Duties as a Marine
The US Marine Corps has many duties, even though it is the smallest branch of all the military services.
Like the other Armed Services within the Department of Defence (DoD), the Marine Corps has specific roles and missions authorized by the statute. The structure, missions, and functions of the Marine Corps are set forth in the National Security Act of 1947 as amended. This Act stats that the Marine Corps' minimum peacetime structure shall consist of "... not less than three combat divisions and three aircraft wings, and such other land combat, aviation and other services as may be organic therein..." In addtion the Marine Corps maintains a fourth Marine division aircraft wing in reserve.
To carry out its missions, the Marine Corps is periodically authorized personnel strength levels which will permit it to maintain the forces stipulated by the National Security Act. During peacetime, these strength levels have remained essentially the same since 1953, providing an active duty strength of around 195,000 Marines. In addition, the Marine Corps Reserve maintains a strength of approximately 40,000.
Beginning with their primary mission, the following specified missions have been assigned the Marines.
The first mission is to provide Marine air and ground forces for service with the fleet as landing forces in the conduct of amphibious assault operations. This mission reflects the Marine Corps' statutory role as America's force-in-readiness and calls into play the full resources of the Navy and the Marine Corps operating together.
The second mission-- duty afloat aboard armed vessels of the Navy is the oldest Marine Corps mission.
The third mission is to develop in coordination with the other servicese, the tactics, techniques, and equipment for landing forces in amphibious operations. It is a logical extension of the primary mission, and establishes the Marine Corps' distinct responsibility toward the other Armed Services.
The fourth mission is to be prepared for wartime expansion in accordance with Joint Mobilization Plans. It is common to all the Armed Services. Simply stated, mobilization plans require the activation of Marine reserve forces.
The fifth mission is to perform such other duties as the President may direct. As noted earlier, this mission was deliberately expressed in general terms in the National Security Act. It permits the President to call upon Marines as a ready force in times of crisis. The Marine Corps is the only one of the Armed Services assigned such a mission by law.
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