All of the branches of the military are essential to our nation’s safety, and they all serve a purpose. When asked about the toughest of these groups, many will say the Marines. Like the other branches, the Marines have been involved in many intense combat situations during various wars and battles around the world. We have them to thank for our freedom because they go places that many other people wouldn’t ever want to go. There’s a lot to celebrate about this branch. So to start, check out this list of the facts you didn’t know about the Marines.
There are many interesting facts on this list that will blow your mind, especially if you enjoy learning about the military or you’re a current or past member of this exclusive group. There are many fun facts about the origin of the Marines, such as the rumor that the group was started in a bar and how they came up with the slogan of “a few good men.” We also have a list of very famous celebrities who are former Marines, including Drew Carrey, Montel Williams, and even Bea Arthur. We’ll even tell you about the time that the Marines fought a group of pirates!
To determine the 12 things you didn’t know about the Marines, 24/7 Tempo reviewed many authoritative sources, including The American Legion, the United Service Organizations, and History.com. We also referenced Statista to determine the number of active duty Marines and other information. There’s a lot to love about all of the branches of the military and major battles that have taken place over time. (If you want to learn more, check out this list of the most famous invasions in world history.)
The Marine Band Is Called ‘The President’s Own’
The first thing you likely didn’t know about the Marines is the nickname of the formal Marine Corps military band. The band was first created in 1798. Since then, the band has performed at every presidential inauguration to this day. The band is also responsible for playing at many state dinners, parades, and other official functions. Their greatest hit is “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” but they have many other songs in their rotation. They also take requests from the president and they can play many different genres, including ragtime tunes.
The Marines Are Part of the Navy
Technically, the Marine Corps is its own branch in the military. However, they do fall under the administration of the Department of the Navy. This has been the case all the way back to the American Revolution and has been set in stone by several acts of Congress. Both branches often work together with Marines serving on Navy ships. Also, a good number of Marine officers go to the United States Naval Academy.
Many Celebrities Are Former Marines
One thing you likely didn’t know about the Marines is just how many famous faces were once a part of this prestigious branch of the military. Many of the sports, movie, and TV stars that you love were once part of this elite group, including Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox (pictured), Drew Carey, Steve McQueen, Gene Hackman, Adam Driver, and comedian Rob Riggle. There are also some people that you may be shocked to learn were Marines, including former talk show host Montel Williams and former performers Bozo the Clown and Captain Kangaroo. Even actress Bea Arthur worked in the Marines as a truck driver.
A Special Birthday Routine
Birthdays are a big deal for the Marines and they have a very special tradition. When the cake is cut, the first three pieces are given out to three specific parties. After the birthday man or woman gets the first piece, the second piece is given to the youngest Marine present, and the third is given to the oldest Marine present. If possible, this tradition is also followed when a birthday takes place on the battlefield.
The Marines Were Started in a Bar
One thing you likely didn’t know about the Marines is the legend of how this branch of the military officially started. Legend says that in November 1775, Capts. Robert Mullan and Samuel Nicholas got together in their favorite bar in Philadelphia. While there, they lured potential Marines in with the promise of beer and hyped them up about adventure on the high seas. While there’s little evidence of this, some historians believe the bar was the Conestoga Wagon Tavern — though some believe it was a place called Tun Tavern (pictured) — and it remains part of Marines lore.
Two Marine Training Centers
New Marine recruits only attend boot camp in one of two locations, and where they go depends on which side of the Mississippi River they’re from. East Coast recruits attend the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island in South Carolina. West Coast recruits attend the MCRD in San Diego. All female recruits only attend the Parris Island location. The Marines who attend Parris Island often call the San Diego Marines “Hollywood Marines.”
Marines’ First Ever Battle
It’s possible you didn’t know about the Marines’ first-ever battle. It occurred on March 3, 1776. The Marines and Capt. Samuel Nicholas stormed the beaches of New Providence in the Bahamas, which were under British control. There were 220 Marines there when they landed near Nassau. They were able to capture the town and two forts without opposition. Their mission was to get supplies and they came away with several mortars and brass cannons that were later used by George Washington and the Continental Army.
One of the Most Deadly Marine Battles Was During World War I
The Marines were in many altercations and won many battles since that day back in 1776. However, in June 1918, during World War I, they experienced a dark moment in their history. The Marines fought with German forces in a French hunting preserve named Belleau Wood. It was a tough altercation, and there were even discussions about withdrawing their forces. After three weeks of fighting, the Marines were successful and drove off the Germans. However, over 5,000 marines were killed or wounded, which was more than all of the previous altercations combined.
The Origin of the Term ‘Leatherneck’
You’ll often hear Marines going by the name of “leatherneck,” a nickname that goes back to 1798. During this time, the Marine Corps started issuing a stock of black leather with an attaching clasp that was worn to protect their necks while they were fighting with swords. Today, there’s still a standing collar attached to their dress coat to refer back to that tradition.
The Marines Fought the Pirates
A little-known fact that many likely didn’t know about the Marines is that one of their earliest and most noteworthy battles was against the Barbary pirates. They were a group of North African criminals that were raiding American merchant ships. In 1805, a group of Marines went to Egypt and helped to overthrow and defeat the Barbary ruler of Tripoli. Later, the Marines seized land in the area. This was the first battle that was fought by the United States in another country. This battle is why the line “to the shores of Tripoli” is in the Marines’ Hymn.
The Marine Catchphrase Has Been Around Forever
A phrase often associated with the Marines is “a few good men.” It’s often mentioned in advertisements, and there’s even the famous movie “A Few Good Men” starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. The phrase was started many years ago, on March 20, 1779. It was used as an entry in the Providence Gazette. The entry, written by Capt. William Jones (pictured) said, “The Continental ship Providence, now lying at Boston, is bound on a short cruise, immediately; a few good men are wanted to make up her complement.”
There Are Many Marines
The final tidbit you likely didn’t know about the Marines is just how many men and women make up this prestigious branch of the military. As of December 2023, there are just over 174,000 active duty members. They also have many young members. The members are younger on average than those in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. (Want to learn more about that last branch? Then check out this list of the things you didn’t know about the Air Force.)