what is the marines

The United States Marine Corps, also known as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combined arms, implementing its own infantry, artillery, aerial, and special operations forces. The Marine Corps plays a major role as the first force on the ground in most conflicts and is stationed around the world at all times, ready to deploy quickly whenever and wherever needed. Marines are primarily warriors, skilled in the art of warfare, and they hold themselves to high standards no matter what they are doing. To become a Marine, an individual must be between 18 and 28 years old (17 with parental consent) and have a high school diploma. A small percentage of GED holders may be allowed to join each year, provided they score well on the ASVAB test. The Marine Corps is unique among service branches in the intangible benefits it provides, and Marines are paid well and receive the same health care and lifestyle employment benefits as other service members.