AAV-7A1 outside of Fallujah, Iraq in 2005

The Corps operates the same High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank as the U.S. Army. However, for its specific needs, the Corps has a number of unique vehicles. The LAV 25 is a dedicated wheeled armored personnel carrier used to provide strategic mobility.[59] Amphibious capability is provided by the AAV-7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicle, an armored tractor that doubles as an armored personnel carrier. Somewhat dated, it will shortly be replaced by the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, a markedly faster tractor that incorporates superior armor and weaponry.

Prior to 2005, the Marines operated exclusively tube artillery – the M198 155 mm howitzer, now being replaced by the M777 155 mm howitzer. In 2005, the Corps expanded its artillery composition to include the High Mobility Artillery rocket system (HIMARS), a truck-mounted rocket artillery system. Both are capable of firing guided munitions.[60]

[edit] Aircraft
MV-22 Osprey
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MV-22 Osprey

The organic aviation capability of the Marine Corps is essential to its mission. The Corps operates both rotary and fixed wing aircraft to provide transport and close air support.

The Marine light helicopter squadron is a composite squadron of AH-1W Super Cobras and UH-1N Hueys, as the airframes have over 80% commonality. These provide attack and light transport capabilities.[61] Medium squadrons fly the CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion transport helicopters, and are converting to the V-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft with superior range and speed. Heavy lift is provided by the CH-53E Super Stallion.[62]

Marine attack aviation flies the AV-8 Harrier II, and the single-seat and dual-seat versions of the F/A-18 Hornet. The AV-8 Harrier II is a VTOL aircraft that can operate from amphibious assault ships. The F/A-18 can only be flown from land or aircraft carriers. Both are slated to be replaced by the VTOL version of the F-35 Lightning II (the F-35B).[63]

In addition, the Corps operates organic electronic warfare and aerial refueling assets in the EA-6B Prowler and KC-130 Hercules. The Hercules doubles as a tactical transport aircraft. Since the Prowler is the only active tactical electronic warfare aircraft left in the U.S. inventory, it has been labeled a "national asset" and frequently borrowed to assist in any American combat action, not just Marine operations.[64] The Marines also operate the RQ-2 Pioneer UAV for tactical reconnaissance.[65]

[edit] Marine bases and stations

    Main article: List of United States Marine Corps bases

The Marine Corps operates 15 major bases, 10 of which host operating forces.[66] Marine Corps bases are concentrated around the location of the Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF), though reserve units are scattered throughout the United States. The principal bases are Camp Pendleton on the West coast, home to I MEF; Camp Lejeune on the East Coast, home to II MEF, and Camp Butler in Okinawa, Japan, home to III MEF.

Other important bases are the homes to Marine training commands. Twentynine Palms in California is the Marine Corps' largest base. Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia is home to Marine Corps Combat Development Command. It is considered the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps"[67] as most Marines will attend school at Quantico at some point - it is home to initial officer training, and the Marine Corps University, which contains the career schools Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, Marine Corps War College (MCWAR), School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW), Command and Staff College (CSC), The School of MAGTF Logistics (SOML), Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) as well as a variety of other leadership and education programs.[68]

[edit] Famous Marines

    Main article: List of famous U.S. Marines

Many famous Americans, as well as CEO's of many Fortune 500 Companys, have served in the Marine Corps. In politics, Senator Zell Miller, pundit James Carville, Reagan Secretary of the Navy and Virginia Senator-elect Jim Webb and military analysts Anthony Zinni, Joseph Hoar, Bernard E. Trainor were Marines. Baseball Hall of Famers Tom Seaver, Ted Williams, Rod Carew, Roberto Clemente, Eddie Collins, and Bill Veeck all served in the Marines. Comedian Drew Carey was a Marine. Six astronauts, including John Glenn, Charles F. Bolden, Jr. and Fred Haise were Marine aviators. Several Marines--particularly R. Lee Ermey, who hosts the TV series Mail Call--have succeeded in the entertainment industry. In addition, many films feature the U.S. Marine Corps.[10]

United States Coast Guard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
United States Coast Guard   

Personnel
Organization of the Coast Guard
Missions of the Coast Guard
Commandant
Badges
Awards
Equipment
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Coast Guard Reserve
Structure
Air stations
History and Traditions
Coast Guard History
Coast Guard Academy
Coast Guard slogan
Coast Guard One
Coast Guard Flag
Predecessor organizations
Life-Saving Service
Revenue Cutter Service
Lighthouse Service



The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States armed forces involved in maritime law enforcement, mariner assistance, search and rescue, and national defense, among other duties of coast guards elsewhere. As one of the seven uniformed services of the United States, and the smallest armed service of the United States, its stated mission is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America's coasts, ports, and inland waterways.

USCG has a broad and important role in homeland security, law enforcement, search and rescue, marine environmental pollution response, and the maintenance of river, intracoastal and offshore aids to navigation (ATON). It also lays claim to being the United States' oldest continuous seagoing service. The United States Coast Guard has about 40,150 men and women on active duty, 8,000 reservists, and 35,000 auxiliarists.

The Coast Guard's motto is Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready". USCG has participated in every U.S. conflict from landing troops on D-Day and on the Pacific Islands in WWII, extensive patrols and shore bombardment during the Vietnam War, to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maritime interception operations, coastal security patrols, and law enforcement detachments are the major roles in Iraq.

The legal basis for the Coast Guard is 14 U.S.C. § 1 which states: "The Coast Guard as established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times." On February 25, 2003, the Coast Guard was placed under the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard reports directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security. However, under 14 U.S.C. § 3 as amended by section 211 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, upon the declaration of war and when Congress so directs in the declaration, or when the President directs, the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Department of the Navy.

As members of a military service, Coast Guardsmen on active and reserve service are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and receive the same pay and allowances as members of the same pay grades in the other four armed services.

USCGC SteadfastContents [hide]
1 History
2 Organization
3 Personnel
3.1 Commissioned Officer Corps
3.1.1 United States Coast Guard Academy
3.1.2 Officer Candidate School
3.2 Commissioned Warrant Officers
3.3 Enlisted Corps
4 Equipment
5 Symbols
5.1 Core values
5.2 Coast Guard Ensign
5.3 Coast Guard Standard
5.4 Racing Stripe
5.5 Semper Paratus
6 Missions
7 Uniforms
8 Issues
9 Notable alumni and others associated with the USCG
10 Coast Guard Auxiliary
11 Coast Guard Reserve
12 Medals and honors
13 Alumni organization
14 The Coast Guard in Popular Culture
15 See also
16 Notes
17 External links


[edit]
History
Main article: History of the United States Coast Guard

Marines holding a thanking sign for the US Coast Guard after the battle of Guam.

The roots of the Coast Guard lie in the United States Revenue Cutter Service established under the Department of the Treasury in 1790. Until the establishment of the United States Navy a decade later, the Cutter Service was the only naval force of the early U.S.

"First Fleet" is a term occasionally used as an informal reference to the US Coast Guard, although as far as one can detect the United States has never in fact officially used this designation with reference either to the Coast Guard or any element of the US Navy. The informal appelation honors the fact that between 1790 and 1798, there was no United States Navy and the cutters which were the predecessor of the US Coast Guard were the only warships protecting the coast, trade, and maritime interests of the new republic. [1]

The modern Coast Guard can be said to date to 1915, when the Cutter Service merged with the United States Life-Saving Service and Congress formalized the existence of the new organization. In 1937, the U.S. Lighthouse Service was brought under its purview. In 1967, the Coast Guard became part of the Department of Transportation, an arrangement that lasted until it was placed under the Department of Homeland Security in 2003.

In times of war, the Coast Guard may operate as a service in the Department of the Navy. This arrangement has a broad historical basis, as the Guard has been involved in wars as diverse as the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the American Civil War, in which the cutter Harriet Lane fired the first naval shots at Fort Sumter. The last time the Coast Guard operated as a whole under the Navy was in World War II.

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Organization
Main article: Organization of the United States Coast Guard

The headquarters of the Coast Guard is on 2100 Second Street, SW, in Washington, D.C.. In 2005, the Coast Guard announced tentative plans to relocate to the grounds of the former St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington. That project is currently on hold because of environmental, historical, and congressional concerns. As of July 2006, there are several possible locations being considered, including the current headquarters location.

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Personnel

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Commissioned Officer Corps

There are many routes by which individuals can become commissioned officers in the US Coast Guard. The two most common are:

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United States Coast Guard Academy
See also: United States Coast Guard Academy

The United States Coast Guard Academy is located on the Thames River in New London, Connecticut. It is the only military academy, apart from the specialized Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, to which no Congressional or presidential appointments are made. All cadets enter by open competition utilizing SAT scores, high school grades, extra-curricular activities, and other criteria. About 175 cadets are commissioned ensigns each year. Graduates of the Academy must serve five years' active duty.

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Officer Candidate School

In addition to the Academy, officers may enter the Coast Guard through a 17-week Officer Candidate School (OCS) at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Graduates of OCS must serve three years' active duty. OCS is a rigorous seventeen-week course of instruction which prepares candidates to serve effectively as officers in the United States Coast Guard. In addition to indoctrinating students into a military life-style, OCS also provides a wide range of highly technical information necessary for performing the duties of a Coast Guard officer.

Graduates of the program receive a commission in the Coast Guard at the rank of Ensign and are required to serve a minimum of three years of active duty. Graduates may be assigned to a ship, flight training, to a staff job, or to an operations ashore billet. However, first assignments are based on the needs of the US Coast Guard. Personal desires and performance at OCS are considered. All graduates must be available for world wide assignment.

In addition to United States citizens, foreign cadets and candidates also attend Coast Guard officer training.

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Commissioned Warrant Officers

Highly qualified enlisted personnel from E-6 through E-9 compete every year for appointment as a Warrant Officer. Successful candidates are chosen by a board and then commissioned as Chief Warrant Officers (CWO-2).

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Enlisted Corps

Newly enlisted personnel are sent to eight weeks of Basic Training at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey.

The training schedule includes:
Physical fitness
Water survival and swimming qualifications
Wellness and nutrition
Self discipline
Military skills
Military bearing
Seamanship

Following graduation, most members are sent to their first unit while they await orders to attend advanced training, in Class "A" Schools, in their chosen rating, the naval term for Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Some members go directly to "A" School upon graduation from Basic training.

Petty officers follow career development paths similar to those of Navy petty officers.

Enlisted Coast Guard members who have reached the pay grade of E-7, or Chief Petty Officer, must attend the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy at Petaluma, California, or an equivalent Department of Defense school, to be advanced to pay grade E-8. United States Air Force master sergeants, as well as international students representing their respective maritime services, are also eligible to attend the Academy. The basic themes of this school are:
Professionalism
Leadership
Communications
Systems Thinking and Lifelong Learning

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Equipment
Main article: Equipment of the United States Coast Guard

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Symbols

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Core values

The Coast Guard, like the other armed services of the United States, has a set of core values which serve as basic ethical guidelines to Coast Guard members. As listed in the recruit pamphlet, The Helmsman, they are:
Honor: Absolute integrity is our standard. A Coast Guardsman demonstrates honor in all things: never lying, cheating, or stealing. We do the right thing because it is the right thing to do—all the time.
Respect: We value the dignity and worth of people: whether a stranded boater, an immigrant, or a fellow Coast Guardsman; we honor, protect, and assist.
Devotion to Duty: A Coast Guardsman is dedicated to the accomplishment of our missions: Lifesaving, Law Enforcement, Environmental Protection, National Defense. We are loyal and accountable to the public trust. We welcome responsibility.

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Coast Guard Ensign

Coast Guard Ensign (Photo U.S. Coast Guard)

The Coast Guard Ensign (flag) was first flown by the Revenue Cutter Service in 1799 to distinguish revenue cutters from merchant ships. The order stated the Ensign would be "16 perpendicular stripes, alternate red and white, the union of the ensign to be the arms of the United States in a dark blue on a white field." (There were 16 states in the United States at the time).

The purpose of the flag is to allow ship captains to easily recognize those vessels having legal authority to stop and board them. This flag is flown only as a symbol of law enforcement authority and is never carried as a parade standard. See [1]

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Coast Guard Standard

Parade Standard of the U.S. Coast Guard

The Coast Guard Standard is used in parades and carries the battle honors of the U.S. Coast Guard. It was derived from the jack of the Coast Guard ensign which used to fly from the stern of revenue cutters. The emblem is a blue eagle from the coat of arms of the United States on a white field. Above the eagle are the words "UNITED STATES COAST GUARD;" below the eagle is the motto, "SEMPER PARATUS" and the inscription "1790."

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Racing Stripe

The Racing Stripe was designed in 1964 to give the Coast Guard a distinctive, modern image and was first used in 1967. The symbol is a narrow blue bar, a narrow white stripe between, and a broad red bar with the Coast Guard shield centered. The stripes are canted at a 64 degree angle, coincidentally the year the Racing Stripe was designed. The Stripe has been adopted for the use of other coast guards, such as the Canadian Coast Guard, the Italian Guardia Costiera, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Australian Customs Service. Auxiliary vessels maintained by the Coast Guard also carry the Stripe in inverted colors.

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Semper Paratus

The official march of the Coast Guard is "Semper Paratus (march)" (Latin for "Always Ready"). An audio clip can be found at [2].

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Missions
Main article: Missions of the United States Coast Guard

The Coast Guard carries out five basic missions:
maritime safety
maritime mobility
maritime security
national defense
protection of natural resources.

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Uniforms

In 1972, the current Coast Guard dress blue uniform was introduced for wear by both officers and enlisted personnel (Prior to 1972, they wore U.S. Navy-style uniforms with Coast Guard insignia). Relatively similar in appearance to the old-style U.S. Air Force uniforms, the uniform consists of a blue four-pocket single breasted jacket and trousers in a slightly darker shade. A light-blue button-up shirt with a pointed collar, two front button-flap pockets, "enhanced" shoulder boards for officers, and pin-on collar insignia for Chief Petty Officers and enlisted personnel is worn when in shirt-sleeve order (known as "Tropical Blue Long"). It is similar to the World War II-era uniforms worn by Coast Guard Surfmen. Officer rank insignia parallels that of the U.S. Navy but with the gold Navy "line" star being replaced with the gold Coast Guard Shield and with the Navy blue background color replaced by Coast Guard blue. Enlisted rank insignia is also similar to the Navy with the Coast Guard shield replacing the eagle on collar and cap devices. Group Rate marks (stripes) for junior enlisted members (E-3 and below) also follow U. S. Navy convention with white for seaman, red for fireman, and green for airman. In a departure from the U. S. Navy conventions, all petty Officers E-6 and below wear red chevrons and all Chief Petty Officers wear gold. See USCG Uniform Regulations [3] for current regulations.

The Coast Guard uses a white uniform, but it is worn only by officers during the summer for formal parade and change-of-command ceremonies— Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers, and enlisted rates wear the blue uniform year round. When worn as a dress uniform, a white shirt replaces the light-blue shirt and a white belt may be worn for honor guards. A mess dress uniform is worn by members for formal (black tie) evening ceremonies.

The current working uniform of the Coast Guard is the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU), which is similar to the Battle Dress Uniform worn by the other U.S. armed services, but is in dark blue with no camouflage patterns and does not have lower pockets on the blouse. Rather, the blouse is tucked into the trousers. The ODU is worn with steel-toed boots in most circumstances, but low-cut black or brown boat shoes may be prescribed for certain situations. The former dark blue working uniform has been withdrawn from use by the Coast Guard but may be worn by Auxiliarists until no longer serviceable.

Enlisted Coast Guardsmen wear the combination covers for full dress, a garrison cover for Class "B," wear, and a baseball-style cover either embroidered with "U.S. Coast Guard" in gold block lettering or the name of their ship, unit or station in gold, for the ODU uniform. Male and female company commanders (the Coast Guard equivalent of Marine Corps drill instructors) at Training Center Cape May wear the traditional "Smokey the Bear" campaign hat.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary wears uniforms identical to Coast Guard officers but with silver stripes denoting office held by the Auxiliarist (rather than rank). Insignia are marked with an "A" in the center.

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Issues

A Coast Guard helicopter crew member looks out over post-Katrina New Orleans

The Coast Guard faces several issues in the near future.

Lack of coverage affects many areas with high maritime traffic. For example, local officials in Scituate, Massachusetts, have complained that there is no permanent Coast Guard station, and the presence of the Coast Guard in winter is vital. One reason for this lack of coverage is the relatively high cost of building storm-proof buildings on coastal property; the Cape Hatteras station was abandoned in 2005 after winter storms wiped out the 12-foot sand dune serving as its protection from the ocean.

Lack of strength to meet its assigned missions is being met by a legislated increase in authorized strength from 39,000 to 45,000. In addition, the volunteer Auxiliary is being called to take up more non-combatant missions. However, volunteer coverage does have limits.

Aging vessels are another problem. In 2005, the Coast Guard terminated contracts to upgrade the 110-foot (33.5 m) Island Class Cutters to 123-foot (37.5 m) cutters because of warping and distortion of the hulls. Of the 40 largest navies in the world, the Coast Guard's is the 38th oldest.

Live fire exercises by Coast Guard boat and cutter crews in the U.S. waters of the Great Lakes have attracted attention in the U.S. and Canada. The Coast Guard has proposed the establishment of 34 locations around the Great Lakes where live fire training using vessel-mounted machine guns would be conducted periodically throughout the year. The Coast Guard has said that these exercises are a critical part of proper crew training in support of the service's multiple missions on the Great Lakes. Those raising concerns about the firing exercises have commented about safety concerns and that the impact on commercial shipping, tourism, recreational boating and the environment may be greater than what the Coast Guard has stated. The Coast Guard has extended the comment period for the proposal and is conducting a series of public meetings to allow more input and discussion. [2] [3] [4] [5]

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Notable alumni and others associated with the USCG
Source: U.S. Coast Guard
Derroll Adams, folk musician
Nick Adams, actor
Beau Bridges, actor
Lloyd Bridges, actor
Sid Caesar, comedian
Howard Coble, U.S. Congressman, North Carolina
Chris Cooper, actor
Richard Cromwell, actor
Walter Cronkite, newscaster
William D. Delahunt, U.S. Congressman, Massachusetts
Jack Dempsey, professional boxer
Buddy Ebsen (1908–2003), actor, comedian, dancer
Blake Edwards, writer, director, producer
Edwin D. Eshleman (1920-1985), former U.S. Congressman, Pennsylvania
Arthur Fiedler, conductor
Arthur A. Fontaine, captain, college sailing national champion, ISCA Hall of Fame
Charles Gibson, newscaster
Arthur Godfrey, entertainer
Otto Graham, professional football player and coach
Alex Haley, author of Roots and chief journalist
William Hopper, actor
Tab Hunter, actor
Harvey E. Johnson, Jr., Vice Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, is Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area
Steve Knight, Vocalist for Flipsyde
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, athlete, actor
Jack Kramer, tennis professional
Jacob Lawrence, artist
Victor Mature, actor
Frank Murkowski, governor and former U.S. Senator, Alaska
Sam Nunn, former U.S. Senator, Georgia
Arnold Palmer, professional golfer
Ed Parker, martial artist
Claiborne Pell, former U.S. Senator, Rhode Island
Cesar Romero, actor
Sloan Wilson, writer
Dorothy C. Stratton first director of the SPARS
Gene Taylor, U.S. Congressman, Mississippi
Ted Turner, businessman
Rudy Vallee, entertainer
Thornton Wilder, writer
Gig Young, actor

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Coast Guard Auxiliary

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer civilian (non-military) service, established in 1939 as the Coast Guard Reserve, that works within the Coast Guard in carrying out its noncombatant and non-law enforcement missions. As of July 3, 2006, there were 31,670 active Auxiliarists. The Auxiliary is seen as the third component of "Team Coast Guard", but as civilians, there are differences in the functions they may perform. 33 CFR 5.31 states that: Members of the Auxiliary, when assigned to specific duties shall, unless otherwise limited by the Commandant, be vested with the same power and authority, in execution of such duties, as members of the regular Coast Guard assigned to similar duties.

Auxiliarists may support the law enforcement mission of the Coast Guard but do not directly participate in it. Auxiliarists and their vessels are not allowed to carry any weapons while serving in any Auxiliary capacity; however, they may serve as scouts, alerting regular Coast Guard units. Auxiliarists may use their own vessels (i.e. boats) and aircraft, in carrying out Coast Guard missions, or apply specialized skills such as Web page design or radio watchstanding to assist the Coast Guard.

For many operational duties, such as boat crew or radio operator, an Auxiliarist will need to obtain a security clearance through the Coast Guard; others do not require a clearance.

The basic unit of the Auxiliary is the flotilla, which has at least 10 members and may have as many as 100. Several flotillas form a division. There are several divisions in each Coast Guard District. The Atlantic and Pacific areas select a Commodore, and there is a national Commodore. However, legally, each Auxiliarist has the same 'rank', Auxiliarist. (As a courtesy, Auxiliarists may be addressed as 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.', but they are not to be confused with warrant officers).

Auxiliarists wear the same uniform as Coast Guard officers with modified officers' insignia based on their office: the stripes on uniforms are silver, and metal insignia bear a red or blue "A" in the center. Unlike their counterparts in the Civil Air Patrol, Auxiliarists come under direct orders of the Coast Guard.

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Coast Guard Reserve

The United States Coast Guard Reserve is the military reserve of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Reserve was founded on February 19, 1941. Although Reservists normally train on a schedule of one weekend a month and for 15 days every year, many Reservists are integrated directly with Coast Guard units.

During the Vietnam War period and shortly thereafter, the Coast Guard considered abandoning the Reserve program, but the force was instead reoriented into force augmentation.

Since September 11, 2001, over 8,500 Reservists have been activated and 400 Reservists are currently on active duty. All the Coast Guard's Port Security Units and most of its Naval Coastal Warfare units are Reserve units.

The Reserve is managed by the Director of Reserve and Training, RADM Sally Brice-O'Hara.

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Medals and honors
See also: Awards and decorations of the United States military

One Coast Guardsman, Douglas Albert Munro, has earned the Medal of Honor, the highest military award of the United States.[6]

Six Coast Guardsmen have earned the Navy Cross and 12 have earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Prior to the transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, the highest peacetime decoration was the Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal. The highest unit award was the Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award.

In wartime, members of the Coast Guard are eligible to receive the U.S. Navy version of the Medal of Honor. A Coast Guard Medal of Honor exists, but only conjecturally and has never been issued. Further information about this medal can be found in The Medals and Awards Manual M1650.25.

In May 2006, at the Change of Command ceremony when Admiral Thad Allen took over as Commandant, President George W. Bush awarded the entire Coast Guard, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Presidential Unit Citation for its efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

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Alumni organization

Those who have piloted or flown in U.S. Coast Guard aircraft under official flight orders may join the Ancient Order of the Pterodactyls ("Flying Since the World was Flat").

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The Coast Guard in Popular Culture

The Coast Guard has been featured in several television series, such as C.S.I. Miami, and in film. A comedy, Onionhead, portrayed Andy Griffith as a Coast Guard recruit. The film The Perfect Storm (film) depicted the rescue operations of the USCGC Tamarora as one of its subplots. The 2006 film The Guardian (2006 film) was based on the training and operation of Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers.

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See also    Military of the United States Portal

U. S. Coast Guard Cutters
National Data Buoy Center
United States Maritime Administration
United States Maritime Service
USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB-83)
USCGC Bramble (WLB-392)
USCGC Sequoia (WLB-215) Bouy Tender
USCGC Triton (WPC-116) Patrol Boat
List of United States Coast Guard air stations
US Coast Guard in popular culture

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Notes
^ http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/unit/fleet_n.htm
^ http://www.uscgd9safetyzones.com Ninth Coast Guard District – U.S. Great Lakes proposed permanent safety zones information site
^ http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/p86/413031.pdf United States Federal Register – August 1, 2006 – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
^ http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2 … ml?ref=rss CBC News – October 16, 2006 – U.S. machine-gun fire suspended on Great Lakes
^ http://www.dispatch.com/outdoors/outdoo … 17-02.html Columbus Dispatch - September 10, 2006 - Some up in arms over fire zones
^ United States Coast Guard. Douglas Albert Munro, USCG. Accessed November 6, 2006.

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External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Category:United States Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Website
Recruitment site
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Website
Coast Guard Magazine
Coast Guard manuals online
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Ninth District Eastern Region Website
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Ninth District Eastern Region, Division 04 Website
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Ninth District Eastern Region, Flotilla 45 Website
U.S. Coast Guard Semper Paratus
Military.com
Fred's Place: Dedicated to all Coasties
Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports regarding the U.S. Coast Guard