What year did the Marine Corps begin its official formation?

The formation of the Marine Corps officially began in the year 1775. This is significant because the Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Marines on November 10, 1775, marking the establishment of the Corps. This date is celebrated annually as the Marine Corps Birthday. The early Marines were formed to serve aboard naval vessels and as landing forces during the American Revolutionary War, which underlines the pivotal role they played in early American military operations. The establishment of the Marine Corps in 1775 is a foundational moment in U.S. military history, distinguishing it as a unique branch tasked with both naval and ground combat capabilities.