Republic of Korea Marine Corps
The Republic of Korea Marine Corps, also known as the ROK Marine Corps, ROK Marines or South Korean Marine Corps, is the naval infantry of South Korea. The ROKMC is a branch of the Republic of Korea Navy responsible for amphibious operations, and also functions as a rapid reaction force and a strategic reserve.
Deoksan airfield (present-day Jinhae naval airfield) circa 1950
U.S. Marine Sikorsky HRS helicopters land South Korean Marines, April 1952
ROK Marines prepare defensive positions near Tuy Hòa in S. Vietnam circa 1965
ROKMC K9 self-propelled howitzer preparing a counterattack after the initial attack from North Korea
Marines, or naval infantry, are soldiers who specialise at operating in littoral zones, both on land and at sea. Historically, the main tasks undertaken by marines have included raiding ashore in support of naval objectives, and the boarding of vessels during combat or capture of prize ships. Marines also help maintain discipline and order aboard the ship. In most countries, marines are an integral part of that state's navy.
United States Marines aboard USS Wasp engage Royal Marines on HMS Reindeer in 1814
Assyrian bireme with visible marines
Ancient Greek trireme
Italian marines in 1911 landed on the Libyan coast during the Italo-Turkish war
