Marine Corps Purpose

A COLLECTIVE PURPOSE. AN EFFECTIVE MISSION.

The Marine Corps mission reflects every Marine's purpose. In essence, our Nation is that purpose. In our world, in ourselves, and in our way, there are conflicts, challenges, and obstacles that must be fought confidently and defeated convincingly for our Nation to prevail. These looming battles come in many forms and occur on many fronts, but each comes down to a critical choice: to demand victory or accept defeat. To pull together or fall apart. To give in or cave in. It is a decision each Marine conveys to our Nation with each battle won.

CAPT GOLINO—FIGHTING SPIRIT

Marines are leaders who defy the opposition with resilience and the will to win. It was Captain Golino’s fighting spirit that once pushed her to overcome barriers on the football field—and these challenges would ultimately prepare her for the Marine Corps. Now, she uses that same determination to fight our Nation’s battles.

FINDING PURPOSE IN OUR NATION'S FIGHT

United States Marines are a family that fights together, finding individual purpose in a collective cause—the protection of our Nation and the advancement of its ideals. Side by side, we welcome obstacles and thrive on challenge. Each Marine stands as a vital part of a united force, greater than any individual, more fulfilled than ever before.

FIGHTING SPIRIT

WITH AN UNCOMMON FIGHTING SPIRIT

The greatest weapon in our arsenal is the fighting spirit found in each and every Marine. It's what enables Marines to get through tough times with an even tougher resilience, and is made of two principle ingredients:

WILLINGNESS

Before you can prove you’re able to win the battles head, you must first demonstrate you’re willing to fight them head on. It is through the rigors of Marine Corps Recruit Training or Officer Candidates School that it will be determined if your motivations are in the right place.

Determination

Willingness alone has never defeated anything. Marines must have the unwavering grit to continue on when others quit. To fight through anything—with everything. With honor, with each other, and without fail.

UNTIL EVERY BATTLE IS WON

Marines are trained to improvise, adapt, and overcome all obstacles in all situations. They possess the willingness and the determination to fight and to keep fighting until victory is assured. Watch how Marines make critical decisions at a moment’s notice.

"Accounts of courageous actions from every battlefield on which Marines have fought are permanently etched into our Corps’ history—shining emblems of valor, selflessness, perseverance, and ingenuity—embodiments of the heroic fighting spirit and devotion to duty that our Nation has come to expect of its Marines."

—General David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps

Marines are taught to assess each situation quickly so that they are able to make strategic decisions according to each individual scenario. Thinking, acting and moving with a sense of purpose is mandatory in battle.

THE VALUES BEHIND OUR STANDARDS

In the incertitude of battle, character matters. Every Marine fights with our Nation's expectation to represent it well at home and abroad. The values instilled not only direct every action, but unite every Marine, holding all Marines to the same high standard.