Confused about the military: Merchant Marine?

Hey guys, I've been researching a bit about the different branches in the military and one term that popped up was 'Merchant Marine'. I'm not really sure where that fits in. Could anyone clarify which branch of the military the Merchant Marine falls under?

The United States Merchant Marine isn't actually a branch of the military, but it plays a crucial role during times of war. The Merchant Marine is a fleet of civilian-owned merchant vessels that are utilized by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration. These vessels are primarily engaged in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States.

Typically, the Merchant Marine is involved in transporting cargo and passengers during peacetime. However, during times of war, the Merchant Marine can become an auxiliary to the U.S. Navy and can be called upon to deliver troops and supplies for the military. People who serve in the Merchant Marine are called mariners or merchant mariners.

It's also worth noting that the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) offers an education that, while focused on maritime and related subjects, is also designed to provide a broader understanding of all branches of the U. S. military. In fact, a unique aspect of an education from the USMMA is that graduates have the option to choose to serve in any branch of the military they prefer.

So in essence, while the Merchant Marine serves a military function during times of conflict, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, rather than the Department of Defense, in peacetime. It's a unique component of our nation's defense and transportation systems.