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Flags 100% Made in the USA
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Two American service members stand side by side. As they look out across the distance, shared expressions of pride and determination are painted on their faces.
There are many similarities between these two heroes, including a commitment to protecting our country. However, one main difference separates them: one is a Marine, and the other is a sailor.
The Navy and U.S. Marine Corps have always shared a special bond. Like every branch of our Armed Forces, each serves a unique purpose — together forging the strength of the U.S. military. The sailor spends most of his time at sea, sailing wherever duty calls. The marine rides alongside him but departs when she arrives at her destination. Her mission? Respond quickly to threats and be ready to stand by at a moment’s notice.
But this is only the beginning. Our blog takes a closer look at what sets the Navy and Marines apart, and how each carries forward America’s spirit of service.
The Difference Between the Marines vs. Navy: A Deep Dive
The United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy both play vital roles in keeping America safe, yet each carries out its mission in distinct ways.
Mission
As you can probably tell by their nickname of sailors, the Navy is mainly responsible for protecting the U.S. via the world’s oceans. Their job is to defend our ships, keep trade routes open, and step in wherever freedom is threatened.
Although they mostly patrol the waters, our Naval forces can also order attacks on land and work with the Air Force and USMC if needed. The Department of the Navy also transports Marines to different places overseas.
The Marine Corps works much differently. While the Navy focuses on guarding our oceans, the Marines move on land to fight for freedom. They’re known for their Amphibious operations, where they partner with the Navy to attack from the sea.
The U.S. Marine Corps demands that its solders have their land and sea legs, since it’s often their job to strike quickly during conflict. Moving the U.S. Army requires significant time and planning, but a Marine Corps can move straight into hostile shores without requiring a port or runway.
When wars require our county to be resourceful, amphibious warfare can be a game-changer in combat, with a perfect example being the Battle of Iwo Jima. During this intense combat mission, Marines bravely fought to win this strategic air base against all odds. No wonder if you ask any Marine, they’ll be proud to tell you about their role as America’s quick reaction force.
Size, Organization, and Structure
Even though the Navy and Marines are separate military forces, they share a close connection. Originally, they were completely separate branches until 1834, when Congress decided to combine them into sister services, with the Marines acting as part of the Navy. The move meant that the Marine commandant would report to the Secretary of the Navy instead of the Secretary of Defense.
Even though they’re closely connected, you can see the differences between the two branches in their size. The Marines have an impressive 186,000 members, while the Navy boasts 347,000. But what about their structure? The Navy focuses more on specialized commands, with squadrons and fleets. They’re responsible for technical and support roles to keep everything running smoothly.
Someone joining the Navy can choose from several jobs. There’s construction battalions called Seabees, and the popular Navy Seals who run special operations. Of course we can’t forget the Chief of Naval Operations who oversees warships, aircraft carriers, and naval aviation, so there’s always air support for troops when they need it.
Even though they’re part of the Navy, the Marine Corps organization looks more like the U.S. Army with teams, platoons, and battalions. Known for their combat and special operations skills, the Marines maintain ground forces built to handle tough warfare.
Together, with their tight organization, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps have earned a reputation for strong teamwork — just one the many reasons the United States remains the world’s leading military power.
Bootcamp
Imagine waking up before dawn, running for miles, and exercising until your muscles give out. You’re tired, but you have to endure hours of grueling training in the mud and freezing water. At night, you’re so tired you fall asleep before your head hits the pillow. Now repeat for weeks on end. That’s what Navy and Marine Corps recruits experience.
Recruit training for both branches is very mentally and physically draining. Marine bootcamp takes place in San Diego, California or Parris Island, SC, and lasts for 12 to 13 weeks, while the Navy’s is in Great Lakes, Illinois, and lasts for eight. The final Marine test, called The Crucible, is 54 hours and includes 45 miles of marching in extreme conditions. Even though the training is intense, it’s what makes the United States Armed Forces’ service members so strong.
Why is the Marine Corps Flag Before the Navy Flag?
Have you ever wondered why Military flags fly in the order they do? It’s determined by the Department of Defense and generally based on the founding date for each branch. The official flying order is: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is last, even though it was founded before the Air Force, because it falls under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime.
No one knows exactly why the Marine flag flies before the Navy’s. The Navy uses October 13, 1775 as their birthdate – a full month before the U.S. Marine Corps, but haven’t always been consistent in claiming their birthdate. Another reason is found in Navy landing force manuals from the 1890s that said Marines should march on the right when in a Navy formation.
No matter the order or the reason, each branch is an important part of America’s military forces. They all work together to keep the country safe, with brave men and women who understand that freedom comes at a cost.
Honor the U.S. Military with Flags Built for the Brave
The Marine Corps and the Navy are a part of America’s identity, ensuring every citizen remains free. Although they have their differences, their similarities unite them as all military branches work together as one.
Carrot-Top is proud to celebrate America’s Armed Forces with quality flags that are proudly made in the U.S.A. Supporting American heroes has never been easier with your own Marine and Navy flags that are perfect for your indoor or outdoor display.
