What’s the Difference Between the Army and the Marines?

The United States Armed Forces is one of the largest military forces in the world, with over two million active and reserve personnel across six branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Each branch plays a vital role in national defense, under the command of the president as commander in chief.

Among these branches, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps stand out for their unique missions, cultures, and training. While they share a common goal of defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, there are clear distinctions between the two. In this guide, we’ll explore how the Army and Marine Corps differ in their roles, structure, and capabilities, and what sets each branch apart.

As we dive into the comparison, you can also show your support for these branches by browsing our selection of officially licensed armed forces branches for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and all major service branches from AmericanFlags.com.

The United States Army

Founded on June 14, 1775, the United States Army is the land service branch of the United States military. It is considered the oldest branch of the military forces, giving it the most seniority relative to other military branches. Its primary responsibility is to protect the nation by way of land operations. However, it can also take part in peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance missions.

The mission of the United States Army varies from a wide variety of operations. These include large-scale conventional warfare and counterinsurgency efforts. In humanitarian situations, it can also assist in disaster relief. It has forces equipped and trained to handle various scenarios, both in combat and non-combat settings.

The United States Army has the largest personal strength of any military branch in the United States. It is organized into divisions which comprise multiple brigades and special units, including Special Operations Forces, Delta Force, and the Army Rangers. In addition, it is separated into different types: active duty, reserves, and National Guard. In the case of the National Guard, these are army units based in specific U.S. states and territories.

While the president of the United States is the commander in chief of the national military forces including the U.S. Army, the state governor is considered the commander in chief of that state's National Guard. In extreme cases, the president of the United States can federalize the National Guard, ultimately allowing the governor to transfer power of authority over to the former.

Currently, there are over 450,000 active duty personnel. In addition, there are 325,000 Army National Guard personnel, as well as a total of 177,000 Army Reserve personnel. The United States Army as a whole has over 1,000,000 personnel.

In terms of training, the Army emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and adaptability. Soldiers undergo ten weeks of rigorous basic training, plus specialized instruction based on their occupation while serving in the branch. The goal of training is to build a culture of camaraderie and mutual support amongst its members.

Aspiring Army officers can train at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. Upon graduating, they must serve four years as officers of the U.S. Army and become a team leader for their soldiers.

The United States Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775. They work closely with the U.S. Navy to launch land assaults from the sea. Those who comprise this fighting force are known as “The Few and the Proud.” They are known for their rapid response and deployment whenever needed for direct action.

The United States Marine Corps specializes in expeditionary warfare. It is designed to project power from the sea to conduct amphibious assaults, raids, and special operations. They are highly trained to perform these missions in the most challenging conditions.

Size-wise, the U.S. Marine Corps Forces are smaller compared to the United States Army. This includes the nearly 177,400 active duty members and also 32,400 personnel in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. But that doesn't discount the fact that the Marines can become highly mobile and adapt themselves in various situations. They are organized in three active duty divisions as well as several specialized units, including the Marine Expeditionary Force and the elite forces of the United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance.

In terms of training, the United States Marine Corps’ 13-week basic training is the most intense and rigorous training of the entire military. It is designed to help instill discipline, resilience, and a sense of duty to those willing to obtain the title of “Marine.”

Recruits, on average, burn 3500 calories each day of Marine Corps training and must be able to swim and run long distances. Marksmanship, physical fitness, and combat skills are at the forefront of this training. This allows Marines to be prepared to excel, especially in situations where they are needed most.

Aspiring Marine officers may also attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The reason for this is that Marines are part of the U.S. Department of The Navy. Like the cadets at West Point, the Midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy are required to serve a minimum of four years after graduation, either in the U.S. Navy itself or the Marines.

Army vs. Marines: What Are the Key Differences in Culture and Identity?

Outside of their missions and operational focuses, the Army and Marines are different in terms of culture, identity, and traditions. They contribute to their unique ethos and the sense of pride among its members. Let's take a look at their respective cultures:

Army: The United States Army holds a high regard for tradition, professionalism, and organizational structure. It upholds the values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Together, these values form the acronym “LDRSHIP,” which closely resembles the word “leadership.” The Army also emphasizes leadership development, career progression, and committing oneself to defending our nation.

Marines: The United States Marine Corps takes pride in what is known as the “Spirit of the Corps.” This is often shared through hardship, sacrifice, and a tradition of excellence. The Marines hold honor, courage, and commitment as part of their core values. These are instilled in their training and maintained throughout their entire service to the branch.

The Marine Corps emphasizes a tight-knit community amongst its members. Marines past and present are together in the same brotherhood or sisterhood. When they leave the core, they are still considered Marines, not “ex-Marines.” As the saying goes, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”

How Do the Army and Marines Work Together?

While the Marines and the Army may be separate organizations, they still work together as one. As part of one of the greatest fighting forces in the world, they are both highly trained and can respond to threats and challenges at home or abroad.

The Army and Marines collaborate on joint operations. This allows them to leverage their strengths to achieve common objectives. This includes stability operations, humanitarian efforts, and even combat missions. They are trained to work together to ensure that each mission they take part in is successful.

The Army’s specialty is sustained ground operations in large-scale warfare. Meanwhile, the United States Marines are specialists in expeditionary operations and rapid responses. Because they are an amphibious fighting force, Marine units can arrive not only on land but also via sea as well.

When working together, they are united to implement a defense strategy alongside the remaining branches of the military. These are executed to deter aggression, protect national interests, and promote stability worldwide. The collaborative efforts further prove the strength, unity, and determination to work together and succeed in their respective mission.

Marines vs. Army - Support Our Military With Specialty Flags

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