How Well Do You Know the U.S. Marine Corps?

The United States Marine Corps has one of the most storied histories of any of our nation’s military arms — but despite its age, the Marine Corps is continuously working to prepare for new defense or attack scenarios. Starting in the summer of 2025, the U.S. Marine Corps plans to field lightweight prototypes for counter-drone systems for dismounted Marines, according to Lt. Gen. Eric Austin. These counter-drone systems are designed to protect Marines against attacks from unmanned aerial systems. Another leader, Lt. Col. Eric Flanagan, has stated that the counter-drone systems are designed to be military-agnostic — that is, members of other military branches such as the U.S. Navy or U.S. Army could also, theoretically, deploy these systems for their own use. (AI-powered drone swarms are coming for war.)

Whether you’re a fan of the military already or just looking to learn more, you might be interested in the intricacies of the U.S. Marine Corps’ history. Here, 24/7 Wall St. set out to better understand the coolest, least known, or most imperative facts surrounding the Marine Corps. To do so, we used a wide variety of sources, including (but not limited to) the U.S. Marine Corps website, IMDB, forums like Reddit, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and NASA. We listed these in no particular order. While we realize there are tons of facts that could be shared about the U.S. Marine Corps, and this is in no way comprehensive of its entire history, we hope this sparks your interest — and maybe even gives you a jumping off point for further research.

This previously published article was updated on April 11, 2025 to highlight recent news on U.S. Marine Corps technological innovation. 

Why We’re Sharing U.S. Marine Corps Facts Today

The U.S. Marine Corps has long been a serious player in America’s military power. With a motto of Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful), the Marine Corps conducts expeditionary and amphibious operations. Marines are known for their varied role: crisis response, defense, deterrance, and more. To meet the needs of modern warfare, the Marine Corps is also becoming more innovative and expansive. Not only is the Marine Corps restarting 13-man configurations, but it is also developing a new reconnaissance and fires company that will include the infantry batallion’s “81mm mortars, organic precision fires, such as drones, and the scout platoon for reconnaissance assets.” Learning more about the U.S. Marine Corps gives you an understanding of America’s military situation while also providing insight into how certain elements of the defense budget might be spent.

Did you know these 18 facts about the U.S. Marine Corps?: 

18. Silent Drill Platoon

• Source: Marine Corps Website

Known as the “Silent Drill Platoon,” this group of Marines famously performs intricate rifle drills without receiving verbal commands. Stationed in Washington, this 24-man platoon features incredible precision and shows off the level of discipline and training each member has received. To join the platoon, members must meet various physical requirements, as well as display drill ability and endurance. 

17. Pop Culture

• Source: IMDB

The nation’s fascination with the United States Marine Corps has been reflected in Hollywood movies. One famous film is Full Metal Jacket, an iconic piece from the 1970s cinema. Other well-known films include A Few Good Men, and HBO shows like Generation Kill. 

16. Bugs Bunny

• Source: Wikipedia (Honorary Marine); Reddit (r/USMC)

Fans of the cartoon world will instantly recognize Bugs Bunny and Looney Tunes as some of the most iconic cartoons in American history. However, during World War II, Bugs’ popularity was high due to his easygoing attitude, which troops found took their mind off combat. As a result, the Marine Corps made Bugs an honorary Marine Master Sergeant. 

15. Humanitarian Missions

• Source: United States Marine Corps

While the United States Marine Corps is trained for combat and the defense of the United States, its role can sometimes be far more meaningful. As the world saw during Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Marines can be deployed on humanitarian missions and disaster relief. 

14. Reading List

• Source: United States Marine Commandant

According to the United States Marine Corps Commandant website, active-duty service members of the Marine Corps must read a minimum number of books annually from the Commandant’s Professional Reading List. This list is split into five categories: Commandant’s Choice, Profession of Arms, Innovation, Leadership, and Strategy. 

13. Tun Tavern

• Source: National Museum of the Marine Corps; The Tun Legacy Foundation

Located in Philadelphia, Tun Tavern is widely regarded as the site of the first United States Marine Corps recruitment drive. Built in 1686, the tavern was a meeting place for notable groups participating in the American Revolution. Unfortunately, it burned down in 1781 near the war’s end and is now celebrated with a commemorative marker. According to the Tun Legacy Foundation, however, the Tun is being rebuilt and is expected to be finished by November 2025. 

12. Marines Corps Band

• Source: Marine Band Official Website

Often known as “The President’s Own,” the United States Marine Band was first established in 1798. Today, it is considered and celebrated as the oldest professional music organization in the United States. 

11. John Glenn

• Source: NASA; Marine Corps University 

As the first American to orbit the Earth, John Glenn will forever be celebrated as a part of American history. However, before he became an astronaut in the space program, he was a Marine Corps pilot who flew combat missions in World War II and the Korean War. He retired from active service in January 1965. 

10. Marine Corps Birthday

• Source: United States Marine Corps

Every year, on November 10th, the United States Marine Corps celebrates the birth of the service branch with cake-cutting ceremonies. This date dates back to 1775, the birth date of the Continental Marines. 

9. 1912 Aviation 

• Source: Smithsonian Magazine

The Marine Corps have only used aviation technology for around 100 years out of its 250 year storied history. The first flight took place in May 1912, and it is now celebrated as the birth of Marine Aviation. 

8. Navajo Marines

• Source: Marine Corps University

Established in 1942, members of the Navajo tribe were recruited for the United States Marine Corps as a way to use a code language members of the Axis could not break. They were known as the Navajo Code Talkers. Navajo Indians have been widely credited with assisting multiple battles on numerous military fronts. 

7. Chesty Puller

• Source: Marine Corps University; Britannica

One of the most decorated Marines in history, Chesty Puller, joined as a private, was promoted to Lieutenant, and was later discharged only to enlist as a Private again. Puller was a Lieutenant General when he left the Marine Corps. To honor him, Marines have a slogan, “Goodnight, Chesty, wherever you are,” that can be said before bedtime. 

6. Marine One

• Source: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute 

When the United States president needs a quick trip in the air that doesn’t require a plane, they fly on a Marine helicopter. This is designated as Marine One whenever the president is onboard. The Marine group in charge of protecting and maintaining these helicopters is known as Marine Helicopter Squadron One. 

5. Marine Corps Emblem

• Source: United States Marine Corps

It’s not widely known that the Marine Corps emblem has three pieces: an eagle, a globe, and an anchor. The eagle represents the nation. The globe represents our country’s global reach. The anchor represents heritage and battleground access.

4. Toys for Tots

• Source: Toys for Tots Website

Beginning in 1947, the United States Marine Corps initiated a charitable effort that eventually became Toys for Tots. Today, Marine reservists collect toys for deserving children worldwide. In 2023, the group distributed 20 million toys to over 8 million children. 

3. Rob Riggle

• Source: Marine Corps Association

You might know Rob Riggle as a famous actor, comedian, and former Daily Show correspondent. But were you aware that Riggle had also been in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel? He deployed to several areas including Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Liberia. 

2. Devil Dogs

• Source: United States Marine Corps

The now famous nickname for Marines, “Devil Dogs,” came from World War I and the Battle of Belleau Wood. German soldiers were impressed by the Marines’ fighting skills and called them “Teufelhunde,” which translates to “Devil Dogs.” 

1. Old Fighting Force

• Source: United States Marine Corps 

If you didn’t know, the Marine Corps officially began serving the United States as the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775. Since the United States officially adopted the Declaration of Independence and founded itself as its own nation on July 4, 1776, this means that the Marine Corps service branch precedes America as we know it today. 

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