US 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

Marine Aviation

100 Years of Aerial Support

The achievements of Marine Aviation since 1912 remind us of a legacy of valor that continues today.

Celebrate Marine Aviation

Marine Aviation

Toward Chaos

Responding Quickly and Decisively

Where chaos looms, the Few emerge. Marines move toward the sounds of tyranny, injustice and despair—with the courage and resolve to silence them.

Explore Toward Chaos

Toward Chaos

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.

Explore Your Impact

Your Impact

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.

Explore Recruit Training

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

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.

Explore Service Options

Service Options

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

News
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Marine aviator of the year recalls historic mission in Libya - News

The magnitude of the moment came to him over the radio, in a hoarse whisper.

Celebrating 100 Years of Marine Corps Aviation - News

This May, Marine Corps aviation will celebrate its 100th birthday.

Avionics Marines keep Bolts striking - News

The systems military aircraft use for defense, navigation, and communications are essential to ensure mission accomplishment.

Marines conduct night helicopter raid - News

‘Train how you fight,' rang true when more than 100 Marines and sailors with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted their helo raid at night as a part of MEU Exercise, at Range 800, here, April 9.

Warriors in the Making (Part 3) - News

The Marines of Infantry Officers' Course performed a mountain attack in the culminating event during their Palm Field Exercise in the Combat Center's Bullion Training Area March 21, 2012.

Warriors in the Making (Part 2) - News

The lieutenants of the Infantry Officers' Course tackled Range 410A and developed their skills at assaulting entrenched positions March 17, 2012.

Warriors in the Making (Part 1) - News

Four Marines line a corner of a building. As one of them peek around, he spots someone dressed as a member of the Afghan Security Forces walking directly toward them. Something is not right. His helmet is off and he's not carrying a weapon. He isn't friendly.

Follow the leader - News

In Afghanistan, the Marine who goes first is the point man. He is the first to jump across a canal, enter a farm field and tread ground that is potentially laced with improvised explosive devices.

Okinawa Marines train with mounted weapons - News

Marines in Okinawa prepare to fight with mounted weapons in a mountainous terrain prior to deployment.

Brothers in Arms: Marine, Afghan soldier bridge two cultures - News

Less than a month into his deployment to Afghanistan, Sgt. Benjamin Maldonado found a brother in an unlikely place.

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Featured Video

Evolution of Marine Aviation

When the Navy opened the nation's first aviation camp, First Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham was the first Marine to receive training. Marine Corps aviation operations grew to successfully support ground and amphibious assaults.

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US Marine Corps

Marine Aviation

100 Years of Aerial Support

Toward Chaos

Responding Quickly and Decisively

Your Impact

A DIFFERENCE THE WORLD WILL NOTICE

Recruit Training

12 Weeks

How To Prepare

PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS

Service Options

Enlisted and Officer

Montford Point Marines

A LEGACY OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Aviation

Aircraft

AVIATION COMBAT ELEMENT

Featured Video

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