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.