MARINE CORPS

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Marine Corps, United States, is a branch of the U.S. armed forces that is especially trained and organized for military expeditions and amphibious operations. Marine assault forces, supported by air units and U.S. Navy warships, attack and seize enemy positions. As a "force in readiness," the Marines go to strategic areas as crisis reaction forces. Other missions may involve combat, peacekeeping, counterterrorism, civilian evacuations, or humanitarian assistance. The Marines serve and train for war in every climate, from the polar regions to the deserts and the tropics. They are often called leathernecks because in the early days they wore high leather collars around their necks. A well-known military saying is "The Marines have landed, and the situation is well in hand." The Marines have been the first to fight in almost every major war of the United States. Since 1775, these "soldiers of the sea" have grown from two battalions of sharpshooters into an elite combat organization of Marine Expeditionary Forces composed of air wings, ground divisions, and logistics (supply) groups. The U.S. Marine Corps is one of the two naval services within the Department of the Navy in the Department of Defense. The corps is a partner, but not a part, of the Navy. Navy amphibious ships transport Marine troops on missions. During the early 2000's, the Marine Corps had a strength of about 172,000 on active duty and 32,000 in the reserves. The motto of the corps, adopted in 1880, is Simper Fiddles (Always Faithful). The Marine emblem was adopted in 1868. "The Marines' Hymn," written in the 1800's, begins with the stirring words "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli." John Philip Sousa wrote the corps' march, "Simper Fiddles," while serving as leader of the Marine band. The band is called "The President's Own," because it plays for state affairs in the White House. The official colors of the corps are scarlet and gold.