Marine/SEAL question?

Question

Why are there SEALs when the Navy has Marines? I thought the Marines are the Navys hand on land.

And yes I know, if it aint broke dont fix it. I just want to know why they are doing operations that a Marine should be doing.

Answer 1

SEALs are elite units. They are usually people who have superb athletic ability, exceptional mental fortitude, and are experienced soldiers. By nature elite units have fewer members because they are harder to come by - hence the term elite. For example, there might be 25,000 marines, but only a few hundred Navy SEAL's.

Because they are so few, SEAL's cannot win a war or control territory on their own. They are used for surgical strikes and attacks. Afterwards, the marines are used for controlling territory, patrolling, and day to day security.

In short, SEALs are for special ops and really critical missions. Marines are more the regular standing army of average or slightly above average soldiers.

Answer 2

Although the Marines fall under the Department of the Navy, they are not just an off-shoot of the Navy on land. They are their own branch of the military who for administrative purposes fall under the Department of the Navy since they often work closely alongside the Navy.

They have been in existence since November 1775 and has served in every American conflict.

Although training for both SEALs and the Force Recon Marines are similar, the main difference is in their style--SEALs ordinarily get their target and get out...very quick in and out. The Marines are for deeper reconaissance. In addition, most consider Marines better riflemen than SEALs.

Answer 3

Because during WW ll, the Marines had a hard time on the first amphibious landings,

Hitting coral heads, etc and getting grounded before they ever got to the beach.

So the Navy created the NCDU's to hold the Marines hand's and safely lead them to the beach.

But of course, you could ask why we need a Marine corp, since we have an Army,

And the Army did amphibious landings just fine in WW ll.

But we won't go there.

Answer 4

i;am a former marine.the marine corps is a small fighting force.the navy seals is a special force.just like the green beret is in the army.they both do special operations.but in the end they all work togather for the welfare of all concerned.and the marine corps is the navys hand on land.the special operations, are very important to the over all out come of the operation as a whole.they gather information which help save the lives of the soldiers and marines.they also carry out covert operations.as a former marine all i;ll say is thank god we have them.their a great fighting unit.and i;d be proud to have them with me if i ever had to go in combat.

Answer 5

Navy Seals are an Underwater Demolition Team.

Answer 6

http://www.navyseals.com/navy-seal-history
http://webpages.charter.net/wisconsinlegion-7thdistrict/United_States_Marine_Corps.htm

Answer 7

most seals were marines as i understand it