Republic of Korea Marine Corps

The Republic of Korea Marine Corps (aka ROK Marine Corps / ROK Marines, ROKMC, Korean Hangul: <span lang="KO">대한민국 해병대</span>, Hanja: <span lang="KO">大韓民國海兵隊</span>, Revised Romanization: Daehanminguk Haebyeongdae) is the marine corps of the Republic of Korea. Though theoretically it is under the direction of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Marine Corps operates as a distinct arm of the South Korean forces, unlike most other marine branches, which generally operate as part of the country's navy. It was founded as a reconnaissance force just prior to the start of the Korean War. The ROKMC also saw combat during the Vietnam War while stationed in Da Nang, occasionally fighting alongside US Marines and Navy SEALs.

History

Founding years

On April 15, 1949, the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) was founded in Deoksan airfield in Jinhae with an initial strength of 380 men and was modeled around the United States Marine Corps. Lieutenant Colonel Shin Hyun-Joon was appointed to lead as first Commandant of the newly formed Marine Corps and as Commandant was promoted to Colonel on July 1, 1949. The ROKMC troops were issued with many leftover weapons from the Imperial Japanese Army used during World War II, including the 7.7&nbsp;mm Type 99 Light Machine Gun. The Marine Corps carried out suppression operations against communist elements in Jinju...
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