US Marine Corps 246th Birthday

US Marine Corps 246th Birthday

Reported By C.Moalli November 10, 2021

Today, November 10th, the US Marine Corps celebrates its 246th birthday, tracing its lineage to the Continental Marines at the American War of Independence.

Through the Continental Marine Act of 1775, Congress decreed the formation of two Marines battalions where its members should be good seamen or so acquainted with maritime affairs. Marines' first commandant was Samuel Nicholas, and their first barracks were located in Philadelphia.

Following the Treaty of Paris in April 1783, the Continental Marines were disbanded, returning only on July 11th, 1798, when Congress ordered the creation of the Marine Corps, as we know it today, and directed that it be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy.

Today, USMC's primary missions are to seize or defend advanced naval bases and other land operations to support naval campaigns and develop tactics, techniques, and equipment used by amphibious landing forces in coordination with the Army and Air Force. The USMC took part in every major US military campaign, including World War I, World War II (with a specially outstanding contribution at the Pacific Theater), Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf Wars, and the Global War on Terror.

Despite currently being the minor branch of the US Armed Forces, with a little over 180,000 personnel, Marines' fighting spirit and toughness never faded, earning them several nicknames, including "Devil Dogs". Although several good-spirited jokes among other services branches, especially those including a diet based on crayons, the USMC and its member are highly respected and admired by every other service member and civilian.

Currently, General David H. Berger serves as the USMC 38th Commandant, nominated on March 26th, 2019. He's been in service since 1981.

Semper Fi, Marines! Oorah!