Which statement about the Royal Marines era is accurate?

• A. American colonists were used as Royal Marines because of their seafaring experience.
• B. American colonists were not used.
• C. Royal Marines did not exist in that period.
• D. Only English Marines served.

Answer: (A)

Seafaring experience is a key asset for Royal Marines, whose role centers on naval infantry and operations that move from ships to shore. Because of that, recruits with real maritime skills were valuable, especially in campaigns spanning the Atlantic and colonial theaters. In the era in question, the British Empire drew on personnel from across its territories, including American colonies, so American colonists with ships and seafaring know-how could be pressed into service as Royal Marines to bolster naval and landing operations. That makes the statement about using American colonists due to their seafaring background the best fit.

The other ideas don’t hold up here because the Royal Marines did exist then and served in various capacities, not only English personnel, and American colonists were indeed used in some capacity rather than being entirely excluded from service.