What is the primary mission of the USMC?

The primary mission of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) is to close with and destroy the enemy using fire and maneuver. This mission reflects the core competencies of the USMC, which include not only engaging in ground combat but also executing rapid amphibious assaults and joint operations with other military branches. The emphasis on closing with the enemy highlights the Marines' role as an elite fighting force characterized by their ability to operate in various environments, often under limited conditions and timelines.

While humanitarian assistance, conducting air support operations, and training allied forces are important missions that the Marine Corps may undertake, they are not the primary focus of the organization. The Marine Corps is fundamentally organized and structured as an expeditionary fighting force, specifically designed to take offensive actions against adversaries and dominate in combat situations. Therefore, the core mission that defines the nature and purpose of the Marine Corps is the destruction of the enemy through effective combined arms maneuver warfare.