USMC Reserve

• Founding Date: The United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) was officially established on August 29, 1916, by an act of Congress as America prepared for possible entry into World War I. • Immediate Wartime Service: Within a year of its creation, Marine reservists were mobilized for active service during World War I, serving both domestically and overseas. • “Every Marine a Rifleman”: USMC Reserve members train to the same standards as active-duty Marines, embodying the Corps' ethos that every Marine, regardless of specialty, is a capable combat rifleman. • Major World War II Mobilization: During World War II, more than 70,000 Marine reservists were called to active duty, forming the backbone of many combat units in the Pacific Theater. • The “Weekend Warriors” Myth: Although sometimes called "weekend warriors," USMC Reservists regularly deploy overseas, including in combat operations, humanitarian missions, and peacekeeping duties. • First Female Reservists: In 1918, the Marine Corps Reserve became one of the first military units to accept women, with Opha May Johnson becoming the first female Marine reservist. • Korean War Activation: During the Korean War, nearly 40,000 reservists were mobilized, many within days of the North Korean invasion of South Korea in 1950. • Operation Desert Storm: Over 40 percent of the Marine Corps forces deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 were from the Reserve Component. • Global War on Terror: Since 2001, tens of thousands of reservists have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations worldwide, often integrated seamlessly with active-duty units. • Community Ties: USMC Reserve units are located across the United States, creating strong ties with local communities and providing vital disaster relief, such as in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.