What is a marine?
Q: What is a marine?
A: A marine is a member of a military force that specializes in military actions in other countries, such as amphibious warfare.
Q: What is the origin of the word "marine"?
A: The word marine is derived from the English word marine, meaning of the sea, from the French marin(e), of the sea which was from the Latin marinus ("maritime"). The name marine means "navy" in French, Dutch, and German.
Q: How are marines usually related to navies?
A: Marines usually have strong links with their country's navy and are often part of it. The commander in the field is usually also the commander of the fleet and support for marines such as medical, legal, and supplies come from them.
Q: What symbol represents marines?
A: The anchor is often used as a symbol for marines.
Q: In what ways have marines been used historically?
A: Historically marines have protected ships at sea by preventing mutiny when ship crews were pressed (forced to serve). They would also board other ships during battle or capture prize ships and carry out raids on shore to help their navy. Marines would also take part in campaigns ashore to help armies.
Q: Can marines act independently or do they always need to be part of another force?
A: Marines can either be part of an army or navy or act independently on their own.
