As outlined in 10 U.S.C. § 5063 and as originally introduced under the National Security Act of 1947, three primary areas of responsibility for the Marine Corps are:
- Seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and other land operations to support naval campaigns;
- Development of tactics, technique, and equipment used by amphibious landing forces in coordination with the Army and Air Force; and
- Such other duties as the President or Department of Defense may direct.
Sure, the President is the CoC of all of the military. But this special designation is embedded in Title 10 of US Code.
Q hinted at this on several occasions, and asked people to think why it was necessary.
That isn’t ‘special’. All services do as the SecDef and President may direct. Additionally, ‘However, these additional duties may not detract from or interfere with the operations for which the Marine Corps is primarily organized.’ there is that. The Marine Corps has formed Special Marine air ground task forces (SPMAGTFs) for use and possible use in security operations. It is the only service mandated to operate in sea, air, land environments so it can operate autonomously.
You are absolutely correct. The Marine Corp is the only branch of the military that the President can direct without having to go through the Department of Defense. It is stated in the National Security Act of 1947. Read the chain of command for the other military branches.
You are absolutely correct. The Marine Corp is the only branch of the military that the President can direct without having to go through the Department of Defense. It is stated in the National Security Act of 1947. Read the chain of command for the other military branches.