The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting amphibious operations with the U.S. Navy. The USMC was established on November 10, 1775, in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the Continental Marines and is the oldest branch of the U.S. military. The Marines were created to provide military and security support for naval operations, and have since evolved into a versatile and highly trained force that can operate in various environments, from traditional ground combat to modern amphibious operations.
Throughout its history, the USMC has served in various wars, including the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War, among others. The Marines have also been involved in numerous overseas conflicts and peacekeeping operations, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The USMC is known for its distinctive culture, including its esprit de corps, strict discipline, and its iconic uniforms and symbols, such as the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem. Additionally, the Marines' "Semper Fidelis" or "Always Faithful" motto is known the world over. The Marines are proud of their history and their continuing ability to play a crucial role in the defense of the United States and its interests around the world.
Today, the 190,000 strong active-duty USMC serves as a quick reaction force and is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including amphibious assaults, raids, and direct action warfare. They are highly trained and respected, widely regarded as one of the most elite fighting forces in the world.
Camp Lejeune History
Camp Lejeune was established as a United States Marine Corps base in 1941 as the elite fighting force was looking for a training ground to expand Marine capabilities in advance of overseas deployment. During World War II, Camp Lejeune was a major training and support center for the Marines, preparing them for battles in the Pacific Theater. In the post-war period, Camp Lejeune served as a staging ground for deployments to the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Camp Lejeune was the site of several environmental scandals, including contaminated drinking water that affected Marines and their families. In 2012, the US government officially acknowledged that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated and offered assistance to those affected by the toxins. After years of denying the contamination, Congress finally enacted the Camp Lejeune Justice Act in 2022. For the next two years, anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may now be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for their injuries.
Today, Camp Lejeune has largely recovered from the environmental turmoil of the 20th century and remains a vital component of the US Marine Corps, serving as a training center for Marines and providing support to deployed troops. It is home to the 2nd Marine Division, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and several other units, making it one of the largest Marine Corps installations in the world.
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