May 7,
2008: The U.S. Marine Corps has had more
success than expected in attracting recruits, and has moved up the date for
completing their current expansion. Last year, Congress ordered the marines to
expand their strength from the current 181,000 to 202,000. At first, the
marines thought it would take them four years to do it. But between the large
number of recruits, and the many current marines who are staying in, the
expansion will be accomplished by next year.
At the end
of the Cold War, the marines had 202,000 troops, and were ordered to reduce
strength to 174,000. Since then, Congress has found they needed the marines
more than anticipated, and Marine Corps strength has gradually moved back to
Cold War levels.
