Mission

Home        Back to Marine Corps History

    Historically, Marine Corps preparedness has generally been characterized by the phrase, “The First to Fight.” Marines are trained, organized, and equipped for offensive amphibious employment and as a “force in readiness.”

    Officially, the mission of the Marine Corps is set forth in the National Security Act of 1947 as amended (1952). The key parts of the act are listed below:

• To seize of defend advanced naval bases and to conduct such land operations as may be essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign.

• To provide detachments and organizations for service in armed vessels of the Navy, and the protection of naval property on naval stations and bases.

• To develop, with the other armed forces, the tactics, techniques, and equipment employed by landing forces in amphibious operations.

• To train and equip, as required, Marine forces for airborne operations.

• To develop, with the other armed forces, doctrine, procedures, and equipment of interest to the Marine Corps for airborne operations which are not provided for by the Army.

• To expand from peacetime components, to meet the needs of war in accordance with mobilization plans.