Marines Essays - Military Organization, Military,

Marines Being a Marine is the most challenging and rewarding responsibility a person could face. It is a known fact that the Marines have the toughest and most difficulty training course in the world. Men and women from all over the world try their abilities of strength and courage to see what life can throw at them, and what it is to be a true Marine(Conner). The United States Marine mental and moral qualities have been tested throughout history. Through the long history of the Marine Corps there are examples, both in war and in peace, of such qualities as versatility, trustworthiness, singleness and tenacity of purpose, courage, faithfulness, and self-sacrifice (Marines Welcome). On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that two Battalions of Marines be raised for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution, established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, these first Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March 1776, under the command of Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas. Nicholas, the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, remained the senior Marine officer throughout the American Revolution and is considered to be the first Marine Commandant. The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an end to the Revolutionary War and as the last of the Navy's ships were sold, the Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence. Following the Revolutionary War and the formal re-establishment of the Marine Corps on 11 July 1798, Marines saw action in the quasi-war with France, landed in Santo Domingo, and took part in many operations against the Barbary pirates along the Shores of Tripoli. Marines participated in numerous naval operations during the War of 1812, as well as participating in the defense of Washington at Bladensburg, Maryland, and fought alongside Andrew Jackson in the defeat of the British at New Orleans. The decades following the War of 1812 saw the Marines protecting American interests around the world, in the Caribbean, at the Falkland Islands, Sumatra and off the coast of West Africa, and also close to home in the operations against the Seminole Indians in Florida. During the Mexican War (1846-1848), Marines seized enemy seaports on both the Gulf and Pacific coasts. A battalion of Marines joined General Scott's army at Pueblo and fought all the way to the Halls of Montezuma, Mexico City. Marines also served ashore and afloat in the Civil War (1861-1865). Although most service was with the Navy, a battalion fought at Bull Run and other units saw action with the blockading squadrons and at Cape Hatteras, New Orleans, Charleston, and Fort Fisher. The last third of the 19th century saw Marines making numerous landings throughout the world, especially in the Orient and in the Caribbean area (History and Museums ). The Marines continue to serve the nation from all parts of the globe. In tradition, the world famed the Marine Corps has the important role of being the force in readiness to help keep the peace throughout the world (Marine Corps 44) The Marine Corps Recruit Depot is at Parris Island, South Carolina where it all began. It was organized by Brigadier General Wallace M. Greene Jr. The Recruit Training Regiment was organized to control all activities dealing with training the male recruits. Parris Island was not only for the male recruits, but women Marines had a big part on the island also. It became the permanent basic training site for all women marines. (Continental 23) The Regiment consists of the first, Second, Third, and Forth (Women's) Battalions and weapons battalion. In addition to training the recruits, it has a Drill Instructors School and NCO School. Command of the Head quarters and Service Battalion has all the support units and schools to train. Parris Island not only has the regiments to command, but it has been known for the progress mainly along the military lines. It keeps its pace with advances in the art of training recruits, making one of the most efficient and picturesque military reservations in the world. Parris Island stands proud of