HQ Marine Corps

• Founding Location: The Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) is based at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, serving as the command center for the United States Marine Corps. • Early Origins: The Marine Corps itself was established on November 10, 1775, but the centralized headquarters evolved as the Corps expanded in size and responsibility. • Commandant’s Office: The HQMC houses the office of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the highest-ranking officer in the USMC, responsible for the overall performance and readiness of the Corps. • World War II Coordination: During World War II, HQMC was pivotal in coordinating the U.S. Marine Corps’ rapid expansion from about 66,000 to nearly 500,000 Marines. • Historic Relocation: Before moving to the Pentagon in 1942, HQMC was located at the Navy Annex and other buildings around Washington, D.C. • Women in the HQMC: In 1943, the first group of women Marines worked at HQMC, supporting administrative and logistical roles during World War II. • Symbolic Insignia: The HQMC uses the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem, symbolizing the Marine Corps’ commitment to service on land, sea, and in the air. • Modernization Efforts: HQMC has overseen major modernization projects, including the integration of advanced cyber and information warfare capabilities into the USMC. • 9/11 Response: On September 11, 2001, HQMC personnel at the Pentagon played a critical role in immediate response and recovery efforts after the terrorist attacks. • Marine Corps Birthday Ball: HQMC is central to planning and hosting the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball, a tradition dating back to the 1920s, celebrating the founding of the Marine Corps.