Aug. 29, 2024, marks the birthday of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

108 years ago, on August 29, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriations Act of 1916, which established the Marine Corps Reserve. With approximately 35,000 Reserve Marines and 184 Reserve Training Centers across the country, The Marine Corps Reserve is the largest command in the U.S. Marine Corps.

The mission of the Marine Corps Reserve is to augment and reinforce active Marine forces in times of war, national emergency, or contingency operations, and provide service to the community such as through Toys for Tots during the holiday season. The Marine Corps Reserve is responsible for providing trained units and qualified individuals to be mobilized to carry out these duties.

Reserve Marines retain their civilian commitments but are ready to support their Corps in major combat assignments, humanitarian efforts, and national emergencies.