United States Marine Corps

Global Impact
In defense of our nation and its interests, the impact every Marine makes is felt around the world: in every clime and against every threat, for the oppressed and against the oppressive, and in the face of disasters, born from man or from nature. Marines begin each day ready and able to make a positive and lasting difference for themselves, this nation and our world.
OPERATING FORCES
Oppressive regimes. Natural disasters. Constrained natural resources. There are many threats facing our time. There is only one warrior class uniquely prepared to face them down: United States Marines. From the way we are trained to the way we're organized and equipped, from our warrior mindset to our warfighting skillset, Marines are warriors of the highest order.
History & Heritage
From the naval actions of the Revolution to the mountains of Afghanistan, Marines have served valiantly in every one of our nation's conflicts. For hundreds of years, Marines have fought, lived and died with honor, continuing the Marine Corps legacy of service to our nation. Every Marine, past and present, has earned their place within this proud culture of traditions, symbols and values.
Eligibility
To earn our title is to prove you belong alongside our nation's elite warrior class—but one must first meet specific eligibility requirements to even begin this journey. Though your recruiter can tell you if you're eligible to be a Marine, only 12 demanding weeks of Recruit Training can determine if you're capable of becoming one. Before you set down this path, explore your options, find out what's required and learn how to prepare for the immense challenges ahead.
Becoming a marine
We turn the willing into the able, transforming purpose-driven recruits into Marines who make a difference. Only those who complete the most demanding training can accomplish the world's most demanding missions. If you seek our title, the path ahead will be one of great challenge. Prevail, and your proudest days will be realized.
Being a marine
From the day young men and women first earn the right to call themselves Marines, they take their place in an extremely proud heritage, and will remain part of it forever. Expressed in our motto, Semper Fidelis, ours is a family that looks after its own in every way. Whether a Marine remains in the Corps for a few years or an entire career, he or she will retain the benefits earned by keeping this nation safe and free. By becoming one of us, your title will indicate your membership in a brotherhood of warriors. Those who will stand by you in battle will never leave your side.

Quick Tour

Main Content

Honoring Our Communities

Where I'm From

Marines share stories of their hometowns and the people and places that helped shape their lives.

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Honoring Our Communities

Your Impact

A DIFFERENCE THE WORLD WILL NOTICE

Standing up against tyranny and injustice are Marines: elite warriors who courageously and honorably face down the threats of our time.

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Your Impact

Montford Point Marines

A LEGACY OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Once the Marines minted at Montford Point were given the chance to prove themselves, it became impossible to deny that African-Americans were capable and deserving of the title "Marine."

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Montford Point Marines

Leadership Traits

EVERY MARINE IS A LEADER

These are the leadership traits that enable Marines to lead with honor, on the battlefield and in the community.

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Leadership Traits

Service Options

Enlisted and Officer

Active or Reserve, enlisted or officer, as one of the Few, you will forever be known by the title you earn: United States Marine.

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Service Options

Recruit Training

12 Weeks

This is the ultimate proving ground for those who are driven by purpose, guided by values and aspire to earn the title reserved only for the Few.

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Recruit Training

How To Prepare

PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS

Those who aspire to become Marines must first pass the Initial Strength Test (IST), and all Marines are required to pass an annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT). This information will help you prepare for all three.

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How To Prepare

NATIONAL IMPACT

It isn't our military might alone that brings comfort to this nation and its citizens. It's also our ability to respond quickly and appropriately should our national security and interests ever be threatened.

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WORLDWIDE IMPACT

Marines take the fight to the enemy and give relief to those in despair. Against tyranny, natural disasters and threats to the world, Marines fight all over the world. These aren't fights to apologize for. They're fights to win.

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YOUR IMPACT

In the United States Marine Corps, you must become something great to become part of something even greater. As a Marine, you can fight for what you believe because it's worth believing in.

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Marines bond with Afghans

MEETING WITH A RECRUITER

Marines honor 236 years

STRUCTURE

CONTACT A RECRUITER

News
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They Made History - News

As the first African Americans to serve in the Marine Corps, Montford Point Marines changed the face of the United States Marine Corps forever.

Montford Point Marine legacy - News

The U.S. Senate voted unanimously Nov. 8 to pass a bill awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines.

One Marine's journey from Alaska to Afghanistan - News

One Marine's decision to enlist took him from an icy landscape above the Arctic Circle to the dust-covered deserts of Afghanistan.

Tactical Leaders Course - News

The new Tactical Leaders Course at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, teaches Afghan Officers how to better lead their troops.

Guardian of patrols: Afghan dog fights like Marine - News

He defends Marines and sailors with love and tenacity, protecting them as any Marine would protect a brother-in-arms.

What's next for the F-35? - News

According to a recent National Defense magazine article, the Marine Corps would be weakened if the Joint Strike Fighter, the world's first supersonic and radar-evading stealth aircraft with short take-off and vertical landing capabilities, isn't approved.

Marines observe 236 years of history - News

Marines and civilian-Marines from Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and Marine Corps Logistics Command, as well as other invited guests, celebrated the Marine Corps' 236th birthday, Nov. 10, at Darton College in Albany, Ga.

Three cousins serve together in Afghanistan - News

Lucas, Josey and Steven grew up together. They graduated high school together. They joined the Marine Corps together. They completed boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., together. They trained to be helicopter mechanics, and checked into their first unit together.

Marines Love Helmand Night Sky - News

The night sky is filled with more stars than a Marine can count, unobstructed by light pollution, and a moon that lights up the hills of Afghanistan.

St Louis Semper Fi Swearing In Ceremony - News

Each year, the Semper Fi Society of St. Louis hosts an annual, all hands Marine Corps Birthday Luncheon.

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Featured Video

Daily Life

Explore the side of Marine life that exists outside of formation, where with friends and family, Marines are able to enjoy the way of life they help to defend.

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United States Marine Corps

Honoring Our Communities

Where I'm From

Your Impact

A DIFFERENCE THE WORLD WILL NOTICE

Montford Point Marines

A LEGACY OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Leadership Traits

EVERY MARINE IS A LEADER

Service Options

Enlisted and Officer

Recruit Training

12 Weeks

How To Prepare

PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS

NATIONAL IMPACT

WORLDWIDE IMPACT

YOUR IMPACT

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