The Oldest Branch of the United States Military
Contents
The Early Years: Colonial Marines and Colonial Coast Guards
When thinking about the history of the United States military, one might assume that the youngest branch, the Air Force, is also the newest. However, that assumption would be wrong. The oldest branch of the United States military is, in fact, the Continental Marines, later known as the United States Marine Corps. Let’s delve into the rich history and evolution of this respected institution.
Prior to the founding of the Marine Corps, there existed colonial marine companies in Massachusetts and Plymouth, established by the Dutch and British in the 17th and 18th centuries respectively. These companies primarily served to protect merchant vessels and forts from piracy. One notable example was the Connecticut Colonial Marines, formed in 1743 to help protect the coastal towns against French and British privateers.
The Establishment of the Marine Corps: 1775
When the United States declared its independence in 1775, Congress authorized the raising of two battalions of Marines for service alongside the Continental Army. These early Marines, mostly former sailors, were primarily tasked with transporting troops and supplies, securing ports and coastal defenses, and carrying out commando operations against the British Navy.
On November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps’ official birthday is celebrated annually, as per the authority of Presidential Order 34 of 1952.
The Coast Guard: Birth and Evolution (1790-1916)
Coincidentally, The United States Coast Guard’s roots date back to the late 18th century when the Revenue Cutter Service and the United States Life-Saving Service, originally created for revenue duties and life-saving purposes, respectively, became absorbed by the Marine Corps in 1791. After a decade, they again separated as distinct organizations: the U.S. Life-Saving Service in 1817 and the United States Coast Guard in 1916.
The Life-Saving Service was born in response to thousands of shipwrecks off the Atlantic and Gulf Coast, and aimed to ensure the rescue and protection of lives. Their courageous seafarers, such as Sybil Smith, were dubbed " Surfmen" or " Beachmen" and became national heroes. Upon merging with the Revenue Cutter Service in 1910, the LSS expanded its mandate to now include revenue functions, thereby forming the Coast Guard in 1916.
| Establishment of Military Branches | Authorized by/Date | Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Marines | Congress/1775 | Land-based ground combat and military operations support |
| U.S. Life-Saving Service (LSS) | Congress/1817 | Shore-based emergency response for shipwrecked ships and seafarers |
| United States Revenue Cutter Service (USRC) | Act of April 12, 1790 | Customs enforcement and revenue duties (pre-colonial piracy prevention) |
| United States Coast Guard | Unified under a single command 1916 (originating from 1866) | Lifesaving services, naval law enforcement, maritime transportation, and emergency response |
The Unification Era (1946-2002)** and the modern-day role
As for the present, today the United States Coast Guard proudly serves a dual role within the nation’s maritime administration, answering to the Departments of the Navy, Commerce, Homeland Security, and the Coast Guard Command itself. From paddling vessels to patrolling the coastlines; coordinating naval vessels, airborne assets, and specialized services; to carrying out essential homeland defense, marine traffic management, and wildlife preservation efforts. The oldest branch, ever evolving with the changing security landscape!
Closing words
Though the Continental Marines and subsequent United States Marine Corps predates other US military branches, recognition extends to the founding of various coastal guard initiatives and shore-based maritime endeavors from the early Colonial Era through the United States Coast Guard’s present state. Whether on historical shorelines, mystical airways, treacherous sea-faring conditions, or through timeless innovations and advancements – our cherished nation takes pride in recognizing the remarkable evolution and distinguished roles that each of the military services has contributed in shaping and safeguarding American history, unity, and progress!
