Difference Between US Army and Marines
Both US army and Marines are the primary fighting forces of the United States of America (USA); however, their main parameters differ from each other. The U.S. Army is a branch among the three main armed forces of the US, while the U.S. Marine Corps is a wing of the U.S. Navy. The US marines are an invading force and are usually the first to go behind enemy lines. The army on the other hand is responsible for protecting the borders from threats.
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US Army
The Army Chief of Staff leads the army and he reports to the Secretary of the Army. On June 14, 1775 the army was established by an act of the Continental Congress. In later years, the US army developed into a better equipped and well trained wing of the United States military. The US army has taken part in almost all the conflicts in which the US has been involved at home and abroad.
During the Korean War the army played an active role. However, the Vietnam era was certainly a low point in the history of the army where this force was unable to tackle the guerrilla tactics of the North Vietnamese army and the Viet Cong. Nonetheless, the army was successful in capturing key positions at the start of the conflict.
During the Gulf war in 1991, the US army was the major contributor in the allied forces that took part in Operation Desert Storm to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. The mission was a complete success with minimum losses. After September 11 attacks on the US, the army was again part of the coalition which invaded Afghanistan to dismantle the Taliban government.
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Marines
This force is responsible for projecting force and power through sea as it is the navy’s land force. Commanded by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the primary objectives of this force include attacking, capturing and controlling beach heads. Ever since two battalions of continental marines were formed in 1775, this force has evolved tremendously and has proven its worth. This fighting unit is instrumental in implementing US foreign policy.
The Marine Corps has served in every armed conflict which the US has been involved in. This is mostly the first force to go in to capture key strategic locations. Although it is among the deadliest combat forces in the world, it remains the smallest among the United States Armed Forces.
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