What Do Marines Do?

Did you know that the Marine Corps has almost 200,000 members on active duty?

But what do Marines do every day, exactly?

The responsibility to protect and serve United States citizens is great. Becoming a Marine is a prestigious honor and only a select few will be able to complete all of the necessary training. If you are seriously considering joining the Marines, you need to think about several career factors. For example, what do Marines get paid?

We’ll cover all that and more in this article about joining the Marines. Read on to see if the Marine Corps is the right career fit for you.

What Do Marines Do?

If you’re interested in joining the Marines, you need to have a clear picture of what your daily life will be like on and off base.

Marines are one of the finest and most elite fighting units within the United States military. Their role is relatively unique amongst other services.

Marines primarily serve on US Navy ships and naval bases, or they guard United States embassies in other countries. They need to be able to be mobilized as an ever-ready combat force that can be picked up and moved anywhere around the world wherever additional forces are needed.

Marines are primarily warriors. They are highly skilled in the art and tradition of war and also modern combat.

They hold themselves to an extremely high standard and can take on a wide variety of careers within the Marines and beyond. Different military occupational specialty (MOS) offerings allow for different tracks within this elite unit.

Unique Roles

In addition to typical combat roles, you might be surprised to learn that the Marine Corps likes to hire musicians and lawyers to serve in their ranks.

Lawyers can become judge advocates that serve and protect the interests of Marine officers in a variety of legal settings. Similarly, musicians can be employed for various roles within the unit in addition to receiving combat training.

Dedicated military occupational specialties include communications, logistics, infantry, intelligence, and more.

You may not have complete say over which of these roles you end up with. However, the military aims to maximize your strengths wherever appropriate.

What Is the History of the US Marine Corps?

The US Marine Corps set up its first recruiting headquarters in a tavern in Philadelphia in 1775, which preceded the official formation of the country. The tavern put out an advertisement asking for “a few good men.” In subsequent decades the Marine Corps carried out special military operations, including the first amphibious raid on Fort Nassau and the battle of Derna.

As years went on the military continued to use the Marine Corps for its special interests, particularly in major wars abroad. Many people consider the roles of the Marine Corps in the Second World War and the Vietnam War to be some of the most courageous in all of military history. Major air-ground battles at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima were matched by later famous fights in Chosin Reservoir in the Battle of Hue.

The Marine Corps continued in special operations in the war in Afghanistan and the Iraq war, and they continue to remain present for all forms of potential combat and security concerns in an uncertain global landscape. Today’s Marines include both men and women from all walks of life.

Do Marines Fight in War?

As discussed, the role of the Marines in each of the above conflicts was critical to the successes of the United States military. Marines do fight in war, however, many Marine units are involved in logistics and operations that take place far away from the front lines. It is possible to be a Marine and serve your country without ever facing gunfire.

However, a typical Marine combat unit is able and prepared to take on an incredible array of military opposition strategies. They are trained to expect everything from jet fighters to infantry, Marine hovercraft, and heavily armored tanks.

These special soldiers have a diverse and highly trained skill set. Their training prepares them for war situations across a wide spectrum of combat.

Marines have participated in every war involving the United States. Not only do they fight in these wars, they historically have been one of the first units to engage in combat, successfully executing more than 300 landings on foreign shores.

Are the Marines Harder Than the Army?

There is a healthy rivalry that exists between different wings of the United States military, particularly between the Army and the Marines.

While the Army is one of the largest units in the United States military, the Marines typically regard themselves as more elite. Few can deny that the basic training required to become a Marine is significantly more intense than the basic training required to join the lowest levels of the United States Army.

For this reason, Marines have developed a hardy reputation. They are known as some of the most elite and tough fighters not only in the United States military but also in the world.

The Marine Corps is a much smaller military division than the United States Army. Therefore, Marine boot camp is designed to weed out individuals who are unable to complete the tasks required of Marines. The physical protocols are combined with hours of classes each day, which can include subjects like marksmanship, navigation, search and rescue, and law enforcement.

What Does a Marine Get Paid?

The salary and overall compensation structure for Marines varies by rank. For active-duty soldiers, the current basic pay at the lowest level is approximately $1,600 per month or $20,000 per year. This increases marginally after the first four months of service.

At the PFC level, soldiers can expect a salary increase of a few thousand dollars, to approximately $24,000 per year. Lance Corporal status can place the annual salary closer to $30,000 per year, depending on the amount of time the member has been in service.

There are a variety of factors that can influence the active-duty pay of a new Marine. Obviously, rank and status are the largest determinants. However, food and housing allowances, education status, and family status all play a role.

It’s important to note that a Marine will significantly increase their salary depending on the length of service they have provided the country. For example, a staff noncommissioned officer who has served for 10 or more years can expect a salary of approximately $65,000 per year.

What Are the Requirements for Joining the Marines?

To join the Marine Corps, you first need to be a legal United States resident between the ages of 17 and 28 that holds a high school diploma. To enlist as a Marine Corps officer, you must be a US citizen between the ages of 20 and 28 holding both a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree from a university. You’ll need to pass a criminal background check in either circumstance and have no felony convictions on your record.

If you are a new recruit, you’ll need to pass the Initial Strength Test, also known as the IST. This is a set of tests that demonstrates the basic physical fitness necessary for the military. The tests include pull-ups and push-ups, crunches and plank poses, as well as a 1.5-mile timed run.

You must also pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. This is a multiple-choice test consisting of various questions designed to assess your mental fitness in everything from arithmetic to electronics to the comprehension of mechanical design.

Because ASVAB scores directly impact both MOS options and overall enlistment eligibility, it’s important to do well. Studying in advance using ASVAB practice tests, study guides, and flashcards can help prepare you for the content you’ll be expected to know on test day.

If you believe that you are eligible and have the commitment to become a Marine, you can contact a recruiter in your region to get direct access to consultation.

What Is the Marine Physical Fitness Test?

The Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT) is a standard test applied to all Marines once per year to assess their overall stamina and physical conditioning. The tests include a 3-mile run, push-ups and pull-ups, and abdominal exercises. Marines receive a score across these three categories and they need a high enough score to pass and continue to be eligible.

Do Marine Corps Members Get Health Benefits?

As with other United States military branches, members of the United States Marine Corps enjoy an exceptional medical and dental benefits package while in service and thereafter. Every Marine and their immediate family will be eligible for healthcare that is free, comprehensive, and easily accessible.

Do the Marines Pay for College?

In exchange for a service commitment, the Marine Corps can pay for up to 100% of your college tuition.The college assistance program is designed to cover everything necessary for participation in either a two or four-year university. This includes tuition, fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. Marine officers may also be eligible for compensation to support advanced education after a bachelor’s degree.

Joining the Marines

At the end of the day, joining the Marines is one of the most honorable decisions you can make as a United States citizen. Led by their motto “Semper Fidelis” (Latin for “Always Faithful”), Marines are known the world aroud as tough, capable, and dedicated soldiers who rise to any challenge placed before them.

What do Marines do? They serve.