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I think the point that the author was making was that the Marines, having gotten so large, were no longer really part of the Navy Dept.

This is one of those deals where the 'Headline' doesn't really match the 'Content' of the article. I read Dunnigan's piece and like most of his work there is a provocative headline and an interesting openning line and then -- yawn -- he tells you something you already knew.

The US Marine Corps is by far the largest, most capable force of naval infantry in the world. Most nations maintain small units of this type -- a few regiments at most. The balance of Dunnigan's article alleges that the US Navy can't get the Marines to do some of the things (like advance-base/ship security) that Marines have traditionally done. Therefore, the Navy wants to create a force of naval infantry to perform these tasks. This contradicts the title of his article about the Navy creating a 'new' Marine Corps, because that is NOT what is going on.

As far as this former-Marine is concerned, I'd like to ask him one question: What is the drop-out rate of USMC recruit training versus BUDS. Prejudice aside, the drop-out rate is how you determine who is 'tougher'.

Tallguy asks "What is the drop-out rate of USMC recruit training versus BUDS. Prejudice aside, the drop-out rate is how you determine who is tougher."

I can't speak for the former Marine, but as a former Sailor I can tell you that the BUDS dropout rate is much higher. But here again you are comparing apples to oranges not only in the individual branches of service but the way the training for both is set up.
Marine boot camp is set where you it almost requires an act of Congress for you to dropout. The instructors can wash you out, but if you try to quit they do everything they can to keeping you from quitting.
In BUDS its different. Ring the bell and you are OUT.
You don't want to be there. They don't want you.
The Marine Corps wants to build men and "basically" train them for war at the same time.
The SEALs on the other hand, are training picked men for special operations who have already been "basically" trained.
So, you are WRONG on using that as a determination for whose tougher.