In defense of our nation and its interests, the impact every Marine makes is felt around the world: in every clime and against every threat, for the oppressed and against the oppressive, and in the face of disasters, born of man or nature. Marines begin each day ready and able to make a positive and lasting difference for themselves, this nation and our world.
AS AMERICA'S CRISIS RESPONSE FORCE WE ARE ORGANIZED, TRAINED AND EQUIPPED TO FACE DOWN THE THREATS OF OUR TIME, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE.
General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps
Heritage
There is no better symbol for the purpose we serve than the emblem every Marine earns: the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. The eagle represents the proud nation we defend. It stands at the ready with our coastlines in sight and the entire world within reach of its outstretched wings. The globe represents our worldwide presence. The anchor points both to the Marine Corps' naval heritage and its ability to access any coastline in the world. Together, the eagle, globe and anchor symbolize our commitment to defend our nation—in the air, on land and at sea.
Mameluke Sword
The oldest weapons still in service in the United States Armed Forces belong to Marines. Today, the swords Marines carry represent the Marine Corps' rich heritage as America's original defenders. Officers carry the Mameluke Sword, which was originally given to Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon in 1805 by a Mameluke chieftain in North Africa. Lt O'Bannon and his Marines marched across 600 miles of North African desert to rid the "shores of Tripoli" of pirates and rescue the kidnapped crew of the USS Philadelphia. By 1825, all Marine Officers carried the Mameluke sword in recognition of this historic battle—the Marine Corps' first on foreign soil.