Sound Off

Fighting the Unknown Face of Terrorism

From the Editor

The Marine Corps has been a major player in the war on terror since the beginning of our nation's history. This issue of Marines focuses on our Corps' legacy in the war on terror, those engaged on the front lines and the methods used by terrorists to gain their objectives.

In September 2001, our country experienced large-scale terrorism first hand and America took a stance of constant vigilance at home and prepared for battle abroad.

Marines have since taken the fight to terrorists across the globe. And while the "front lines" are far away, those at home continue to be watchful and wary of acts of terror. No one is immune, because there is no face to terrorism.

An act of terrorism can take place anywhere and any time.

We have seen this truth in Iraq with the daily bombings that in the last two years have killed thousands of Iraqi citizens.

While our country has combated terrorism for hundreds of years, we have not been able to stop every attack. Tehran, Beirut, Madrid, Rome, Oklahoma City, Athens, the bombing of USS Cole and numerous other locations mark the trails terrorists have taken.

This war is one we have never faced. Our enemies do not fly their country's flag or wear any distinguishable uniform. They do not fight this war on any battlefields of the past. This is how history will describe the Global War on Terrorism.

No one can put a price tag on defeating terrorism. It is an ongoing battle that has no foreseeable end. To that end, America and the world can rest assured that the Marine Corps will continue to train for the fight against terrorists and all other enemies – foreign and domestic – that our leaders call on us to fight.

Semper Fi,
Marines