The origin of the Marine Corps traces to which organization?

The origin of the Marine Corps traces to which organization?

• A. Dutch Marines
• B. Spanish Armada Marines
• C. British Royal Marines
• D. French Foreign Legion

Answer: (C)

Marines are naval infantry, trained to fight from ships and then on land. The origin of the Marine Corps traces to the British Royal Marines, whose long-standing role as naval infantry provided the model for the early American naval forces. When the Continental Marines were formed in 1775, they adopted the Royal Marines’ structure and mission—sea duties, shipboard security, and amphibious landings—laying the groundwork for what became the U.S. Marine Corps. The other options represent maritime forces from different nations, but they did not directly shape the lineage in the same way.

Marines are naval infantry, trained to fight from ships and then on land. The origin of the Marine Corps traces to the British Royal Marines, whose long-standing role as naval infantry provided the model for the early American naval forces. When the Continental Marines were formed in 1775, they adopted the Royal Marines’ structure and mission—sea duties, shipboard security, and amphibious landings—laying the groundwork for what became the U.S. Marine Corps. The other options represent maritime forces from different nations, but they did not directly shape the lineage in the same way.