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Is the US Merchant Marine a "US service"? They aren't an officially recognized uniformed service [0] even though they do have uniforms, a paramilitary structur

by KK7NIL 2y ago

Is the US Merchant Marine a "US service"? They aren't an officially recognized uniformed service [0] even though they do have uniforms, a paramilitary structure and (those which are US citizens) can be called for mandatory service [1]. Not taking away from their very real service and sacrifice, it's just an interesting question what we mean by "US service". [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniformed_services_of_the_United_States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniformed_services_of_the_Unit... [1] https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/service-obligation https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/service-obligation

dredmorbius 2y ago
Is the US Merchant Marine a "US service"? They are (or have been) during wartime, attaching to the US Navy: During World War II the fleet was in effect nationalized; that is, the federal government controlled the cargo and the destinations, contracted with private companies to operate the ships, and put guns and Navy personnel, the Navy Armed Guard, on board. U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration FAQ <https://web.archive.org/web/20150411091000/http://www.marad.dot.gov/about_us_landing_page/marad_faq/FAQ.htm#q1 https://web.archive.org/web/20150411091000/http://www.marad....>
- deleted 2y ago
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