LE1-C5S7T1L4pg The Marines in the Modern Era

Purpose The purpose of this lesson is to explain how the value of the Marines has increased by their ability to be a Force in Readiness.

1. Identify battle sites of the modern era and provide dates of engagement on a world map. 2. Provide information about dates, objectives, and other important information about battles of the modern era. 3. Develop a visual aid and make an oral presentation that highlights one of the battles of the modern era.

CPS Lesson Questions (1-2)

Do you keep up with current events related to the war in Iraq? A.Yes, a lot – I watch the news and read about current events related to the war all the time. B.Yes, a little. I watch the news when I can find the time. C.Not really – I am not that interested in current events or what is happening in Iraq.

True or False: The armistice in Korea meant that the Marine Corps ceased to be involved in international activities. A.True B.False

Think about the events the Marines have been involved in since the Korean War. List 2-3 events that you already know. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)

 The armistice in Korea did not mean that the Marine Corps ceased to be involved in international activities.  When a 1958 revolution in Iraq threatened the stability of Lebanon, its president requested American troops to support the Lebanese army.  Other Marine forces were on station, both ashore and afloat, in other parts the world, and were prepared for any action.

 When Donald Reid Cabral, President of the Dominican Republic, was assassinated in April 1965 as part of a coup, the Marines were called in to protect U.S. citizens who wished to leave the area.  On April 28, Colonel Pedro Bartolome Benoit asked for the help of Marines to help restore order.  The Marines left the island by June 6.

 The war in Vietnam may have begun for the United States in 1965, but it started for the Vietnamese 100 years before.  While the end of the war left Vietnam united and independent, the French were not about to give up their desire to retain Vietnam as part of the French Empire.

 In May of 1975, the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia boarded and seized the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez and captured her crew in international waters.  President Ford ordered the Marines to the rescue.  In all, 11 Marines, 2 Navy corpsmen, and 2 airmen had died in what seemed to be a senseless act of piracy.

 During the late 70s, the Middle East became a hot spot for Marine activity.  One incident occurred on November 21, 1979 in Islambad, Pakistan where Marine Corporal Stephen Crowly was killed while performing his duties.  The second incident was in Tehran, Iran in November of Nine Marines and 43 civilians were held hostage for 444 days.

CPS Lesson Question (3)

Which war was the longest in our history? A.The Iraq War B.The Civil War C.The American Revolution D.Vietnam War

 The Marines were sent to Lebanon on a peacekeeping mission in June 1982 following an Israeli invasion of that country.  A total of 238 Marines had been killed in the actions related to Lebanon.  In 1983, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States sent a message to the U.S. requesting American Support to deal with what was called an unprecedented threat to the peace and security of Grenada.

 “Just Cause” was the name of the operation whose goal was to bring Panama’s dictator and drug-dealer, Manuel Noriega to Florida for trial.  Part of the Marine responsibility had been to defend the Navy’s Arraijan Tank Farm, which stored in underground tanks most of the fuel used by all of the U.S. forces in Panama.

 Because of the threat to a vital interest of the U.S., the oil production capability of the Persian Gulf region, President George Bush ordered warplanes and ground forces to Saudi Arabia after obtaining King Fahd’s approval.  Operation Desert Storm included massive air attacks designed to cripple Hussein’s offensive and defensive forces.

 The largest deployment in Carl Mundy, Jr.’s years as top Marine came in Somalia in 1992 and in  When fighting began between rival political groups, the 11 th Marine Expeditionary Unit, who had been waiting offshore, sprang into action.  While effort to provide help for the Somalia people was a U.N. sanctioned effort, many of the troops were from the U.S.

 In an ever-changing world, it has become necessary for the Marines to evolve as well.  Since 1992, Marines have supported the enforcement of the “No-fly Zone” in Iraq and between in Bosnia.  These types of responses typify Marines readiness, willingness, and capability to support civil authorities.

CPS Lesson Question (4)

What was the name of the operation whose goal was to bring Panama’s dictator and drug-dealer, Manuel Noriega, to Florida for trial? A.“Just Cause” B.“Just Trial” C.“Just Answers” D.“Just Do It”

List the 2-3 most important things you learned in this lesson. Why are they important to you? (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)

Images in this lesson were taken from:  Microsoft © Clip Art Gallery  Marine Corps Combat Camera  MCJROTC Student Text