Marines: The Guardians of Justice in One Piece Manga

Introduction:

The Marines are the naval military branch of the World Government. They handle sea law enforcement and maritime combat. They have many branches across the world’s oceans, but most of their forces are concentrated on the Grand Line, where Marine Headquarters is located. They are one of the Three Great Powers, along with the Four Emperors and the Seven Warlords of the Sea, who the SSG later replaced.

The Marines are one of the main antagonist groups in the series. They play a central role as villains in several story arcs, including Romance Dawn, Loguetown, Enies Lobby, Sabaody Archipelago, Marineford, Return to Sabaody, and Egghead. They also appear as antagonists in various non-canon content, such as the Warship Island, Goat Island, G-8, and Marine Rookie filler arcs, as well as in the fifth and eleventh movies and the third, sixth, and tenth specials.

Enlisting:

The exact process for joining the Marines is not clearly defined. One just needs to request to join and get approval from a ranking officer, likely the base commander.

There are no gender restrictions for enlistment. At the same time, most Marines are male, there are several notable female Marines, such as Tsuru, Gion, Hototogisu, Doll, Bluegrass, Hina, Kujaku, Tashigi, Hibari, Isuka, and Bell-mère. Nationality is also not a barrier, as people can enlist at bases outside their homeland like Koby did in Shells Town. Although most Marines are human, the force includes giants and members of the Longarm Tribe. Once enlisted, Marines receive a unit assignment, post, Marine code, and photo ID.

Not everyone who joins the Marines does so willingly. For instance, Mother Carmel was a human trafficker who sold children from her orphanage to the government to be trained as Marines. Another example is Kaidou, who his homeland’s king enlisted to secure a place at the Levely because the kingdom couldn’t handle him.

The minimum age requirement for joining the Marines is unknown. Canonically, the youngest person known to join is Koby, who enlisted at sixteen. Non-canonically, Zephyr is the youngest, joining at fourteen. Additionally, the orphan’s Mother, Carmel, planned to sell appeared to be under ten years old.

The Marines work hard to prevent pirates from infiltrating their ranks. For example, the Marines at the 153rd Branch in Shells Town initially wanted to perform a background check on Koby. However, some pirates, like Vergo, manage to join without being detected.

A former pirate can join the Marines if they undergo a trial and receive a pardon for their past crimes, as Jango did. It’s also possible for a pirate to become a Marine if they have a recommendation from a Marine officer.

Duties:

The Marines have maintained law and order worldwide and enforce the World Government’s authority. Their main goal is to bring criminals to justice, especially focusing on capturing pirates and enforcing rules. Marines patrol the seas constantly to uphold peace.

One of their responsibilities is awarding bounties to bounty hunters for capturing criminals. They tolerate bounty hunters to make their jobs easier, but Marines also pursue bounties themselves. Captured criminals are often made examples of, and the Marines ensure their transportation to prison or execution.

High-ranking Marines, such as Admirals and the Fleet Admiral, are expected to lead Marine forces into war. This includes capturing many criminals at once, protecting the World Nobles, or initiating a Buster Call to handle serious situations. Vice Admirals support Admirals by commanding ships and executing their orders precisely.

Some high-ranking Marines infiltrate notorious or dangerous pirate crews to stop them from recruiting new members or to monitor their activities. They may also apprehend notorious pirates and criminals; for instance, Admiral Fujitora was sent by Fleet Admiral Sakazuki to arrest Monkey D. Luffy and Trafalgar D. Water Law.

Only Rear Admirals and higher ranks are permitted in the presence of the Five Elders. If a Five Elder uses their transformation ability, commodores and lower-ranked Marines are not allowed to look at them, with the punishment for disobedience being death.

Rank system:

The Marine military rank system is straightforward, with clear distinctions between each rank. Marines are divided into two main categories: Officers and Enlisted. Officers hold leadership positions, while enlisted personnel carry out their orders. A typical Marine unit includes one or two officers and several enlisted soldiers.

Commanding Marines often work in pairs, consisting of a superior officer and a lower-ranking second-in-command. These pairs can stay together even during promotions, advancing in rank together. In these partnerships, the higher-ranking officer gives orders to subordinates, while the second-in-command acts as an advisor or gathers information, ensuring the orders are executed properly.

Commissioned Officers:

• Fleet Admiral
• Admiral
• Vice Admiral
• Rear Admiral
• Ensign
• Commodore
• Captain
• Commander
• Lieutenant Commander
• Lieutenant
• Lieutenant Junior Grade

Enlisted and Non-Commissioned Officers:

• Warrant Officer
• Master Chief Petty Officer
• Chief Petty Officer
• Petty Officer
• Seaman First Class
• Seaman Apprentice
• Seaman Recruit (or Recruit)
• Chore Boy (not an official rank)

Special Ranks:

• Inspector General
• Instructor

Positions:

• Captain of the Science Unit
• Captain of SWORD
• Director of Marine Bureau of Investigation
• Base Commander

Non-Canon Positions:

• Special Operations Advisor
• Special Inspector
• Fleet Commodore

Rank insignia:

The Marines don’t have traditional rank insignia. Instead, they wear various uniforms to denote their rank. Recruits start with a standard uniform: a white button-up shirt with the Marine emblem (a simplified seagull) on the back, “MARINE” written underneath, and two blue lines around the collar. They also wear a blue neckerchief, dark blue trousers, and a white baseball cap with “MARINE” in blue letters across the front. This uniform is worn by all officers at the rank of Seaman and below.

Originally, Marines wore dark brown shoes with dusty blue tape tied around their ankles. However, later in the series, the standard footwear was changed to black boots. The quasi-rank of “Chore Boy” adds the kanji 雑 (Zatsu), meaning “various” or “odds and ends,” to the slightly longer sleeves and the Marine emblem on the back.

Once officers reach the rank of petty officer, they can choose from various uniforms, including their clothes. Those who wish to maintain a more traditional appearance will continue wearing a standard Marine outfit with red and blue epaulettes.

Sailors at the rank of Ensign and above are permitted to wear a coat with “Justice” (正義, Seigi) on the back. This coat is often worn like a cape, draped over the shoulders without the arms in the sleeves. It’s worth noting that these coats usually have sleeves longer than the wearers’ arms. For the rank of Lieutenant Commander and above, a suit worn underneath the “Justice” coat is the preferred attire. Officers can choose the colour and pattern of their suits freely.

Exceptions to uniform regulations exist within the Marines. For instance, Jango and Fullbody wear their clothes with the “MARINE” hat despite holding the rank of “Seaman Recruit.” This could be due to their unique circumstances—Jango being a former pirate with a bounty and Fullbody being a demoted Lieutenant—or the leniency of their commanding officer. It’s also possible that the dress code is not strictly enforced in all situations.

Additionally, low-ranking soldiers stationed at G-5 often disregard uniform rules entirely, sometimes wearing slacks or even using a bucket as a hat. This reflects their overall disregard for rules and regulations at that particular base.

High-ranking officers sometimes deviate from the standard dress code. For example, Smoker remains shirtless under his jacket, which he wears beneath his Marine officer coat. Admiral Fujitora also opts out of the traditional suit and tie, wearing his clothes under his Marine coat.

Certain Marines, especially high-ranking ones, have custom colours in their coats. For instance, while Sengoku held the rank of Admiral, his Marine coat had red epaulettes instead of the usual yellow. Similarly, Garp and Tsuru wear special epaulettes—Garp’s are red and black, while Tsuru’s are purple with white dots. Zephyr’s were blue. Additionally, top-ranked Marines’ coats have custom-coloured cuffs, with Admirals having all their coat cuffs matching their colour scheme.

Promotion and demotion:

The exact criteria for Marine promotion remain unknown. The only instance of promotion seen in the series is when Smoker and Tashigi are both promoted by one rank after defeating Crocodile. Marines have the right to decline a promotion and stay at their current rank, as Vice Admiral Garp demonstrated by rejecting the promotion to Admiral multiple times. Additionally, Marines can be demoted to a lower rank. Full body, for example, was demoted from Lieutenant to Seaman Recruit as part of a deal for his friend Jango to be pardoned for his past crimes as a pirate.

Special Units:

In addition to their main military forces, the Marines have employees responsible for various support services. These include chefs and kitchen staff, doctors, and scientists, all aimed at bolstering the main troops. Furthermore, the Marines have special divisions and squads within their hierarchy, each assigned specific tasks and missions beyond standard Marine duties. These units typically have their leadership and ranks. Some known units include:

The Science Unit (科学部隊, Kagaku Butai) is the Marines’ research and development team, led by Dr. Vegapunk, renowned as the world’s smartest man. Captain Sentomaru serves as Vega Punk’s bodyguard and leads the unit. This team is responsible for creating advanced technology used by the Marines, such as seastone-lined battleships that can navigate the Calm Belt without disturbing Sea Kings. They also developed the Pacifista project, among other innovations. Within the Science Unit, there’s a special group called the SSG. Their goal is to replace the Seven Warlords of the Sea within the Three Great Powers structure through the Seraphim project.

The Giant Squad (巨人部隊, Kyojin Butai) is a Marine group made up entirely of giants. They were tasked with guarding the execution platform during the Summit War of Marineford, where Portgas D. Ace was held.

SWORD is a covert unit within the Marines comprised of publicly resigned Marines, reportedly led by X Drake. Despite their former status, they can still carry out missions for the Marines and are not bound by orders from higher command. However, if their actions cause problems, they are considered expendable.

The Marine Bureau of Investigation (海軍犯罪捜査局, Kaigun Hanzai Sōsa-kyoku, also known as the “Naval Bureau of Investigation”) is a division within the Marines responsible for investigating and gathering data on major incidents within their jurisdiction. Tensei, the division’s director, leads it.

They were called upon by Sakazuki to investigate the events of the recent Levely, including the surprise attack by the Revolutionary Army, the murder of King Cobra of the Arabasta Kingdom, and the alleged disappearance of his daughter. Any connection between the Marine Bureau of Investigation and the World Government’s investigative unit, Cipher Pol, remains unknown. However, both organisations have been involved in investigating the same incidents.

Communication Department:

The Communications Department (通信部, Tsūshin-bu) is a division within the Marines tasked with detecting, intercepting, and tracing Den Den Mushi calls from outlaw organisations like the Revolutionary Army. This division has been operational for at least twelve years, as it played a role in uncovering the Revolutionary Army’s victory at Tumi.

Prior to the destruction of the Lulusia Kingdom, the department successfully located Sabo while he made an emergency call to his fellow revolutionaries. However, to prevent the disclosure of the information Sabo possessed, the Five Elders ordered the operation to be terminated and dismissed without acknowledgement of its existence.

The Marines’ Photography Department (海軍写真部, Kaigun Shashin-bu) is responsible for capturing images of pirates and other criminals for use in wanted posters. Formerly led by Attach, he was dismissed due to frequent errors.

The Strategic Tactics Research and Development Division (戦略戦術研究開発本部, Senryaku Senjutsu Kenkyū Kaihatsu Honbu) is a non-canon Marine division featured in Adventure of Nebulandia. It employs a unique ranking system alongside the standard Marine Ranks, with Vice Admiral Komei holding the position of “Special Operations Advisor” (特別作戦参謀, Tokubetsu Sakusen Sanbō).

Military Powers:

The exact number of Marines worldwide remains unknown, but they are undeniably the most powerful military force in the One Piece world. During the execution of Portgas D. Ace, approximately 100,000 foot soldiers and 50 battleships were assembled, showcasing their formidable strength. Even after the battle, Marine bases worldwide still boasted large numbers of troops.

Marines are allowed to wield any weapon they prefer, including unconventional choices, and are even permitted to fight bare-handed. Some Marines possess Devil Fruit powers, which can be incredibly potent and versatile.

In addition to humans, the Marines also enlist giants. Currently, there are nine known giants in their ranks, including Vice Admiral John Giant. Furthermore, they have incorporated mechanised Pacifistas into their forces, designed to resemble Bartholomew Kuma and enhanced with Admiral Kizaru’s laser beams.

The Marines were also aided by the formidable Seven Warlords of the Sea, seven exceptionally powerful pirates who allied with them in exchange for pardons. However, this Warlord system was later abolished and replaced by the SSG and their Seraphim.

Additionally, the Marines boast powerhouse figures in the form of the Admirals, as well as numerous strong and renowned Marine officers. Former Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Former Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp were considered among the strongest Marines ever, though they have since retired.

The Marines’ most devastating offensive tactic is the Buster Call, involving ten battleships led by five Vice Admirals. It’s comparable in strength to an entire nation’s military and results in the destruction of the targeted island, including its buildings and inhabitants. Only the three Admirals and the Fleet Admiral have the authority to order a Buster Call, although they can delegate this authority if necessary.

The Marines are safeguarded by their headquarters, Marineford, which was later relocated to New Marineford and is considered one of, if not the strongest, Marine fortresses in the Grand Line. It boasts numerous defence mechanisms and artillery in almost every direction. Their mission is to defend, ensure, and enforce justice. Despite the losses suffered in the battle against Whitebeard’s forces, they emerged victorious. However, the fight didn’t halt their momentum. They’ve dedicated most of their time to rebuilding their damaged forces.

Whitebeard’s final proclamation spurred a new wave of pirates and prompted Admiral Akainu’s promotion to Fleet Admiral. This has led the Marines to intensify their efforts in cracking down on pirates, particularly in the New World. Given the current trajectory, another war will likely erupt, and the Marines may need to muster an even greater force to confront the impending challenges.

Questionable Actions:

The primary issue within the Marines stems from their approach to justice. Higher-ranking Marines often prioritise achieving justice over the methods used, leading some who advocate for absolute justice to take questionable actions in their duties. In some cases, these actions result in more harm than the pirates they were trying to stop would have caused, sometimes intentionally. Examples include the destruction of Ohara and the decimation of relevance.

As the main military force of the World Government, the Marines are considered the key strategic development force and are expected to follow orders from the upper echelon. Although some orders may be questionable, they are required to carry them out regardless of the consequences, even if it means sacrificing allied Marines. Failure to comply with orders can result in severe punishment, including death.

The Marines received assistance from the Seven Warlords of the Sea, powerful pirates whose government granted pardons in exchange for their combat skills. This alliance is seen as hypocritical since the Marines’ main objective is to capture pirates. Some Marines, like Aokiji, Akainu, Smoker, Sengoku, Kizaru, and Fujitora, view the Warlords as nothing more than pirates. However, the Warlords aren’t obligated to follow Marine orders unless directed by the World Government itself, allowing them to continue their pirate activities unchecked.

A controversial aspect of Marine “Justice” involves their stance on slavery. Despite its supposed abolition, they often look the other way, especially when it benefits the World Nobles’ tyranny. In some cases, it’s considered a crime to free enslaved people, even children. Marines are tasked with recapturing formerly enslaved people, and they’ve even purchased promising children from slave traders to train them as soldiers.

The Marines’ hypocrisy extends to their treatment of unaffiliated islands. By law, they are prohibited from aiding such islands, meaning they cannot take action against pirates there. However, once Marines set foot on these islands, they are no longer bound by typical laws. This grants them the freedom to act as they please, including murdering individuals if they wish. They even support the Celestial Dragons’ Native Hunting Competition, where World Nobles massacre entire populations for sport, with Marines preventing any survivors from escaping.

In some cases, corrupt Marines invade unaffiliated islands for personal gain, attacking defenceless citizens similarly to pirates. Despite lacking jurisdiction, Marines may still arrest pirates on these islands, as seen when Admiral Ryokugyu apprehended Edward Weevil on Sphinx. However, this can lead to resistance from the island’s warriors, particularly if the locals favour the pirates.