NATIONAL IMPACT
Every war has its battles, but every battle does not lead to war. It is this very distinction that points to one of the greatest benefits the Marine Corps provides to our nation. Marines serve admirably in our wars, but their ability to "win our nation's battles" enables our nation to deal with threats before they can become considerably more dangerous. Since 1775, the Marine Corps has been the expeditionary force called upon first because of its ability to provide the most rapid, effective and efficient military response to conflicts anywhere in the world.
Our Nation Is Ready Because Our Marines Are Ready
Marines have responded to every conflict our nation has seen, but the Marine Corps' greatest benefit is its ability to respond to the unforeseeable. No one knows where the next threat will emerge, but every Marine knows its arrival is only a matter of time. The Marine Corps offers the most efficient and effective response option when these unexpected threats surface. It is because the Marine Corps maintains a constant state of readiness that our nation is at all times ready.
"Because our nation cannot afford to hold the entire joint force at such a high state of readiness, it has chosen to keep the Marines ready, and has often used them to plug the gaps during international crises, to respond when no other options were available. Like an affordable insurance policy, Marine Corps forces represent a very efficient and effective hedge against the nation's most likely risks."
—General James F. Amos, 35th and current Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Best for Our Nation is Our Nation's Best
It isn't our weapons, our global presence or even our combined arms approach that makes Americans feel safe—it is our Marines. We seek only those who have a willingness and an ability to serve our society. Those who've made service their mission find that the mission never ends. Marines aren't just elite warriors. They're quality citizens.
"The American people believe that when a crisis emerges, Marines will be present and will invariably turn in a performance that is dramatically and decisively successful—not most of the time, but always. The investment in the Marine Corps continues to be an investment in the character of the young people of our country."
—General James F. Amos, 35th and current Commandant of the Marine Corps
Defending Our Interests Abroad
It is because our nation's interests extend far past our borders that Marines are trained, equipped and organized to fight threats all over the world. The Marine Corps uniquely employs its ground, aviation and amphibious assets to defend our nation ship-to-shore, air-to-ground and door-to-door.
"We cannot predict where and when events may occur that might call us to respond to protect our citizens and our interests. With the increasing concentration of the world's population close to a coastline, the ability to operate simultaneously on the sea, ashore and in the air, and to move seamlessly between these three domains represents the unique value of amphibious forces."
—General James F. Amos, 35th and current Commandant of the Marine Corps
Providing Rapid Response
The initial response to a crisis or conflict is often the most crucial. Marines are deployed all over the globe and can quickly launch operations in support of any mission, ranging from conventional warfare to humanitarian relief. On the battlefield and in areas of unrest, reaction speed can be the greatest resource. The quicker Marines can respond to a situation, the more options become available for military leaders and the President of the United States.
"Amphibious forces ‘buy time' and decision space for our national leaders in time of crisis."
—General James F. Amos, 35th and current Commandant of the Marine Corps
