OUR APPROACH
Every Marine is a rifleman, trained first as a disciplined warrior regardless of military occupational specialty. This training is key to our philosophy of maneuver warfare. Maneuver warfare combines operational positioning with firepower, demands agile forces capable of quick decision making, and employs the human elements of war—boldness, creativity, intelligence and the warrior spirit. Our combined arms approach multiplies the Marine Corps' strengths by bringing our land, air and sea forces together to achieve every mission. This organization creates a scalable force with incomparable warfighting capabilities. It is the key to winning battles.
OUR MISSION
The Marine Corps has been America's expeditionary force in readiness since 1775. We are forward deployed to respond swiftly and aggressively in times of crisis. We are soldiers of the sea, providing forces and detachments to naval ships and shore operations. We are global leaders, developing expeditionary doctrine and innovations that set the example, and leading other countries' forces and agencies in multinational military operations. These unique capabilities make us "First to Fight," and our nation's first line of defense.
It comes as little surprise that the first ground engagement in the Gulf involved Marines. It comes as no surprise that the Marines fought with great distinction and fought very bravely. Their professionalism and sacrifice will end the nightmare—I'm absolutely confident of that—will end the nightmare of Iraq's brutal occupation and ensure that Kuwait is once again free.
George H.W. Bush, 41st U.S. President
February 1, 1991