The Tip of the Spear
Founded at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the Marine Corps has served in every conflict in U.S. history. They are the nation's 9-1-1 force, capable of rapid response by sea, land, and air.
⚔️ Why "Leatherneck"?
The nickname comes from the high leather collar worn from 1798 to 1872, designed to protect the neck from sword cuts and ensure a sharp military bearing.
Today's Marine Force
The Marine Corps maintains a high state of readiness through **Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU)**, which are self-contained task forces deployed globally aboard Navy amphibious ships.
172,000+
Active Duty Marines
3
Marine Expeditionary Forces
24
Infantry Battalions
~350
MV-22B Osprey Aircraft
⚔️ MV-22 Osprey: Versatility in the Air
The MV-22 Osprey is the backbone of Marine medium-tiltrotor squadrons. By combining the vertical flight capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing plane, the Osprey allows Marines to launch amphibious assaults from much further over the horizon, significantly increasing mission safety and surprise.
⚔️ "Devil Dogs"
Legend has it that during WWI at Belleau Wood, the Germans called the persistent Marines "Teufel Hunden" (Devil Dogs) due to their relentless fighting spirit.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."
— President Ronald Reagan