I chosen this as the subject of this story because a Marine asked; "Are we that elite?"
From the Dictionary:
Elite
/ileet/
noun
1. A group of people regarded as the best in a particular society or organization.
2. The richest, most powerful, best educated or most highly trained group in a society.
3. The best or most skilled members of a group.
4. The choice or best of anything considered collectively.
5. A choice or select body.
6. A relatively small dominant group within a larger society.
adjective
1. A group of (excellent) troops.

All of the above is the answer to "Are we that elite".

But I rather use this to answer that question. One might use famous Marine Officers, and famous Enlisted Marines. Or one might use Marines who are recipients of the Medal of Honor, as a reply to what makes the Marine Corps an elite organization.

But really the Marine Corps is more than that. It's made up of men and women. Who bring their strengths and weakness to the Marine Corps.

In place of famous Marines, I rather remember the ordinary everyday Marines. Marines with ordinary names such as Jim, Dave, Bill, John, Jose, Linda, Rosalinda, Jennifer and so forth. Last names are not that important.

They are the ones that has made or are making the word Marine have any meaning. Some Marines have reached deep within themselves on an ordinary day and did acts of valor that are hard to imagine.

A soldier writes:
One reason the entire Marine Corps is considered "elite" is because, their entire organization is predominantly combat oriented. Even the support units they do have are inculcated with the idea that "every Marine is a rifleman first".

A second reason that Marines are considered "elite" is because they consider themselves "elite". This is a self fulfilling prophesy in a way. In many ways what makes you special is the way you picture yourself. If you think you belong to an elite organization, you will automatically train a little longer, fight a little harder.

The Marines have a mystique that makes them irresistible to some of the best young recruits in our nation. The thing I admire most about Marines is the fierce pride they have in their Corps.

Another reason for the elite image of the Marine Corps is the history. Every one of them can tell you in great detail about Chesty Puller, Carlos Hathcock and all the other heroes who fought their hearts out in past wars.

The Marine Corps pushes authority and responsibility downward to a greater degree than the other services. Our young NCOs have as much responsibility as our Sister Services’ Officers.

The Marine Corps has a widely held reputation as a fierce and effective fighting force and the Marines take pride in their gung-ho attitude, they are indoctrinated with a strong belief in their chain of command and the importance of esprit de corps, a spirit of enthusiasm and pride in themselves and the Corps. The Marine Corps is popularly seen as possessing a degree of fame and infamy among the enemies they fight.

Each U.S. Marine, past and present, has entered more than just the Brotherhood of Marines. He has become, and will always remain, part of a mystical fellowship of valor.
He must conform to an uncompromising code of honor, discipline, personal integrity, and a Commitment to his Corps.

"What makes us elite is that we don't want to let each other down," 1st Sgt. Justin Lehew USMC.

Is there any question why some consider us elite? It all comes down to the Jim's, Dave's, Bill's, John's, Jose's, Linda's Rosalinda's, Jennifer's and so forth, who make The Marine Corps.