Vance honors Marines, Criticizes Politicization of Military at Pendleton Event
Camp Pendleton, California – Vice President JD Vance delivered remarks at a celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Saturday, October 18, 2025.The event, dubbed “From sea to Shore, an Amphibious Assault Exhibition,” drew an estimated crowd of 15,000, with the vast majority in uniform.
Vance Highlights Marine Corps Values and addresses Pay Concerns
Vance, a former Marine himself, led the audience in a customary call-and-response of “Oorahs,” signifying his deep connection to the corps. he passionately spoke of the values instilled by military service, stating that his time in the Marine Corps was instrumental in his personal and professional journey. “I would not be here today-I would not be the Vice President of the United States-were it not for those four years that I served in the Marine Corps,” he declared.
The Vice President also addressed the current government shutdown and its potential impact on military pay. He recounted a recent conversation with the President, emphasizing the need to ensure Marines receive their compensation. “Sir, we have got to pay these Marines both for their sake but also, of course, as if we don’t pay our enlisted Marines every bar in Southern California is going to go out of business,” Vance reportedly told the President.
Criticism of ‘Wokeness’ and Political Influence
Vance took the possibility to voice his concerns over the politicization of the military. He argued that efforts to impose diversity quotas or inject partisan politics into the armed forces hinder the Marine Corps’ effectiveness. This sentiment was echoed by defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who similarly criticized what he termed “wokeness” that he believed previously affected the military, praising the current high physical fitness standards of the Marines.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “Your diversity is not your strength-never has been. Your strength is your unity of purpose.” Navy Secretary John Phelan, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, and Marine commandant Gen. Eric Smith also delivered speeches, reinforcing the themes of service and dedication.
Amphibious Demonstration and Public Disruption
The event included a live-fire amphibious demonstration at Red Beach, featuring artillery fire and maneuvers by Navy SEALs, Recon Marines, and a Battalion Landing Team. While the demonstration was visually impressive, it necessitated the closure of a four-mile stretch of Interstate 5, causing significant disruption to traffic. California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly questioned the necessity of the exercise, calling it an “absurd show of force.”
Representative Mike Levin also voiced concerns over the safety risks posed by the artillery fire near the freeway. Despite the disruption, thousands of Marines enjoyed a day of camaraderie and celebration, marked by a performance from the Marine Corps brass band and flyovers by F/A-18 Hornets and helicopters.
| Key Figure | Role | Key Message |
|---|---|---|
| JD Vance | Vice President | Highlighted Marine Corps values, addressed pay concerns, criticized politicization. |
| Pete Hegseth | Defense Secretary | Criticized “wokeness” and emphasized unity of purpose. |
| Gavin Newsom | California Governor | Questioned the necessity of the live-fire exercise and freeway closure. |
The Marine Corps: A Historical overview
The United States Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. Initially established to recruit men to serve as sailors on naval vessels, the Marines quickly evolved into a dedicated amphibious fighting force. Their role in key conflicts,from the Barbary Wars to the Korean and Vietnam Wars,has solidified their reputation for courage and unwavering commitment. According to the marine Corps History Division,the Corps has participated in every armed conflict in U.S. history.
Did You Know? The Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated annually on November 10th, commemorating its founding date.
Pro Tip: Interested in learning more about the marine Corps? The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, offers a thorough look at its history and legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Marine Corps
- What is the primary mission of the Marine Corps? The Marine Corps’ primary mission is to act as a rapid-response force for the United States,capable of deploying quickly to address crises around the world.
- How does the Marine Corps differ from other branches of the military? The Marine Corps is a unique branch focused on amphibious warfare and expeditionary operations, often serving as the first responders in a crisis.
- What are the physical requirements for joining the Marine Corps? The Marine Corps has rigorous physical fitness standards, requiring recruits to meet specific benchmarks in pull-ups, crunches, and a timed three-mile run.
- what values does the Marine Corps emphasize? Honour, Courage, and Commitment are the core values of the marine Corps, guiding the conduct of its members.
- What is the significance of “Oorah”? “Oorah” is a traditional Marine Corps battle cry used to express enthusiasm, acknowledgement, and solidarity.
What are your thoughts on the balance between military readiness and public disruption during training exercises? Share your opinions in the comments below!
