The term 'Marine' does not imply elite. It simply means soldiers who fight from either on (long ago) or from a ship. The original core mission of the Marine Corp. was amphibious landings, though they haven't done so in combat since WW II.
As to 'the few', yes, they are much smaller then the Army. If you are talking about total force, versus total force, the Marines wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight.
Individually, they are a pretty tough lot though.
If you want 'elite' however, you need to look at the Green Beret, Delta Force, and the Rangers, among others. The most impressive special force in he U.S. military however is the SEALS, from the Navy.
As to which is most important, my personal opinion is the Army. They all have an important function, (except the Marines, which have been redundant for about a century) but the Army, in my opinion, is the most vital.
Of the branches of the Army, the most important is often the most over looked, the Infantry. Regardless of what you do, without these guys, you haven't taken anything, just ground things up, or mashed them flat.
The term 'Marine' does not imply elite. It simply means soldiers who fight from either on (long ago) or from a ship. The original core mission of the Marine Corp. was amphibious landings, though they haven't done so in combat since WW II.
As to 'the few', yes, they are much smaller then the Army. If you are talking about total force, versus total force, the Marines wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight.
Individually, they are a pretty tough lot though.
If you want 'elite' however, you need to look at the Green Beret, Delta Force, and the Rangers, among others. The most impressive special force in he U.S. military however is the SEALS, from the Navy.
As to which is most important, my personal opinion is the Army. They all have an important function, (except the Marines, which have been redundant for about a century) but the Army, in my opinion, is the most vital.
Of the branches of the Army, the most important is often the most over looked, the Infantry. Regardless of what you do, without these guys, you haven't taken anything, just ground things up, or mashed them flat.
I do understand your point MudPuddle.
The United States Marine Corps serves as an amphibious force-in-readiness. As outlined in 10 U.S.C. § 5063, and originally introduced under the National Security Act of 1947, it has three primary areas of responsibility:
* "The seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and other land operations to support naval campaigns; * the development of tactics, technique, and equipment used by amphibious landing forces; and * such other duties as the President may direct."
