The
Continental Marines were the
marine force of the
American Colonies during the
American Revolutionary War. The Corps was formed by the
Continental Congress on November 10, 1775 and was disbanded in 1783. Their mission was multi-purpose, but their most important duty was to serve as onboard security forces, protecting the captain of a ship and his officers. During naval engagements Marine
sharpshooters were stationed in the fighting tops of the ships' masts, and were supposed to shoot the opponent's officers,
naval gunners, and helmsmen.