What Separates the Marines From the Other Branches?

By Sydney Johnson

Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has unique characteristics. Every branch has specialized units, different uniforms and different traditions. But what specifically separates the Marines from the other branches?

Although they are one of the smaller military branches, they are elite and mighty like the rest. Here are six traits that set them apart.

The Marines Operate as a Part of the Department of the Navy

The Marine Corps is the only branch that is independent but serves as part of another branch. Originally, the branch was founded as the Continental Marines in 1775, as a separate entity from the Navy. Then, in 1834, President Andrew Jackson expressed that he wanted the Marines to be part of the Army. However, the then-Marine Corps commandant, Archibald Henderson, had proven the branch’s effectiveness on sea, in addition to land, and so he persuaded Congress to put the Marines in the Department of the Navy. The Navy and Marine Corps have been considered “sister services” ever since.

The Marines Are Often First on the Ground

The Marines Corps often serves as a quick reaction force and has special units that are trained to respond to crises wherever and wherever necessary.

In fact, the branch is sometimes referred to as the “tip of the spear,” because these combat-ready units typically spearhead conflict operations. One of these special types of units, Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), remain prepared for combat at all times, which often means they are among the first to respond during contentious military situations.

The Marines Guard U.S. Embassies

Thanks to the Marines’ versatility, they have one particularly unique responsibility: protecting our nation’s embassies around the globe.

This responsibility is exclusive to the Marines, so they have a specialized unit called the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, which is dedicated to protecting U.S. embassies all over the world.

The former Commandant of the Marine Corps Robert Neller stated that, as of 2016, “Marines are routinely serving at 174 embassies and consulates in 146 countries around the globe.”

Marines Learn Martial Arts

Every service member undergoes specialized training upon entry into their respective branch and before deployments, but the Marine Corps is the only branch with a program dedicated to martial arts.

Implemented in 2000, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) prepares Marines for hand-to-hand and close quarter combat, in case they find themselves unarmed during a mission. The program utilizes several fighting styles, including Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo and Krav Maga.

They Award the Title of “Honorary Marines”

Awarding civilians with the title “Honorary Marine” is a tradition that dates back to 1992. These individuals earn the title by making noteworthy contributions to the Marine Corps. Among those who have been honored are Chuck Norris, Gary Sinise (who played Lieutenant Dan in the film Forrest Gump), Bugs Bunny and Bob Hope.

Honorary Marines are not always famous actors. For example, in March of 2020, the Marines awarded photographer Barbara Mathews the esteemed title for selflessly volunteering over the course of 10 years to capture amazing images and video of hundreds of Marine Corps events. Fewer than 100 people have been given this title.

They Have a Special Holiday Mission

You’ve probably heard of Toys for Tots – the organization known for distributing toys to children whose parents struggle to afford new toys for them during the holiday season. This program is not just a nice nonprofit organization – it’s a Marine Corps mission.

The organization, owned by The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, is run by the Marine Corps Reserve. The Marines lead humanitarian missions all over the world, but they’ve been delivering toys to children since 1947. To date, they have distributed 584 million toys to children across the United States.

-This story was originally published in 2020. It has been updated in 2021.