What's the role of The U.S. Marine Corps as a branch of the military?

Hey there, been thinking about possibly joining the U.S. Marine Corps after high school, but I'm a little confused about what they do as a military branch. Can anyone provide some information or direct me to some insightful resources?

Absolutely, happy to provide a bit of an overview. The U.S. Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection, using the mobility of the United States Navy, to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. They carry out missions on land, sea, and air, depending on the requirement.

In more specific terms, the Marines are often the first on the ground in combat situations, conducting initial assault and capture operations. They're known for their ability to rapidly respond to international crises, making them an important tool in U.S. foreign policy.

Besides combat operations, the Marine Corps also participates in humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts, providing immediate response and assistance during crises.

Marines do have their own aviation component (Marine Aviation) and also support the Navy with amphibious operations, meaning they are trained to launch operations from the sea, usually from Navy ships.

Lastly, the Marines take pride in their commitment to uphold the highest level of "esprit de corps," the common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group, which sets them apart. They are a tight-knit group with a strong culture of discipline and honor.

Remember to do thorough research and talk to people who have served in different branches of the military before making a decision. Hope this provides a good starting point for you!