The Fleet Marine Force (FMF) is a combined command of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which comprises a combination of permanent afloat personnel, stationed on U.S. Navy ships, and ground units of the United States Marine Corps infantry branch. The history of the FMF dates to December 7, 1933, when Secretary of the Navy Claude A. Swanson issued General Order 241 defining the Fleet Marine Force.1 It's predecessor was the Advanced Base Force in the early 20th century.
The Fleet Marine Force is also the primary organization in which United States Navy personnel serve directly under Marine Corps command. Such Naval personnel are required to wear the Marine Corps utility uniform with Navy insignia, and must conform to all physical requirements of the U.S. Marines.
For service in the Fleet Marine Force, the United States Department of the Navy issues the FMF Enlisted Warfare Specialist Insignia and the FMF Qualified Officer Insignia (formerly, the Fleet Marine Force Ribbon was issued). Fleet Marine Force personnel, who participate in amphibious assaults, are also eligible to receive the FMF Combat Operations Insignia to certain service medals and ribbons.
See also
References
- ^ General Order 241, 1933.
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