On what date was the Marine Corps re-established, allowing the President to establish the number of commissioned and non-commissioned officers?

• A. October 14, 1775
• B. January 1, 1800
• C. July 11, 1798
• D. May 5, 1789

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is the moment the Marine Corps became a formal, standing part of the U.S. military again and the authority behind its leadership structure. After the Revolutionary War the Marines were disbanded, and Congress then re-established the corps in 1798. The law at that time placed the Marines under the Navy and gave the President the power to appoint officers and determine how many officers and noncommissioned officers would be on the roster. This created the official framework for leadership and staffing within the Marine Corps.

That re-establishment happened on July 11, 1798, which is why this date is the correct answer. Other dates reflect earlier moments in Marine history or other federal milestones, but they do not mark the re-establishment with the authorization to define the officer corps.