The Marines make up one of the most well-known institutions in the One Piece universe. Superficially, they are intended to embody law and order in an uncertain world fraught with pirates.

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As the arm of the World Government, members of the Navy are expected to traverse and tame the High Seas in the name of their masters. However, such a life isn't as glamorous as one might presume. By identifying the best and worst aspects of becoming a marine, we can better gauge whether or not the organization is worth partaking in.

10 HARSH REALITY: The Marines Are Enemies To Both The Pirates & Revolutionary Army

Monkey D. Dragon Cropped

Perhaps the most apparent downside to joining the Marines is that they fight a war on two fronts. In addition to their dogged attempts against anyone flying a Jolly Roger, they're also enemies to the Revolutionary Army.

Considering that the rebels have powerhouses such as Monkey D. Dragon, Ivankov, and Sabo who is enhanced by an incredibly powerful Devil Fruit, the Navy is spread thin and surrounded by enemies who want to destroy them.

9 PERK: Collecting Bounties Is An Excellent Way To Get Rich

One Piece Wanted Posters and Bounties

In order to incentivize the capture of important pirates, the World Government has issued bounties based on the level of threat the targets pose. Most individuals are reasonably priced and fairly difficult to defeat, although some are so absurdly overestimated that it would make for an easy payday.

For example, Demaro Black was worth 26 million despite having no powers, skills, or intelligence. Although it isn't a massive sum, he would provide a reasonable bonus for the average Marine to claim, should such an opportunity present itself.

8 HARSH REALITY: The Marines Are Expected To Participate In Atrocities

Buster call from Marine ships in One Piece.

An unfortunate reality of joining the Marines is that it often forces its members to commit atrocities. For example, a buster call was issued against the island of Ohara solely for the fact that they wanted to study poneglyphs.

The Navy won't hesitate to put its own people at risk if it might benefit them. This was demonstrated after Spandam accidentally ordered an attack on Enies Lobby and nearly got all of his subordinates killed. It was proven again when Akainu murdered a soldier for attempting to flee the battle for Marineford.

7 PERK: The Marines Don't Have To Watch Their Backs Like Pirates Do

Coby as a marine with his eyes closed in One Piece.

While both marines and pirates sail the high seas, only the latter is forced to look over their shoulders constantly. Since no one places bounties on the heads of Navy members, they can often be at ease when not engaged in combat.

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This is especially true when considering that naval bastions are located all throughout the Grand Line. It provides the agents of the World Government some necessary respite when attempting to recover from dogged pursuers hellbent on taking their heads. Since Koby didn't need to worry about his safety as much as Luffy did, he had a greater opportunity to keep up with him.

6 HARSH REALITY: The Marines Are Viewed As Disposable By The World Government

Marines At Marineford One Piece

Although many marines feel a sense of duty toward the World Government and those who run it, the sentiment isn't mutual. Oftentimes, they are used as expendable grunts or even cannon fodder in order to slow superior pirates down.

This was particularly evident after Charloss was struck at Sabaody, where common grunts were forced to face off against the three most powerful captains of the Worst Generation just to buy Kizaru time to arrive.

5 PERK: Marine Admirals Are Strong & Usually Fair

Fujitora using his gravity fruit in Dressrosa in One Piece.

While the World Government itself may not practice justice, the navy admirals it appoints oftentimes embody the values it claims to uphold. This was demonstrated through Aokiji's interactions with Nico Robin, where he spared her on two separate occasions despite the wishes of his superiors.

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It was proven again by Fujitora after the events of Dressrosa, where he refused to allow Doflamingo's loss to be erased by the scripted narrative of his masters. The most obvious exception to the admirals' usually positive record of honor is Akainu.

4 HARSH REALITY: The Marines Are Expected To Work Alongside The Same Pirates They Despise

Mihawk, Buggy and Boa Hancock with Buggy laughing maniacally in front.

As a marine, one might naturally cultivate a hatred for pirates. However, it becomes profoundly difficult to oppose them on a moral level when considering the existence of the Seven Warlords program.

Ironically, pirates were among Whitebeard's greatest enemies at the battle for Marineford, with Mihawk proving especially challenging even for his strongest commanders. Nonetheless, the program was eventually dissolved due to the frequent issues that the World Government suffered from.

3 PERK: The Navy Is Generally Regarded As Heroes & Deal With Genuinely Evil Pirates

Blackbeard dark dark fruit

For all of their faults, the Navy opposes genuinely evil pirates who seek to endanger innocent people. The most prominent example is Blackbeard, who has been a target of the World Government ever since his betrayal at Impel Down.

Considering that the marines deal with genuine villains, they tend to have a favorable reputation in the eyes of the public. The general faith in their narrative was why Whitebeard's defeat and death were largely celebrated everywhere after the battle for Marineford, excluding the provinces he was previously protecting.

2 HARSH REALITY: The Marines Have A Disciplined & Unforgiving Lifestyle

Monkey D. Garp gritting his teeth with a city background

In order to become a marine, one must commit themselves to a physically and mentally rigorous lifestyle. This was particularly demonstrated after Garp accepted Koby and Helmeppo into his service, having been moved by the former's aspirations to become an admiral.

Although he managed to train them into proper soldiers and even taught them CP9 techniques like the "Shave" and "Finger Pistol," both students had to work extremely hard to progress. While life in the Navy may seem glamorous, it's impossible to achieve without a tremendous amount of personal discipline.

1 PERK: The Marines Remain The Largest & Most Powerful Organization On The Planet

one piece marines

The greatest benefit of joining the Navy is that one becomes a member of the largest and most powerful organization on the planet. Their numbers and territory expand well beyond the range of any pirate emperor and with significantly more resources to match.

Not only does the Navy have the power to shape public perception, but it's also brutally efficient. With the Red Line safeguarded and Impel Down reserved for the series' most deadly pirates, they remain one of the Straw Hats' most credible adversaries.

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