Marine Corps Mission
Historically, Marine Corps preparedness has generally
been characterized
by the phrase, "The First to Fight." Marines are trained, organized,
and
equipped for offensive amphibious employement and as a "force in readiness."
Officially, the mission of the Marine Corps is set forth in the National
Security
Act of 1947 as amended (1952). The key parts of the act are listed below:
1. To seize of defend advanced naval bases and
to conduct such land
operations as may be essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign.
2. To provide detachments and organizations for
service in armed vessels
of the Navy or for protection of naval property on naval stations and bases.
3. To develop, with the other Armed Forces, the
tactics, techniques, and
equipment employed by landing forces in amphibious operations.
4. To train and equip, as required, Marine forces for airborne operations.
5. To develop, with the other Armed Forces, doctrine,
procedures, and
equipment of interest to the Marine Corps for airborne operations which
are not provided for by the Army.
6. To be able to expand from peacetime components
to meet the needs of
war in accordance with mobilization plans.
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