United States Marine Corps

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 3000 Pentagon, Washington, DC 20380-1775

703-614-2500
http://www.marines.mil

COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS	Gen. Robert B. Neller
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps	Gen. Glenn M. Walters
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps	Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green

The Continental Congress established the United States Marine Corps by resolution on November 10, 1775. Marine Corps composition and functions are detailed in 10 U.S.C. 5063.

The Marine Corps, which is part of the Department of the Navy, is the smallest of the Nation's combat forces. It also is the only service that the Congress has tasked specifically to be able to fight in the air, on land, and at sea. Although Marines fight in each of these dimensions, they are primarily a maritime force linked with the Navy, moving from the sea to fight on land.

The Marine Corps conducts entry-level training for its enlisted marines at two bases: Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC; and Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. Officer candidates are evaluated at Officer Candidate School, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, VA. Marines train to be first on the scene to respond to attacks on the United States or its interests and to acts of political violence against Americans abroad, to provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and to evacuate Americans from foreign countries.

Sources of Information

DSTRESS Line

The DSTRESS Line offers an around-the-clock anonymous phone, live chat, and referral service. The call center is staffed with veteran Marines, Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsmen who were previously attached to the Marine Corps, Marine spouses and other family members, and licensed behavioral health counselors trained in Marine Corps culture. DSTRESS Line is designed to help callers improve overall fitness and to develop the necessary skills for coping with the challenges of life in the Marine Corps. Phone, 877-476-7734.

http://www.usmc-mccs.org/index.cfm/services/support/dstress-line | Email: dstressline@usmc.mil

Electronic Publications

Authentic and current digital versions of publications issued by Headquarters Marine Corps staff agencies, major commands, and other Department of Defense and Federal agencies are available online.

http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Procedures for requesting records that the U.S. Marine Corps controls are available online. Phone, 703-614-4008.

http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/USMC-FOIA | Email: hqmcfoia@usmc.mil

Marine Corps Bands

Marine Corps bands perform at ceremonies, concerts, festivals, parades, professional sporting events, and other public events. Marine Corps bands perform six types of ensembles: brass/woodwind quintet, bugler, ceremonial band, concert band, jazz combo, and jazz/show band. Phone, 504-697-8184.

http://www.marines.mil/Community-Relations/Asset-Requests/Band | Email: smb.mfr.pao.comrel@usmc.mil

News

The Marine Corps posts press releases on its Web site.

http://www.marines.mil/News/Press-Releases

Marines TV is accessible via the Marine Corps Web site.

http://www.marines.mil/News/Marines-TV

Reading List

The Commandant's professional reading list is available online.

http://guides.grc.usmcu.edu/content.php?pid=408059&sid=3340387 | Email: Reading@usmc.mil

Sexual Assault

The Marine Corps' Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program lowers the incidence of sexual assault through preventative strategies and provides care to victims of the crime.

http://www.usmc-mccs.org/index.cfm/services/support/sexual-assault-prevention

The Safe Helpline provides anonymous and confidential support for sexual assault survivors in the military. Phone, 877-995-5247.

https://safehelpline.org

Silent Drill Platoon

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-Marine rifle platoon that performs a precision drill exhibition. This disciplined platoon exemplifies the professionalism associated with the U.S. Marine Corps. It first performed in the Sunset Parades of 1948 and received such a favorable response that it became a regular part of the parades at Marine Barracks, Washington, DC. Performance requests for the Silent Drill Platoon should be made 30–90 days prior to the event. Phone, 504-697-8184.

http://www.marines.mil/Community-Relations/Asset-Requests/Silent-Drill-Platoon | Email: smb.mfr.pao.comrel@usmc.mil

Site Map

The Web site map allows visitors to look for specific topics or to browse content that aligns with their interests.

http://www.marines.mil/Home/SiteMap.aspx

Social Media

The Marine Corps maintains a social media presence and supports online communities where people can go to share and collect information and stories.

http://www.marines.mil/News/Social-Media

Speakers

The Marine Corps supports speaking engagements for community events nationwide, ranging from small-town civic organizations to big-city national conventions. The Marine Corps In the Community program helps business executives, educators, members of civic organizations, conference organizers, and others make contact with a Marine Corps public speaker. Phone, 504-697-8184.

http://www.marines.mil/Community-Relations/Asset-Requests/Speakers | Email: smb.mfr.pao.comrel@usmc.mil

Tattoo Regulations

The Marine Corps tattoo policy seeks to balance personal taste with the high standards of professional military appearance and heritage. The Marine Corps Bulletin 1020 (June 2016) explains the current tattoo policy, which replaces previous guidance on the subject.

http://www.marines.mil/Tattoos.aspx

Unit Directory

A complete list of Marine Corps units with links to their respective web pages is available online.

http://www.marines.mil/Units.aspx http://www.marines.mil/Contact-Us

For further information regarding the Marine Corps, contact the Director of Public Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 2 Navy Annex–Pentagon 5D773, Washington, DC 20380-1775. Phone, 703-614-1492.