Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The active duty Marine Corps is actually the smallest of the U.S. "Armed Services". But they seem to make up of their
small size, with great performance... The statistics for June 30, 2014, from the Department of Defense.
I meant as a proportion to the rest of your military compared to those of other countries . The US Marine Corps is larger than our entire armed forces.....
Our Troupes de marine make up less than 6% of the military with the Royal Marine Corps in Britain making up around 7%. In the US (by your posted figures) the US Marine Corps is approx 13%. In comparison the 'Legion make up a little over 2% of our armed forces.
Last edited by Mr Blue Sky; 07-26-2014 at 03:38 AM..
Reason: ... clarity
I meant as a proportion to the rest of your military compared to those of other countries . The US Marine Corps is larger than our entire armed forces.....
I have a clue why someone would join the Marines...
It is because everyone has a higher calling in life. Some chose to follow this and some chose to deny this. Being a United States Marine that posses a combat MOS is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. That being said, I know that being a Marine has to be one of the most thoughtful decisions one must make, because his very life is at stake, and this is very well known in the United States. I guess you can call this a premeditated decision in life. There is so much time that one has in the recruiting process to become "one of the few" that they could back off any time. Even the Recruiter's are trained in their selection process to be very specific with whom they let in. Actually, that is why we are called "one of the few" is because of our standards are purposely set higher than any other branch in the military. So in order to obtain the coveted title one must give everything that they have in their heart and soul to obtain the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
The United States Marine Corps has literally the most emphasis on the intangible aspects about being a warrior. They dig very deep into history, tradition, and letting every Marine learn of their lineage of heroes. The small unit leaders pay very close attention to culturing the "warrior ethos" in each and every Marine by setting very high emphasis on their Training and Readiness standards. Having that pressure on their leadership is a very competitive "dog eat dog world", one that requires you to be better than the person you were originally in order to lead by example to your junior Marines.
As I you said earlier "I have no clue why any young person would wish to join the Marines - except for bragging rights." That was a very true statement. The Marines do have bragging rights because of all the terrible odds we faced in combat and came out victoriously in. There were very many amazing acts of heroism, both group and singular that resonate throughout time turned the tides of war, and gave our great nation an identity through out the world.
As a United States Marine, you never forget those truths, among other things. Being a Marine is something that you will take with you for the rest of your life. The air force may be a good outlet to get people out into the workforce by giving them an extremely relaxed environment in order to attend college synchronously. However, some one needs to supervise those workers, that's why the Marine Corps is a breeding ground for leaders. That's why such an emphasis is put on the intangible "espirit de corps", leadership, and discipline.
So it all depends on your calling in life, I guess...
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
. The US Marine Corps is larger than our entire armed forces..... 
