What does a marine do in the military?

I'm considering a military path after high school and I'm curious about the role of a marine. What do they do on a daily basis and what kind of training is required? Any insights would be appreciated.

Marines, who form the U.S. Marine Corps, are responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations. This means they often are the first on the ground in combat situations, thus embodying the motto, "first to fight."

Their primary day-to-day activities can be broadly divided into two domains: peace and war. In times of peace, marines train rigorously to maintain physical fitness and discipline. They are also involved in security operations, disaster response, and humanitarian aid missions around the globe.

During times of war or conflict, marines are responsible for seizing and defending naval bases, conducting invasion operations on land via sea, and supporting naval and amphibious operations. They also provide air and artillery support as needed.

Now, on to the training part. Becoming a marine involves a multi-step process. First, there's a mental and physical examination during the enlistment process. Once cleared, recruits attend a 13-week basic training course known as "boot camp" at either Parris Island, S.C., or San Diego, CA, based on which side of the Mississippi River they are from. This is a rigorous program designed to turn civilians into marines, involving physical training, weapons handling, and learning about customs and traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps.

After boot camp, marines proceed to the School of Infantry (SOI) for additional combat training. Here, they're divided based on the tasks they'll perform in the Marines: Infantry or Marine Combat Training (MCT). After SOI, marines receive specialized training for their specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), which could range from infantry and aircraft mechanic to military police and more.

In summary, a marine has highly varied roles, including ground combat, aviation, logistics, and more. Hence, daily activities will differ greatly depending on a marine's specialty, current mission, and whether the U.S is at peace or at war. So, considering a career as a marine requires deep thought given the commitment, physical and mental demands, and potential for deployment in conflict zones.