US Marine Corps News, Marine Pay & Fitness Resources

The U.S. Marine Corps was created on Nov. 10, 1775. It is a combined-arms task force known for its focus on aggressiveness and the offensive. The Marines have been central in developing groundbreaking tactics for maneuver warfare; they can be credited with the development of helicopter insertion doctrine and modern amphibious assault.

There are approximately 186,000 Marines actively serving today, with another 40,000 Marines serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Marine Corps News

Find the latest news and information on the U.S. Marine Corps including top stories, technology, policies, leadership, and more.

the main gate of Camp Pendleton Marine Base at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Camp Pendleton Is Latest Base to Find 'Forever Chemicals' in Drinking Water

Base officials believe their water supply was likely impacted by groundwater that seeped in from inland and uphill Orange...

A CV-22 Osprey flies over Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

Military Quietly Stops Buying Ospreys as Aircraft Faces an Uncertain Future

New budget documents for the three military branches that fly the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft show that none has plans to...

Jon Stewart speaks to Jerry Ensminger, a Camp LeJeune survivor.

Camp Lejeune Health Claims Stalled Despite Law Allowing Suits

Federal officials say more than a million people may have been exposed from 1953 to 1987 when the base’s water was polluted...

The first Taco Bell. It was saved from destruction and moved to Taco Bell headquarters in Irvine, California. (Taco Bell)

A Marine Corps Cook Spread the Gospel of Tacos Throughout America

Glen Bell engineered a way to pre-make hard-taco shells in large quantities, with less mess and faster, like hamburgers were...

Iraqi civilians and U.S. soldiers pull down a statue of Saddam Hussein in downtown Baghdad

The First Casualty of War Is Truth: Iraq 20 Years Later

Four months prior to the invasion of Iraq, I found out that the George W. Bush administration was selling the war to the...

Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., speaks during the House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing

California Post Office to Be Renamed in Honor of Fallen Marines

Two brothers in arms — and death — will be honored with the renaming of the Yorba Linda post office.

Marine Corps Fitness

Looking to challenge yourself and improve both your physical fitness and mental toughness? Reach your fitness goals and pass the Marine Corps physical fitness test with military workouts and exercise tips to get Marine Corps fit.

Marine recruits run during an initial strength test.

Marine Corps (USMC) Recruit Training

If you join the USMC, you will have to pass the initial strength test, or IST -- a shortened version of the physical fitness...

Marine recruits do pull-ups during their initial strength test.

Marine Corps Initial Strength Test (IST)

Marine lifts a 30-pound ammunitions can during his combat fitness test.

Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test (CFT)

Marine Corps Body Composition Program

Marine runs during physical fitness test.

USMC PFT Score Charts

How to score well on the Marine physical fitness test

Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

What are the U.S. Marine Corps' height and weight standards?

USMC Weight Charts

Marine Corps Aircraft, Weapons and Technology

The U.S. Marine Corps uses many different types of equipment. Learn about the vehicles, aircraft, weapons and technology the Marine Corps utilizes to carry out missions and defend the United States.

T-34C Turbo Mentor

T-2C Buckeye

RQ-2A Pioneer

Join the Marine Corps

Looking to join one of Americas elite fighting forces? Learn everything you need to know about joining the United States Marine Corps. Find out what you can expect when you join the Marine Corps, information on Marine Corps jobs, and physical fitness standards to get you started with a successful career as a United States Marine.

The History and Roles of the US Marine Corps

Marine Expeditionary Force practices stabilizing watercraft in Japan

Marine Corps Missions and Values

Marine Corps wheeled vehicles Okinawa, Japan

Marine Corps Jobs at a Glance

Officer Candidate School Quantico, Virginia

How to Become a Marine Corps Officer

Marine takes part in Force Fitness Instructor course

Marine Corps Weight Limits At a Glance

Marine Corps recruits Crucible Parris Island

Marine Corps Boot Camp Timeline at a Glance

Marine Corps Special Pay

Learn about Marine Corps Special Pay. In addition to a Marine's basic pay they may receive special pay and incentives pay. Marine Corps Special Pay can vary depending on occupation, specific assignments, and geographic location.