What is the official mission of the Marine Corps?

The official mission of the Marine Corps is to be a force in readiness for offensive amphibious employment. This reflects the unique role of the Marine Corps as a rapid response force, trained and equipped to deploy quickly and effectively in various environments, especially in recognized amphibious operations. This capability combines elements of naval warfare, ground combat, and air support, all integrated cohesively to project power from the sea to land.

Being a force in readiness means the Marine Corps maintains a high level of training and preparedness to operate under diverse conditions, responding to crises and contingencies as they arise. Amphibious operations often require coordination among multiple branches of the military and highlight the Marine Corps' distinctive capability to conduct operations that many other forces may not specialize in. Through this readiness, the Marine Corps plays a crucial role in supporting national defense objectives and protecting U.S. interests globally.