At Guantanamo Bay, Cuba 25 April 1913, Marines of the Second Provisional Brigade formed the Marine Corps Association. John A. Lejeune, then a lieutenant colonel, headed its first executive committee. The purpose of the MCA was defined then and continues to drive the Association. To disseminate knowledge of the military art and science among members. * To provide for professional advancement. * To foster the spirit and preserve the traditions of the Marine Corps. * To increase the efficiency of the Marine Corps and to further the interest of the military and Naval Services in all ways not inconsistent with the good of the general government.