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.

Motivational Run on Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island

Marine Corps Considers Abandoning Parris Island Amid Rising Extreme Weather Threats

A string of recent reports has predicted that Parris Island will face increasingly frequent and ferocious hurricanes, floods...

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms main gate. Marine Corps photo

Marine Corps' Twentynine Palms Base Lockdown Caused by Inadvertent Weapon Discharge

No injuries were reported in the incident at the vast Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center located at Twentynine Palms, 125...

commissioning of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr.

Navy Christens Destroyer Named for First Black Marine General Officer

The USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. is named in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen Jr., the first black Marine...

Just one more island for battle-tested World War II Marines to capture. (D. Ramey Logan)

US Marines Were Called to Fight Prisoners in 'The Battle of Alcatraz'

Alcatraz was the prison for those too unruly for a regular prison stay. When they captured weapons, the government needed...

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida inspects the U.S. Marine Air Station Futenma.

Okinawa Marks 50 Years of End to US Rule Amid Protests

Ceremonies were held simultaneously in two locations, a symbol of the deep divide in views over Okinawa’s history.

Former National Security Adviser Robert McFarlane Dies at 84

Former White House national security adviser Robert C. McFarlane, a top aide to President Ronald Reagan who pleaded guilty to...

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.