Every Rifle the U.S. Marines Have Used Since Vietnam

"Of the four main fighting branches of the U.S. military, the Marine Corps is perhaps the most versatile and combat oriented. An expeditionary force trained to fight from the water, land, and air, the Marines are a rapidly deployable force and often the first American boots on the ground in combat zones. Even in times of peace, Marines are stationed around the world to guard U.S. embassies and protect American diplomats."

"Due to their unique role in the U.S. military, Marines undergo rigorous, specialized training. Lasting for 13 weeks, boot camp in the Marine Corps is the longest and reportedly the toughest of any service branch. The program includes sleep deprivation, food rationing, long marches both day and night, and other challenges designed to push recruits' mental and physical limits. It is also the only basic training program with dedicated martial arts instruction for hand-to-hand combat."

"The Marine Corps was established in 1775, less than one year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Though briefly dismantled after the Revolutionary War, the Corps was re-established in 1798. Despite their significant historical and current importance, the Marine Corps is one of the smallest military branches. As of June 2025, there were 145,970 active duty Marine service members - less than half the number of troops in the Army or Navy, and about 115,800 fewer than the number of Air Force personnel."

The U.S. Marine Corps is an expeditionary force trained to fight from water, land, and air and often serves as the first American boots on the ground. Marines maintain global deployments during peacetime to guard U.S. embassies and protect diplomats, earning the 'tip of the spear' reputation. Recruit training lasts 13 weeks and is the longest and reportedly toughest among service branches, featuring sleep deprivation, food rationing, long marches, and dedicated martial-arts instruction for hand-to-hand combat. Established in 1775 and re-established in 1798, the Corps remains one of the smallest branches, with 145,970 active-duty Marines as of June 2025. Issued firearms remain central tools for Marine missions.

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