Founded by Admiral Sakira Tobonne, an experienced Navy officer who had been successful in guarding the borders of the Republic from pirates and slavers, the Marine Corps served with distinction in many of the galaxy's fiercest and most widespread conflicts. Beginning with the Great Hyperspace War and continuing through the time of the New Sith Wars, they were regarded as an important arsenal in the Republic's armed forces throughout their history. The Corps eventually grew to a core strength of thirty-six combat battalions and thirty-seven starfighter squadrons before they were disbanded along with most of the rest of the military. Refusing to become a part of the Judicial Department that had been created to take their place, most Marines instead became mercenaries; though they still held