Like the other branches of US military service, the Marine Corps was crippled by resignations as men went south to join Confederate forces at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. Although few enlisted men quit, 20 officers out of a total of 63 either resigned or were dismissed. They included some of the Corp's most able men, and all but one of these served in the Confederate States Marine Corps at some time during the war. This title looks at the Marines on both sides during the American Civil War. It examines their history, weapons, uniforms, equipment and battle experiences.