As an infantryman I have heard people talk about other soldiers as not being "real" soldiers. What does it mean to be a "real" soldier?

2017-06-28T11:26:26-04:00

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jun 28 at 2017 11:35 AM

2017-06-28T11:35:05-04:00

You know all hell is about to break loose right? I get your meaning, but this will quickly turn into a who's this and who's that, leading into a pissing match made in hell.

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made Jun 28 at 2017 11:36 AM

2017-06-28T11:36:00-04:00

real soldier is someone who finishes all their training, meets standard, and does their job well. A real soldier follows orders and respects their leaders.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 28 at 2017 11:38 AM

2017-06-28T11:38:50-04:00

Me. I'm not a "real" soldier. It's the key to my struggle with survivor's guilt. I trained to be an infantryman, an infantry leader. I spent a year at Infantry School: BCT, AIT, Infantry OCS. Then I graduated as an AGC officer. It didn't really occur to me until I was serving with the 9th Infantry Division as Chief, Casualty Reporting, and met an OCS classmate at the PX. He had just arrived in country (about two months after me). We exchanged news (he was recently married). Two weeks later I was writing condolences on behalf of the commanding general to his young bride. That's when the guilt hit. We survived OCS by being brothers, looking out for each other. It was a habit instilled in us to help us survive the battlefield and I had let him down. That's when I decided I wasn't a "real soldier" and the onus has stuck.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 28 at 2017 11:39 AM

2017-06-28T11:39:22-04:00

If I want to get get technical, someone who's serving in the Army.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 11:44 AM

2017-06-28T11:44:58-04:00

Everybody has their own definition, I would say don't be concerned about what they think of your service, focus on your reasons and be happy with that.
But maybe I'm wrong.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 11:50 AM

2017-06-28T11:50:59-04:00

What's real, What's Memorex:

I don't know about the dirt pounders but I do think that a "Real" Sailor has been to sea at least once. I mean you may be in the Navy but if you have never been on Big Blue you cant really call yourself a Sailor can you. That would be like a Pilot who has never been in a Plane, or a race car driver who has never been in a car...

Beyond the above mentioned criteria, I think most times those comments come from people who just want to haze the new guys, or the really old school that did it all the hard way. It can be ignored / laughed at and then deflected with (insert sarcasm here) comment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 11:53 AM

2017-06-28T11:53:10-04:00

I tend to not listen to people like that. They usually have no clue what they're talking about. A soldier is a soldier. I don't know how one can be more "real" than another. Do we have imaginary soldiers running around the Army or something?

I've heard it too - it's usually combat arms telling support soldiers they aren't "real" soldiers.

My first deployment - I was a SPC. It was just me and my LT in the S2. The CSM's PSD PSG used to give me so much crap about being a "fobbit" and I didn't know what was going on outside the wire so how I could do any intel reports, etc. One day he comes in and he wants the SIGACTs for the day. I said "Nope sorry." (I think he was a SSG). He said "Why not?" I said "Well I'm just a fobbit. I don't know what is really going on so I can't give you anything that will help, can I?"
He kind of glared at me and I did give him the information but still - I got tired of it. Yes I was a fobbit. I was on the FOB. Omg I must not have ever been a real soldier during both my deployments. I went out on as many patrols as I could. My LT wouldn't let me go out very much. (Who would do the work?). Everyone can't be outside the FOBs. Sorry.

If someone wants to act like they are big crap they can. Usually the ones who boast the most didn't really do much at all during their time.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 28 at 2017 11:54 AM

2017-06-28T11:54:28-04:00

This sounds like a discussion simmering in all the Services about front-line operations service members vs. support service members. In the USMC it's grunts (assaultman Marines) vs. POGs (personnel other than grunts). In the Air Force it's maintainers vs. Nonners (non-sortie generating personnel). I'm not sure how the Navy sorts this out because they have a lot of communities with different missions. In the Army I've seen the contest between Paratroopers and "Legs"--it's all about blousing your boots apparently. As an Air Force pilot I stayed a bit above all of this (pun intended), but within our community the fighter pilots tended to evaluate everybody else as "targets."

The truth is we all have a symbiotic relationship. The aircraft won't fly if they aren't properly maintained. Without an aircraft to fly pilots are over-paid staff officers. Without supply personnel, the maintenance folks can't fix the aircraft. Without personnel and finance people nobody gets paid or promoted, and stuff doesn't get purchased for the supply system. It all fits together. We all need to recognize this and respect our fellow service members wherever they serve. The talk of grunts vs POGs is entertaining for comic strips, military blogs, and bar talk, but it has not place in professional correspondence or day-to-day relationships.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 28 at 2017 12:11 PM

2017-06-28T12:11:55-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, all infantrymen are soldiers, but not all soldiers are infantrymen. Were that not the case, there would only be one MOS: 11B. MAJ Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 12:36 PM

2017-06-28T12:36:41-04:00

As an infantryman myself I'd like to ask those people how far they think they would get without all those other soldiers doing their jobs. They'd run out of ammo/fuel/water/food/etc. pretty quickly. Not to mention they wouldn't get their CIB/medals/pay/insurance/etc. It's just stupid really.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Jun 28 at 2017 12:38 PM

2017-06-28T12:38:27-04:00

I used to hear similar remarks in the Marines........"he's not a "real" Marine......usually made in reference to someone who had never served in combat (of which I was one who didn't). As was explained to me in stark terms by one of my drill instructors (it's detailed in my book God Bless Chesty).......once you become a Marine, the Marine Corps owns your ass and will send you where they need you......your job is to follow orders and accomplish whatever mission you are given. Some were given combat missions, some were needed elsewhere......it wasn't our own choice. So I always felt that everyone who earned the right to the title........was a "real" one, regardless of what assignment they received. You wear the uniform, you are real.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 28 at 2017 12:40 PM

2017-06-28T12:40:38-04:00

It's about who can piss up the wall the highest. In the 11B world hierarchy, the top of the pissing list would be Army Rangers (75th types, not just tabbed), then Airborne, then Air Assault/light units, then Mech. Anyone in the group below the first two would be also classified as a Leg since there is no jump status. Then you drop down to the rest of the Combat Arms teams, the 13/19/21 MOS's, which are at least given some official respect, plus the grunts all love the 153A's. Everyone else is a POG. Most of this stuff is done in good fun, but there are always some morons that take it serious.
Even among the 11B hierarchy, some of it is more perception than factual. Having played around in a number of unit types, I can say that the 10th and the 101st are as tough as 75th even though they don't get the training time.

Response by SGT Peter Hayes made Jun 28 at 2017 12:42 PM

2017-06-28T12:42:16-04:00

will I don't know about todays Army but back in the day every ones primary MOS was a 11B regardless of what your MOS was (when the sh@% hit the fan what were you going to do say will I can't fight because I am not infantry. see how that works out for you. so a soldier a solder

Response by PO2 Rich Pratt made Jun 28 at 2017 1:38 PM

2017-06-28T13:38:56-04:00

This actually gets me every veterans day; I was a cold war submariner, I enlisted after drinking my way through a year college. I am a "Gulf War Era" veteran, but I spent that war watching CNN in the shipyard. I got out after 6 and used my Navy training to get a good job, which lead to a great career.

My sacrifices were nothing like my father went through in Korea or my grandfather in WWI and nowhere near what the young soldiers and marines are dealing with now. I actually get uncomfortable when people thank me for my service or I am told to stand up as a veteran. I am proud of my service and proud of the dolphins I wear, I don't consider my self a second class veteran, but I do feel I don't deserve the recognition the "real" ones should get.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 1:52 PM

2017-06-28T13:52:24-04:00

In my book, everyone that said the oath.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 28 at 2017 1:52 PM

2017-06-28T13:52:24-04:00

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 2:41 PM

2017-06-28T14:41:13-04:00

Real Soldiers shoot, move, and communicate effectively to eliminate the enemy. Real Soldiers take initiative. Real Soldiers adapt and overcome. Real Soldiers are disciplined and live the Army values. Real Soldiers are all of the above, regardless of MOS. Combat is the Infantry's bread and butter, but their job would be so much more complex had all these other support MOS's not been around!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jun 28 at 2017 3:02 PM

2017-06-28T15:02:53-04:00

When that infantryman can fight without eating, or come up with his own weapons or bullets, or GET to the fight on his own two feet (from CONUS), or provide his own living quarters and bedding, determine by himself where and when the enemy will be, heal his own wounds, provide his own medical care...then....THEN he will be better than all the Soldiers that do those things that so enable him to do his job. Until then, he's just -another- Soldier.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Jun 28 at 2017 3:38 PM

2017-06-28T15:38:48-04:00

I don't have any recall of this sort of "better than" soldier (11B). During my time we were, after all, all considered 11B when we were in either Vietnam or Korea. For one year of my 27 months in Korea I was a permanent QRF (there were about 20 or so of us.) I had to qualify with the M-60 to be on the team, I had two main duties, drive my Deuce and a half when we were called out and then when we got to where we were going the officer in charge would assign us (myself and the ammo guy) our place. Although my MOS was NOT 11B, sometimes it sure felt like it way. It was sort of a common joke that everyone had secondary MOS of 11B.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 28 at 2017 3:59 PM

2017-06-28T15:59:56-04:00

GI Joe's are toy soldiers, thus fake. But I'm guessing you mean talking about real human beings. The only fake soldiers or airmen or marines or what-have-you are the guys/gals that everyone catches on those stupid stolen valor youtube videos. You're a commo guy? Awesome. You're a mechanic? Sweet bro. You're an infantryman? Sorry about your GT score, homeboy (I'm Cav, gotta screw with those guys). It takes everyone to get the job done and the whole thing fails if one of us fails. There is no real soldiers, just soldiers.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 28 at 2017 4:43 PM

2017-06-28T16:43:08-04:00

You did your job under fire.

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Jun 28 at 2017 5:05 PM

2017-06-28T17:05:00-04:00

A question to ask yourself is do the "not real" soldiers wear a different uniform, last time I checked all soldiers wear the same uniform. There will always be a rivalry between soldiers and their MOSs. Everybody has a job to do to support one another. With that being said there are "no real soldiers" in the Army. Your best bet is to form your own opinion by the actions of those around you as to who is below the standard, meets the standard or above the standard..

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 28 at 2017 5:47 PM

2017-06-28T17:47:03-04:00

This is the biggest problem with our dick-wagging culture. All of us want to whip it out to see whose is bigger. You'll hear statements like this between many different branches and many different areas of expertise.

In the Marine Corps, you'll hear... "You're not a real Marine because you're not a grunt" or "You're not a real Marine because you haven't deployed yet" or "You're not a real Marine because you haven't been in combat yet". The list is honestly endless.

The biggest way to identify whether or not you are a "real soldier" is to identify what your contribution is to the mission at hand. We all play a part in the grand scheme of things. Sure, I may not be a boots on the ground behind enemy lines type of Marine, but I doubt anyone is going to look me in the eye and say I'm not a real Marine when they're calling in air support... because I'm an Air Winger.

We all play our parts. Make peace with the part you play whether it's as a grunt or a supply guy, because in the big picture, someone's life could be in your hands one day.

Response by CPL Phil Meitner made Jun 28 at 2017 5:52 PM

2017-06-28T17:52:11-04:00

To be honest with you I have actually met a "non-real" soldier. A real soldier is someone who has raised their right hand and said the oath.

Now this "non-real" soldier was a particularly ingenious moment in my opinion. I was at AIT at Sam for Medic school. We needed battle buddies where ever we went. I did not have said battle buddy when I was going to the PX. Caught by some CSM asking where my battle was. I responded ghost medic was my battle. I was in th front leaning to teach my battle how to do proper push-ups for about 15 minuets. Great times for all. Got you six ghost medic.

Response by LTC Marc King made Jun 28 at 2017 6:03 PM

2017-06-28T18:03:50-04:00

We have all herd similar things from time to time so let's add some perspective:

A real soldier:

Drives from Kuwait to Western Iraq and back non-stop to make sure the Infantry has fuel for their MRAP...

A real soldier is the first responder, with aid kit in hand and is trained to stop the bleeding, prevent shock, and make sure that Infantrymen is evacuated in a manner that insures he will see his children...

A real soldier cooks that Thanksgiving turkey at 0-dark-thirty so the Infantry can have it and all the fixings at the FOB...

A real soldier gets steel on target fast and accurately when the Infantry calls for a fire mission...

A real soldier knows how to disarm an IED buried in the road before it takes out an Infantry squad...

A real soldier studies the enemy, learning the most effective ways for the Infantry to attack and defeat him...

A real soldier will tend to the wounded Infantry 24/7 when the preservation of life and limb are on the line...

A real soldier will fly into the hot LZ to evac the Infantry when that is what the mission is...

I was a proud Armor leader for my entire career but always tried to keep the perspective that the Army is comprised of Real Soldiers no matter what branch or MOS.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 28 at 2017 7:55 PM

2017-06-28T19:55:07-04:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IatwoA00E0&t=5s

ODDBALL THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 28 at 2017 8:09 PM

2017-06-28T20:09:31-04:00

Ignorant people say ignorant things on many topics ignore ignorant people when they say ignorant things

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Jun 28 at 2017 10:10 PM

2017-06-28T22:10:36-04:00

If there's such a thing as a "real Soldier" it'd be one who's disciplined, tactically (all MOS immaterial tasks) and technically (MOS specific) proficient. MOST of all one who wouldn't claim to be a REAL SOLDIER. Here's one of favorite memes! Lol The big D*ck contest never ends brother

Response by MSG Bob Proctor made Jun 29 at 2017 1:37 AM

2017-06-29T01:37:18-04:00

I've heard these types of comments directed to reserve component Soldiers. I reject that attitude, especially in our day and age. Back in the day, the training was different due to funding available for reserve component units. They were given used, outdated equipment to train with while active duty units would receive the latest gadgets. Big Army wouldn't even recognize reserve component officer commissions. Today, some of that still occurs, especially in the funding areas but the training for reserve component Soldiers are meshed with the active duty school houses and mirrors what all Soldiers are taught. Reserve units relieve active units in theater, and are trained on the same equipment and TTPS as all Soldiers. So, the phrase truly is mute and used by boneheads with the wrong attitude. Thanks for the question, and I apologize for the lengthy response.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 29 at 2017 9:53 AM

2017-06-29T09:53:12-04:00

POACM - People Other than Airborne Combat Medics ... (Poke-Um)

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jun 29 at 2017 11:22 AM

2017-06-29T11:22:08-04:00

To me it seems more like big brother picking on little brother type thing. In the Air Force one squadron had a little chant that said if you ain't ammo, you ain't sh**. I think it's really meant to just be teasing a little even though now and then there are some guys that say if you aren't this or that, or you haven't been shot at or blah blah blah then you aren't a "real" soldier when in reality they are just trying to make their selves feel better by trying to be better then somebody else.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jun 29 at 2017 12:19 PM

2017-06-29T12:19:55-04:00

I never heard that before............so no idea.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 3:53 PM

2017-06-29T15:53:06-04:00

I can't speak to it in term's of US Army soldier, other than saying I have mad respect for Combat Arms and Combat Support in all branches. Aviators and Combat Service Support much the same. But as a Marine, I don't look at any non-Infantry type as "less-than" but rather Infantry as "more-than". That stems from the premise of every Marine being a basic rifleman. The Infantry are the experts in that arena, and from my very limited experience with them they have earned that label many times over. So have the other branches. We just all have different missions and every MOS in each branch is important in its own way. Some may fall into the "nice to have" category vice "mission-essential" but that's in the eye of the beholder. Some folks may not value chow, pay, or mail as much as others. Others may not mind humping 25 miles vice motor transport or air. The rest of the argument about "real" is just semantics. Combat Arms are proud and they've earned that right, but without supporting arms, aviation, armor, and intel their task is much more difficult. Things below that level get into sustainment such as medical, ammo, rations, logistics, maintenance etc., but over time they become increasingly critical to the higher mission. They'll likely still accomplish the mission with what they have in their immediate grasp, but at a potentially higher price, and only if the mission is immediately achieved with the assets on-hand. A good question and I expect we'll see many opinions.

Response by SPC Gregory Homrich made Jun 29 at 2017 5:04 PM

2017-06-29T17:04:58-04:00

It seems like some people are always trying to make themselves feel better by putting someone else down or at a "lower" level. I was active duty at Ft Benning and had another soldier tell me that you haven't been in the "real" Army unless you had been stationed in Germany. I seem to recall we all wore the same uniform and went through the same boot camp so I'm not sure why he felt the need to drag someone down on something they had no control over. I would have gladly been stationed there and did spend a couple months for REFORGER 1985.

Response by LTJG Edward Bangor Jr made Jun 29 at 2017 5:22 PM

2017-06-29T17:22:19-04:00

A "real" Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine is one who serves his or her country, regardless of occupation within their branch of service. You're in the service, you wear the cloth of your nation, you're a brother or sister in arms. Anyone who says differently is a moron, and I'll happily let them know as much myself if need be.

Response by Lt Col Kurtis Sutley made Jun 29 at 2017 5:26 PM

2017-06-29T17:26:27-04:00

People who are not "real" soldiers are those you look down on and consider beneath you. It is, in fact, a demonstration of ones ignorance of any understanding of the full team. I always considered myself blessed to have the opportunity to serve in the greatest military in the world. I'm sure glad there was someone to cook my meals and write my paycheck. That wrench bender on the 150 degree ramp getting my plane fixed to fly again was no less important to the team than the guys at the gate making sure we were safe. Either one was capable of screwing something up to the point someone could die, including me. There is no such thing as a "real" soldier. There is the infantry and there are all the others.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 29 at 2017 6:27 PM

2017-06-29T18:27:38-04:00

If the only way to rise above is to push others down, best to shove off.

Response by 1stLt William Jones made Jun 29 at 2017 9:11 PM

2017-06-29T21:11:34-04:00

I'd never say that. Especially to arty or air. Never know when those fuckers will save your ass

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 9:14 PM

2017-06-29T21:14:03-04:00

Airborne or Chairborne matters not, we booth put our trousers on the same way each day.

Response by SGT Ron Egan made Jun 29 at 2017 10:12 PM

2017-06-29T22:12:53-04:00

As an old Infantryman of six years, us infantrymen really do like you pogs. Without you we would run out of toilet paper, MREs (in my case, C-Rats) and bullets. In other words, quit whining about the little stuff. It's part of the brotherhood to pick on others, be it between military occupations or branches of service. If this type of talk hurts your itty bitty feelers, then my advice, grow a set or get out and head for your nearest college, find a buddy bench in a safe place and wait until someone comes along that gives a shit. Army 1973-1979. By the way, in my opinion, the best Soldier is a medic, the best Marine is a Navy Corpsman.

Response by SGT Jorge Gio Otiniano made Jun 29 at 2017 10:27 PM

2017-06-29T22:27:07-04:00

A soldier is a guy who enlisted into the Army A Combat Arms Air-borne, Infantry soldier is a soldier who can at least hang, gets competitive from this point on forward

Response by SFC Armando Viera made Jun 30 at 2017 11:46 AM

2017-06-30T11:46:18-04:00

Soldier is a lifestyle, not a title. Those who pose these questions usually have ambition or desire to live with the core principles Soldiers are taught from the 1st day of basic. Don't waste your time or effort
trying to find an answer to "REAL".
A: Soldiers already know.

Response by SFC Garry Kolberg made Jun 30 at 2017 12:11 PM

2017-06-30T12:11:50-04:00

Real soldiers do their job regardless of what it is. The Infantry can't operate without ammo. Tanks can't move without fuel. All job's in the Military are important and need people to perform those jobs. The Military is a team and therefore all are REAL SOLDIERS. Take away a member of that team and the team becomes less able. Remove the cooks, the medics, the supply, the maintenance, the personnel who pay you and bring in replacements because without them, the real soldier is nothing but a target for the enemy.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2017 10:43 AM

2017-07-01T10:43:39-04:00

Walk up and say it to my face, guy.
You will find out what a real Soldier looks like.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jul 3 at 2017 2:00 PM

2017-07-03T14:00:35-04:00

It's all banter. Nobody should take that too serious either way.

Response by MAJ Rizwan Shah made Jul 5 at 2017 9:52 AM

2017-07-05T09:52:20-04:00

To be a "real" Soldier one merely has to take an oath to defend the United States of America. How you execute that oath, as long it is honorable, has nothing to do with the "realness" of your service and everything to do with you being a "real" Soldier. Ignore the naysayers, these types of comments are a reflection of the lack of maturity of the person holding such an opinion.

Response by Kayden Culbertson made Dec 5 at 2017 8:53 AM

2017-12-05T08:53:47-05:00

hi my name is kayden culbertson and I'm doing a project for school and I just what some information about what is it like to be in the infantryman please respond to me

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 5 at 2017 9:37 AM

2017-12-05T09:37:59-05:00

It'll never end, from a psychological point of view it makes sense. I used to say things like that although less seriously than some folks have experienced based on the comments so far. I think it has a lot to do with jealousy to be honest. If youre rolling out every day for several hours or days at a time you become very jealous of folks who work 8-12 hours a day then go back and chill in the AC and eat the BK. Now we don't think people who do that are necessarily below us, we just want to be able to do that. Also in this new type of 360 degree warfare I do understand you can be killed easily doing whatever, but you would be a fool to say that its just as safe leaving the wire as it is inside the wire. We are jealous of that too, being able to relax and not be as vigilant as we needed to be outside. We are jealous of things as simple to some as a DFAC being open when we come back, or resentful of the guy that stands at the door to the DFAC all day telling us are uniforms are too dirty to eat and we have to go change.

The other thing is that combat arms have a different mentality of soldiering than other jobs. In the Army to be a good soldier you need to be fit, show up on time, and be in the right uniform. In the infantry all those are true, but you also need to be more aggressive, meaner, more violent in your actions not that fuelers and cooks cant display those traits, but they're necessary for us.

Now all these are perfectly human feelings and I don't think anyone would fault us for simply feeling those things, but what makes it different than other jobs is you cant just find another one this is what you do, also you cant complain or bitch about it in front of your peers because they are all thinking the same things so what we do, so we just start ribbing/talking shit to those we are jealous of. My suggestion would be if you hear it talk trash back and try to give as good as you get.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 5 at 2017 6:49 PM

2017-12-05T18:49:01-05:00

The Armed Services are teams. There is no "I" in team. 2003 I went to Kuwait/Iraq, MOS 11Z, but wasn't in an infantry unit - I was the V Corps Rear CP G3 SGM. Way far from combat, my MOS. I did what I was told to do, I did the jobs I was given. Later on in Iraq I did have the chance to go on night patrol with an infantry squad. I had one guy ask me if I was doing it to get my CIB. I told him I couldn't get one because I was assigned to a Corps HQ not an Infantry BN. I just wanted to get out and finally do infantry stuff. It takes a team doing every job. A real soldier is one who signed that dotted line and does the jobs assigned to the best of his/her ability and completes the missions given.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2017 8:54 AM

2017-12-06T08:54:21-05:00

Depends on who you ask. Personally, every sailor that i work with (regardless if they are Submariners or support staff) they are STILL SAILORS. They took the oath of a sailor and no matter what their job is, they are still sailors. No one should demean another by saying "They are not real soldiers".

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 6 at 2017 9:42 AM

2017-12-06T09:42:00-05:00

As an infantryman, I can assure you that without the "unreal" Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, I would feel damn stupid facing the enemy unarmed and naked. While I reserve the right to give every other MOS guff, it is meant in fun and I expect to get as good as I give. Even better since you guys have so much more free time than those of us who have a real job to do.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Dec 6 at 2017 3:02 PM

2017-12-06T15:02:43-05:00

I think when you take the Oath you become a "real" soldier,sailor,airman,marine,coastguardsman or what ever they call those serving our Nation now ( I'm old and don't know the proper gender designations) all others you call "real" civilians.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2017 7:29 PM

2017-12-06T19:29:31-05:00

One Team One Fight!

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Dec 6 at 2017 9:57 PM

2017-12-06T21:57:00-05:00

It's bravado like in the Marines they all are riflemen, the infantry (Queen of Battle) think the basic job of a soldier is infantry.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2017 10:20 PM

2017-12-06T22:20:44-05:00

So I'm a POG. I am a 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic so my opinion might not matter to most combat-oriented MOS. As George Washington said "Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country" I firmly believe this to be true. We are a team. Without clerks we wouldn't be able to dispatch or service vehicles properly. Without mechanics we wouldn't be able to roll out and kick ass on a moment's notice. Without infantrymen all the other soldiers' work would be for nothing. Every soldier is a "real" soldier as long as they serve honorably and do their best for their country.

It sounds cheesy but I don't care if you're a dental specialist or an infantryman you're a soldier in my eyes and I'll treat you with the respect and fraternal love you deserve for serving this country with me the best you can.

Response by SGT Daniel Rocco Ames made Jan 7 at 2020 9:17 PM

2020-01-07T21:17:57-05:00

I was a 13B, therefore a POG. My opinion is invalid, apparently. Haha

Response by SGT Robert Farrell made Jan 8 at 2020 2:12 PM

2020-01-08T14:12:40-05:00

BLUE CORD? CIB? IF NOT THEN PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEAT AND REMAIN SILENT.......MAGGOT!!

Response by SGT Robert Farrell made Jan 8 at 2020 2:16 PM

2020-01-08T14:16:12-05:00

NO BLUE CORD? NO CIB? PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEAT AND REMAIN SILENT..MAGGOT!

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Jan 10 at 2020 1:08 PM

2020-01-10T13:08:39-05:00

I tend to not listen to lines like that . Some should never have enlisted and some are more squared away then others . But if you earned the right to wear the uniform you earned the right

Response by AN Edward Saunders made Jan 10 at 2020 5:13 PM

2020-01-10T17:13:52-05:00

I wasn’t in the army, navy guy here. I served in Jimmy Carter’s navy where not one shot was fired in anger. For many years , I acknowledged that I served, but really didn’t consider myself to be a vet because I wasn’t in during a war. That changed when I talked to an old Marine Corps Sgt. Major , who served in combat in every war from WWII to Vietnam. He said to me, “Kid, that’s bullshit. You signed a blank check that included, up to, your life in service to our country. It doesn’t mean a good goddamn whether you were called on to put your life on the line. Some of us were, others were not. What’s important that you served and were willing”. I’m a little prouder of being a vet since that day.

Response by PO1 Joshua Callaway made Jan 11 at 2020 7:06 AM

2020-01-11T07:06:39-05:00

Hmmmm to each their own seems this is much like cross branch rivalry. Seems mostly to breed competition war is competition thus keep sharp. Yes make it through basic you by title are whatever member of your branch. But after that in my experience I met plenty of sailors that were just a sailor on a les. I am sure I rated that in someone's opinion and if you make it to end of a contract with a re-1 honorable dd-214 who am I to judge against the classification of dod.

Response by SrA Jared Hall made Jan 11 at 2020 3:44 PM

2020-01-11T15:44:34-05:00

As a an Air Force Defender who served in Iraq (Security Forces), we run into this A LOT. We can’t even tell anyone we served in combat without scoffs, and comments. I get it, and it no longer bothers me, but when I got back it would bring me to violence. I wasn’t in Fallujah or Ramada, but I have been shot at by the enemy and rocketed etc., on and outside of the wire, but I learned real quick that unless I was Army infantry(with whom I was embedded) I was not allowed to mention combat whatsoever. Strangely enough, I never had the same issue when swapping stories with Marine infantrymen. In the end we all know what we did and should all be proud, and more importantly should be able to talk about our time together as brothers and sisters without it turning into a “dick measuring contest”. We all relied on one another, we all did our jobs.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2020 7:25 PM

2020-01-11T19:25:28-05:00

The only way I could justify (and yes I know a soldier is a soldier) this comment pertaining to not being a “real soldier” is somebody who has not slept in a foxhole, in the dirt, in the snow, in the cold for days on end. Combat has nothing to do with it for me. Btw I’m not an 11B. I’m a 68W.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2020 10:56 PM

2020-01-11T22:56:49-05:00

If you find yourself declaring who is and isn't a real soldier, you may want to reflect on why you became a soldier.

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Jan 13 at 2020 1:16 AM

2020-01-13T01:16:58-05:00

If your in your a real soldier. Some better then others. But every MOS has a purpose.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2020 1:38 PM

2020-01-13T13:38:18-05:00

Anyone subject to the UCMJ is a real soldier.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2020 2:48 PM

2020-01-13T14:48:19-05:00

It has been my experience that infantrymen who make those kinds of comments are infantry by default because their ASVAB wasn't high enough to qualify for anything else.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 13 at 2020 4:36 PM

2020-01-13T16:36:06-05:00

For some, it is human nature to be egotistical. As an example, I had young Infantry soldiers on the ground booing me as I rode in my 70 ton tank with a jet engine passing them by. I just laughed at them and pointed to my 120mm main gun. Some jackasses don't understand we all bleed red. The older Infantrymen just accepted us.

Response by SGT Harold Rider made Jan 13 at 2020 6:45 PM

2020-01-13T18:45:25-05:00

A "real" soldier, regardles of what branch they serve in, is someone who takes the oath, does their job, and embraces the suck. From admin to operator, it takes all to make it work..

Response by TSgt Dennis Bradburn made Jan 13 at 2020 8:35 PM

2020-01-13T20:35:25-05:00

Military bearing

Response by SGT Harry C Miller Jr made Jan 13 at 2020 10:14 PM

2020-01-13T22:14:04-05:00

A Soldier is a Soldier , is a Soldier !!

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Jan 14 at 2020 12:02 AM

2020-01-14T00:02:46-05:00

In Vietnam I was with the 205th ord. Plt. Ammo We were a plt. of 75 men sent over in 65 to set up ammo supply points. We supported 1st, Air Cav. which fought the Battle of ID Drang Valley in Nov. 65. I guarantee you the Air Cav was happy as hell that we were their. The Battle lasted about 4 or 5 days. They were hauling ammo out in Helicopters and trucks as fast as they could. 1500 Rds. of 105MM. ammo a Day. Small arms, Mortar rds. Grenades and anything else they needed. It takes a Lot of support troops to keep the Infantry supplied with everything they need to fight a battle. Anybody that wore the uniform on any branch of the service is a veteran. To think otherwise is foolish. Semper Fi.

Response by MAJ Phil Bundy made Jan 18 at 2020 11:02 AM

2020-01-18T11:02:42-05:00

It generally means the other soldier can perform duties requiring abilities beyond breathing and marching. When I enlisted as a 12B Combat Engineer, the Engineers had two tasks, fight as Engineers, and fight as Infantry. The latter skill was only used if we had run out of explosives. The bottom line was we could fight as Infantry. We carried heavier combat loads because we carried what the Infantry carried, plus whatever additional ordinance was needed. Anyone who swears an oath and wears the uniform is a "real" Soldier, Marine, Airman or Sailor, any other talk is nonsense.

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Jan 18 at 2020 3:45 PM

2020-01-18T15:45:26-05:00

I have been party to many of these comments and conversations. My response has always been to remind the bravado filled ass hat making the remark that without “those guys” the “real soldiers” would go black on ammo, water, food, fuel, mail and everything else their soft asses take for granted. I do personally believe there is a difference between a warfighter and a fobit, though neither is “less of a soldier”. I also believe badges like the CAB stem from an everyone gets a trophy mentality and that it has only re-enforced the “us Vs them” mentality. It is also my personal opinion that we have a real problem in service because of leadership failing to hold soldiers to the standard. While in the hospital at Walter Reed and BAMMC, I heard officers and enlisted calling each other by first names. When I brought it up to an O4, I was informed “ this is MEDCOM we aren’t the real army.” My instinct is as to say, “ well I am in the REAL Army and you’re wearing my uniform, so show me the respect of seeing my uniforms customs and courtesies!” I also believe any jack ass who gives the “I joined for the college money” is about as low on the spectrum of deserved respect of a soldier as one can get. The only persons that serve that I will turn my back on and consider “not a real soldier” are the “STOP YOUR ILLEGAL WARS!” John Kerry wannabes who are a complete disgrace to the uniform. The Bergdahl turncoats who never deserved the uniform and cause bile to rise at their mere mention. I would actually rather stand next to some civilian committing stolen valor than be in the same city with a disgrace no heart bitch like one of those guys.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2020 4:19 PM

2020-01-18T16:19:44-05:00

Two things:

1. Incoming fire didn’t check my MOS

2. I’ve never met a grunt who could beat me up

Response by Sgt John Koliha made Jan 18 at 2020 8:53 PM

2020-01-18T20:53:38-05:00

Worse even then this is the differentiation of the Purple Heart Medal. There is Combat Wounded and everyone else. Since I got blasted in a rocket attack and not in a shooting incident, my PH is not really as good. Since I didn't bleed from a piece of shrapnel or a through and through, I don't really deserve a PH. The fact that I have been functionally deaf for more than 50 years doesn't matter. I'm not Combat Wounded!

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jan 19 at 2020 5:38 AM

2020-01-19T05:38:57-05:00

All I will say about this, is that grunts have a lot of pride in what they do, and that's to be respected. That being said, WHO THE HELL ARE THEY TO JUDGE who is a real soldier, and who is not?

Response by SPC Melanie Vancegonzalez made Jan 20 at 2020 1:09 AM

2020-01-20T01:09:37-05:00

As a female veteran I get that a lot. Like women can't be real soldiers. I don't know what people think women do in the military. Uh hello, I deployed to Iraq right along with the men in my unit. I was an aviation mechanic but we got there before things got built up. Our wire was a dirt mound surrounding an airfield outside Tikrit. Stayed in tents before the trailers and internet. Ate MREs and T-Rats for months before we got real food. I did my share of guard duty, experienced mortar attacks, gas attacks, was shot at, even saw things I can't un-see. I didn't patrol the town and kick in doors but I helped retrieve shot down helicopters. Had to drive in convoys right through Baghdad and Tirkirt watching for IEDs. I now suffer from PTSD and the first thing people assume is it's from MST because I'm a woman. People look at me like I'm lying when I tell them it is combat related. Then they recover, smile and uncomfortably say thank you for your service.

Response by COL Victor Hagan made Jan 20 at 2020 4:02 PM

2020-01-20T16:02:00-05:00

If you served then your a Real Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman. Never let some joker tell you any different.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 20 at 2020 6:03 PM

2020-01-20T18:03:00-05:00

The military is full of people trying to validate their own service while discrediting others.

I’ve heard people claim you aren’t a real Marine until you deploy, until you have a combat deployment or until you complete your first contract. Then you have others who say you aren’t “legit” unless you serve in the ground combat element or combat arms MOS’s.

It’s all Macho BS while trying to raise up what you did at the expense of others.

As long as the Service Member has an honorable discharge and isn’t a douche bag I am willing to hang out with them.

Response by MSG Ron Radar made Jan 21 at 2020 4:42 PM

2020-01-21T16:42:34-05:00

Being a REAL soldier means you .... Learn your MOS and then Do your MOS . It takes every single person in their job slots to make things work . There is no ONE job more important than any other because we ALL depend on each other or everyone suffers . Even the different services have to work and mesh together for our Nations forces to be their best . We've all heard people say silly things like that and I never hesitated ( While in or even now ) to set them straight whenever I heard-hear that stupid talk . Bottom line is we ALL signed the forms and held up our right hands and swore the oath , that ment from that point on we went where we were ordered to go and did the jobs assigned . THAT makes you a Soldier , Sailor, Marine , Airman or Coastie anyone says different is a fool .( Retired 11ZV5 )

Response by 1SG Jason Almond made Jan 21 at 2020 10:53 PM

2020-01-21T22:53:01-05:00

“Soldier” is a tough guy term....lots of honor and pride in that term.

No one ever said ‘finance clerk up’ or ‘fueler up’.

I was intel/linguist. Frutiest of the bunch, but I came up cav in the 2nd ACR at fort Polk (98-2001) and I was poor white trash from Corsicana, Tx blessed with an above avg IQ so I guess I get both sides of the equation.

Let’s be honest- the idea of being a ‘soldier’ means you engage in combat.....not finance. I did tactical operations, so maybe I got the best of both worlds.
I don’t diminish what other mos’s do—but they are all there to support the trigger puller, the 11B, the ‘ Soldier.’

Don’t get me wrong——if you serve your country honorably—I respect you and will buy you a beer, but unless you are in a job where you risk your life as a part of your job description, then yea- it’s different.

Response by Cpl Ed Hines made Jan 22 at 2020 7:53 AM

2020-01-22T07:53:02-05:00

Stolen Valor! Lol. Jk I cited care less. I think most of us arent even in anymore. So, does it even matter?

Response by SFC Rick LaFace made Jan 27 at 2020 7:50 AM

2020-01-27T07:50:43-05:00

Infantrymen love jumping in trucks instead of walking so they are human as any Combat Support Soldier.
(My experience) I've known a lot of Infantrymen in light units that felt that way. Once they get to mechanized units they treat their support folks pretty bad for a (little) while until they either get tightened up by their own NCO's or the CRT Chief that's had enough. The Army revolves around the Infantry that's a fact Jack. But they learn in the senior ranks that it takes 6 CSS Soldiers to keep 1 Infantryman in the field per day.

Response by SFC David S made Feb 10 at 2020 10:09 PM

2020-02-10T22:09:40-05:00

I think a real soldier strives to be their best in the MOS they chose, learns to fill the next position in rank and duty/leadership, put your soldiers real life needs ahead of you own, is a team player and just keep fit and enjoy the military lifestyle because there isn't any life like serving, I felt like the army was the right fit for me or my niche in life, that's when you feel real. I served twice in Iraq (iran). these thoughts are how I felt in garrison/ftxs' (not in a cmbt zone)...HUYA

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Feb 16 at 2020 5:45 PM

2020-02-16T17:45:01-05:00

Unless you served under fire, it is considered a pogue job. Living in some of the base camps was worse than the field as they got all guard duty, KP, burning shit, being chewed out by rear echelon. That made field duty more appealing as 80 to 90 % of the time very little happened unless the area was hot. Then rear with the gear looked more appealing.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Feb 21 at 2020 3:38 PM

2020-02-21T15:38:42-05:00

Real Soldiers are those who went through the same training at the same time and under the same conditions as you. Soldiers who were after you always have it easier. Soldiers in different MOS always have it easier. At least according to those who have experienced the training.
I’ll say this as a former Drill Sergeant (1976-77 in Ft. Dix, NJ) that the Drill Sergeants in 19D OSUT Basic / AIT for my son in 2006 were far superior in their training to what we did 30 years earlier. I was most impressed with my son’s training.

Response by SPC Arthur Lowder made Feb 23 at 2020 8:31 PM

2020-02-23T20:31:51-05:00

male or female who honorable to their country/ soldier.!!!

Response by LCpl Michael Philip Oliver made Feb 27 at 2020 2:35 PM

2020-02-27T14:35:09-05:00

I believe that every Marine with at least one year in service then realizes that it takes a team of every MOS to accomplish the mission set before them. Anyone serving in my opinion deserves every advantage the billions of dollars allocated the the VA can give to him or her, regardless of "Character of Discharge"; most of that in my own observation was an advantage to the USMC, not to the Marine necessarily...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2020 6:17 PM

2020-02-27T18:17:40-05:00

What makes a “real” soldier? Road marches? Carrying their own gear and kit? Deployments? Firing their weapon at the enemy? Higher PT scores? Being able to eat MREs and bugs? jumping out of airplanes? Land nav? Being a “man”?
Well, there’s a pretty high profile male infantry officer/LTC right now who has a hell of a lot less command time (in an infantry brigade), combat time, and infantry experience than I do as a logistician. so....
But each of us SERVE. We choose to serve the Constitution, our people, and each other. Each of us are part of a team that cannot work wo the other.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Feb 27 at 2020 7:40 PM

2020-02-27T19:40:32-05:00

Not sure anymore! Liked when I was in there's to much division now!

Response by SGT Mark Hasch made Feb 27 at 2020 8:41 PM

2020-02-27T20:41:27-05:00

I spent 17 years in !!!INFANTRY!!!/:0) and I loved every minute of it, except when we had downtime and that blowed more than one of bill clintons "friends!!!", so we passed the time by " clowning on people, we/I never pushed anyone to the point of them sticking a stick in their eye or walking into to speeding traffic, we was just having fun!!! Now, some people can and do push to far wich sometimes ended in a fist fight but we was/are family and that's what family did, before the sweethearts took over and made it all hugs and kisses, the drill Sargents can't even freaking do there jobs of tearing down and building back up a soldier!!! Sorry, I spin off into rant, back to the topic, i personally don't see any trouble with verbally having fun, I mean it beats sitting around with your phone stuck to your face, or even worse, showing everyone that you can't even handle a few jabs without tearing up and crying in front of everyone!!! The job at hand is not for the faint of heart!!!, some are worse than others, true but at the end of the day it sucks and in a sick twisted "but" saine way ya have to find a way to take your mind off the crap we have to go through to finish the mission without losing our minds!!!, so, if you think not getting to know your battle buddy and burying your face in a computer or phone is better then by all means go ahead, I'm just an old fashioned soldier who"NEVER" lost a man on my watch and still believe the old ways can mesh with the new ones!!! But I'm sure there will be someone who will think I'm just an old hardass for those people I will say with a big smile "SUCK IT UP BUTTER CUP" and then " go to the mess hall and get yourself some tea to cry in!!!/:0)

Response by SGT Malcolm Lorde made Feb 27 at 2020 11:25 PM

2020-02-27T23:25:34-05:00

There not 11b

Response by PFC Mandy Parczak made Feb 28 at 2020 1:46 AM

2020-02-28T01:46:17-05:00

I recently tried to get the veteran marker for my drivers license. Now, I had never deployed or "served an active duty status outside of training for at least 90 days" in the 6 years I was a reservist for the Army. I used to be extremely proud of calling myself a veteran even though all I really did was unit support jobs (still vital jobs for a unit to function though). After getting a letter from my state's department of veteran's affairs saying they didn't qualify me as a veteran hit hard.

It's that type of mindset, that because you didn't serve "their" idea of what qualifies as a veteran, that really reveals how broken the VA system is. I wasn't looking for med benefits, I just wanted to proudly have that identifying marker.

No matter the capacity you served, in my eyes if you made it through basic and your specialty schooling, you are a veteran and that's that.

Response by SGT Joseph Wisniewski made Feb 28 at 2020 9:18 AM

2020-02-28T09:18:53-05:00

You do your job

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2020 2:30 PM

2020-02-28T14:30:49-05:00

As an ignorant junior officer, I and other combat arms branch officers would mock those who weren't. However, after a few years of maturity and eating humble pie, I thank God for those who ensured I had food, uniforms, medical care, security, a bed, and pay. In fact, I often wish I had switched from Armor to Logistics, as they have a much better career progression. I don't give anyone a ration of BS as to whether or not they've deployed. Consider that it's about .5% currently of the US population that is serving in a volunteer military. If you have the guts to take the oath of enlistment, you're part of a very small community.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2020 3:45 PM

2020-02-28T15:45:50-05:00

When you hear anyone say that - it's usually douchebags with a complex. I tend to ignore people like that. And I didn't realize I already commented on this...ugh.

Response by SP5 Harold Welch made Feb 29 at 2020 12:38 PM

2020-02-29T12:38:06-05:00

I was blackballed By one member when I tried to join AMVETS because I wasn’t a “real soldier”. I don’t know how many lives were spared in Vietnam because of the work done by all of us not real soldiers in the Army Security Agency.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Mar 1 at 2020 10:51 AM

2020-03-01T10:51:24-05:00

Good question.

Response by LTC Ray Morris made Mar 1 at 2020 12:44 PM

2020-03-01T12:44:21-05:00

Some people just feel a need to show their ignorance because it elevates themselves in their own eyes. If someone is wearing the uniform, especially in this day and age when it is hard to find people to do so, they are "real soldiers" and can be called upon to pick up a rifle at any time and fight. For me to fight on the lines, I need at least four more soldiers to supply me, fly me, doctor me, and pay me. They are crucial to me staying alive, and are "real soldiers." Period.

Response by SP5 Derick Johnsohne made Mar 1 at 2020 6:22 PM

2020-03-01T18:22:25-05:00

figure of speech . it can be used insultingly, derogatorily, friendly ... but if one feels targeted by the expression, than there must be some underlying reason, real or not . does it matter what someone thinks if one is sure of one's own value ? food for thought .

Response by A1C Riley Sanders made Mar 1 at 2020 6:33 PM

2020-03-01T18:33:10-05:00

The infantryman that made this statement is an embarrassment to the Uniform, a real soldier is the man that put the uniform on just after he or she enlisted.

Response by SPC Louis Gillespie made Mar 1 at 2020 7:40 PM

2020-03-01T19:40:53-05:00

It just really gripes my ass when I read something like this. It's always about those who were called to combat and those who weren't or the branch that was chosen to serve in. As I see it, the complete and undisputed facts are this , There are only two factors to consider and they are God & Uncle Sam ! We followed orders and went to parts of the world that Uncle Sam wanted us to be and prayed God to keep us safe. It's just that simple. If it meant a hostile environment or one that wasn't you complied no questions asked. So the term "Real Soldiers" is a mute point and useless. When your raised your right hand and took your oath you were and always will be a real Soldier.

Response by SSG Ramone Bey made Mar 1 at 2020 8:22 PM

2020-03-01T20:22:33-05:00

I heard that being mentioned about Reservist and National Guardsmen and Women !!! However that Title is removed if they are Deployed to Combat Zones !!!

Response by SPC Tamara Trammell made Mar 1 at 2020 9:25 PM

2020-03-01T21:25:42-05:00

When I was in AIT to become a 68w medic there were two distinct groups: Those who had gone to BCT at Fort Benning, and those who had gone to every other BCT unit.
The Benning graduates weren't superior, didn't hold higher skillsets, and were no more or less intelligent than the rest of us, but they were more thoroughly brainwashed. It took almost 11 of the 12 weeks of 68w AIT for these soldiers to deprogram while their 11B comrades continued their brainwashing. And it's necessary. Scrape off the varnish and PC rhetoric and the job of the Infantry is to KILL HUMANS. According to Dave Grossman, we typically have a psychological dislike for killing other humans: it requires brainwashing to both ensure the soldier pulls the trigger, and to try and keep them from breaking.
For some Infantrymen, that brainwashing eases or wears off. Others end up like a gentleman in my waiting room who spent an hour bragging about how Infantry gets to the Frontline before anyone else, completely oblivious to the Scouts in the room. It's the reason Infantry gets a reputation for being of low intelligence among other MOS's.
Does that make them 'real' soldiers? No. A soldier follows orders, end of story. Saying otherwise is the brainwashing talking.
Does that make them warriors? Sometimes. But you'll find warriors in most MOS's when the shit really hits the fan.

Response by LTC Jerold Kaplan made Mar 2 at 2020 12:10 AM

2020-03-02T00:10:41-05:00

This is almost a nonsensical discussion. Every soldier, sailor, airman, or marine, male or female, white, black, or any shade, US born or not, has signed a blank check to the USA cashable for any value up to , and including, their life. Every single one, on or off the battlefield, is a REAL SOLDIER. I respect every single one of them, now and forever.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 2 at 2020 12:29 AM

2020-03-02T00:29:40-05:00

I never encountered this myself. I tended to bring people down to reality. My favorite ever was to ask my CO at the 101st (he was long tabbed) how it felt to run an activated state Militia unit from Wisconsin. He didn't like that comment at all but I was just having some fun......pushing buttons. :)

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Mar 2 at 2020 4:48 AM

2020-03-02T04:48:47-05:00

If you want to see a “real” soldier I suggest you first go visit a veterans cemetery, take a good look around. After you visit the cemetery go to a veterans hospital and just look around the waiting rooms. After you have done these two things go sign the visitor’s log at your nearest veterans nursing home and sit and visit with a patient there. After you have accomplished all of these things sit and think about this, every person who is currently serving signed a contract voluntarily to bear the burden of guaranteeing to protect our way of life with the threat of losing theirs. There are no POGs buried in those graves, in those hospital, or in those nursing homes.

Response by CSM Rich Eagan made Mar 2 at 2020 6:29 AM

2020-03-02T06:29:45-05:00

One who responds without hesitation to whatever is required regardless of MOS. I also remember one Colonel who was bragging about his Armor Soldiers and demeaning us "REMF's". Our Brigade Commander reminded him that he definitely could Move, Shoot and Communicate without us; but for how long? We all are part of the team and need each other to complete the missions assigned and required.

Response by SGT Ron Egan made Mar 2 at 2020 12:17 PM

2020-03-02T12:17:40-05:00

I went in the Army in 1973, right when troops were being pulled out of Vietnam. I went to CSC 2/47 9th Inf Div.. From there to CSC 4/6 Berlin Brigade. Went into maintenance and was sent to Ft. Carson. I got out in 1979 I have been told many times that I'm not a real Veteran, usually by the younger troops that have gone to Afghanistan and Iraq. So much to the point, when I'm asked if I was military, I just say no. Not a real Soldier, not a real Vet. Sgt. Egan

Response by LTC John Bush made Mar 2 at 2020 12:43 PM

2020-03-02T12:43:26-05:00

This sort of thing has been going on forever mostly to build up someone's ego, so anyone with this claim has a personal problem and should be ignored. If you take the oath and do your duty every day in every way you are a real soldier/sailor. marine/airman. Anyone of any rank or branch may have a critical moment, just be there when it happens.

Response by Capt Elmer Lupton made Mar 2 at 2020 2:36 PM

2020-03-02T14:36:13-05:00

I was working at the Army Edgewood Arsenal on war chemicals. There was a minor incident and I spent a week under medical care. Does that count? Later, I was working on rocket propellants. We blew up one building, came close to blowing up another and, I suspect, testing would likely show the materials are carcinogenic or worse. Does that count?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Mar 2 at 2020 2:58 PM

2020-03-02T14:58:06-05:00

I had a similar remark made to me when I was on a DEF mission to train up personnel being deployed. , as "I don't get it" because there is no combat patch on my right soldier and I had no right to tell him or his Soldiers how to conduct staff operations. I told the major, that it's true I didn't have a combat patch, but I do "get it" all too well. I sadly took at least 30 Soldiers off of airplanes from the cargo hold and played Taps the next day at their funerals. That I think hit home, because the next thing the major said was, "OK people you heard the MSG." I was never called to go overseas to combat, but was always ready, and even being retired, will continue to be ready if and when called.

Response by MSG Kevin Elliott made Mar 2 at 2020 7:17 PM

2020-03-02T19:17:14-05:00

People get too hung up on their MOS and what it means to others. I think a real soldier is a soldier who knows his/her job, does that job, while taking care of their soldiers and completing their missions.
I was an 11-series soldier in 2nd ACR at Ft. Polk. When we stood the unit up at Ft. Polk, we were about 50/50 11-series and 19D. Over time, the 11s were moved out of the unit by PCS and ETS. While we were there, we did Expert Infantry Badge training and testing and invited the Cav soldiers. Some of them cane, but some said they didn't want to do the testing because they could not wear the award. When the 19Ds held a Spur Ride, they invited us to participate. I jumped at it I was amazed at the number of solders of a variety of MOSs that did not participate. Reasons ranged from we weren't a real Cavalry unit because all we had were HUMMWVs, to it didn't count because Infantry soldiers were participating, etc. You get the picture. I earned and was awarded my spurs. I wore them at every function I could. I ended up serving as a First Sergeant before PCSing to Korea. I made sure my NCOs were able to get simulator time before going to BNCOC or ANCOC so they could brush up on their gunnery skills. After going back to the Infantry world, I continued to put my spurs and my Spur Certificate on my office wall.
With the fluid "front" lines of combat today, every soldier needs to be trained and prepared for combat, not just combat arms soldiers.

Response by SSG James Stodola made Mar 2 at 2020 10:17 PM

2020-03-02T22:17:07-05:00

Any of us who served know that the front line personnel, the infantry, grunts, or whatever you want to call them are being referred to as the "real" soldiers, Marines. Those on the front lines know that without the support from the "Not real" soldiers as it is sometimes said, they would not be able to do their jobs, period, or at the very least not very well. All this "Real'" "not Real" crap is just being stirred up by some who have low self esteem. If you stood up raised your hand and fulfilled your oath, you are real, no matter what your job is. The military is a team in its entirety, we all have our specific missions that contribute to the whole in order to complete the mission at hand. The Navy transports the Marines to where they need to be, Naval and Air Force aviation provides cover for those Marines and soldiers on the ground. All the personnel not on the front provide the much needed supplies to complete the mission. Without ammo, rifles are just expensive clubs, without food they will die, without intel they may not complete the mission or be captured, or die. So you see we are not separate at all, save for what we wear and how we look at times, our language, AKA jargon is a bit different, be we are all focused on one thing, the mission, and we all do the jobs we have so that can be done

Response by SP6 M. R. Teeters made Mar 3 at 2020 10:14 PM

2020-03-03T22:14:06-05:00

SGT Reynolds and SSG Andrews,
Take it from an old war horse, any service member who signs up to go anywhere and do anything including dying for a grateful OR UNGRATEFUL nation IS a real soldier. Just because our leaders haven't sent you yet to kill scumbags who need a serious end of life experience it doesn't mean you are not real soldiers. If it is a REMF tell them to ruck up and grab a weapon or STFU!!! If it is a brother in arms tell them they have a FU'd sense of comeraderie and you hope they find themselves in a combat situation in some S-Hole conflict with you and then see if they doubt you're a REAL SOLDIER then. Armed conflict is the bane to every soldier's soul - but when it is time to play, play for bone-crushing, limb ripping, skull F-ing victory.

Wheelchair Wraith

Response by SPC Mike Olivera made Mar 4 at 2020 1:02 PM

2020-03-04T13:02:27-05:00

They're talking about "American Taliban"

Response by PO1 Orlando Miller made Mar 4 at 2020 2:23 PM

2020-03-04T14:23:53-05:00

If you wear the uniform and are willing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me to send lead down range, you're a real soldier. Don't care if you're a mess cook, artillery or clerk. Get-Er-Done....

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Mar 6 at 2020 4:37 PM

2020-03-06T16:37:23-05:00

I get so tired of this. First if you’re such a great soldier why did you become a Navy seal or Green Beret are ranger or whatever else is top in the list this week? Every person that has the job of the tip of the spear knows that they are useless without the rest of the spear Every person that has the job of the tip of the spear knows that they are useless without the rest of the spear. on an aircraft carrier there about 200 pilots to go out and do the real fighting. They and everyone else knows that they would be useless without the 6000 million women on that ship making everything work. In a tank Core you’re very few men in the tank but there are hell a lot of people keeping that machine going especially in today’s world they are all in harms way. Those are two examples that are easy to get of but it’s true of every unit every combat specialist and every support specialist. A veteran is a veteran and everything else is BS

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Mar 6 at 2020 7:44 PM

2020-03-06T19:44:56-05:00

There are far too many conceited people in the military. As far as they are concerned, if you were not fighting a battle somewhere, you did not serve your country and are not a REAL soldier. What they seem to forget is why they joined the military. If it was just to fight in a war, they could stay home and fight a war against all the street gangs which would do a lot more for our country that fighting people we don't know and would not help on our own.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Mar 6 at 2020 7:53 PM

2020-03-06T19:53:38-05:00

I served SIX tours in Vietnam working directly for an Admiral. My work was so sensitive that I had to sign a FIFTY YEAR NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT which expired in 2016. It was to honor the Admiral memory not mine. There is NO RECORD ANYWHERE OF WHAT I DID OR WHERE I DID IT. I knew that when I offered to do the job. I also waived any and all medals that had to do with my assignment. I would not be going through hell now trying to get Agent Orange Disability if there was a record. I can't prove that I ever set foot on Vietnam soil.

Response by MAJ Mark Steskal made Mar 15 at 2020 12:52 PM

2020-03-15T12:52:23-04:00

This sounds similar to the denigration of Filipinos in the Navy and military Blacks in general during the "Unenlightened," age of our military. It is also not unlike prior service members who did not serve in combat discounting themselves as 'not a veteran.'
Everyone wants to feel 'special,' and 'elite.' There is a degree where that is true (e.g. SF, Rangers, Recon, LRRP's, etc). There comes a point however, where it is excessive and branches come to think of other branches as 'subservient or lesser.'

Napoleon is famously quoted as saying "Amateurs discuss tactics while professionals discuss logistics." What perhaps many elitist Infantry don't grasp is how tenuous is their ability to generate combat power. John J. McGrath of teh Fort Leavenworth Combat Studies Institute Press analyzed Army operations from WW I to modern day, and found that the "Tooth to Tail," ratio of combatants to noncombatants has typically been around 32.5 percent with a low of 25 percent in some cases.
(https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combat-studies-institute/csi-books/mcgrath_op23.pdf )

Tu turn the assumption around, does that mean that Infantrymen are not in fact real soldiers?
Among the US Marines, there is a saying of "Every Marine is first a Rifleman." It has limited the elitist attitude somewhat. In one of the Pacific Island operations in WW II it was nearly realized by the members of the Regimental band, as they prepared to become a replacement Rifle Company during an amphibious operation which was in doubt.

Cultural attitudes such as "I am better than you and you are a servant to me," detract from singular mission focus that recognizes the contributions and equality of combined arms components and has made te US Army the formidable force that it is.
How comfortable, do you suppose, would an Infantry Soldier feel going into combat without medical support, knowing that he would have no resupply for beans, bullets, and pay; no aviation or motorized medevac is available; no tank support, no artillery or air support as a combat multipliers; and if his equipment breaks (from rifle to radio), he has to fix it as best he can?
Without the shaft, the Pointy End of the Spear is, at best, just a knife. A Soldier is anyone who has joined the team of something bigger than themselves. All Soldiers are REAL because they all contribute a vital part of the effort to achieving mission success.

mcgrath_op23.pdf

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Response by MAJ Mark Steskal made Mar 15 at 2020 2:13 PM

2020-03-15T14:13:30-04:00

Without the shaft, the pointy end of the spear is just a knife at best.
Wow! This “Real Soldier,” quip has the sound of unwarranted denigration to so many during the US military tradition: from black Soldiers, Filipino Sailors, Women, gay, and anyone else different from the “Real Soldiers.” Only in this case the brush painting others as lesser is far more broad in in its stroke. I have friends who discount their service, saying they are not Veterans because they never deployed to war. It is a matter of chance and, as SSGT Gary Andrews points out, ‘the needs of the service,’ where one goes and what one does.
Napoleon is famously quoted as saying “Amateurs discuss tactics while professionals discuss logistics.” It takes a lot of support to get an individual to the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment; to achieve an assigned mission. In his paper The Other End of the Spear: The Tooth to-Tail Ratio (T3R) in Modern Military Operations, John J. McGrath provides an historical analysis on the ratio of combat to support personnel . (Operational Paper 23 from the Combat Studies Institute Press Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combat-studies-institute/csi-books/mcgrath_op23.pdf ) It is important to note that combatants include Armor, Artillery, Aviation, Engineers, and that Infantry is only a fraction of the whole. In his summary on page 85, McGrath states that since WWI the proportion of combat personnel has decreased over time. In general, proportions have averaged about 32.5 percent combat forces (of which Infantry is only a fraction) and recently have been as low as 25 percent. That means that the overwhelming proportion of Soldiers has been non-Infantry. This begs the question that perhaps Infantry is not at all the domain of the “Real Soldier,” and that the supporting cast really are.
Everyone wants to feel ‘special,’ or elite. Some units and individuals deserve that sort of recognition by merit of their individual and unit achievements (e.g. Navy SEAL, Army Special Forces and Rangers, Marine Recon, Air Force PJ, etc.). In the Marines, there was (I hope still is) a saying that “Every Marine is first a Rifleman.” It tends to cohesiveness instead of divisiveness.
It would be interesting to see just how comfortable the ‘Real Soldier,’ elitist Infantryman would be going on an operation where he knew he would not have support from unreal soldiers like the ordnance and logistics types who supply bullets and beans, the med types with bandaids when he proves not to be so god-like, the admin types who ensure that he is paid and promoted, and the countless others who comprise the shaft end of the spear.

mcgrath_op23.pdf

Response by MAJ Mark Steskal made Mar 15 at 2020 2:45 PM

2020-03-15T14:45:50-04:00

Sorry! Didn't mean to double post comments. The first one didn't come up as fast as I expected. Hope all is well in Volusia. I am in Lee County and things are nuts here. I should have saved all of those little C Ration and MRE sh** paper packets over the years. At a nickel a piece I could comfortably retire.

Response by PO1 Todd McMillin made Mar 16 at 2020 7:50 PM

2020-03-16T19:50:40-04:00

It's the general remark towards someone who served less than 180 days of duty or reservists in most cases. However, I've heard it apply to all branches of the service over lack of "X" being the excuse of not being a real soldier, sailor, marine, etc....

Which is like the whole "No True Scotsman Fallacy" argument of purist/purity of a group.....
You made what could be called an appeal to purity as a way to dismiss relevant criticisms or flaws of your argument. In this form of faulty reasoning one's belief is rendered unfalsifiable because no matter how compelling the evidence is, one simply shifts the goalposts so that it wouldn't apply to a supposedly 'true' example. This kind of post-rationalization is a way of avoiding valid criticisms of one's argument. Example: Angus declares that Scotsmen do not put sugar on their porridge, to which Lachlan points out that he is a Scotsman and puts sugar on his porridge. Furious, like a true Scot, Angus yells that no true Scotsman sugars his porridge.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 8 at 2020 11:15 PM

2020-04-08T23:15:19-04:00

Those who understand tactics and are ready to kill.

Response by SPC Michael Tierney made Apr 9 at 2020 2:41 PM

2020-04-09T14:41:45-04:00

Well David, from my perspective, it seems pretty lame to be calling cooks and clerks "heroes". Too many people think all members of the military are in the infantry or in some risky position. There are band members, entertainers, clerks, cooks, truck drivers.....who will never see anything close to dangerous assignments.
I am especially offended when airlines say that uniformed service members can board first. Why? The whole idea that everyone in a uniform is a "hero" is ridiculous. I was no hero and I have a CIB and Purple Heart.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2020 6:22 PM

2020-04-19T18:22:57-04:00

It happens brothers and sisters. I have been looked at with absolute disdain by others who have had consecutive tours of duty, who went 'out the wire' to kick doors down. But at the same time, without us fobbits making sure their vehicles worked, their comms were up, and even their paperwork was good, they could have had a worst experience. It takes a huge team to do what we do. And even the legal and accounting teams with their danger pay for getting paper-cuts, are absolutely necessary.

Response by SPC David Young made Apr 21 at 2020 3:35 PM

2020-04-21T15:35:03-04:00

While stationed at Fort Riley, I had a 13B 1st Sergeant who oven spouted crap like this. "You're just a cook, admin type, mechanic etc.. not a real soldier. You don't really do anything! I wish I could be 1st Sergeant in a line battery and not have to deal with you ****ing peons! I didn't take it personally. I assumed that it was an act. Nobody could be narrow-minded or ignorant. A few times, I saw that he could be just as brutal with his so-called "real soldiers." I heard that he made CSM about a year after I left Fort Riley.

Response by Brad Miller made Apr 25 at 2020 10:10 PM

2020-04-25T22:10:22-04:00

Mmmm ... (hand going up) ... from a civvie point of view -- you volunteer to get shot at. If you're lucky, you don't get shot at. If you're REALLY lucky, everybody is still waiting for you when you get home.
That's a soldier.

Response by Sgt Peter McDonald made May 1 at 2020 5:00 PM

2020-05-01T17:00:25-04:00

It is a competition between being infantry and non infantry. Which mos depicts the epitamy of your service and whether or not you have a combat role....
In the Marine Corps, all Marines are rifleman and are expected to fight regardless of their mos, but despite that distinction, there will always be rivalry.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2020 9:57 PM

2020-05-01T21:57:40-04:00

I don’t think anyone should throw his own judgement at other Soldiers. That’s very shallow and stupid. Talking about a “real Soldier”, I would refer to Soldier’s Creed and Army Values.

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made May 2 at 2020 3:32 PM

2020-05-02T15:32:52-04:00

Only person that deserves criticism in this scenario is the one who would refuse to go into combat if so ordered.
Had a guy in our American Legion who was always criticizing Vietnam vets. I asked him if he would have gone if so ordered. He said 'hell no'. When he was assisted leaving the Post Home, he did not land on his feet. He never came back.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 5:36 PM

2020-05-02T17:36:28-04:00

I assume all soldiers are real. They are serving their country.

Response by SP5 Michael Moore made May 3 at 2020 10:43 AM

2020-05-03T10:43:24-04:00

We all are real soldiers, they tend to forget that our first MOS is 11B1, we learn basic infantry skills during basic training, when I joined in’83 my Senior Drill Sergeant said we aren’t soldiers until we graduate, a real soldier is one who takes pride in wearing the uniform and who will Defend the Constitution at any cost(That’s A Real Soldier). We all are in this together, we work as a team, we fight as a family. To all my brothers and sisters in all Branches Thank you for your selfless sacrifice and service. One can’t win without the other

Response by PV2 Ross Bryan made May 3 at 2020 11:54 AM

2020-05-03T11:54:43-04:00

MY OPINION OF A REAL SOLDIER , IN HIS FIELD OF BATTLE, HEARS AN ENEMY WEAPON FIRE AND HEARS THE BULLET, SHELL OR MISSLE WHIZ BY HIS EAR!!
THANK GOD I AM NOT A REAL SOLDIER!!!

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made May 3 at 2020 12:12 PM

2020-05-03T12:12:22-04:00

I retired from the US Army 18 years ago, and prior to 9-11, I actually thought this way...

The main reason for me was that when it came to deploying, we in the Combat Arms were ALWAYS deployed on a FTX or Gunnery Table or into some foreign country. Although many of our Combat Support assets came along with us, very few of our Combat Service Support assets did so.

For anyone that has ever deployed.... the phrase "Jody is having fun..." was all too common. Most of us despised all of the rest of the Army since only the Combat Arms spent that much time in the field.

Both of my children were born while I was deployed on the West German Border, and for most of my first Germany tour I was not home. In 1989, I spent 318 days deployed as an example and that was an AVERAGE not a maximum number of days gone. All in all for my four year tour, I spent less than two months per year at home with my wife and children.

But all of that changed after 9-11, now everyone was being deployed and more than that everyone was now in harms way. I remember being in Baghdad and flopping down on my cot after midnight so exhausted I only pulled my boots off before falling asleep. I woke up to fins myself next to three female soldiers asleep in their cots and freaked out that I had somehow sleepwalked into the wrong tent.

Turned out that I was where I needed to be, the three female were part of a CLP (Combat Logistics Patrol) that was bunking down after a three day one-way run from Basra up north. The females, a total of about a dozen, were part of a Logistics Platoon operating Armored Hummers for Convoy Escort. The Platoon Sergeant had made the decision not to expose his females to an unknown environment and kept everyone together for everyone's safety. After talking to the PSG myself, I learned that some females were being molested or worse in the female tents since there were so few of them.

The attitudes of everyone changed after the first few months and year of the conflict as everyone saw who was really now on the front lines... and it was the Combat Support troops more than anyone being exposed to and reacting to enemy fire and ambushes.

"Real Soldiers".... the soldiers who carry the load for everyone else in times of crisis or war. After 9-11, this applies to almost everyone in the Army, Marines, and in a lot of cases the Navy, and to a lesser extent both the USAF and Coast Guard. I say this in this fashion because of the deployment terms and conditions that vary between the services.

What changed after 9-11 you ask?

Now we have a new nickname; "FOBBIT", and it applies to anyone who deploys into a warzone but never leaves the comfort and safety of the FOB or COB. This may also apply to anyone that does less than a one-year stint in theater. But that is another topic entirely I suppose.

Beneath these people are the "Home Station Commando's" that never once leave the comfort of the USA for a warzone, or leave for short stints of 90 days or less.

Just my thoughts from the foxhole

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made May 3 at 2020 1:03 PM

2020-05-03T13:03:15-04:00

I don’t think infantry men are real Army I was a Dragon Soldier and I like to see how long you last in MOPP 5
That’s what it means
I know your Army doesn’t allow teasing because how sensitive the infantry is but remember soldiers have to depend all mos,s to do their job so yes all soldiers are real soldiers

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made May 3 at 2020 5:07 PM

2020-05-03T17:07:03-04:00

Well, I used to say(1980's) there were two US Armies. The Combat Arms -the Real Army , and then there was the Army with the women in it.
Before my time , there were just males in the army , and there were also two armies, the combat arms and the REMF's.

Adding women to the REMF's, as I witnessed, just made them more inefficient as they spent more of time playing "grab-ass" (which I can't blame them) as women are a distraction.

But now with women in all MOS's, we don't have a REAL ARMY anymore at all, and this new fake GWOT only proves the joke further. We got a "job-corps/welfare program" as a military and a parasitic MIC that just profits further off of it.

Response by SPC Russ Bolton made May 3 at 2020 5:49 PM

2020-05-03T17:49:53-04:00

Those who raised their hands and took the oath. Those who knew to cost to do the work for our great country to their ets dates. That's my meaning of who a real soldier. These factors has been and always will be my descriptors of a real soldier. Be blessed

Response by SSG Dennis O'Connor made May 3 at 2020 8:54 PM

2020-05-03T20:54:53-04:00

In 20 years I'd honestly never heard the term "real soldiers". Grunts and POGS yes but never that. ALL soldiers are real soldiers. Without the total army in their various MOSs the army wouldn't be the army

Response by LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin made May 4 at 2020 12:22 AM

2020-05-04T00:22:59-04:00

If one truly thinks about the subject of "real" whatevers, every one, in every service, exists for one reason: to force the enemy to stop fighting. In the Army and Marine Corps that job is done by, primarily, Infantrymen. Every other MOS exists to support the effort of the lowly "Grunt". The Air Force exists to bomb the enemy so the "Grunt" won't have to work as hard. The Navy shoots and flies to kill the enemy so the "Grunt" won't have to work so hard. Not everyone can be a "Grunt". It takes a special person to master all the tasks, tactics, concepts and weapons the average "Grunt" has to plus, be so physically fit so as to haul his entire home and all his equipment, all the time.
Think about that the next time you speak about "real". Everyone is a warfighter and everyone has a specific job to do. That job is to support a "Grunt".

Social engineers say today's combat is asymetrical. Everyone can be a "Grunt" when called on. Every ship can also be a minesweeper. Once.

So, my lovelies, those of you of the crossed rifles or "03"s: Smile, be proud and remember, if it wasn't for you, all them other yahoos would be unemployed.

Response by LTC David Howard made May 4 at 2020 8:39 AM

2020-05-04T08:39:56-04:00

This has likely been talked about since there were the first soldiers in the world. All of us that wear or wore the uniform have put ourselves in a position to be at risk in service to the country. That makes us all real soldiers. I had an uncle who was a Marine who tried to get assigned overseas for his entire service during WWII, but the USMC felt he was more needed as a Drill Sergeant at Paris Island where he served for the entire war. Do you think he was not a "real" soldier? I served in Vietnam with young Medevac pilots, and more than a few were seriously wounded or killed in action, are you saying they were not "real" soldiers? Its a foolish discussion.

Response by Cpl Archie H. made May 4 at 2020 8:50 AM

2020-05-04T08:50:07-04:00

I am at 100% combat disabled 0311 grunt Marine. Been this way since 1968. I remember arriving at the soon to be completed air field the Seabees were building for the Marines at Quang Tri I Corps Vietnam. We all had left the DMZ after being mauled for 46 days. All of us grunts suffered from immersion foot to the point of having difficulty walking. As we approached the soon to be but now non functioning airfield. We grunts all 03’s were bone tired. We were irritated; Irritated and angry after our 46 days of continual-fighting, we tried desperately to keep our sanity. We all walked with our 1000 yard stare. So we tired to the bone grunts decided to walk on the runway matting . Obvious choice because it was less painful to walk instead of walking in the sand, where every step was painful. Out of nowhere arrives an US Marine air wing colonel driving a mighty mite. He was wearing a clean starched and pressed utility uniform. He started his threat, threatening us with an article 15 for walking on his runway. In Germany after the fall if the wall I overheard some young GI’s talking negatively about the US giving property back to the Germans in the coming drawdown. They agreed with each other we Americans should keep it because we won the war. Turning to them I interrupted their discussion by reminding them they had nothing to do with winning war WW 2. World War Two was won by the allies, starting with the German defeat at Stalingrad, and our (dying off quickly) WW 2 veterans.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made May 4 at 2020 10:33 AM

2020-05-04T10:33:33-04:00

How about "doc". I was not a combat soldier but I took care of the troops in my care.

Response by SPC John Tacetta made May 4 at 2020 12:38 PM

2020-05-04T12:38:57-04:00

A "real soldier" is anyone who wears or wore a uniform of any of the military branches. Of course, anybody who's served also knows that there are grunts and then there are REMFs (or the branch equivalents). It's just the natural order of things. Grunts eat field rations, REMFs eat steaks. What else would you like to know?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 1:35 PM

2020-05-04T13:35:40-04:00

The swearing of our oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America as a member of the Department of Defense in the role of a uniformed person subject to the uniform code of military justice AND conducting ones self (for any amount of time) as to obey the oath taken is what characterizes a Soldier.

Response by CW2 Jalistair B made May 4 at 2020 11:48 PM

2020-05-04T23:48:24-04:00

After careful consideration of the question you have posed, I am convinced that a real soldier is the opposite of a toy soldier. :D

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 5 at 2020 2:16 PM

2020-05-05T14:16:30-04:00

In truth, I never heard of non-combat, or even non-infantry soldier being referred to as not being "real" so not sure I would be able to answer more.

Response by Bobby Young made May 5 at 2020 6:08 PM

2020-05-05T18:08:02-04:00

I was a marine during Vietnam they sent me to kaneohe Hawaii,they must've needed me there, that's where they sent me.

Response by SGM Kenneth Stanton made May 5 at 2020 7:09 PM

2020-05-05T19:09:49-04:00

Sgt Renolds as a Sgt you should already have the correct answer.

Response by SGM Kenneth Stanton made May 5 at 2020 7:14 PM

2020-05-05T19:14:53-04:00

Once again anyone smart eough to get in this conversation should already have the answer.

Response by SSG Bob Essigman made May 5 at 2020 8:34 PM

2020-05-05T20:34:24-04:00

I THINK PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THOSE WHO HAVE SEEN OR BEEN IN COMBAT SITUATIONS AND THOSE THAT DIDN'T. PEOPLE FORGET THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO BACK UP THAT SOLDIER WHO IS ON THE FIRING LINE. JUST AN OBSERVATION!

Response by Sgt Neil Foster made May 6 at 2020 12:56 AM

2020-05-06T00:56:29-04:00

Even the Air Force has a similar issue... Airmen who work on aircraft refer to those who don't as "nonners"... A nonner is an Air Force member who does not generate sorties. Someone who, day in and day out, is not directly involved in putting aircraft into the sky.

Nonner is a shortened form of Non Sortie Producing Motherfucker. Similar to the Army '"REMF"

Response by LCpl Michael Ingram made May 6 at 2020 9:38 AM

2020-05-06T09:38:09-04:00

That is crazy, once a Marine always a Marine, that must be a new thing because in the 70's you never would have heard a Marine say that to another Marine, remember when you serve you are always at the ready to give you life for your country no matter what branch of the service you are in, NOW THAT'S A REAL SOLDIER

Response by William Davis made May 6 at 2020 3:12 PM

2020-05-06T15:12:12-04:00

If after you sign up for whichever service branch you chose and make it past "basic training" and got to AIT you qualify as a real service member. Just because your MOS might not be combat related makes one no less of a service member.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made May 6 at 2020 6:30 PM

2020-05-06T18:30:55-04:00

I have respect for anyone who wears the uniform regardless of service and MOS, AFSC etc.
Those who make silly remarks like that would change their tune and kiss the ass of the medivac chopper with the on board medic who put their asses on the line to land into a hot LZ to get them out and the mechanic who made sure it was mission ready, or the gas pumper who fueled it.
All services and jobs blend in to make the US the most dangerous and well equipped, and ready military in the world.

Response by SGT Norman Walters made May 7 at 2020 4:02 AM

2020-05-07T04:02:47-04:00

I TOTALLY CONCUR WITH THE RESPONSE FROM SSG GARY ANDREWS. WE ALL SUPPORT EACH OTHER IN ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, AND; SHOULD BE PROUD OF COMPLETING THE MISSION REGARDLESS OF MOS OR DUTY ASSIGNMENT. I HAVE BEEN ON BOTH SIDES, SO I THINK I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.

Response by SFC Terrence Griffin made May 7 at 2020 1:20 PM

2020-05-07T13:20:31-04:00

A DD214 with Honorable Discharge...Mission Accomplished!!

Response by MSG Felipe De Leon Brown made May 8 at 2020 11:39 AM

2020-05-08T11:39:42-04:00

There are many who, although they had completed all their training and, yes, were assigned to a unit, rarely completed their missions or duties (if at all) without a superior standing over them through out the entire time that the task required. And even then, these individuals carried out their missions in a mediocre manner. Oftentimes, the mediocre individuals kiss butt to get ahead, compete unfairly for schools and so forth and otherwise, do only enough to give the appearance of being professional. In reality, they were anything but professional.
So what does it mean to b e a "real" soldier? Being a "real" soldier and so forth has nothing to do with MOS or even rank. Being a "real" soldier has everything to do with Dedication to supporting and defending the Constitution and the nation from all enemies foreign and domestic. Being a "real" soldier mens serving with honor, integrity and sacrifice. Being a "real" soldier means carrying one's load as a member of the team. And finally, extending the same respect that one would like in return and being fair and just in every meaning of those terms.

Response by SP5 Robert Brusa made May 8 at 2020 12:44 PM

2020-05-08T12:44:07-04:00

If you stood up, took the same oath then you are real! The rest of it is BS!

Response by CPL Kristi Mason made May 8 at 2020 1:28 PM

2020-05-08T13:28:42-04:00

They are referring to POG's Person Other than Grunts. Myself=POG. I was a 45B Small Arms and Artillery Repairer. Infantry is trained to Kill to Kill without mercy and the saying goes.

Response by MSgt Joseph Holness made May 9 at 2020 12:47 PM

2020-05-09T12:47:24-04:00

OHHhhhh - Boy.....Here's another one of those "Grab-the-Popcorn & Favorite Beverage" questions (lol) You could further divide the subject matter up into Soldiers - Warriors & Guerillas and how these three are different while also being interrelated.

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made May 9 at 2020 9:39 PM

2020-05-09T21:39:00-04:00

The kind of guys who have to put other guys down to make themselves feel "real" - sorry for them. Once you earn the title, you the real deal - whichever your service. Combat arms, combat support, whatever. Guys who gotta stoop to that have a problem.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2020 1:30 PM

2020-05-10T13:30:12-04:00

I had a regular army sfc tell me I was not a real soldier because I am reserve and I was on at. I went parade rest and said something to the effect of "I'm sorry your highness. I have been looking for a deployment but the army is currently over saturated with 88 Mike's so there are no deployments available to me. And beyond that I am pretty fu**ing sure we both took the same oath and get paid from the same funding source". The 1SG that was with him gave me a wink, started to laugh and grabbed the sfc by the arm and told him "disengage, we're leaving". I then heard the 1SG tell him as they were walking away to never disrespect another soldier like that again regardless of their rank. I was an E3 at the time and 40 years old (I joined at 38)

Response by SP5 John Fitzgerald made May 13 at 2020 12:14 PM

2020-05-13T12:14:19-04:00

I recall an armor driver in Vietnam refer to G.I.s not in combat role as rear echelon mother......s. What an attitude. While I was a combat engineer (demo man) embedded with infantry companies, engineers had other "real" roles such as a dump truck driver run over a land mine, a water truck operator shot by a sniper, a new 2nd lieutenant killed by a land mine on perimeter check, and others. There are a lot of roles across the MOS spectrum that are necessary so that the "real" soldiers can do their grunt work; that doesn't make them any less valuable to the mission.

Response by PFC Howard Bryant Blackshear made May 16 at 2020 3:30 PM

2020-05-16T15:30:16-04:00

You are a Cold War Veteran, and haven’t been tested on the Battle Field. I am a 11Bravo Combat Vietnam Veterans, I can not explain all these things goes on a battle field, you never had training for. No training can prepare you for Combat, I don’t care who you are. So they call a CIB Soldier a REAL SOLDIER””.

Response by SSG Michael Doolittle made May 17 at 2020 2:41 AM

2020-05-17T02:41:13-04:00

Real or not real, what really is the question...? Any one who served is real, all who served are Veterans... The difference is between Combat Veterans and Non combat Veterans... Just because you served in a "Combat Theater" does NOT MAKE YOU A COMBAT VETERAN.... The occasional incoming does not qualify, the occasional sniper round does not qualify, the occasional roadside IED does not qualify... Combat Veterans are those who seek out and engage a hostile force, knowing that some will die and more will suffer wounds from minor to extreme, just knowing that is the risk of every day every moment doing your assigned duty....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2020 7:26 PM

2020-05-17T19:26:55-04:00

All soldiers are soldiers! Period. the Infantry needs the medics the cooks, people to pay them, supply them, as well as other combat support soldiers like artillery and Aviation, intelligence, signal etc. Many of them also lay there life on the line. Some infantry soldiers particularly those that serve between Vietnam and the events of 9/11 have never seen combat either. We are all soldiers we are all part of the US Army; we're all in it together! Whatever you do in the Army be proud of it!

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made May 19 at 2020 1:13 AM

2020-05-19T01:13:22-04:00

The line, of a snob with insecurities. I've met many of these. I was actually passed over once, because I was not infantry enough. 11C, instead of 11B. When the SSG started rattling off the "when was the last time so did a ..." question, I would answer honestly, "Every time we went out.". I had all the training he had, except I was specialized with a crew served weapon (Mortar). The funny thing was, the guy they chose over me was a 11H (TOW). I had to laugh at him, while I pointed this out. FYI, I had points on him, years of service, education, experience and had a secondary MOS. So I did not have the 300 PT score, but neither did the SSG. When I moved on from that unit, I was far more marketable. I usually do not respond more than just rolling my eyes. Like several others have said, see how far you get without all those other soldiers out there, getting you the resources you need to accomplish your mission, and more importantly all those who have to put you back together again, afterwards.

Response by Cpl Gabriel F. made May 20 at 2020 4:35 PM

2020-05-20T16:35:34-04:00

The men that were drafted then assigned any MOS were real soldiers. Some of those doggies damn pleased not being infantry. No choice just go. Real soldiers just as the volunteers of today.
Marines were drafted in WWII and for a short period during Vietnam because of high causality rate. Most Marine draftees were older some picked at random. Raw deal and all volunteers knew it. Every Marine a rifleman.

Response by CMSgt Donald ONeill made May 20 at 2020 7:13 PM

2020-05-20T19:13:35-04:00

For every combat troop on the ground it takes 10 to support for beans and bullets . And without those support troops nothing moves including the fight .

Response by SGT Philip Lafleur made May 23 at 2020 7:51 PM

2020-05-23T19:51:46-04:00

Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes. In WW II female Navy personnel were called WAVES and female Army soldiers were called WACS, both acronyms for their status. Someone asked Commandant Holcomb of the Marines why they didn't have a nickname. "They don't have a nickname, and they don't need one. They get their basic training in a Marine atmosphere, at a Marine Post. They inherit the traditions of the Marines. They are Marines." So I would say, if you had boot camp at a Marine post and you inherited the traditions of men like Sergeants Dan Daly and John Basilone, then you are a Marine. Period.

Response by Robert Janisse made May 27 at 2020 1:17 PM

2020-05-27T13:17:51-04:00

If you have sworn that you will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that you will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over you, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help you God.

Then you are a real Soldier, Seaman, Airmen, or Marine. Not everyone is cut out to be a combat soldier. Support personnel have legitimate and necessary roles to play in the game.

When you're bitching about all the Fobbits and POGs, just stop to think; The Fox that directed fire that time you were pinned down. The Alphas that make sure you have what you need to fulfill your mission.

Every member has an integral roll to play in This-Man's-Army.

The only fake soldier is someone pretending to be a soldier.

Response by SP5 Howard Moore made May 27 at 2020 2:58 PM

2020-05-27T14:58:07-04:00

I had one guy call me a POG I told him your right I'm a DAT I'm just attached to the infantry. If you need to talk to me there is a phone on the back of the track just stay out from under the road wheels

Response by SPC Clifton Barton made May 30 at 2020 3:08 PM

2020-05-30T15:08:28-04:00

I out pted many "real soldiers" in my time.

Response by SPC Clifton Barton made May 30 at 2020 3:10 PM

2020-05-30T15:10:37-04:00

You get real when they need something.

Response by PO1 Steve Mitchell made Jun 4 at 2020 4:10 PM

2020-06-04T16:10:25-04:00

All jobs in the military have a purpose. Look at the 12Bs. If it wasn't for them clearing roads, mine fields and building bridges. . the 11Bs would be just milling around in a circle

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Jun 5 at 2020 8:55 AM

2020-06-05T08:55:49-04:00

Take this from someone who "bleeds blue", I have heard this through the years and it is THE stupidest, least informed statement made! One of the best soldiers I ever met was a female ADA major. I've been in the Infantry and the Air Defense Artillery and served with exceptional soldiers in both, as well as some "duds". The statement should be between soldiers and warriors.

Response by LTC Dan Godfrey made Jun 5 at 2020 9:14 PM

2020-06-05T21:14:39-04:00

All branches tend to have their own sayings that tout them as the best. Just roll with it. They’re all necessary to make the big Army machine run.

Response by 1SG Charles Simpson made Jun 6 at 2020 7:57 AM

2020-06-06T07:57:34-04:00

Every soldier is a real soldier with the exception of those Prima Donnas who think of themselves as the only "real soldiers" in existence. Some grunts think of themselves as being the only real soldiers. BULLSHIT! In battle, a grunt is good for only a couple belts of ammo and a couple of grenades before his combat support and his combat service support have to come along to bail him out. I went into the army as 11B in 1960 and retired as 11Z 28 years later. I was a real soldier for all those 28 years but I was not a grunt all those years. I was Armor, I was Field Artillery, I was Air Defense Artillery, I was Quartermaster, I was Special Weapons Ordnance, I was Signal Support, I was Field Calibration Support and I was Military Police. I started as a young grunt and I retired as an old grunt but I was a real soldier 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for 28 years and 11 days.

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Jun 6 at 2020 2:53 PM

2020-06-06T14:53:19-04:00

I was 11B, 11B4P, & 18B. We have our advantages and disadvantages. Is it fair that an E-4 Clerk receives the same pay as an E-4 Infantryman, sleeping in the mud, with rain rolling down his poncho onto his nose? Maybe not, but at least we have our distinguishing insignia (Infantry Cord, EIB/CIB, etc.) that shows the difference to someone who "knows". Also, I know that I wouldn't have made as much rank in an administrative MOS. Look at the British Army. You can have two corporals - one with combat tours, and one without - and I don't believe that you can tell the difference by their uniforms.

Response by PFC Howard Bryant Blackshear made Jun 7 at 2020 9:43 PM

2020-06-07T21:43:50-04:00

A Real Soldier is a COMBAT EXPERIENCE SOLDIER!!!! No experience in Combat Situations, No Real Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airmen. YOU MUST BE TESTED!!!!.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Jun 7 at 2020 11:38 PM

2020-06-07T23:38:54-04:00

Hello, fellow veterans, You are a real soldier the day you raise your right hand. You will hear talk in the ranks but more than likely it's just somebody's personal opinion. Opinions are like fore points of contact everybody has one.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jun 8 at 2020 2:48 AM

2020-06-08T02:48:41-04:00

I suppose it depends on who's asking and who's responding. One way to look at it is "all people who attend and successfully graduate from Ranger school are Ranger-qualified, but not all of those same graduates become qualified Rangers." That's one way of looking at it. If you pass basic and AIT, you're a soldier. But if you go to combat and do the job you trained for in basic and AIT, then you're a real soldier. I honestly don't know, but what I can say is that a real soldier would not dodge deployments constantly like some of the soldiers I've known. One of my 1SGs dodged deployments his entire career until almost the very end of my first deployment. So I guess my real answer is if you've pass basic and AIT, you're a real soldier. Doing your job downrange means you got to see the difference between the technical expertise of your job and the tactical execution of your job.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jun 8 at 2020 8:45 AM

2020-06-08T08:45:34-04:00

A real soldier, Marine, sailor, or airman, is one who took the oath to serve and protect his/her country and is committed to whatever it takes to fulfill that oath.
I recall a news story from the 1970s when soldiers in the frontline combat units in Germany said they did not join the Army to fight.
This was the same period we had all the recruiting scandals.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jun 8 at 2020 7:02 PM

2020-06-08T19:02:59-04:00

I was a company clerk, a pretty good job for a drafted civilian. 'When called upon by my country, I went. As a draftee, I had no say in what I did or where I went. Had I gotten out of AIT a couple weeks earlier, I would have likely gone to Vietnam. I say that because the bulletin board on the side of the orderly room showed me going to Vietnam on completion of AIT but my orders sent me to Japan. I took the same attitude I used for work and school with me as a soldier. A soldier performs the functions given him to the best of his ability where he is told to perform them. I gave my job as company clerk everything I could every single day. When the orderly room was inspected, we had 0 gigs. That's right, not one thing was found wrong. Many times I worked well past my assigned time to assure everything I did was 100% accurate. When others called it quits, they would see me in the orderly room still working to become the best company clerk I could be. Some in our unit thought I was crazy and said so. I did whatever it took to be the best. There were no other company clerks in our unit, of course, so I created a competition in my head with the company clerks in other units. I had to be better than all of them. Wanting to be the best is not enough. A good soldier will do whatever it takes to prove he is the best. To me that commitment to excellence in attitude and performance, in whatever role you have, makes you a real soldier

Response by A1C Jd Pickering made Jun 9 at 2020 12:03 AM

2020-06-09T00:03:02-04:00

I was USAF or "Chair Force" but later I was a Sworn Texas Peace Officer. Everyone starts as a FNG, once you answer calls with other officers and handle yourself properly you earn a certain respect over others who have more seniority but all desk jobs, remember, this is not a drill

Response by TSgt Don Dollinger made Jun 10 at 2020 9:23 PM

2020-06-10T21:23:01-04:00

If you have to ask the question "what does it mean to be a "real" soldier", then you are not a real soldier.

Response by TSgt Tommy Amparano made Jun 12 at 2020 8:47 PM

2020-06-12T20:47:38-04:00

Honestly, no one calling me a POG, Chair Force, or anything like that is ever going to make me feel less proud of my service. We all took the same oath and we all follow orders. Certainly other sacrifice more than others, but you never know what you may be called upon to do no matter what your job. Also, a terrorist doesn't care if you are in admin, motor pool, Comm or a ground pounder, they get the same joy out of killing you.

Response by 1LT Patrick McCarthy made Jun 15 at 2020 12:49 PM

2020-06-15T12:49:21-04:00

When there was incoming the mortors and rockets did not check your MOS before hitting.

Response by PFC Howard Bryant Blackshear made Jun 17 at 2020 9:01 PM

2020-06-17T21:01:18-04:00

People have called me a Baby Killer!!!!!!!! I never shot a unarmed Vietnamese, my whole tour.

Response by CPT David Geasland made Jun 19 at 2020 8:32 PM

2020-06-19T20:32:57-04:00

Response by PO3 Chip Cooper made Jun 23 at 2020 7:04 AM

2020-06-23T07:04:32-04:00

I was a CTI Navy Russian linguist from 89 to 93 in DIRSUP Division - Misawa Japan. Spent the Gulf War keeping an eye on the Russians. When I got out - wen Army NG as a 13C. Got out in 2000. All of my buddies were deployed multiple times. Sometimes when I run into someone I feel that “wish I had gone with them, or should have been there with them” feeling. I don’t feel like I’m not a real sailor or soldier, but I do understand the feeling of thinking Coulda shoulda woulda.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2020 8:49 AM

2020-07-03T08:49:42-04:00

While stationed at a FOB in Afghanistan, the only soldiers killed while I was there were a couple of female Army Specialists walking back to their quarters after chow. They were admin personnel. Everybody makes their own contribution and takes the same risk regardless of your job.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2020 10:25 PM

2020-07-07T22:25:52-04:00

To me, a real soldier.. is a person that is effective at their job in any branch.. I'm prior 92F (fueler) and now 12 B (combat engineer). I've heard a lot of shit like this.. And to me it comes down to the person you are. To me a soldier is the guy that gets the job done. Like previously stated, the military needs quartermasters just as much as they need infantry.. To consider others as less.. isn't very selfless.. But also I've noticed over the years that different Mos's tend to attract like minded individuals.. I didn't fit in as a fueler but I fit well as a 12b.. it's like trying to tell a mechanic he fucked something up, lol. Every group has their own thing lol own mindset common trait. Lol just so happens the infantry guys think they are hot shit.

Response by COL John Handy made Jul 8 at 2020 11:57 AM

2020-07-08T11:57:40-04:00

Everyone who raised their right hand has taken a step very few Americans even consider. Each of us has the potential to be "real" though a few squander it by their own hand.

Response by SFC Bruce Mcglasson made Jul 8 at 2020 11:33 PM

2020-07-08T23:33:11-04:00

Doesn’t matter in you have served in combat or not. A real solider can be some one in basic or 20 year vet. It is about their military baring, their attitude, and self discipline. Not a real solider does not have those attributes. Sloppy uniform, bad attitude, never around, someone has to look after them. Can’t depend on them to complete assignments

Response by SP5 Paul Renard made Jul 9 at 2020 1:57 PM

2020-07-09T13:57:01-04:00

From 1974-1981 I was a Regular Army 92B, Medical Laboratory Specialist. Was I less of a soldier then than I was in 2005-2006 as a Combat Infantry Medic in Iraq?

Response by SGT Michael Riser made Jul 9 at 2020 3:23 PM

2020-07-09T15:23:54-04:00

We are all real Soldiers, to say otherwise is extremely wrong and condescending. We jokingly call non-Combat Arms MOS's "POGS" and whatever, but we all trained to fight when we went to Bootcamp. I served in deployments in places like Iraq, and those non-Combat MOS Soldiers were quite capable of picking up their M-4 and joining in the fight if the base camp came under attack. So, as a retired 11-B, I reject the notion of "real Soldiers" and "fake Soldiers".

Response by SP5 Ann Parris made Jul 10 at 2020 4:56 PM

2020-07-10T16:56:47-04:00

If you join, due your job, don't get into trouble, you are a real soldier.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2020 10:45 PM

2020-07-10T22:45:19-04:00

If I may: in the Army and Marines, we were all taught to be riflemen/women first, then we do our jobs we trained to do. We all had to qual with rifle and grenades. Some of us got to play with sub-calibre mock-up of the the nasty weapons only the "combat" soldiers normally play with. Plus, I remember one of my drills reminding us that our primary MOS was 11-B in war and what ever our ATI was during peacetime. I got to shoot the old M-60 7.62 machine gun, M-203 both marker and live golden 40mm grenades, AT-4 sub-cal, and dummy claymores, because we never now when we will be pressed into combat service. The enemy will not care if you defend yourself or not. BTW, I retired Air Nat'l Grd after leaving AD Army.

Response by SPC Marvin Darling made Jul 10 at 2020 11:18 PM

2020-07-10T23:18:00-04:00

We used to say that if you weren't in a boots on the ground soldier you weren't a "real" soldier. We called anyone in a non combat job a remf.. That being said, it was more of a running gag than an insult and they all took it as just a ribbing. We took very good care of the ones who made sure we had what we needed and they knew that too.

Response by CPT Dan Caudill made Jul 11 at 2020 11:46 AM

2020-07-11T11:46:30-04:00

An a young enlisted mechanic, i was with a Cav. I drove an 88 and ill tell you this, the combat arms guys (tankers in my case) loved having me around. I was one of the few that kept heaters going and if youve been to Gragg and Hons you know what im talking about. Infantry, regardless of leg or whatever where mspeedbumps to us..lol I too believe every soldier has a job and without one another it doesnt get done..

Response by SPC Sean O'Sullivan made Jul 11 at 2020 10:41 PM

2020-07-11T22:41:30-04:00

You do your job, that's what a real Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman does. I was in commo, I never met a grunt that didn't want to get a hook up to call home or check on something etc. I did my job, I was good at it. Never heard one of them ask, are you a real soldier, they wanted to know if I could hook up a call for them while we were in the field (which I could if so inclined to do it). Wouldn't have been much good if communications were needed, but the only guy there to run them knew how to fix an engine, or knew how to run a mess hall, or was a great clerk. I knew communications, ya didn't run to me and ask me to fix the engine on a humvee, or a tank, or a helicopter. We all had jobs to do, we trained to do them, and sometimes we actually got to do them. It's a lot easier to go from a highly tech field to one less tech, than vice versa, there's a reason why some schools are a month, and others are 6-12 months.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 3:28 PM

2020-07-12T15:28:11-04:00

I deployed 3 times. I went outside the wire how the hell are you goingnto get intel. The person you over heard is full is full of crap. We are all real soldiers. My son is at basic training now he is a real soldier the idiot that said that needs to tell me that to my face.

Response by MSG Justin Kuchar made Jul 12 at 2020 4:50 PM

2020-07-12T16:50:39-04:00

Is the soldier fulfilling his or her piece of the mission? Going above and beyond when/where they can? Working to continually improve their technical and tactical skills? Growing as a Leader?
If yes, then yes. I know some cooks that took it personal to send service members out every day without thinking about this food sucked. I started as an ammo 55B. We sure moved with a purpose despite 8000 details to fill. Commo, engineers, down the line.
At the end of the day, how many deployments have some of these SMs had. Never been perfect, and always striving to improve. But at the end of the day if the warfighter (whoever it may be) can concentrate on their job and training, and provide extreme destruction on the objective, we all are that much better.

Response by MAJ John Lavin made Jul 12 at 2020 9:59 PM

2020-07-12T21:59:51-04:00

I would bet my entire retirement IRA, as puny as it is, that this question has been argued in every bar, saloon and ale house that ever served a drink to the veterans that hung around the place from the days of the cavemen until today. Usually this question is argued when the veterans who hang around there are pretty near totally shitfaced drunk and trying to find a way to relive the old days when men were men and they were one of them. The next day, after the hangover wears off they realize that everyone who serves no matter when is a real soldier and their arguments about what constitutes a “real soldier” is just bar talk stimulate by the ingestion of a lot of booze and is totally meaningless in every sense.

Response by SSG Mannix Brooks made Jul 12 at 2020 11:12 PM

2020-07-12T23:12:10-04:00

It's funny that the actual real soldiers who can truly say this about everyone else don't. They are too busy performing missions in places we do not know about, doing work that give most people nightmares thinking about, doing things we will never hear about, keeping things to themselves and laughing at the news. They know they are bad ass but don't need to speak on it for you to recognize them on sight. If the criteria for people who say this is everyone must be in active combat to classify for being on the plus side of that argument then that would mean we are getting out butts kicked and they overran those "real" soldiers. All I hear in that type of statement is I hate my job and you need to join me in my misery, in other words whining. Another thing to consider if you don't have an expeditionary force to project or deploy you are just National Guard and no disrespect intended towards own National Guard that does deploy we have been fighting other people's National Guards ( a more sadistic, ruthless and evil version). They go home at night wherever the choose as home and fight when they want to or not and attack where they choose. We chase them and they pop up when and where they want to which gives everyone regardless of job an equal chance of winding up getting shot at. If the people who support the people outside the aren't real soldier then everything is fake to include ammo, fuel, the food, mail, water, clothes, tents, buildings, commo, etc fake to include your chances of survival if you get shot and see fake medics. We are the best taken care of military in the world so unless the troop is a total and complete screw up likely meaning they are on rear D being chaptered out or getting ready to leave theatre to get the boot then they all serve a role. Lastly I will say if the people who say this don't think anyone outside infantry is a real soldier then maybe they should get all their support from only real soldiers, themselves, then they would stop complaining about what somebody else is tasked to do. The funny thing is in battle or out of battle you still need support and complain when it's not there whether its life and death or where is my mail?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2020 2:23 AM

2020-07-13T02:23:11-04:00

I've found that the loudest people who typically say things like this (often at the expense of others) usually get out after four or five and don't amount to much after the military.

Response by SGT Steven Paul made Jul 13 at 2020 2:55 AM

2020-07-13T02:55:54-04:00

I have never once heard someone say that until now.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2020 9:48 AM

2020-07-13T09:48:06-04:00

I generally take that type of behavior as a sign that the individual(s) are lacking in confidence in their own abilities. All the bluster we see on a day-to-day while serving (and likely in the civilian world) "hides" quite a bit of insecurity. Centered, professional service-members don't do more than a bit of good natured inter-service trash talk, and take jabs where it'll ease tension, not create it. Either way, those type of people communicate quite a bit more about their own character and state of mind than the comments support about others. Often we work in teams, and saying stuff to undercut your team members isn't generally good practice.

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Jul 13 at 2020 10:26 PM

2020-07-13T22:26:01-04:00

I found after 25 years of service between the Marine Corps and the Air Force, 7 PCS’s, 4 different models of helicopters as well as various variants of individual airframes, the loudest mouths have the smallest brain. They feel empowered when they can look down on other people, regardless of rank. In the Marine Corps, grunts would be stupid to denigrate the Crew Chiefs who’s helicopter is carrying them to and from the battlefield, hauling supplies, weapons of all variations, transporting wounded to aid station/hospital, and carrying the fallen to their first leg of their journey home. Pissing off the aircrew is about the dumbest thing I can think off. I’ve seen officers get slapped down for pointing a MG straight up, and grunts get handed their helmet to puke in.
Regardless of Branch, we are a team. You’ll have team players and you’ll have jackasses. Pick your posse and stay away from the dumbass know-it-all’s.

Response by PV2 J C made Jul 14 at 2020 7:31 AM

2020-07-14T07:31:28-04:00

Can’t speak for others, but I myself would say I wasn’t a real soldier. I failed in my duty to maintain height/weight standards and only made my commands job more difficult than it needed to be. My biggest regret in life is taking away precious time from my NCOs who had to put up with me when they could have been at home with their families.

Response by MAJ Terry Stanley made Jul 15 at 2020 6:26 PM

2020-07-15T18:26:14-04:00

Anyone that has completed Basic Training is a solider. For that matter, Basic is basic infantry training. And, if you are a cook and they run out of infantry, guess what your new job is? Saying Infantrymen are the only real soldiers is just a pride and moral thing among infantrymen. Still only the Queen of battle though! ( had to throw that out because I'm a redleg ).

Response by LCpl Jon Stephens made Jul 15 at 2020 10:06 PM

2020-07-15T22:06:49-04:00

If you served your time and actually served. Not went to boot, but actually served. Then yes, you are what you are. I have not heard what you are claiming. I was marine infantry and in real combat. (I say that bc i do not agree with those claiming they were in combat but never saw it for real). As I was saying, you earn your titles. I am a combat marine. But like you said, you served but never deployed to combat....you still served honorably and therefore are still a marine. That goes for anyone, no matter the sex or "color". As someone else said, we all need logistics and headquarters. We would not have supplies without it. They gave us what we needed to do ours.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 16 at 2020 6:54 AM

2020-07-16T06:54:06-04:00

Everybody has a vital part to play in all operations that help to win.

Response by COL John Ward made Jul 16 at 2020 10:46 AM

2020-07-16T10:46:59-04:00

Some of the best “soldiers“ I’ve ever mett are in h Adjutant General Corps. These are people who have the best interest of the soldiers at heart and make hard decisions every day. They are unfortunately much-maligned, without them however we wouldn’t have our vibrant force that we have today. BTW, this is coming from a former Infantry/Attack Helicopter pilot. All soldiers contribute.

Response by CPT Troy Albuck made Jul 17 at 2020 10:21 AM

2020-07-17T10:21:28-04:00

The Infantry comprises about 8% of the Army and Marine Corps but accounts for 90% of the losses due to combat related reasons. For this reason, many Infantry Soldiers feel there is a difference in level of sacrifice experienced by the various units of the military. I spent over five years in combat on seven deployments in four different wars and now retired still work for the Army teaching U.S. Military History, deploying to a combat zone is as corrosive to everybody in varying levels of effect that depend more on the individual ability to cope than what job they do there. I have seen an Infantryman crack during the train up before even actually deploying and have some of the least likely Soldiers join a stack to Enter and Clear during protracted fights. In an era of protracted COIN it is easy to forget periods of time when there were no wars, but I remember years where the cadence went "somebody, anybody, start a war, hey!" I recall serving with 'real Soldiers' during those times too. The Infantry is tasked to close with and destroy the enemy in close combat, that takes its toll out on its membership in ways most other MOSs don't but that in no way minimizes what it takes to Soldier on in every other job. "To the everlasting glory of the Infantry!" #RLTW #retiredranger #rememberPatTillman

Response by CPT Eireanne Russ made Jul 17 at 2020 1:54 PM

2020-07-17T13:54:59-04:00

The goal of the military is bullets meeting bad guys. While the Infantry delivers MOST of those, truck drivers, cooks, tanks, artillery, engineers, clerk/typists and a whole slew of others have historically contributed to that goal, both directly and more importantly, indirectly. An infantry squad is nothing more than a fraternity if the cooks do not supply chow, if the trucks don't bring bullets and POL, if the medics don't put folks back together, if the MI folks don't identify the enemy, etc, etc and if the CLERKS don't make sure the eagle flies on a regular basis. 1SG Hyter taught me an important lesson when I was a new Platoon Leader--if you make sure troops are fed and paid on time most of them will march into hell for you. Infantry soldiers, tank crews, artillery crews, engineers, air defenders can only do their jobs if the rest of the Army does theirs

Response by SSG Norbert Johnson made Jul 19 at 2020 11:06 AM

2020-07-19T11:06:34-04:00

If I recall right that reference was pointed at National Guardsmen, less at Reservists. A Real Soldier is one that regardless of their training and/or experience will never let his squad down, will always be prepared to step in. Isn't that what apprentices do? As soon as they step in their Jobs (after Training) are they not Journeymen.. is that not a Real Soldier?

Response by GySgt John Hudson made Jul 19 at 2020 6:09 PM

2020-07-19T18:09:01-04:00

I only heard that term used as referring to someone who did not have a combat badge or been in combat against the enemy. Since there is no front line anymore, who knows who will be a real soldier or not.. It's all BS. You are all trained to fight when the chips are down. So all are real soldiers. Nuff said.. JP

Response by PO1 Don Rowan made Jul 25 at 2020 10:39 AM

2020-07-25T10:39:21-04:00

I would have to say that those making these idiotic comments aren't real people.

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Aug 5 at 2020 10:30 AM

2020-08-05T10:30:27-04:00

Why do we care what pin-heads who want build themselves up by tearing others service down?

Response by SP5 Derick Johnsohne made Aug 6 at 2020 4:56 PM

2020-08-06T16:56:49-04:00

pure and simple uneducated prejudice . i could not and would not do some other guy's job, so i wont call anybody not a real soldier .

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 11:46 PM

2020-08-06T23:46:33-04:00

After almost 18 years, I’ve grown to become disgusted by dumbass remarks like that. People that say things like that are small minded and only worthy of their initial enlistment because we need big picture thinkers not high school heros.

Response by PFC Dale Mattison made Aug 11 at 2020 11:45 AM

2020-08-11T11:45:30-04:00

I think it refers to the fact there are Infantrymen, Artillerymen and Armor. The rest might be REMFS as they were called. Personally speaking of course.

Response by PFC Dale Mattison made Aug 11 at 2020 11:53 AM

2020-08-11T11:53:26-04:00

Made a mistake earlier. I believe that once you sign that blank check and BCT. You are a real soldier no matter your MOS. You were trained Infantry first before all other training.

Response by SSG Miguel Berrios made Aug 11 at 2020 2:23 PM

2020-08-11T14:23:43-04:00

Served in Desert Storm as an 11B, so my take on this nonsense subject is that when you get the call from Uncle Sam to report to a war zone you are fully committed to serve your country. And I have no doubt that you as a soldier will report and perform your duties in a military manner and accomplish the mission to the best of your abilities. And even if you are not in combat arms, we depend on your support services, and without them, infantrymen would not be able to perform our missions as we would like to. So yes, you bet your a__ you are a real soldier.

Response by PVT Vance Hanna made Aug 11 at 2020 5:09 PM

2020-08-11T17:09:28-04:00

The reason people say not infantry not a "real" solider is three fold, Infantry Boot camp is three times harder than say doing boot camp at Ft Jackson. Two, Infantries whole job is to kill before being killed, that takes a Hard man mentally. Three, Most infantrymen WILL see combat depending on how long they serve.

As former Infantry, You sign up, you serve with honor YOU ARE a real solider, Be you Infantry or Cook. Just my personal Opinion.

Response by LTC Reginald Brown made Aug 12 at 2020 6:17 PM

2020-08-12T18:17:17-04:00

It is just rhetoric, do not give it another moment of time.

Response by GySgt John Hudson made Aug 12 at 2020 11:25 PM

2020-08-12T23:25:09-04:00

Ok brother.. What is real is you... You served where the service needed you... The rest, who cares? You want to define real: eat cold C-rats/MRE's in the field for three weeks to 6 months, uniform rotting off you, no bath or shave for same time frame, sleep in your poncho on the ground (wherever), be muddy/wet/miserable/ & cold, have people shooting at you with intent to do serious harm/death, and put up with 4 to 125 others with you in the same environment. Oh yeah, carry everything you need on your back and live off the land too. There are lots of use who have done this from WW1 to the present. No one said you would be comfortable at boot camp, but that is the reality of serving in the field training or in war. Grunt or otherwise, it ain't comfortable at all. You served and that is the best part. JP

Response by Col James Cooke made Aug 13 at 2020 11:47 AM

2020-08-13T11:47:03-04:00

Gentlemen, consider this old ditty: "It takes more grace than I can tell, To play the second fiddle well." In my time as a chaplain, most of my contacts were the guys and gals who were support troops. We were all part of the spear, but for whatever reason, most of us were not the tip of the spear. But, the point of the spear is not real effective without the rest of the spear.

Response by SSG Bonnie Stiriz made Aug 13 at 2020 11:28 PM

2020-08-13T23:28:27-04:00

It is a 1 up and 1 down head game. A real soldier is someone who raised their hand to defend the U.S. Constitution against foreign and domestic enemies and followed through. Who trained along side as a team defending the freedom of the people. So call it what you may. I served out of choice and I knew that my choices were limited unlike civilian life. I was trained in the Mojave Desert, the fields and villages of Germany and felt well equipped to serve in combat. Almost did, but stayed back in support of those who had to go. We are a population one. Be it active duty, National Guard or Reserves. We all have our mission and duty to serve in one way or another.
Blessings!

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Aug 14 at 2020 12:58 AM

2020-08-14T00:58:47-04:00

I would most definitely say that in a good ribbing, but if the person is making the sacrifice and truly doing their job the best of their ability, I'd say that's a real soldier.

Response by SGT George Gallant made Aug 14 at 2020 2:55 AM

2020-08-14T02:55:08-04:00

A real soldier is one that serves with honor and distinction to the People of America and never under any circumstance to a politician because most of them they do not love America. We Serve The People Of The United States of America.

I served as an Infantry Soldier during the Vietnam era and the one's who were to yellow to serve became the teachers in the Universities of today, a sad commentary on our school system.

Response by SFC Michael Barnett made Aug 14 at 2020 5:39 PM

2020-08-14T17:39:14-04:00

A fake Soldier is one of these shitbags we see running around with stolen Valor on uniforms the never was issued a 214 to prove they earned. Every other person wearing the uniforms with respect for what it mean, and a 214, are real Soldiers!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2020 8:23 PM

2020-08-14T20:23:17-04:00

Its normal to rag each other about jobs. I'm Artillery...I'm whats known as a pog...a remf etc. Its no big deal! Wittle infantry boy or marine "it" gets in trouble and Im one of the first people they call on...or the Air Force....Or an Apache. We heard em whining pissing screaming and moaning about getting their asses shot off and needing help all the time. Or the ran up against a force they couldnt hope to beat. They need help and I gotta find a spot for my Starbucks...Whopper or what have you...its exhausting!!! Keep in mind those REAL SOLDIERS are just stones in a National Cemetary without us. So the next time your uneducated friend says this remind him who the real POG is
..its the guy without support!

Response by PO2 Lawrence Janiec made Aug 15 at 2020 12:59 AM

2020-08-15T00:59:57-04:00

This has always been something in any group or organization where one part of the group wants to try to feel superior to another part of the group, even if their rank in that organization doesn't allow them to.

I wanted to lighten up the discussion a little bit, though, with something not related to the military, but a similar situation.

My first retirement job was working as a Skipper on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland in California. (You are correct in that I cannot wait for the upcoming movie!) There are 2 similarities with this group of people. The first is that the phrase "Once a Skipper, Always a Skipper" is a popular one, one which I still identify with. The second is about what it takes to be a "real" Skipper. If you have urinated in the river, then you are a "real" Skipper. End of qualification list. Yes, I am one. When it's late at night in the off season, getting a "Dead Head" (bote [sic] goes through the attraction with no guests) happened all the time. From the time you turn the corner going into the hippo pool until you're through the hippo pool, you have a lot of time and it's completely private in that no one would be able to see you from a bote before or after you, or from outside the attraction. Plenty of time to turn off the throttle, climb up on the side and pee over the side.

Oh, and I know of at least one female who is allegedly a "real" Skipper. Something to think about.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Aug 15 at 2020 3:52 PM

2020-08-15T15:52:01-04:00

Any such reference is basically a pride thing. What does it mean to be "real"? It means that you put your heart and soul into whatever it is that you do and you do the best you can. Is a short-order cook a chef? Is a chef merely a higher paid cook? Just because you're a volunteer firefighter does that make you any less a firefighter than a professional when it comes to getting the job done? In the Air Force, does driving a heavy hauler like a C-5 make you any less of a pilot than the F-15 "jockey"? That reference of who or what is "real" is simply one of those things we live with in the competitive world we share, and anyone who takes serious offense is just a little too sensitive.

Response by SP5 Gene Hutchins made Aug 15 at 2020 4:25 PM

2020-08-15T16:25:44-04:00

I was a cook in the Army from 1968 to 71. My overseas tour was Vietnam . In those years cook's were called REMFs. A Rear Echelon Mother F***ker, we weren't 'real' soldiers.
But, for some reasons we were expendable. In my ASA unit,
Cooks were in Ready Reaction Force ((RRF) When VC would make ground attack at the base camp, the RRF was deployed to the bunker line. We used our M16s, M79s & M60s just like infantry. We were real soldiers. We did not get CIB award.
Only 11Bravo got that.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2020 10:10 PM

2020-08-15T22:10:34-04:00

Besides being an outstanding soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine, learn to not give a crap about what knuckleheads think. You signed on the line and serve in your role at the pleasure of your service chief. Either ignore them or tell them to pound sand. I started as a grunt and went pogue. I loved giving the knuckledraggers a hard time. Hehehe. SFMF!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 8:37 AM

2020-08-16T08:37:47-04:00

It's natural for people who do more physically enduring tasks and more high speed training and experience a more elevated risk, to feel superior to their counterparts.

It really all just boils down to our team is better than your team and in the end, most Soldiers regardless of MOS, really do appreciate each other.

Response by Dennis Aubuchon made Aug 16 at 2020 2:27 PM

2020-08-16T14:27:40-04:00

Anyone who makes the sacrifice to join any military branch is real. They are serving our country and no one should be told that they are not a real soldier in any military branch. Many functions must be handled and we need to respect any individual performing their assigned duties and responsibilities and their service should never b e discounted.

Response by PO1 Troy Simpson made Aug 16 at 2020 5:23 PM

2020-08-16T17:23:09-04:00

I agree. I was a a 25 yr old Bm1 (sw) standing In port OOD aboard USS JOHN RODGERS (DD-983) Med. Moored. I was responsible for multiple weapons 50 cal M80 grenade launcher and the ammo elevator near aft quarterback full of ammunition. Saddam had made threats. My four hour watch felt like eternity. I just knew the enemy was going to attack on my watch. I was prepared, but grateful combat wasn't required that day.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 16 at 2020 7:38 PM

2020-08-16T19:38:04-04:00

A real soldier is prepared to put steel downrange at any time, knows how to attack and defend.

Response by PO2 Doc Blake made Aug 17 at 2020 12:26 AM

2020-08-17T00:26:18-04:00

TO BE A REAL WARRIOR/SOLDIER YOU, NUMBER ONE, "THINK THE PART!"
"THE WARRIOR CREED"
Wherever I walk,
everyone is a little bit safer because I am there.
Wherever I am,
anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home,
everyone is happy I am there.
"It's a better life!" ...By Robert L. Humphrey
...
TO BE A REAL WARRIOR/SOLDIER YOU, NUMBER TWO, "LOOK THE PART!"
And the top of my daily Warrior list is fitness... I am 76, "SO WHAT," that is no excuse for not being Warrior Fit! I train as though I will be in a fight; "TO THE DEATH," today! Why, because our enemies are not only foreign, they are also domestic! And more than likely, they are not as fit as me; and that's the way I like it!
Note: And it is well known among Fitness Trainers, as we start getting that old feeling? It is because we are losing about 1% of our strength yearly... And if you don't want to be a sheep, you take the remedy!... "You stop that loss through rigorous training!"... Doc Blake

Response by SSG Jeffery Satterfield made Aug 17 at 2020 3:20 PM

2020-08-17T15:20:22-04:00

I was in the 1/19th ID, in the early 70's, got injured and reclassified to Hospital Administration and retired after 20 years. When I got to basic training on of the first things the drill Sergeant said was "(U. S. Army) Uncle Sam Aint Released Me Yet". If yo were in you are a Soldier, Airman, Sailor, or Marine period, forever. Everyone is real.

Response by LTC Wayne Dandridge made Aug 17 at 2020 4:54 PM

2020-08-17T16:54:44-04:00

That is why we are called a combined arms team and brother and sisterhood. It is all hands on deck and one team - one fight! I did appreciate the great joy our combat arms and other soldiers loved the sound of the Cobras and Hueys that I flew in Vietnam. God bless all of our military men and women, veterans, and their families. Sincerely, W. Larry Dandridge (Ex-Infantry Enlisted, ex Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired LTC Master Aviator)

Definition of US Army Infantry in Vietnam!
By: LTC W. Larry Dandridge and from Chapter 10 of BLADES OF THUNDER (Book One)
Enlisting, training, and learning. Deploying, landing, and assigning. Training, reconing, and patrolling. Sweating, hoping, wishing, and praying; planning, coordinating, following, and leading. Running and waiting. Flying, fearing, missing, taking, and retaking. Anticipating; shaking, locking, and loading. Jumping, assaulting, shooting, taking, and retaking.
Crawling, sweating, listening, scratching, sneaking, taking and retaking. Searching, attacking, bayoneting, taking, and retaking. Resting, recuperating, firing, throwing, suffocating, slogging, mortaring, cursing, and swimming. Fainting, fumbling, cutting, and sliding. Climbing, observing, carrying, shelling, and loving. Crying, infiltrating, slogging, ambushing, searching, and destroying. Y yearning, coughing, craving, taking, and retaking.
Complaining, begging, blasting, smoking, resupplying, and fighting; falling, swearing, drinking, directing, and blasting. Digging, building, grieving, praying, yelling, taking, and retaking. Inserting, bleeding, reckoning, blessing, toking, and extracting. Thanking, humping, wailing, winning, losing, taking, and retaking. Vomiting, securing, slapping, pulling, observing, releasing, tapping, and shooting. Dragging, lacking, lobbing, loathing, hating, and Vietnamizing. Foaming, frothing, fortifying, fumbling, taking and retaking. Evacuating, extracting, excruciating, advancing, and retreating. Wading, wobbling, wanting, washing, and never drying. Voiding, vomiting, mourning, exhilarating, and suppressing. Surprising, confusing, drenching, taking, and retaking.
Digging, dogging, remembering, and forgetting. Breathing, blowing, surviving, taking, and retaking. Chilling, falling, peeing, day dreaming, binging, breaking, taking, and retaking. Worrying, wounding, hurting, and dying. Bloating, stinking, bagging, and draping. Wailing, sobbing, saluting, honoring, folding, and presenting; and burying, suffering, mourning, and grieving!

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made Aug 20 at 2020 10:10 PM

2020-08-20T22:10:41-04:00

Big talk for a non-real military man. All personal have a place in the military. All support the guy on the ground but no infantryman survives without a supporting cast!

Response by SGT Michael McMahon made Aug 24 at 2020 11:54 PM

2020-08-24T23:54:22-04:00

That talk has been around the entire time I served, and that was between 1987 and 2003. Being called non-soldiers or P.O.Gs (People Other than Grunts). To most infantrymen, they believe that only infantry is the real soldiers. Everyone else in the Army aren't "real" soldiers. However, a soldier is anyone who finishes Army Basic Combat Training, that is where you earn the title of Soldier, as before that you are just a recruit. Once you become a Soldier, you then go on to your Occupation Skill which is either in Combat Arms or Combat Support! So if anyone hears someone mention about they were a "real" soldier, just respond, :So what, you passed Basic Training?"

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Sep 10 at 2020 1:00 PM

2020-09-10T13:00:26-04:00

I hate the term the Great Generation when describing WWII vets. In my eyes anyone in Viet Nam was a Great Generation as are any other soldier that signed the check

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Sep 13 at 2020 8:40 AM

2020-09-13T08:40:34-04:00

It's been going on probably as long as there's been organized military. These days they're POGs, (personnel other than grunts). When I was in-country, they were REMFs, (rear echelon MFer's). I'm pretty sure the Navy and Marine Corps have their own terms of endearment. People in combat arms, infantry in particular, have always looked down at support MOS's. Good, bad, or otherwise, it's the way things are, and likely always will be.

Response by SPC Edward Abney made Sep 13 at 2020 2:04 PM

2020-09-13T14:04:34-04:00

I was trained to be a combat infantryman, but I was assigned to other duties that the Army saw fit to assign me too. I considered myself to be a soldier, ready to step up to the plate if called. Now, I hold those men and women who were actually in combat, in high regard and they have my respect and admiration. For the millions of soldiers who never saw the "elephant", but served honorably, you stand tall and proud.

Response by George Avery made Sep 13 at 2020 10:03 PM

2020-09-13T22:03:34-04:00

I find it kind of an offensive attitude. Here is a case where I encountered it.
I am a Purdue alum and former faculty member. I don't know if you watched the movie, "Fat Man and Little Boy," but I found out that the real-life physicist for the Manhattan Engineering District of the Corps who John Cusack's character was based on was a grad student in physics at the school who volunteered for service in WW2 but was assigned as a civilian employee to the Manhattan Project instead. He died when a slip during a test to count neutron flux with the plutonium "demon core" for the prototype Mk III "Fat Man" bomb caused it to go critical, and he reached over the lead shielding bricks to pull the halves apart with his hands, taking a lethal gamma dose in the process. I checked the WW2 Memorial Plaque and found he was not listed among the faculty and students/alums who died in the war - which included LTG Leslie McNair, the Army Ground Forces (equivalent to the modern Northern Command) commander who was killed by friendly fire in Normandy during Operation COBRA (he had been the Professor of Tactics and commander of the Purdue ROTC unit, a field artillery unit, from 1924-8).

I contacted the office of President Mitch Daniels and asked that he be added to the plaque, as he died in service of the country, doing a critical task that contributed directly to the victory a short time later in the Pacific while serving with a US Army unit. He ended up getting a separate plaque recognizing him, because some veterans Daniels' staff consulted felt he didn't belong because he was a civilian employee rather than serving in a commissioned officer's billet - never mind that civilian mariners who died in Merchant Marine positions when their ships were sank by U-boats are recognized on the plaque.

Was Harry Daghlian any less of a casualty of war because he was not a commissioned officer? Was his contribution to the war effort any less than that of an infantryman or, to the point, a supply clerk because he was a civilian War Department scientist rather than someone wearing a uniform? I know when I was hired as a consultant to deal with aspects of the COIN/Stability Operation doctrine for JFCOM/JIWC and help with the planning for a post-surge strategy in Iraq, the cover letter with my briefing package basically told me I was "frocked" as the equivalent of an O-7 out of the chain of command, and I faced no hazard such as manually handling a critical mass of plutonium. To me, the statement was amusing because I washed out of ROTC due to asthma yet was the first in my squadron to reach a flag equivalent, but on the serious side, particularly with the growing use of contractors, should not civilians who enter combat or make critical contributions under hazardous circumstances (not me - Obama flushed a lot of our work in 2010, and the briefing letter was mostly ego-stroking, but guys like Daghlian) be considered as well as "real soldiers?" There is a precedent - John Paul Vann was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for his command - and it was a real Corps Command - as a civilian regional USAID CORDS director at the Battle of Kontum in 1972. Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles commanded and personally led the amphibious assault by US Army units on Norfolk, VA in 1862.Virginia Hall was awarded a DSC for her work as an OSS operative in France in 1944, with the citation specifically noting that she was a *civilian* employee of the agency and that it was awarded for " for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Civilian Intelligence Officer with the Office of Strategic Services, in action against enemy forces from March to September 1944, in enemy-occupied areas of France. With utter disregard for her safety and continually at the risk of capture, torture, and death, she directed the Resistance Forces with extraordinary success in acts of sabotage and guerrilla warfare against enemy troops, installations and communications."

Likewise, two Filipino civilians working for the Army Transportation Command were likewise awarded the DSC for heroism in the Philippines in 1941-2. Both citations were identical except names, reading "The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jose Amoy, Captain, U.S. Civilian, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with attached to the U.S. Army Transport Service during World War II. Captain Amoy's outstanding accomplishments, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the U.S. Army Transport Service and the United States Army." (the other man was Lino T. Conojero)

This whole bullshit about "real soldiers" is ego masturbation by individuals who want to convince themselves that they are more important cogs in the machine than others.

Response by SSG Jerry Pannell made Sep 14 at 2020 12:18 AM

2020-09-14T00:18:45-04:00

You can hear what you want when you join the military you signed the same papers to defend your country I don't care if your a clerk typist or a cook when it comes down to it your their to fight if needed end of story.

Response by SPC Chris Muravez made Sep 14 at 2020 1:41 AM

2020-09-14T01:41:08-04:00

For every infantryman there is probably anywhere between 5-15 soldiers making sure they have what they need to do their job. Mechanics, quartermasters, logistics, and finance all have a job to do. Some of us get closer to battle than others, but it's all a big machine and we're all cogs making it move. A "real" soldier understands this and does their job knowing it will help others do theirs.

Response by MAJ John Martin made Sep 14 at 2020 10:44 AM

2020-09-14T10:44:24-04:00

Well I was an Army JAG Ofc for 10 years. Got deployed to a FOB in Iraq out of the CRC in Fort Bliss. So, nobody in the BDE knew me. You have to earn it. Soldiers will respect the rank nominally. After that, real respect is earned, not conferred. I worked my but off. For the command, the NCOs, and the Joes. Just before we RIP-TOA, I was booting down the main drag and 3 Joes going the other way put there rifles at present arms on the fly. Proudest day of my life. So, the answer to your question is a real Soldier is not an empty uniform. V/r JMM

Response by SFC Carl Olney made Sep 14 at 2020 1:01 PM

2020-09-14T13:01:34-04:00

Everyone has their job, and it takes us all to do the job. Remember only 1 % ever serve

Response by SSG Jeff Furgerson made Sep 14 at 2020 7:43 PM

2020-09-14T19:43:12-04:00

I think all who serve are real Marines, Soldiers Airman and Sailors, as a former Commo dude before serving in an MP Co, I served with Infantry units and always carried the BN Radio for the company commander, When I served in the 82nd we used to call Non Airborne personnel legs but truth is at the end of the day after a jump we were light Infantry just like the 7 th ID or any other Grunt , we all play a part and we can't win or survive with out each other , we are all one big team at the end of the day.

Response by SPC Logan Cameron made Sep 15 at 2020 11:25 AM

2020-09-15T11:25:55-04:00

All soldiers are real soldiers, all marines are real marines.

this POG shit is dumb as fuck and needs to go, especially in regards to medics, calling one of them a POG is a great way for others to sit you down and have a high-impact verbal negative emotional event. disparaging the service of our siblings is pointless. there's no shame in going "yeah, I want to serve, but I'm going to be a clerk or something because that's what I wanna do" or "after I joined, I got married and had kids so hell yeah I left to be a family man."

we all serve, period. there needs to be an institutional attitude change.

Response by SPC Rodney Williams made Sep 15 at 2020 12:37 PM

2020-09-15T12:37:16-04:00

The U.S.Army recruiting website indicates there're 34 specialties that support the 11 Bravo series. We, as combat Infantrymen, know without their involvement, attention to our mission would be less tenable.

Response by SPC Dean J. Thompson made Sep 15 at 2020 12:56 PM

2020-09-15T12:56:54-04:00

I served 8 years, 10 months on active duty in the Army and 3 more years in the reserves as a Infantryman during the Cold War years stationed in West Germany twice and South Korea once. We did exactly what was asked of us and faced down Communism where we found it. We all did our part and were as real as could be. Like others have said in this thread, without the support personnel combat arms would be totally ineffective.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Sep 16 at 2020 5:09 PM

2020-09-16T17:09:50-04:00

All MOS have a critical function regardless if there on the front line or not, especially if their attached to a combat arms unit

Response by CPL Ralph Morris made Sep 16 at 2020 10:51 PM

2020-09-16T22:51:58-04:00

I think a real soldier is one who engages the enemy in close combat. All others are ancillary. However, all risk unplanned close combat in mobile warfare.

Response by MSG Everett Cole made Sep 17 at 2020 7:58 AM

2020-09-17T07:58:38-04:00

Upon enlistment or draft a service member signs a blank check, The powers that be determine what the actual bill will be. While it is indisputable that the combat arms are the "tip of the sword."
it is also true that nothing happens without the efforts of all the folks that supply, transport, and provide direct support to those combat troops in their mission. We are all in it together and all service members are "real"

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Sep 17 at 2020 10:47 AM

2020-09-17T10:47:33-04:00

My dad kicked the bucket in 2018. He was 92 years old and had served in the army of occupation in Japan, 1945. He was a Clerk Typist. Before that he was just a kid growing up in Detroit. He was a Star Scout; was active in his church and had a job at the post office. I forget how many kids from his little sphere he said came back from the Pacific theater dead. It must have been a lot because he described it as a meat grinder, which, if you do any reading on the subject was an accurate depiction. He felt so badly at seeing these kids' families at their sons' funeral services that he volunteered. He went where he was told to go and did what he was told to do. Combat operations were over by the time he arrived. After hearing about his experiences from him as I grew up, I wanted to be a soldier like my dad. He was initially in the Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged. The economy sucked after the war. I think that the height of U.S. troop strength reached 16 million on active duty and subsequently the civilian job market was flooded. The wartime production apparatus had not yet made the transition back to that of peacetime industry. He re-enlisted but by then the Department of the Air Force had replaced his old branch. This time he worked at The Pentagon in the Officer Records Branch. Eventually he left with, I think, four years under his belt. Long story short, I had to have this conversation with him a couple of years before he died, how yes he was a veteran and yes he was a real soldier. He felt guilty all those years for having lived. What brought it up is that some cock sucker writing a letter to the editor of whatever magazine the VFW puts out said some shit like, "Only Infantry soldiers are real soldiers." Well I'm an Infantry soldier and I say you are full of shit.

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Sep 18 at 2020 11:01 PM

2020-09-18T23:01:48-04:00

In Iraq, a National Guard armor platoon saved my butt during a hellacious fight where I found myself black on ammo. Are "weekend warriors" "real soldiers"
A reserve unit of mechanics and support MOS's repaired my humvees serviced my weapon systems, and installed new electronics and commo systems. They never left the FOB, "Real Soldiers"?
My last maneuver platoon was made up of 1 infantry, 1 Scout, 9 Artillery MOS's and a medic. We conducted combat patrols, chased HVTs, and kicked in doors. Any of those Artillery gun bunnies not "real soldiers".
It's a stupid ego-driven term with no meaning. You joined, you serve, you're a soldier.

Response by PFC James Edward VERNON jr made Sep 20 at 2020 5:34 PM

2020-09-20T17:34:05-04:00

THAT, I THINK, IS PURE "BULL". IF YOU HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES(ANY BRANCH)THAT AUTOMATICALLY MAKES YOU A "REAL" SOLDIER. COMBAT IS NOT THE "ONLY" HELL INVOLVED IN SERVICE. THE GRIND ON YOUR "MENTAL" HEALTH IS MUCH MORE "DAMAGING THAN THAT OF THE PHYSICAL. WE TRAIN FOR THE "PHYSICAL", BUT HOW CAN WE TRAIN FOR THE "UNEXPECTED" MENTAL .

Response by SFC Dale Crewe MAED/AET made Sep 21 at 2020 6:26 PM

2020-09-21T18:26:33-04:00

This is hilarious. I am a non-infantry 22 year US Army retiree and my pension is real money- and amazingly- that works for me LMAO!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2020 7:04 PM

2020-09-27T19:04:45-04:00

Being an INFATRYMAN not a pogue.

Response by PO3 Terry Miller made Oct 6 at 2020 5:27 PM

2020-10-06T17:27:53-04:00

Sergeant, it's what you are. If you're serving in uniform, you're real. I used to hear from old timers that if you didn't serve in World War II you aren't a real sailor. Well, I served in Vietnam and that was real enough.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2020 5:58 PM

2020-10-06T17:58:50-04:00

A real soldier is someone who tries to live his life by the Army values. Doesn’t matter what MOS: integrity loyalty etc are what counts. That said, I have the greatest respect for combat arms soldiers who spend months in the field living in the mud, rain, snow, heat, eat MRE’s, and ruck 20-30 miles a day with 100 pounds on their back.

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Oct 6 at 2020 9:00 PM

2020-10-06T21:00:04-04:00

All those folks going for long walks in the woods would be SOL without the REMF's.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Oct 13 at 2020 12:11 PM

2020-10-13T12:11:37-04:00

A real soldier, enlist trains and is prepared to go wherever they are sent and do the job assigned. I was Airborne, Air Assault, and assigned to the rapid deployment units most of my career, never went anywhere worth mentioning. Not by choice but by assignment. I was fit to fight, prepared for deployment, but never called. I was a real soldier. The few I encountered that were not real soldiers, I chaptered out of my Army.

Response by SPC Kevin Porter made Oct 13 at 2020 8:36 PM

2020-10-13T20:36:36-04:00

Quite frankly,as an infantryman,that’s all cool for the bar and other places,but honestly it’s a stupid comment. We COULD NOT DO ANYTHING without support personnel. It’s a symbiotic relationship and there’s no other explanation. We could carry lots of food and ammo in our Brads,but without Gas,how far could we go? How much can you carry of the necessities needed in combat,how long would it take and how far could you go? -Not much,too long, and not very damn far,so respect the people who support you,because our jobs are most times a helluva lot easier,because of their commitment to theirs!

Response by LTC David Howard made Oct 14 at 2020 8:59 AM

2020-10-14T08:59:07-04:00

Anyone that wears the uniform is a "real" soldier who could be called upon to put themselves at risk in defense of our nation. Of course there are differences in the degree of risk encountered by combat arms soldiers and those in support of the combat arms, but they are all "real" soldiers. Without the support troops bringing the supplies, the food service troops preparing and serving meals, the medics treating the sick and wounded, those combat soldiers would not be very effective or for very long. Nothing is served, not the Mission, nor the nation, by divisive comments among those that serve together.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2020 11:09 PM

2020-10-14T23:09:33-04:00

I get it all the time as a member of a State Defense Force. Oh we're not "real" Soldiers. We are not "Federal" soldiers this much is true. Only about 1/2 the states have a State Defense Force, or SDF as they are commonly called. We're trained alongside the National Guard. We're volunteers, we only get paid unless the Governor of the State says we get paid. We don't get deployed out of state as we are State specific forces. When the Guard is deployed out of state, we're the people who are left holding the keys. We train in things like communications, emergency management and civil support. We're the home team. Our units won't be deployed out of our home states. As a unit we can not be pressed into Federal service, however as an individual they could still call us to active duty. Active duty for us is called "State Active Duty" or "SAD" When we are called to State Active Duty, we report to a National Guard unit and we are integrated into that National Guard Unit and we are treated as is the Guard. We're not treated any different during a time of State Active Duty. A mission for us could last as little as one day or all the way up to 6-8 months. We are in volunteer status meaning we are not getting paid for things like drills and MUTAS or any of the other specialty training events that we may have. Our funding comes from the State funds, meaning the Federal funds do not give us our budget. When the situation goes down, They will call us, we will get called for civil disturbances, Covid response , Flooding, Blizzards, hurricanes. We also respond to large civic events. When my state was getting ripped up with the civil disturbances, they had me working in the Emergency Operations Center working with State Police, Air Force and Army Personnel spread out between 3 major cities all at once. I was working under the Army National Guard and the State Adjutant General.
Many of our people are trained in Community Emergency Response Teams. We are affiliated with a Fire Dept in our hometowns and we respond to local emergencies, I've been to 2 HAZMAT incidents, a drowning, 2 fires and a highway incident just working with the local CERT. We're an active group here in Virginia where I am, The Virginia Defense Force serves as an active link between the civilian and military worlds here in Virginia and our heritage goes all they way back to the Revolutionary War under George Washington. We are the modern day Virginia Line. We are considered as "Light Infantry." though we're not trained in weapons, we're trained and highly proficient in our support roles that serve under the Virginia National Guard and Air National Guard. I will often encourage people who after they get out of Federal service to come see me if they are in Virginia . You can still put the uniform on and serve with us until you reach age 65 with your DD-214. We're the home soldiers. When the Guard gets deployed we're who is left here holding the keys.
There are about 23 States with active State Defense Forces. Some even operate 2 different types of SDF's. Georgia, California and Texas have the largest SDF's. Puerto Rico has an Air unit and Ohio has a Naval unit. Our ranks are made up of both former military and civilian people. We follow the Army's pattern.
You put on a uniform and you serve with integrity, respect honor and professionalism, You are as real as anyone else. We all got a mission to do and we got to carry that mission out. Somebody wants to talk trash and say stuff like that probably needs counseling at the least. We can't let talk like that get under our skins can we? We know who we are and what we do and mouth pieces like that shouldn't be having any bearing on us . It is agreed that Infantry is a very important part of the Service but without all of the other components supporting them what do they got? We all serve under Old Glory, that's the team that matters.
I hope that all that see this have a FANTASTIC day!

Response by SFC Michael W. made Oct 15 at 2020 11:20 AM

2020-10-15T11:20:54-04:00

Most cases it's just a respectable joke among troops, like active duty used to prank National Guards (which we called No-Go's), Air National Guards (aka Another No-Go's) and Reservists (weekend warriors), but it usually didn't go beyond that. Or, Infantry would tease Commo because we "never deploy to the frontline" like we always did ( I supported 2nd ACR during Operation Desert Storm), which is harmless teasing among the MOS, branches or ranks.

It's not meant to for anything more than a joke...

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made Oct 15 at 2020 2:05 PM

2020-10-15T14:05:57-04:00

SGT (Join to See), I was a signal Soldier, Paratrooper, Air Assault & many told me I wasn’t a Soldier. Regardless what anyone said you’re a Soldier because without support you’re able to accomplish any missions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2020 2:47 PM

2020-10-15T14:47:49-04:00

I only spent 9 years in a reserve status, but we had plenty of that talk in my various units, from both career reservists and guys coming to us off active duty.

It always seemed to be a shade of a host of characteristics. Sometimes merely meaning "not combat arms/POG". Not committed to "getting the job done"; just there to collect the check. Not aggressive/combat effective.

This type of talk was somewhat common among NCOs I worked with in order to pinpoint weaknesses - while not outright putting someone in a shameful category, the duty assignments would reflect the leadership's trust in certain soldiers. Not taking them on dangerous missions, or relegating them full time to pushing paperwork around, or assigning them a junior NCO to basically babysit them to keep them out of trouble.

Context, as with most things, plays a big role in the meaning of this type of language.

Response by SGT Corey Sandberg made Oct 15 at 2020 3:53 PM

2020-10-15T15:53:03-04:00

Real soldier is synonymous with Infantryman, it is in the dictionary. Haha kidding, love all our POGs! Seriously though, we all need each other and I would have given my life for anyone next to me with out a thought. This was always a fun discussion to have during hurry up and wait times though!

Response by SGT Charles Tittl made Oct 15 at 2020 4:05 PM

2020-10-15T16:05:05-04:00

Considering that IQ of a soldier saying such things is more than likely on the low end of the scale, I would probably just throw a "Well bless your heart!" back at them...

Response by SSG Greg Miech made Oct 15 at 2020 8:15 PM

2020-10-15T20:15:02-04:00

I think the Spartans were about the only soldiers to do without all the support staff compared to that of the modern military. The support has even grown to where civilian support staff is utilized. I would see a problem of the support staff being 100% or more when the Squad Leader has only a 50% strength given his soldiers are at the staff jobs and such. Seeing mostly Reserves on convoys and Active Army on the FOB working on their Bronze Star. Having a 9 man squad with one as a platoon RTO, another as a GYM Monitor, another as Division Choir it gets a bit stupid. Honestly the only ones to decide if you are a soldier, Marine or other is what you have decided and is reasonable.

Response by PO1 Charles Coffee made Oct 17 at 2020 8:56 AM

2020-10-17T08:56:36-04:00

Once you finish recruit training...it's all real! Everyone wants to be John Rambo! Very few do!

Response by SGT John Catalano made Oct 17 at 2020 10:25 AM

2020-10-17T10:25:56-04:00

Real soldiers know who they are and they also know those who are not. It's pretty obvious, based on MOS, unit, and trigger time. We're done here.

Response by SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins made Oct 18 at 2020 8:50 AM

2020-10-18T08:50:01-04:00

Contributing to the total fight in a way that requires the skills a soldier attains during training. Otherwise, I'd like to see an infantry unit win the fight without a fresh supply of ammunition, water, food, maintenance on their vehicles and equipment, those that will give their fallen comrades the posthumous care they deserve, etc. I know you already know this, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, but that's my take on it.

Response by TSgt Philip Sales made Oct 18 at 2020 5:58 PM

2020-10-18T17:58:31-04:00

I know the forward guys love the A 10s when they need them, but the A10 wouldn't fly without a ground pounding crewchief signing the preflight off. We are all in the same war.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Oct 18 at 2020 7:04 PM

2020-10-18T19:04:56-04:00

Heard some where the ratio is 6 - 10 support troops to each combat troop.

If those REAL soldiers weren't there the combat troop would not be there nor able to do his job.

The 1SG say: Shut the fuck up, get back in ranks and stand to.

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Oct 18 at 2020 7:20 PM

2020-10-18T19:20:56-04:00

Let sime idjit tell me I was not a real soldier, just because my service was all in peace time during the Cold War. We still trained like the damn balloon was going to go up at any time. I have even been called a remf by some because I was field artillery. No matter what some arse wad wants to say, I was a "real soldier". You put on the uniform of our military, no matter what branch, including reserve and or guard, and did your duty, YOU ARE THE "REAL" THING. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. We alk had a job to do, combat arms or not. Just that simple.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Oct 18 at 2020 7:34 PM

2020-10-18T19:34:39-04:00

You joined, perhaps via draft, you trained, you made the mission you were assigned, you got honorably discharged. You're a soldier, period.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2020 9:19 PM

2020-10-18T21:19:18-04:00

All I have to say is the name of Desmond Doss. Everyone has seen the movie, hopefully they did, but his Medal of Honor Citation is even more unfathomable. Hell, they even had to lessen to an agreeable number, the amount of people he saved, because he was so humble, he said 50, even though first line witnesses said it was over 100.
Mel Gibson even said he couldn't even really show the real ending, from his Medal of Honor, citation, because people wouldn't believe it.

I've been in for 18 years both Army/Army Guard, and Air Force Reserves. I still get a few who try to talk trash. I look them straight in the eye and tell them, "Let me know when you go to war WITHOUT a weapon, singlehandedly save 75 soldiers while under enemy fire/indirect fire, get blown up then sniped, and crawl back 300yards to save yourself cause you gave up a stretcher to save someone else." If that isn't a "real" soldier I don't know what is.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 8:09 AM

2020-10-19T08:09:03-04:00

It is important to remember that for every Infantry Soldier, there are (at least) five other real Soldiers behind them, enabling them to be out front on the pointy end of the spear. Ordnance, Signal, Military Intelligence, and all of the other Army Branches are just as essential to the application of combat power as the Queen of Battle.

Response by SPC Kent Mcgowan made Oct 19 at 2020 9:42 PM

2020-10-19T21:42:42-04:00

Do they wear the uniform, and do their best to uphold the oath they took when they raised their right hand, while performing their job (whatever that may be) with a high degree of professionalism? Then they're a real soldier. End of discussion. Those of us who currently serve, or previously served in the combat MOSs would not have been (or be) able to perform our jobs without everyone else doing their jobs. Tanks don't run without fuel. Infantry doesn't march without food. Nobody works without pay. And so on.

Response by SPC Tom McDermott made Oct 20 at 2020 12:21 PM

2020-10-20T12:21:31-04:00

I've had to deal with this one myself. I was a POG/FOBbit/TOCroach/whatever your favorite term is, and yeah, the combat arms guys I served with gave me shit, but it was all in good fun. We're a team, I can't do my job without them, and they can't do their job without me; it's an intrinsic part of being in the army. What stopped being fun was after I got out, being told that since I had never deployed, I was a fake veteran and therefore a fake soldier. It was irritating to me, and still is, but I would remind myself and others that we all swore the oath, we all volunteered for the service, and that makes us all real soldiers/Marines/sailors/airmen/coast guardsmen. That cliquish, superiority complex nonsense between combat arms and everybody else is fun to joke about but ultimately pointless as the military can't accomplish the mission without everyone's cooperation, and as we all know, the mission is top priority.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2020 1:16 PM

2020-10-20T13:16:40-04:00

Every one is a Trained Killer . A Vet is A Vet . We are all " SOLDIERS "

Response by 1SG Rick Seekman made Oct 20 at 2020 5:22 PM

2020-10-20T17:22:34-04:00

Ask a MP...

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Oct 21 at 2020 11:23 AM

2020-10-21T11:23:47-04:00

I was not infantry. I was Aviation. I held a degree in Aeronautics and had an A&P license to boot. I could tear apart any airplane or chopper made and put it back together again and watch it fly away. I shot expert on every weapon I ever held. I never failed a PT test ever often scoring close to a 300 every year of my 32 year career. No I could do ANYTHING an infantry Soldier could do an so much more. I was often referred to as a second rate Soldier by those same infantry Soldiers because of their ignorance. Not their facts. Because at the end of the day those same Soldiers depended on MY expertise to get them out of harms way with air support either as attack helicopters or troop carriers. We ALL bleed and sacrifice the same. As witnessed by many of my Army family who didn't come home.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 4:12 PM

2020-10-21T16:12:39-04:00

It means that some people always want to feel they are better than you, so they come up with arbitrary differences that exist but are irrelevant and try to make themselves feel better for their own inadequacies.

Response by SSG Ryan Molton made Oct 21 at 2020 6:27 PM

2020-10-21T18:27:18-04:00

It means if you signed up you’re a real soldier no matter the MOS! Coming from spec ops I’m tired of people judging what they did in the military. From jag to infantry you signed up.

Response by SPC Chris Boren made Oct 21 at 2020 10:00 PM

2020-10-21T22:00:44-04:00

You serve, you're a real soldier! Every MOS has its place! We all bleed Green! I'd have a grunts back just like I'd have a supply clerks back!! And I would hope it was reciprocated back!

Response by MSG Marco Mendez Sr made Oct 22 at 2020 1:00 AM

2020-10-22T01:00:49-04:00

I served in the State Guard for 21 years between TX and TN - MSG [RET], and have heard this before. Back in the 1700's Militia saw combat regularly, today... Militia seems like a bad word because of groups out there not organized by the state "playing soldier" that make real soldiers look bad. I did not see combat because that is not the mission today for State Guards or SDF's. They serve a support role, force multipliers for National Guard and State. True Volunteers in service to their country and majority prior service from other branches.

I come from a long line of family military, and when I was a teenage dependent, I found out that I could not serve in regular active duty because a birth defect. This was told to me by a Military Doc at Tripler and would never make it past a medical board, unless I lied and covered up my condition. Combat... I would have if i could have, hell I was an excellent shot when I fired my first M-16 with my ROTC unit training at Fort Ord making that last metal target sing. So still wanting to serve in any compacity, I found the State Guard was the way to go. Not every state has them, it seems like "Land-locked" states have the least. MOS looked like this for me... 31-B about 5 years, then 38-B for about 10, then my last stint was 46-Q.

I hang out with a lot of prior's, but was put down by some active 11-Bravo's that were out painting the town red one night. They were salty. One was a 3x Combat Vet, and I could see it in they way he carried himself. POG is what I was called, but it was nothing to get all butthurt about... it was kind of done in a respectful way. We joke how soldiers would be in formation and I walked around taking pictures, then went back to my air conditioned office to process photos my job was so hard (lol). I did my fair share of D&C marching and don't miss it one bit. But without those cool photos for printed materials and commercials how would we see the awesome soldiers out there protecting this great country of ours? Deep down I think well all know every person in the military has a role, and all feelings aside, it's "Mission First" which can not be done alone. A strong salute to all those support staff out there, and a special thanks https://www.rallypoint.com/profiles/390226-11b-infantryman for bringing up this question!

SGT, English/Language Arts Teacher - Army | RallyPoint

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2020 3:52 PM

2020-10-23T15:52:40-04:00

I was attahced to a retraining squadon in Virginia. Never really set foot on a ship for my entire time I was in. Navy doesn't really have a "not a real sailor" culture but I've ran into it before. Mainly only ran into it with older vets. But someone had to help retrain higher ranks on the new platforms so that they could effectively do their jobs overseas.

Response by CW5 Bill Sorenson made Oct 30 at 2020 3:00 PM

2020-10-30T15:00:31-04:00

A "REAL SOLDIER" is one that is a professional and does their jobs to the best of their ability no matter what that job is. When I retired in 1996 as a CW5 I talked to the people that got stuck in the ceremony for our retirement. I asked how many were "Spoons" or "Admin". Most of them were in just those positions. I told them in my 27 years I never went hungry and I was always promoted on time and I thanked them for all the effort they put into their duties.
If nobody brought me bullets and rockets I couldn't have loaded my Cobra.
I'm also sure there were a lot of guys stuck in the States in WWII that wanted to be in combat, but then, who would have made things happen back here? Everyone has an important job to do, or it wouldn't be a MOS.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Nov 4 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-11-04T11:59:51-05:00

It means you are used as needed. No matter your assignment you are a "real soldier." Sometimes people are just stupid.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2020 9:10 AM

2020-11-06T09:10:17-05:00

Basi,advanced and mountain unit training and very glad to say I was NOT a real soldier. 1957 to 1963 was just advisors in Nam and I thank God even today I didn't need to use my training.

Response by SSG George Duncan made Nov 6 at 2020 7:48 PM

2020-11-06T19:48:42-05:00

doing your job/duty to best of your ability

Response by PFC Bruce Cook made Nov 14 at 2020 1:15 PM

2020-11-14T13:15:01-05:00

I was a M.P. in Saigon with the 716th M.P. Bn from May of 1967 to May of 1968. My last 4 Months in Vietnam I drove a Machine-gun Jeep(this was during TET 1968) I had other Infantry G.I.s call me a R.E.M.F. when I got "home" even though my Jeep was hit by an RPG & my "Brother" the Gunner was killed & I was wounded. I guess some think they are better than others because of their M.O.S.

Response by SCPO Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy made Nov 18 at 2020 2:14 PM

2020-11-18T14:14:25-05:00

An interesting remark. In the US Navy, there are Sea going Sailors and Shore based Sailors. There are Black Shoe Sailors (Seagoing Sailors) and Brown Shoe Sailors (Air Wing Sailors). There are Sea Bees, and land based units (eg. Naval Hospitals, Fleet Hospitals, Large Aircraft Wings and ratings that rarely if ever go to sea). I have heard that "Real Sailors" are the ones who go to sea in ships and found it puzzling. Combat and arduous duty can be found in many aspects of a Sailor's life be they at Sea or Ashore. So who is a genuine Sailor? The one that earns the title and right to wear the uniform. Without the "team" effort ships could not and would not be at sea, aircraft would not fly, construction would not take place and health care would be difficult to find. We are Shipmates no matter where we serve or what our roles happen to be.

Response by Lt Col John Culley made Nov 19 at 2020 11:23 AM

2020-11-19T11:23:14-05:00

This silly comment is the Army and Marine Corps response to the assertion by Air Force and Navy members that unlike the Air Force and Navy, the Army and Marine Corps don't know how to win wars with indecisive strategies like counterinsurgency. John Kerry was a proponent of the theory that ground pounders are losers. Alfred Mahan and Giulo Douhet were the most famous advocates of the decisive nature of sea and airpower. Ulysses S. Grant and George Washington argued that you need all types of forces to win a decisive victory in war. It will be interesting to see which side of the argument the space cadets of the new Space Force adopt.

Response by SFC Chuck Martinez made Nov 22 at 2020 8:13 PM

2020-11-22T20:13:19-05:00

David, I was an Airborne Light Infantryman throughout my career, the Infantryman cannot in way or form survive without the other soldiers who support us in the battle field, all the way down to the cooks. If you are in uniform, you are a real soldier! That's my take on it, I actually think that whoever said or made that statement is foolish!

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 23 at 2020 1:14 PM

2020-11-23T13:14:54-05:00

I've heard and read the statement myself recently Sgt David Reynolds. I consider most who use it as somehow insecure of the value of their specialty, or in the case of infantry, at a minimum ignorant of what those specialties they demean means to their welfare. We all faced the potential of serving anywhere under any condition when we signed and generally we all contribute to the accomplishment of the mission. We should respect each other for that and not go on ego trips.
Generalizing about the nature of another specialties service is ill advised. I would bet I was shot at more than a lot of infantry and very few of them were stuck trying to control a tube falling out of the sky without engines or other controlling systems.

Response by SGM Tim Kinsella made Dec 2 at 2020 3:55 PM

2020-12-02T15:55:52-05:00

I get so upset with crap like this. I did 3 years active and 29 years in the reserve system and retired as a SGM E-9. Some of the best people I served with never saw combat and never served more than 6 months active duty while some of the worst people I served with were prior service combat vets who were just looking for an easy way out.

Response by SFC William Hannon made Dec 3 at 2020 10:41 AM

2020-12-03T10:41:22-05:00

Personally I think everyone is a " real Soldier". I think we all can agree that the Airforce is the only none "real Soldier".

Response by SFC Chuck Martinez made Dec 3 at 2020 10:57 PM

2020-12-03T22:57:02-05:00

A soldier is a soldier regardless of what military specialty they have. We can't all be infantrymen simple because without the other MOSs we could not exist. We need Truck drivers, Supply clerks, motormen, artillerymen, medics, and more. In fact, there are 190 MOSs in the army and all have their part in order to make our armed forces work. Once you make through BCT, and AIT which mean Advance Infantry Training or Advance individual Training. The only difference is, those in combat arms are the ones that engage enemy forces. Medics are part of all infantry units even though all combat arms do get training in First Aid. This applies to officers as well, not all officer wear the cross rifles on their uniforms collars. Once you dong on a military uniform, as far as I'm concerned you are a real soldier. 40% of those who join the military never get deployed to a combat zone because they are busy with other important details. In reality is, only 10% of combat soldiers actually go to combat, the other 50% are support troops. These things are subject to change if we had an all out war like WWl and WWll.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Dec 4 at 2020 8:18 AM

2020-12-04T08:18:59-05:00

We are all real soldiers there is no other way to say it. I feel like there is something wrong with me when I get to VA like the other day and see a vet get out of his truck with no legs and i have all my fingers and toes. What I think is funny and shameful about those that claim to be more then they are. Or those that try to look and act like combat arms and were not.

Response by 1SG Richard DeBilzan made Dec 15 at 2020 2:45 PM

2020-12-15T14:45:38-05:00

It’s mostly pride, bravado, machismo, whatever you want to call it. As a former Infantryman I can attest that most times it’s said in jest. There are a few who do mean it, but just like in any MOS, and in any group in existence, there are idiots. Don’t lump in all of us for the actions of a few idiots. Give them the standard “I guess my GT Score was too high to be ‘real’ Soldier” and move on. Every MOS has its purpose and the entire machine wouldn’t work without them. Every “real” Soldier knows and understands this, no matter how much we jest.

Response by CPO Chris Zwolinski made Dec 16 at 2020 11:44 AM

2020-12-16T11:44:11-05:00

I have heard the term in regards to reserve members not being "real" as well.
Although I was not "real", I still got to spend my time on my carriers, On bases in the US and Italy, and as an IA in Afghanistan. As a sailor in Afghanistan I was allowed to run my "real" job as Transportation Officer for anything and everything ANA related.
I still got to bury one of my reserve, mobilized shipmates who was also not "real", but somehow he was really KIA.
I don't care if you're full time active, guard or reserve, if you put on the uniform and are there when called upon to do as you are ordered, you're "REAL" to me.

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Dec 16 at 2020 4:13 PM

2020-12-16T16:13:38-05:00

As a former 1SG, both in an Infantry Company and a Dustoff unit, I’ve had soldiers with several MOS’s. Being a real soldier” is NOT MOS specific, nor is it gender specific. I’ve seen grunts that we’re duds, and even female clerks that would smoke an insurgent without hesitation. I’ve learned that a soldier should be judged by what’s IN his/her chest, not what’s ON it.

Response by SGT Bob Knox made Dec 16 at 2020 11:48 PM

2020-12-16T23:48:58-05:00

That comes from the heart and only the heart ...........bob

Response by CSM Donald McGlasson made Dec 17 at 2020 9:22 AM

2020-12-17T09:22:32-05:00

I served more than 35 years total in some component of the United States Army and I witnessed many who I served with that I and others would consider a "real Soldier" and it had nothing to do with your job (MOS) or mission status. I would consider any service member who discharges their duties with honesty, integrity, and who is faithful to the principles of their oath is a "real Soldier". Looking from a more optimistic point of view a "real Soldier" may stem from terms associated with specific job titles and over time has been misconstrued such as in the Infantry (Queen of Battle) or Artillery (King of Battle). No doubt in my opinion, if you serve selflessly, you are a "real Soldier" and let the hatters "suck it up".

Response by CSM John Mead made Dec 17 at 2020 3:30 PM

2020-12-17T15:30:56-05:00

Good question, "what does it mean to be a real soldier"? Does a real soldier mean to be a good soldier, or a combat arms soldier, or even special operations? No, as others have already said, once you've put on that uniform and are serving in your specialty providing a service to other soldiers, you are a real one. Tackling a mission by ensuring that those whose job is specifically to lob bullets, shells, or bombs means that you have an equal stake in accomplishment of that mission. Any particular soldier that either doesn't know or understand that needs a wakeup call.

Response by LtCol Brian Ford made Dec 17 at 2020 10:33 PM

2020-12-17T22:33:02-05:00

The only possible context in which this would have ANY legitimacy is when it would refer to those non-veterans who buy surplus uniforms and wear them around on Veterans Day or the 4th of July seeking respect for something they never earned. Otherwise, anyone who served honorably in the MILITARY (unconvicted malingerers excluded) are worthy of at least the same respect as all other veterans.

As for the OTHER context in which this is being discussed, just serving in combat isn't the real deciding factor on how much respect to honor someone with. It is, rather, the courage displayed in the face of danger that should be considered. I suspect that is the reason the "V"alor insignia is awarded with some meritorious awards. Those who are heroic under fire certainly have earned a greater respect as a military service member!

Response by LTC Jack Regan made Dec 20 at 2020 12:57 PM

2020-12-20T12:57:11-05:00

Hah! Reminds me of being in basic training and hearing "this is not the real Army." And being in OCS and hearing "this is not the real Army." And being in the 11th ACR on border duty and hearing "this is not the real Army." And hearing it over and over in many different assignments.

Response by SPC Curtis Underwood made Dec 20 at 2020 3:47 PM

2020-12-20T15:47:54-05:00

It means you follow your orders and complete what ever mission is given you. That is a real soldier.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2020 6:23 AM

2020-12-24T06:23:07-05:00

The irony of the whole thing there are Infantrymen who spend their entire careers and retire/ETS/Medboard, who never see a lick of combat and then you can have a fucking Laundry Specialist MOS 92S who probably earned Medal of Honor sometime in history and still gets to be called the POG. Same team, yet elitism galore.

Response by 1SG Raymond M Baker Jr made Jan 7 at 2021 3:48 PM

2021-01-07T15:48:34-05:00

As long as you enlisted you are part of the "Real" soldiers! Don't let anyone tell you different!

Response by 1SG Raymond M Baker Jr made Jan 7 at 2021 3:52 PM

2021-01-07T15:52:44-05:00

If you enlisted you are a "Real" Soldier and don't let anyone tell you any different!

Response by SSgt Robert Van Buhler III made Jan 26 at 2021 10:54 AM

2021-01-26T10:54:09-05:00

Duty snobbery may be a point of pride to combat veterans. They deserve bragging rights. But am I not a real Airman because I did not pilot a C-130 and have wings on my blouse? Most of my time was spent in a TS secure compound or in a Comm Van. But no one ever said I wasn't a real Airman. But God forbid you should ever pretend to be a Ranger and not be a real one. You should probably get your arse kicked.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Jan 27 at 2021 5:23 AM

2021-01-27T05:23:15-05:00

They are selfishly referring to themselves as REAL soldiers because they served in combat. The NOT REAL soldiers did not serve in combat. Anyone who considers themselves as real soldiers for that reason are correct with the REAL but incorrect with the soldiers. They are REAL ASSHOLES. I served SIX TOURS in Vietnam. By their standards I am a REAL Veteran. If they did not serve SIX TOURS, does that make them UNREAL? I DON'T THINK SO BUT THEY MIGHT.

Response by SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman made Jan 29 at 2021 11:10 PM

2021-01-29T23:10:16-05:00

When I enlisted in 1967, Vietnam was hot, and I had no idea what my MOS would be. None the less, I expected to be assigned a dangerous job. I think it's safe to say that every other brother-in-arms, whether it be Marines, Navy or Air Force, felt the same way. It is the courage to "step up" in the face of extreme danger that made us "Real soldiers". I sat in a bunker with clerks and cooks during rocket attacks. Guys in the motor pool pulled perimeter guard duty in the dead of night. Duty on the deck of a active aircraft carrier was perhaps the most dangerous place in the war. Shall we deny them "Real soldier" status because they didn't kick down doors or wade through the jungle? And what about the Air Force and Navy pilots that flew into into North Vietnam and Baghdad? Were they "Real soldiers"? Every guy I met in those days was a "real soldier". We are the proud. We are the Marines, Army, Navy, and Air Force. Real soldiers all.

Response by 1LT Luke Flowers made Feb 11 at 2021 2:04 AM

2021-02-11T02:04:50-05:00

This is a long post so I’ll do my best to make it worth the read.

A real Soldier?

The ones who take care of each other, and hold each other up when their battle buddies are down.

Some people faking the funk need to Get Real.

Look some people hide out in uniform. And they hide behind their time in uniform. That’s real. They are in every service branch, MOS, unit.

The people who really love the service and take care of their fellow service members even after active duty in my opinion are the real ones. The ones who did it and spend the rest of their life lamenting about their service or let that be the only thing that defines them probably need a reality check and some counseling.

That’s real talk.

But y’all know who the posers in uniform are. They hide from mission and hard work. They don’t even do their job whatever their assignment is. They are lazy and get out of work and suck at teamwork and drop the balls on everything always passing the buck and never helping out their battle buddies.

Be the first ones talking bad about others on the team or in the unit. Be the first ones crying about PTSD or denying PTSD and never actually getting out there and doing the difficult stuff or confronting the Jr’s realities.

But not everyone gets to go. I’ve spent time with good people, grunts and all others who for whatever reason just missed out on combat. Some of them it was because of timing. No war going on. Some of them it was the assignments during war or their unit or MOS just wasn’t in the most dangerous place doing the most dangerous stuff.

I’ve seen great people do everything they can to go to selection and get screwed over by their chains of command and deployed to some FOB and get stuck in some LNO job.

Look at the end of the day there needs to be respect given to the Army Infantry and Marine Infantry and combat arms guys that are usually in the worst places in the worst conditions doing the hardest work. That’s real talk. Clear a city in full kit everyday for a few weeks. Than go back to some shithole COP getting hammered with mortars and sniper fire and no Goddamned Otis spunkmeyer or toilets or showers and you have dysentery. You might wish you were dead.

Not everyone wants to be or is cut out to be wombat arms.

Laying the scunion and stacking bodies might not be as socially acceptable on your average resume in the civilian world as other jobs in the military but if you haven’t had to go do that kind of work it’s not a knock against you. Because it’s not always fun. And it doesn’t make you any less a Soldier because half them CIB’s walking around are from one mortar hitting their FOB while they were pulling tower guard. Everyone knows it.

Meanwhile lots of other people were out there doing work. Men and women.

Like Good Ole SGT Leigh Ann Hester

https://www.army.mil/article/1645/female_soldier_receives_silver_star_in_iraq

You know I had this old Green Beret Master Sergeant come and speak with me when I had just made it back to Al Asad, and he looked me dead in the face after I just put my brother on a medivac and continued mission for several days and finally was in the place I was starting to process and he just said, “won’t be the last time.”

So I continued mission. My deployment before that was not a bunch of combat and mostly just hanging out with the awesome Chaplain. That guy was a tough as nails Chaplain.

But I had the missions I had. And you know I’m grateful for being alive. And that my people came home. I am grateful for those things.

Look the tired POG versus NonPOG or my unit sucked more unit than your unit arguments are lame and quite frankly stupid.

As are the arguments about who had it worse on deployment blah blah blah.

Sometimes though you just gotta let it out and remind people to stop fucking around and shit gets real, really quick. Because there are people who will Test your Goddamned patience.

Like if you went through some shit just get it out because those of us who get it, we really get it.

Like I’m still pissed about that shitbag Sergeant Major who was turning Soldiers away from their fancy shmancy DFAC because they had blood on their boots and had clearly been out on patrol for several days but that shitbag didn’t want it in the DFAC. It’s been over 11 years and it still gets my heart rate up.

How about you set up a small section for fresh off patrol seating you ass clown?

If you weren’t living in the Triangle of Death that doesn’t make you any less a man or less a Soldier or less a Marine. And anyone who tell you different is struggling with their own ego.

But if you can’t take some smack talk or just the reality that maybe some other people went through some harder shit than you well I don’t know what to tell you.

Conversely just because you were in the service doesn’t make you more than anyone else but know this; don’t fuck with the wrong one because anyone can get it.

You see that’s what’s real Soldier is.

I remember these real alpha male types getting all smart ass with this lady CIA instructor because she looked like she was more likely to bake you cookies than bring the pain. Well she had more kills than most Special Operators or Marines I know.

Never judge a book by its cover.

Look if you know you didn’t have it as bad as others it’s all Good because in some ways you’re actually lucky you didn’t. It’s not always an easy ruck to carry. And let’s be honest that is probably one of the reasons why you avoided some of those jobs so you didn’t have to carry a ruck and live out of it or carry the 240.

Or maybe you just weren’t called to the Infantry or combat arms. Maybe you got called to be a Finance Clerk or whatever.
Just don’t throw people’s pay inquiries in the trash like my shitbag ex wife used to do.

But herein lies the truth. And I’m speaking from an experience all levels of operations and command and special units and not so special units and joint forces and Jesus Christ I am not bragging it’s just I personally had a very interesting career.

So did others. Just be real in whatever it is you did or are doing.

And be respectful yo. Don’t provoke people to their anger. That’s real. Because when we do get out we gotta take care of each other because half of the civilians I’ve encountered, like 50-55 percent are a combination of ignorant, inconsiderate and incompetent.

Nobody is going to understand us or care about us as best as we are. Regardless of MOS, Service Branch, Unit, war experiences, etc.

Real is being just that: real. Posers and fakers are those who act like they were this, that and the other or talk shit until their punk card is pulled and it turns out they were just some shitbag always getting out of work and hiding from the hard times.

The way I look at it is we haven’t had a draft but for Pete’s sake at treat these men and women who have served in the last 50 years showed up and made the attempt. That is more than the others who just take us fro granted and don’t appreciate the sacrifices. “Thank You for your service” my ass while they spread their stupid all over our country.

I know first hand premadonna “operators” and Grunts who sucked at leadership and their jobs, and I would not go to combat with because their ego would put us and the mission at risk and I know outstanding service members who were not combat arms but could be relied upon during patrol way more than a bunch of Chodes who only wanted to make the pew pew and get snazzy badges.

I also know good men and women get tasked to go out with black bags and recover the remains of decimated Infantry platoons. Or go pick up family members from the airport and take them to the ICU. That’s real. The real cost.

So just be real and keep it really classy. Take care of each other as best you can. That’s a real Soldier.

Female Soldier receives Silver Star in Iraq

Response by Cpl Marshall Ennans made Feb 11 at 2021 4:31 PM

2021-02-11T16:31:15-05:00

We all support the greater cause, and it takes every one of us to do so. You stepped up and sacrificed your freedom to defend it for others.

Response by CW2 John Brookins made Feb 11 at 2021 7:41 PM

2021-02-11T19:41:30-05:00

It's about maturity. When you grow up you realize we all have a place. All who volunteer are brothers and sisters.

Response by PO2 Alexander Gonzalez made Feb 11 at 2021 9:09 PM

2021-02-11T21:09:58-05:00

When I deployed I learned that everyone was a real soldier, sailor, airman, or marine. I was a Navy Corpsman with Uncle Sams misguided. Some days were chill and some days where more hi speed than I wanted. At the end of the day cooks, admin, and supply were life savers.

Response by 1SG Victor Sotil made Feb 12 at 2021 9:25 AM

2021-02-12T09:25:21-05:00

So, what is an Infantryman? He is the one that is tough? He is the one that goes through hardship, while others spend the majority of their time in the comfort of a FOB or back in the rear? Is he gun-ho the is not afraid of the enemy? The one that fights to the death? Well, that all describe one of my Soldiers that gave his life while fighting in Afghanistan, but the funny part is that he was not an Infantryman, he was a generator mechanic that we had no use for the MOS so he became part of the PSD. Funny what is an Infantryman? How about the one that makes all excuses not to deploy, the one that fakes an injury for deployment, the one that gained weight so he can be barred and put out of the Army to avoid deployment. The one that was too comfortable in the S3 shop being the school NCO (yeah you guys really know what that means to be the school NCO). By the way, he had a Ranger tab. For respect, I will not name either Soldier's name, but Let's be careful to categorize an Infantryman better than any other Soldier. Just because we have Soldiers that choose an easy MOS does not mean that are not real Soldiers, because there are few of the "real" Soldiers that are looking for ways to get out of hard assignments and they hold the MOS of 11/12/13/19 MOS.
If you are wearing the uniform, regardless of the MOS, then you are a Soldier and I salute you!

Response by COL Robert James made Feb 14 at 2021 1:04 PM

2021-02-14T13:04:05-05:00

As an Infantry officer out of OCS, running a BCT unit and couple Infantry assignments before going to flight school, when I served two tours in RVN flying and commanding, I never thought of myself as anything but Infantry. Once a grunt, always a grunt. All 26 years!

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Feb 14 at 2021 5:54 PM

2021-02-14T17:54:18-05:00

This of course depends on the person saying it. But, in my experience some people think that any non combat arms soldiers, are not "real" soldiers; I have also run into to people using the word POG (person other than grunt), as anything non infantry.

This comes from the ignorance of the CIB, and the distinctive infantry adornments on the uniform.

When the CIB was created there was no "infantry mos" it was rifleman, much as the Marine Corps uses today.

The term Grunt means anyone chewing dirt in the field.

Then you have the fact that other people do not understand the "combat environment" of non infantry soldiers.

Most dangerous MOS in the last 50 years has been MP, as they are responsible for convoy security and security of the MSR. These units are often supplemented by combat arms soldiers in order to fill out their combat readiness and effectiveness.

Then you have the fact that aviators face many more hardships than most non aviation personnel. When flying a plane, helo, etc against SAM's you are basically storming a machine gun nest, in your underwear.

To me if you made it through Basic, your a real soldier, period; MOS is irrelevant.

I have held the following Army MOS' 33T, 15J, 11B, and 19D.

Response by SGT Allen Treviranus made Feb 14 at 2021 6:31 PM

2021-02-14T18:31:53-05:00

They’re called morons.

Response by CPT Nancy Hudson made Feb 14 at 2021 9:07 PM

2021-02-14T21:07:04-05:00

I was an Army Nurse & heard the comments about not being in the "Real Army"---I just laughed it off I'd also remind some of those folks that I was the one with the keys to the medications!!! And, in the event they were hurt or wounded, it'd be "real" important that I would be able to find those keys!

Response by LTC Zachary Hubbard made Feb 15 at 2021 7:25 AM

2021-02-15T07:25:55-05:00

General Patton describes a real soldier:
"One of the bravest men I saw in the African campaign was on a telegraph pole in the midst of furious fire while we were moving toward Tunis. I stopped and asked him what the hell he was doing up there. He answered, 'Fixing the wire, sir.' 'Isn't it a little unhealthy up there right now?' I asked. 'Yes sir, but this goddamn wire has got to be fixed.' I asked, 'Don't those planes strafing the road bother you?' And he answered, 'No sir, but you sure as hell do.' Now, there was a real soldier. A real man. A man who devoted all he had to his duty, no matter how great the odds, no matter how seemingly insignificant his duty appeared at the time." --General George S. Patton

Response by LTC Zachary Hubbard made Feb 15 at 2021 7:26 AM

2021-02-15T07:26:49-05:00

General Patton described a real soldier:
"One of the bravest men I saw in the African campaign was on a telegraph pole in the midst of furious fire while we were moving toward Tunis. I stopped and asked him what the hell he was doing up there. He answered, 'Fixing the wire, sir.' 'Isn't it a little unhealthy up there right now?' I asked. 'Yes sir, but this goddamn wire has got to be fixed.' I asked, 'Don't those planes strafing the road bother you?' And he answered, 'No sir, but you sure as hell do.' Now, there was a real soldier. A real man. A man who devoted all he had to his duty, no matter how great the odds, no matter how seemingly insignificant his duty appeared at the time." --General George S. Patton

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2021 8:46 AM

2021-02-15T08:46:26-05:00

That statement, "He/she is not a real Soldier" is just their way of making them feel better about themselves. It's a superiority complex.

As CPT Scott Everett stated, "I'd like to ask those people how far they think they would get without all those other soldiers doing their jobs."

As a former Enlisted Soldier (E6 before commissioning), who was a Communications NCO, Medic, and then Surgical Technician, and then commissioned into the Medical Service Corps. I have run around with a PRC-77 on my back with the infantry, held my canteen coffee cup while a 155MM Howitzer (Towed) fired over my head while on the DMZ in the South Korean winter, and sweat my scrotum off in Louisiana, Iraq, Guatemala, and Kuwait. I've even worked outside of my branch and deployed as a Civil Affairs Officer (A.K.A. Snivel Affiars Officer) in shaping operations and information collection. All of my positions have been in Combat Support or Combat Service Support roles. Without the support rolls the combat arms cannot do their jobs. We may not take as much risk throughout the course of our careers, but I'm sure the ground pownders would much rather have a competent medic or surgical technician who can at least empathize with their plight, or a commo dawg or medic on their team who takes the same risks as them, than be out there, alone, just them and their weapon.

The bottom line is, if one wears the uniform one is a "real" Soldier. They may be a real good Soldier, a real bad Soldier (we've all seen them, first in the chow line, last to volunteer, yadda, yadda, yadda), or somewhere between.

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Feb 15 at 2021 10:29 AM

2021-02-15T10:29:12-05:00

I have been called a POG and REMF by GRUNTS. I just remind them, without the POGs and REMFs the GRUNTS, DATs and Gun Bunnies would not be able to complete their missions. So ALL soldiers are real soldiers we just have different missions

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Feb 15 at 2021 12:32 PM

2021-02-15T12:32:35-05:00

It's just a variation of the old Grunt vs. POG argument. I saw it in the USCG all the time, usually from young, cocky types without a clue. I generally pointed out we all sign the same check written with our own blood. Often I would also offer to take them along as an observer on our next stormy SAR call at O dark thirty. Funny, no one accepted the offer. Beyond that, well their opinion is just not worth my time or angst.

Response by SSG Roland Shelton made Feb 15 at 2021 1:00 PM

2021-02-15T13:00:04-05:00

I was infantry in my last enlistment was in the signal corps. Well infantryman for a few we think of when we hear the word soldier, that leaves out tankers and artillery women.
I consider any member of the army, army reserve, or army national guard to be soldiers.

Response by Cpl John Sanheim made Feb 18 at 2021 5:23 PM

2021-02-18T17:23:00-05:00

I do not think the remark "real Marine" is at all accurate. I think it is true that different groups in the military have different shared experiences. I was a grunt in 1969 and had orders for Nam but I wound up joining my unit 3rd Bn, 4th Marines in Okinawa just when they were pulled out of country. These guys had been thru hell operating just below the DMZ for their tour. They had experienced death and destructions and all sorts of inhumanity that really separates them from the rest of us in uniform who have not been in combat. It isn't the branch or the MOS that makes a difference it is the experiences that make some feel they are different and in fact they are. Men and women who have had their best pals die in their arms or been shelled for hours, or took another human's life have had life changing experiences that the rest of us have been spared. God bless them for it.

Response by PV2 Harry Sutcliffe made Feb 26 at 2021 12:59 PM

2021-02-26T12:59:55-05:00

Because we are what we are infantryman soldiers

Response by LTC Wayne Dandridge made Mar 15 at 2021 8:33 AM

2021-03-15T08:33:08-04:00

Real soldiers are men and women in the regular Army, Army National Gurad, and Army reserves. No enlisted, Non-Com, warrant officer, or commissioned officer is more important than another. We live and fight as one combined arms team. You may enjoy this definition of INFANTRY in VIETNAM, which is in chapter 10 of the award wining and popular (over 190 five-star reviews) BLADES OF THUNDER (Book One):

Definition of US Army Air Assault Infantry in Vietnam!
By: LTC W. Larry Dandridge and from Chapter 10 of BLADES OF THUNDER (Book One)
Enlisting, training, and learning. Deploying, landing, and assigning. Training, reconing, and patrolling. Sweating, hoping, wishing, and praying; planning, coordinating, following, and leading. Running and waiting. Flying, fearing, missing, taking, and retaking. Anticipating; shaking, locking, and loading. Jumping, assaulting, shooting, taking, and retaking.
Crawling, sweating, stinging, listening, scratching, sneaking, taking and retaking. Searching, attacking, bayoneting, taking, and retaking. Resting, recuperating, firing, throwing, suffocating, slogging, mortaring, cursing, and swimming. Fainting, fumbling, cutting, and sliding. Climbing, observing, carrying, shelling, and loving. Crying, infiltrating, slogging, ambushing, searching, and destroying. Yearning, coughing, craving, taking, and retaking.
Complaining, begging, blasting, smoking, resupplying, and fighting; falling, swearing, drinking, directing, and blasting. Digging, building, grieving, praying, yelling, taking, and retaking. Inserting, bleeding, reckoning, blessing, toking, and extracting. Thanking, humping, wailing, winning, losing, taking, and retaking. Vomiting, securing, slapping, pulling, observing, releasing, tapping, and shooting. Dragging, lacking, lobbing, loathing, hating, thirsting, and Vietnamizing. Foaming, frothing, fortifying, fumbling, taking and retaking.
Assaulting, evacuating, extracting, excruciating, advancing, and retreating. Wading, wobbling, running, wanting, washing, and never drying. Voiding, vomiting, mourning, exhilarating, and suppressing. Surprising, confusing, drenching, taking, and retaking.
Digging, dogging, remembering, and forgetting. Breathing, blowing, surviving, taking, and retaking. Chilling, falling, peeing, day dreaming, binging, breaking, taking, and retaking. Worrying, wounding, hurting, and dying. Bloating, stinking, bagging, and draping. Wailing, sobbing, saluting, honoring, folding, and presenting; and burying, suffering, mourning, and grieving!
All rights reserved copyright © 2015 by W. Larry Dandridge
Best wishes,
Larry Dandridge, Ex-Enlisted Infantry, ex-Warrant Officer Attack Helo Driver, and retired Army LTC [login to see]

Response by SFC Erin Barnett made Mar 18 at 2021 9:56 AM

2021-03-18T09:56:47-04:00

Originally it was used by Infantry as a point of pride, since everyone else in the Army and the Marine Corp was to support them. Some would even joke that you were "Almost good enough to be a real solider" when you spent time attached to them. Now days, it seams to have become more of a put down that anything, or people are just to sensitive.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 18 at 2021 10:01 AM

2021-03-18T10:01:45-04:00

Short answer, earning one or more of these.

Response by Juana Nartic made Mar 18 at 2021 6:32 PM

2021-03-18T18:32:18-04:00

My husband was a real soldier during the Vietnam war and was a
linguist speaking and translating 5 languages I happen to be a Cuban that grew up in the United States and speak 5 languages I've heard all the stories and all of things that happens in Vietnam and Germany and Czech borders my profession is a nurse my dad fought against the Castro regime she had worked for the United States Navy just like my grandfather did my grandfather was a ship's Captain stationed at gitmo my son was US Navy my family has been involved with the military multiple countries my grandfather's natal birthplace what is Malta he was blown out of the water during the first World War he was a ship's captain for many many years traveling around the world three times and speaking more than 5 languages hard for people to understand how I feel about the military I love all you guys I worry about you guys I know what it is to have PTSD I have it I also know how the government of Any Nation do not understand you after you get out of the military so as a person that appreciates you all and a military Widow I would love to befriend as many of you as I can

Response by SSgt Sean Cannon made Mar 18 at 2021 9:11 PM

2021-03-18T21:11:39-04:00

I served 14 years in the Marine Corps from 1984 -1998. We had to hear the same thing from Vietnam Marines. They would say thing: real Marine.
I was in Saudi Arabia. Fight for Kuwait's freedom

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Mar 18 at 2021 9:54 PM

2021-03-18T21:54:00-04:00

Good question... Back in the day of the Spit Shine Army, being a real soldier was being Strac, Gung Ho, Grunt Muffin, in layman's terms it was a soldier regardless of rank who was technically and tactically recognizable as being among the best of his peers at his job and perhaps others jobs as well and one who did not flinch at the tasks assigned . They were easy to find in the crowd , when someone asked a question everyone looked to them for the answer.......

Response by Cpl Tyler Pippin made Mar 19 at 2021 10:29 AM

2021-03-19T10:29:09-04:00

I agree, as a grunt In the Corp, I have heard it all, this idea of “POGS” (personal other then grunts” not being real marines and them being “boots” compared to the combat deployed marines, I’ve noticed it’s usually maturity. Those same dudes that claim they are saltier than the ocean, and everyone else is inferior, Most those dudes are unhappy as a mother effer, disgruntled, Ive fallen into this stupidity before, and it’s all pointless, we all took the same oath, we all started off as scared shitless high school aged kids at basic training, and if you were committed enough, we all earned the title marine the same way....I believe every MOs is necessary, we all work together and for each other. As a grunt I know I need my radio guys, or my Ammo guys, or my transportation guys....any body saying different probably hates their life anyways lmao

Response by COL Carl Jensen made Mar 19 at 2021 3:36 PM

2021-03-19T15:36:38-04:00

I volunteered for armor, artillery, (Missiles) in exchange for an additional year as a draftee, I was rejected and all they offered me was a finance job. I didn't want a desk job, being a chair born ranger didn't appeal to me. I was told that my electrical aptitude wasn't high enough to be in armor or missiles. (It turned out 20 yrs later I was told it was because I had a physical profile problem, and that was what kept me out of the combat arms.) After Basic, I was assigned to special services as an art illustrator. OK, that's what I was before I was drafted. So the Army just used what talent I had. After I served my 2 yrs as not a real fighting soldier, even tho I had it in me, I joined a local National Guard unit, who in turn sent me to OCS to get a commission. When I returned they put me in the Signal Corps, yes, the place where you needed a high electrical aptitude. Talk about the real Army, I was not comfortable with the Guard because to me they weren't ( during the Mid 60's). Lets face it, who in the 50's and 60's actually joined the guard to be in the real Army? If they wanted to, they would have joined the real Army. I left after I made Capt and transferred to the Army Reserve, it was after the draft ended and I found the closest thing to the "Real" Army again. I did many short tours while I was in and always referred to active duty as being with the real Army. I did branch training a couple of times and attended several school on active duty time. At the end of the career I was a C&GS instructor teaching both active and reserve personnel. There is a difference, and the real army to me is the one on full time active duty. BTW, the artist illustrator of the early 60's is still an artist. I never gave up being an artist, I'm just not like the others, I make huge wood wall hanging fishing lures for outdoor sportsman decor. I had one guy ask me to sign a batch as Col.. Now back to just doing that. :)

Response by Sgt Terry Rizzuti made Mar 19 at 2021 7:00 PM

2021-03-19T19:00:00-04:00

I don’t have the resentment now that I had when I was in Vietnam. I didn’t have the big picture then. I went to Vietnam an E2 and went there with another guy who was also an E2 with the exact time in grade. Four months later he was an E4 and I was still an E2. He was pounding a typewriter; I was pounding the bush. So I asked him how he made his rank so fast. This is a quote as best as I remember it: “Easy,” he said, “ when the promotions come down from up above, and you guys are out in the boonies, we promote the guys back here; otherwise, they the promotions go to waste, and that’ll never happen.” So, yah, I had a lot of resentment about what we called the REMF’s. I came home an E4. He came home an E6. I got over it eventually when I got stateside and was put on sea duty for a year and a half. Talk about hard work.

Response by SSG Jack Lewis made Mar 19 at 2021 7:31 PM

2021-03-19T19:31:42-04:00

Do your duty. Don't be a dumbass. Try to mostly stay out of jail. After that, when you're done -- whether you retire or do one hitch, whether you hang a shadow box on the wall or toss your DD214 in a drawer -- you're as real as you can be.

Seriously, what a bullshit distinction. Of the places I went and the things I did in the army, field artillery in Korea was probably the hardest. Infantry squad leader in a Guard unit was stupidly easy and actually kind of fun. Leading a PSYOP team as a mobilized Reservist was easily the most interesting. It also featured what my "combat arms MOS" experiences did not: combat.

Imagine a loudmouth former infantry troop going on and on about how POGs don't deserve to lick the sweat off his balls. What do we know about him?

1. He's probably drunk, or on Rally Point -- likely both.
2. He's insecure, economically struggling, undereducated, or all of these.
3. He hasn't done anything more interesting than firing an anti-tank missile in his whole damn life.
4. There's no hostile fire pay noted in his record. Probably no promotions ahead of peers, either.

People who go to hard places and struggle through arduous tasks on behalf of our nation deserve our respect, full stop. Folks who've been shot at close enough to hear it go by are usually, I've found, generous with that respect. I try to live by that, myself.

Those who can't find it in their tiny little souls to respect fellow service members of every stripe and billet don't really insult anyone else, but they do bring dishonor on themselves.

No need for that.

Response by SSG Gary R Peek made Mar 20 at 2021 1:17 AM

2021-03-20T01:17:56-04:00

As an E-5 back years ago I have heard the very same thing and it wasn’t because of Non-Combat experiences; it was in relation to the National Guard and Reserves. As the “Active” duty soldiers would say: they are nothing but Citizen Soldiers. I trained many of them from Ft Benning to my very last duty assignment in Ft Chaffee AR.

Yes some fit into that category but many of them took it seriously; especially when we were training then after 9/11 to fill in for the active duty soldiers.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2021 11:36 AM

2021-03-20T11:36:12-04:00

Only a pog would disagree lol! Seriously though, if you served, you served

Response by PFC David Cheney made Mar 20 at 2021 6:37 PM

2021-03-20T18:37:22-04:00

Semper Fi do or die 0311 forever if you got your firewatch ribbon you're in devil dog even security forces it's all good bro even an admin pog serves hoorah

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Mar 20 at 2021 6:59 PM

2021-03-20T18:59:20-04:00

Well, Sgt. Before I went to the "Dark Side" I was in fact a 111.10 and 112.0 (light and heavy weapons infantryman). I went through 16 weeks of BCT and AIT with DIs who thought nothing of giving you an 11-1/2 in the backside and if you thought you were Billy Badass he'd meet you behind the barracks. Bayonet training was a no-nonsense drill. I've seen troops who thought they knew more than the instructor regret having that starry eyed thought. That's just the backdrop of what it was like in the day. My point is this. The Army and the Corps would not have an MOS if that job wasn't important. What was the Army and Corp's expectation of you? Well to begin with you were not a quitter, you were mission oriented, you were focused on your MOS and became the best you could be, you were not satisfied with second place, as far as you were concerned pain ain't no thang, but death is awful shitty; to be avoided, you were a team member, you had Battalion and Division pride, you had honor, you wore your uniform with pride, you took your ass chewing like a man and did better, if you were an NCO you taught those junior to you how to survive and get the job done. I could go on and on, but I think you get the message. When I became a Chief Petty Officer I went through Chief's Initiation into The Mess. I can promise, you get real humble and learn it's not about you but the crew, the ship. Real means you do your job whether your a "leg" or a sailor to the very best of your ability, no complaining. Your what some Mothers want their daughters to marry one day because your solid through and through and can be relied on when the shit gets thick.

Response by CPT Keith Celebrezze made Mar 21 at 2021 3:52 PM

2021-03-21T15:52:26-04:00

Follow the Soldier's Creed, especially the Warrior Ethos.

Incidentally, of all the MOSs, infantry requires the lowest available ASVAB score

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Mar 22 at 2021 1:34 PM

2021-03-22T13:34:03-04:00

Not really a fan of this question because it gets interpreted differently by different people everywhere you go. Some people say that you're aren't a real soldier unless you've deployed. Some say you aren't a real soldier unless you've deployed AND DONE YOUR JOB (the job you signed on to do/not necessarily one or more of the additional duties you perform). Others say that you aren't a real soldier unless you're combat arms, assigned or attached (usually assigned) to a SOF unit. Others also say you aren't a real soldier unless you're infantry or cavalry (artillery soldiers usually disagree with THAT statement). Any number of things can come up! In my head, you are a real soldier if you've come through Basic and AIT (or OSUT) and subsequently assigned to a unit. Because most other people like you when you come through Basic and beyond WON'T EVEN DO THAT MUCH! Beyond that, you're a real soldier if you live the values taught to every soldier (no offense intended towards my brothers and sisters in the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard/I don't know everything that y'all are taught).

Response by COL Hugh Stirts made Mar 22 at 2021 6:20 PM

2021-03-22T18:20:11-04:00

Anyone in the Army is a 'real soldier'. And your in the army for life. Its the service, the culture, and 'he/she went through the same stuff I did.....basic, advanced, academy, being yelled at, being exhausted, being trained, being proud of your promotions and awards, and trusting your buddies, and leaders. I consider myself a real soldier; I consider everyone I meet in army uniform to be a real soldier, or out of uniform if i know they are in the army.....all real soldiers.

Response by MSgt Ross Baxter made Mar 22 at 2021 8:01 PM

2021-03-22T20:01:49-04:00

Usually the ones talking that s*** are the low achievers. Nobody cares what “They” think!

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Mar 23 at 2021 4:34 AM

2021-03-23T04:34:51-04:00

Lot of people seem to be off the target on this subject... It's not about putting down others because of the job difference.. It's about the level of skill in their Mos., and the personal level of the individuals standard at which they operate day to day . An example I was the unquestioned expert on Land Navigation and Compass work, but there were a lot of others who were highly skilled at Land Navigation. what set me apart from most on Land Nav. is i could old me nobody knows how good there land nav skills are until the enemy starts the game of dodge bullets , now you can choose to take the 5 to 15 mins to get yourself together and decide which direction your going to go, or you can learn to do it faster and better then the enemy by learning your running pace count. I was accused of cheating on a night land nav and compass course once by a Plt. Sgt who couldn't believe his 8 hr night course could be completed in just under 2hrs. He grilled me on how i completed his course and got every point in under 2 hrs. My answer was i ran, by the time Top got involved it was decided i would restart the course backwards . they wrote my start time on the sheet and 1 hr 8 mins later i was back again with all 8 points. I had to run a little faster to prove a point. which was i was no joke at land nav and doing things others never thought of doing and that was why i was the Pointman. In closing the definition of a Real Soldier is one who has higher personal standards than the average book standards regardless of Rank or Mos....

Response by SFC Kurt Brunken made Mar 24 at 2021 2:02 PM

2021-03-24T14:02:44-04:00

Its pretty clear, Pre-GWOT it was POG vs Grunt. Maybe even Combat Arms vs All others. Now I would say if you don't have combat stripes Id keep my mouth shut for a couple years.

Response by SSG James Connor made Mar 25 at 2021 10:40 AM

2021-03-25T10:40:24-04:00

As a Infantrymen who only did 2 years with no NCO school and made E6 SSGT in the feild, I only get upset when I see the VVA in prades wearing jungle uniforms and knowing half of them never sereved in Nam in any position, VVA allows any one who sereved during that time to join, where the Combat Infantrymen Association and theMilitary Order of Purple Hearts require you to show your DD214 proving that you were given a CIB or Purple Heart, no fake members, I hear people at Prades saying those poor men and I laugh as I know some sat back and party in Germany or some other place while we sleep on the ground and ate food out of a can which we may have heat up with C4 from a claymore, we have PTSD and cancer and other problems from Agent orange, noI'm not a real soliders just a fool who took orders and now seeing the people who got defetments become President of our country, Trump, one defertment and Biden 5 defertments and he played football, so I guesat it is all right to say we were all real soliders not draft doggers or running off to Canada that being said I do respect all who sereved but often when I see VVA members telling war stories that are NOT TRUE, I have a hard time not wanting to punch one out, one time while shopping in Wal Greens I heard this guy telling this kid a story about when he was in Nam I got mad and the store manager called the Police, the guy took off running, the cops just laugh when I told them about this guy who had been drinking. I guest him to question and he didn't know the answers that's when I called him a PHONEY.

Response by CPT Jerry Lucas made Mar 25 at 2021 6:23 PM

2021-03-25T18:23:26-04:00

Here is what it takes to be a "real" Marine, soldier, sailor or airman: Learn your job to the best of your abilities in basic training and AIT. Do what you are told to do to the best of your abilities by your superiors. Be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. (Privates and second lieutenants should be there 10 minutes earlier) If the military wants you in a combat zone, they will issue orders sending you there. Not all of us get to serve in a combat zone. That doesn't mean you are "less than." It means the military needed someone of your rank and MOS where you are at. I served 15 years, enlisted, commissioned officer, active duty and Army Reserve, before I was deployed for Desert Shield/Storm in 1990. I was about to turn in my retirement papers when my unit was deployed for Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. The fact is there are a whole bunch of people that serve in combat support and combat service support units for every combat arms member. Even with those that do deploy, an average of 10% actually fire their weapons in combat. Fifteen percent of the Army is infantry with a total of around 25% of the Army being combat arms (includes infantry, armor, cavalry, field artillery and air defense artillery)The rest are the medics, transportation, admin, finance, civil affairs, MP's, public affairs, intel, repair & maintenance, etc. And to each of you in your respective field and branch of service, I say thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Douglas Entwistle made Mar 26 at 2021 1:13 AM

2021-03-26T01:13:10-04:00

Some in-service rivalry between MOS's is to be expected. Often though, the ones making such remarks have very little idea what the others actually do. On the flip side, the support MOS individuals who greatly exaggerate their experiences generally give their peers a bad name when infantry guys see right through their bs

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Mar 26 at 2021 6:24 PM

2021-03-26T18:24:45-04:00

Some guys like to build themselves up by tearing other people down.

Response by MSgt Michael Lane made Mar 27 at 2021 11:34 AM

2021-03-27T11:34:52-04:00

11B is the definition of a real solder. With few exceptions all other MOS’s, and other branches of the services - Air Force and Navy sole purpose is to support the 11B. You are as real as it gets.

Response by MSgt Michael Lane made Mar 27 at 2021 11:35 AM

2021-03-27T11:35:42-04:00

11B is the definition of a real solder. With few exceptions all other MOS’s, and other branches of the services Air Force and Navy sole purpose is to support the 11B. You are as real as it gets.

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Mar 27 at 2021 1:40 PM

2021-03-27T13:40:47-04:00

What does it mean to be a Real Solder?
It means you took a OATH To PROTECT AND DEFEND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FROM FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC ENEMIES.
it Means you SWORE to Protect the United States of America and her Citizens , that you will FOLLOW ALL CONSTITUTIONAL ORDERS. You did not take a OATH to protect or defend one Political party over the other. or any Unconstitutional orders, we are American Solders, we just do not follow orders Blindly, we are held accountable for are actions, saying to the court, or to the American People I was just following orders, is not a Legal defense. so you must not be afraid to ask for Clarification, and for Guidance in a Professional manner, make sure you can Live with yourself, I Recommend you read, Understand, UCMJ, know and Question everything, about your Job, Know what to do if you must take command , most importantly you must read and Understand everything about your current position the one below and above you Know your job, Read the Bible, do your best to understand. Read the United States Declaration Of Independence, The United States Constitution, and each Constitutional Amendment, this will help you understand and Help Guide you in understanding what is and what is not a CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER. so READ, ask Questions and understand the answers to what I believe are the Most Important FIVE ( W) Questions, you can ask, the Who, What, When, Where and Why,
was the Declaration of Independence , United States Constitution, and each Constitutional Amendments was written. when you have Read, these Documents, the Bible, UCMJ and answered the questions, hopefully you will then know a Constitutional Order From A Unconstitutional Order, then you will be a Real Solder, Protecting and Defending All American Citizens, Individual Constitutional Rights and Freedoms, from a Foreign and Domestic Enemies . Remember we the American Solders do not take a Otha to Protect or defend on political party over anther, or one President over anther President! we Protect and defend a nation and her People , we protect and defend the American citizens Individual Constitutional Rights and Freedoms!

Response by SGT Carl Forsman made Mar 28 at 2021 11:33 AM

2021-03-28T11:33:06-04:00

I have to say, all the kids who saw combat, this is without a doubt a special recognition of inner strength and valor. But, as my grandfather who I have heard all my life about his bad ass performance in WWII from all of his 82nd buddies to include General Gavin himself, told me until he died, all of those medals in the shadow box, all of the friends and fellow soldiers he watched die, all of the Germans he killed and a $1.50 plus tip would get you an endless cup of coffee at the local dinner. The rest of us who volunteered to serve, put ourselves out their for the service of our country, no matter the "POG" job is in the military, did still offer up their life for the country without any promise that we would get to use that GI bill or college fund money. I personally volunteered around six times but for all my efforts, there wasn't a war at the time. I did far more hands on and dangerous stuff in the National Guard than I did in the 82nd, got double the jumps too. Thing is for 10 years of my life I was well trained, always ready and outside of recovering downed aviators, helping apprehend lotters during natural disasters, riot control during freaknick and being used in a few drug task force operations, there was nothing for me to do except train. If I wasn't a soldier then what and why did I parade around in a salad suit for, with a bunch of after looking back on it older and more mature, a bunch of goobers ordering me around playing "pick it up and set it down". I am proud I was a field artilleryman and later infantryman, I put my knee's in the breeze 8 out of the 10 years, and hell am totally ashamed I fucked my shoulder up 3 days before reporting to Ranger school dicing that opportunity. I will never have a combat story to tell. I though can't see how this doesn't make me a real soldier.

Response by CSM Michael L. Mullenix made Mar 28 at 2021 3:23 PM

2021-03-28T15:23:28-04:00

I was always told that for every soldier in the field there were 8 soldiers in the rear in support of him. Those in the rear supplied everything we needed to survive and do our jobs.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Mar 29 at 2021 6:46 PM

2021-03-29T18:46:45-04:00

REAL SOLDIERS----There are men and women who wear their uniforms with pride, and will always remember the sacrifices, made for so many, by so few. Anyone who believes otherwise, be he Soldier or Marine-----is an asshole. There's no point in listening to such crap, or losing a second's worth of sleep over someone's overinflated opinion of themselves.

Response by CPT Keith Celebrezze made Mar 29 at 2021 11:56 PM

2021-03-29T23:56:55-04:00

Follow the Soldier's Creed.

Let the infantry like their fun. They earn it.

Good luck.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Mar 30 at 2021 11:11 AM

2021-03-30T11:11:51-04:00

One Team One Fight. Period

Response by CPT John Griffith made Mar 31 at 2021 1:57 PM

2021-03-31T13:57:51-04:00

As a signal corps type: "Call us when you get there!"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2021 11:13 AM

2021-04-02T11:13:53-04:00

Usually from some boot ass Marine or Soldier. It takes approximately 5 non-combat arms to support every 1 combat arms Soldier or Marine. Ask a grunt what it's like to not eat or have water. It's those logistical MOSs that gets it to them. Mad respect for those truck drivers driving on black routes to get my guys food and water when I was on a patrol base. Sh_t, it was safer to go on a patrol then drive down Irish, Senators.

Response by CW3 Joseph Lawrence made Apr 2 at 2021 11:37 AM

2021-04-02T11:37:35-04:00

I get the same crap from my grand son. I told him the one day when he told me about Infantry being the Queen of Battle and all others are just soldiers. I told him, being a logistician, that Supply is the God of Battle, without Supply you have No Trucks to haul your butt around int, No Ammunition for your Weapons, No Food for your stomach, and you will also be naked because we supply the uniforms. Every soldiers mission is important to the end goal and that is being prepared to win any battle we are in. No one individual is any less a soldier than those in the front lines. This bull about being a Rear Echelon M F is for the birds. Tell that to the thousands of SOLDIERS that died in the rear in Vietnam.

Response by CPO Patrick Harding made Apr 23 at 2021 4:32 PM

2021-04-23T16:32:01-04:00

At the end of the day, you are all one team. The "real" soldier forgets that he could not do his job without the team and has failed to see the logistics and people it takes for him to do his job.

Response by CPO Patrick Harding made Apr 23 at 2021 4:32 PM

2021-04-23T16:32:26-04:00

At the end of the day, you are all one team. The "real" soldier forgets that he could not do his job without the team and has failed to see the logistics and people it takes for him to do his job.

Response by MAJ Bruce Whyte made Apr 24 at 2021 12:53 PM

2021-04-24T12:53:54-04:00

Scab
Not to long ago I heard this remark from a former member of the 101st. She was a cook and said she never felt like a real soldier. I reminded her about her getting up at 2 in the morning to start breakfast and going to bed at midnight after the mess area was clean and ready for the next day. “Armies March on their stomachs “. I told her that there was nothing better than climbing out of a wet cold hole in the ground and walking into a warm mess tent at 4 am to be greeted by hot coffee and soup. She remembered.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Apr 24 at 2021 1:34 PM

2021-04-24T13:34:18-04:00

Recon that has to do with repeated exposure to being shot at, and returning fire. Being on a hunt and being hunted. Either way it's your level of training that sets you up,.. no combat duty ever... combat tour but rear rear echelon, rear echelon exposed to combat, infantry never exposed to combat, infantry e!posed to combat.. ranger exposed to combat, special forces exposed to combat..never saw dead people, seen people killed (including civilians children women old people), seen friends killed, next to you killed, you got killed.. fob overran..depends where you are on the list .. anybody behind you not a real soldier.. just bs ...roll the dice you could have been anywhere there.

Response by 1stSgt Ken Holcomb made Apr 25 at 2021 4:41 AM

2021-04-25T04:41:07-04:00

Don't know about the Army but in my 23 years in the Marine Corps there was no such thing as a "real Marine". EVERY Marine is a real Marine after graduation from boot camp, because we are all basic riflemen, no matter what our MOS is. Period.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Apr 25 at 2021 2:58 PM

2021-04-25T14:58:15-04:00

I attribute that to inter branch rivalry. I have gotten a little of that as an artilleryman. My usual response was You might want to reconsider that when you are calling for Arty support.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Apr 25 at 2021 4:37 PM

2021-04-25T16:37:40-04:00

Inter service repartee is normal. The bottom line is for every combat soldier, marine, aviator, whatever there are as many as seven or more support personnel--artillerymen, combat engineers, mechanics, armorers, cooks, supply, medics, doctors, nurses, to name some, without whom the infantry would be in a world of hurt and all of whom are "real soldiers".

Response by CW5 Roger Jacobs made Apr 25 at 2021 5:32 PM

2021-04-25T17:32:39-04:00

I spent 40 years in the Army. I often heard comments about "real soldiers" along with this isn't a real unit, and this isn't the real Army. I served at every level from battalion to "echelons above reality". Usually the people making these remarks were malcontents who were never happy were they were. I retired as a CW5 and what I told soldiers is "do your job, everything else will take care of itself". Wherever you are is part of the real Army and we are all real soldiers.

Response by SP5 Robert Kennedy made Apr 25 at 2021 7:12 PM

2021-04-25T19:12:23-04:00

Hahahaha. They're just ignorant. I've heard similar things from some who've never served! Isn't it curious, lately, that there are so many "woke" idiots who don't appreciate our sacrifices and have no idea what real freedom is?

Vietnam Dec 1967 - Dec 1968. I learned what it is to be scared shitless... and as a draftee, I still remember all of those promises to God that I made about how much better I'd be at practicing the 10 commandments if he'd just let me return alive. Now, a half century later, that was the proudest year of my life!

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Apr 26 at 2021 1:00 AM

2021-04-26T01:00:27-04:00

Its just people with an inferiority complex trying to find a means of justifying their existence. All Soldiers are Real Soldiers, regardless of their MOS. Without finance, the Infantry doesn't get paid, without supply, the infantry doesn't get fed, Without artillery, The Infantry would get slaughtered, without the Engineers, bridges do not get made for the Infantry to cross, without Mechanics, their vehicles would break down .... at this point, you can see where I am going with this.

Response by SSG Martin Fruchtl made Apr 26 at 2021 10:40 AM

2021-04-26T10:40:04-04:00

In WWII it took 15 to 20 soldiers to support the infantryman on the front line. That hasn't changed that much over the years. Two deployments, on FOBs, and only indirect fire - the occasional mortar or rocket. I was pure support but still signed that blank check, as does everyone else who signs up and takes the oath. Sevice is service, plain and simple.

Response by TSgt James Lacey made Apr 26 at 2021 1:18 PM

2021-04-26T13:18:38-04:00

Being a real soldier, sailor, marine, or airman is set by your DD214, if you served, you are real, that does not necessarily mean combat.

Response by MGySgt Mike Yule made Apr 28 at 2021 7:45 AM

2021-04-28T07:45:06-04:00

One of my proudest moments was at the completion of Marine boot camp our senior drill instructor addressed us as Marines for the first time
You make a commitment to serve when you enlist and the service decides where it is best for you to serve
You took an oath when you joined and as long as you stay true to that oath you are a real serviceman

Response by LTC Jerold Kaplan made Apr 28 at 2021 9:53 AM

2021-04-28T09:53:58-04:00

Every member of the the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard has signed a blank check to our country, cashable for any amount up to their life. I don't know of anything else that is required to make one a "real"soldier.

Response by SPC George Edwards made Apr 28 at 2021 9:06 PM

2021-04-28T21:06:54-04:00

A "real soldier" goes where he's ordered, does what he's ordered to do, and does his assigned task, no matter what his MOS is. All soldiers aren't assigned to combat units but it takes about fourteen "real soldiers" to support one of those who are.

Response by SFC Regina Boyd made Apr 29 at 2021 2:28 PM

2021-04-29T14:28:39-04:00

If you graduated from basic training without being recycled, you're a "real" solder. A soldier is a soldier. Some soldiers have more intensity than others, but they are still "real." Those who are envious of those more "intense" soldiers demonstrates their behavior as the real issue - jealousy, insecurity, etc. Just my .02

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Apr 29 at 2021 3:33 PM

2021-04-29T15:33:23-04:00

My first unit 10th MTN is an Infantry division. POG (Person Other than Grunt) is anyone who isn't Infantry. I would be a POG even though I went out on countless missions and two deployments with that unit both on foot and in the horrible CRAMPED Humvee.
Regardless of MOS if you don't pull your weight CONUS or otherwise then you probably are 'not a real soldier' despite ticking off the boxes.
As long as a person isn't a bad soldier and doesn't care then they are a real soldier even if they never deploy.

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Apr 30 at 2021 11:38 AM

2021-04-30T11:38:40-04:00

Growing up in the south in the 60's and 70's I was so dirt poor I hd 2 pair of pants to my name and a couple of pair of sock that had holes in them. Now I would go on about how my father died at an early age and that it forced my mother to try and care for 5 kids but no one wants to hear my sob story. However I was teased and bullied by those more fortunate than me which was just about everyone. I was treated as though I was less than human and even avoided me like I was a virus or something. These people as I learned later on in life were ignorant and so eager to place themselves on a pedestal at the expense of putting someone else under their feet. The same mentality goes for those people who would look at other members of the Military as just scabs or someone who is there for the pay check and not, "real Soldiers". Yet what they either fail to realize or fail to care about is many of those Soldiers will eventually serve over seas in combat zones and some will never make it home. They are just ignorant and ignorant people usually pass judgement on people they know nothing about. It does not make them bad or evil it just makes them...well, ignorant.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made May 1 at 2021 6:20 PM

2021-05-01T18:20:56-04:00

Those that are not real soldiers, will be discharged way before their scheduled ETS date if the real soldiers are doing their job.

Response by SGT Eric Tysen made May 1 at 2021 9:35 PM

2021-05-01T21:35:29-04:00

I used to hear the term "pogue" or "POG" when I was in. It was used in a derogatory way by others in the infantry & other combat arms units to piss on us signal corp folks. I truly didn't care, yet its just stupid to say.

Response by Ralph Howard made May 2 at 2021 3:13 PM

2021-05-02T15:13:12-04:00

Years ago,I heard two old (real) combat vets from ww2 ragging each other in a friendly way...one accused the other of being in 'a mess kit repair outfit'...'they knew how to keep it light, may they RIP.

Response by SGT David Schrader made May 2 at 2021 4:05 PM

2021-05-02T16:05:08-04:00

In spite of what some people may say or think, I believe that a real soldier, marine, airman or sailor are the ones that enlisted or were drafted,raised their right hand, took the oath and served our great country regardless of MOS or duty station.
All of us that served should be proud of our service. Everyone had a job to do that was equally important to the mission that we were tasked with.
Don’t let anyone tell you anything different!!!

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made May 6 at 2021 10:47 PM

2021-05-06T22:47:55-04:00

We all served or are serving and therefore, we are all soldiers.

Deployment is not mandatory to become a soldier; if deployment is requirement to becoming a soldier then, deployment would be incorporated into Basic Training, Boot Camp, service academies, etc., yet deployment ain't part of the curriculum.

What is soldiering? I would counter-question those soldiers who feel deployment is a prerequisite to becoming a soldier.

Response by SPC Jennifer Clever made May 19 at 2021 5:40 AM

2021-05-19T05:40:26-04:00

It is kind of like New York State as a civil servant working for social services I was not given Veteran 10 point preference as a disabled Veteran because I served during peacetime. I got no recognition but I am sure NY took credit for hiring a Veteran. Same premise. Now I work for the VA.

Response by SPC Kyle Olson made May 19 at 2021 4:44 PM

2021-05-19T16:44:23-04:00

It means fighting, that's what soldiers do. Infantryman bear the brunt of it and take the fight to the enemy. Combat is what a military is for and if you ain't outside the wire, you ain't it. Infantry leads the way! Mechanized Warrior!

Response by Capt Ron Lane made May 25 at 2021 6:01 PM

2021-05-25T18:01:19-04:00

Mustang O302 here: not a really Marine means someone who has not gone to boot camp unless the user went to Parris Island. Then it means someone did not go through Parris Island.

Response by PO3 Jim Polichak made May 27 at 2021 5:59 AM

2021-05-27T05:59:45-04:00

As a PN3 - office work for enlisted - in the Navy I was considered real Navy. Other sailors depended on me for transfers, schools, leave days, I.D. cards, dog tags, etc.

Response by COL Brian Jalbert made May 27 at 2021 12:18 PM

2021-05-27T12:18:48-04:00

A real Soldier, Marine. Sailor, Coastguardsman, Airman, or Spaceman(?) is one who signs up, takes the Oath, and wears the uniform. Some are grunts (infantry) and some have other jobs. All are real.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made May 29 at 2021 7:17 PM

2021-05-29T19:17:32-04:00

The one person a leg will recognize is Doc. But we are still usually lumped with a remf. It is narrow minded and a macho thing. We all need each other to survive!

Response by LTC George Morgan made May 30 at 2021 8:46 AM

2021-05-30T08:46:36-04:00

In the roll of a Medical Officers Assistant I was attached to Infantry for sixteen years. Infantrymen are the bedrock of the Fighting Force, men of honor and fortitude. Those who speak such disparaging remarks invariably are inferior in their abilities. Stand Down Soldier, relax in the knowledge that "We have your back".

Response by PFC Martin Potashner made May 30 at 2021 3:46 PM

2021-05-30T15:46:23-04:00

Were they people who never served that said that?

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made May 30 at 2021 11:40 PM

2021-05-30T23:40:15-04:00

The tombstone reads, KIA. It does not read 0311, 11B, etc. Clerks, supply, cooks, and untold other "non-combat" MOS's have KIA written on their tombstone.

Response by 1SG David Glover made May 31 at 2021 1:11 AM

2021-05-31T01:11:23-04:00

This used to refer to Service Members who have been in combat. TODAY, If you have the proverbial "BALLS" to join the service AND serve honorably, I SAY you are a real AMERICAN!

Response by 1SG David Glover made May 31 at 2021 1:13 AM

2021-05-31T01:13:10-04:00

That saying used to be directed to folks that had not served in combat. TODAY, I say that anyone with the proverbial "BALLS" to serve is a REAL Service Member! HOOAH!

Response by Sgt Jim Mullins made May 31 at 2021 9:57 AM

2021-05-31T09:57:12-04:00

All military members are real soldiers, no matter their jobs in the military!!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2021 7:48 PM

2021-06-01T19:48:00-04:00

In the navy it’s usually seen as someone who hasn’t gone on a deployment yet, or doesn’t have their Pin. In 7th fleet we look at it as anyone who wasn’t 7th fleet past or present.

Response by SSG Mark Ledford made Jun 2 at 2021 12:44 AM

2021-06-02T00:44:24-04:00

I SERVED AS AN INFANTRYMAN & ALSO AS A AMPHIBIOUS CREW CHIEF IN THE MARINES AS WELL TRAINING IN SPECIAL WARFARE COURSES &SCHOOL, I SERVED IN THE NATIONAL GUARD IN COMMO & INTEL PLUSE BN COMMANDERS DRIVE. I SERVED IN THE U.S. NAVY AS A BOATSON MATE &GUNNERS MATES , I SERVED IN THE U.S. ARMY RESERVE AS A CODTA TRAINER FOR ROTC + NCO SCHOOL INTELL WORK PLUS 3 SHORT TOURS WITH THE ACTIVE ARMY. ALSO I SERVED IN THE TEXAS STATE GUARD WHERE I ATTENDED SENIOR ENLISTED NCO/ AIR UNIVERSITY AIR FORCE ACADEMY, I SERVED IN THE U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY WHERE I RECEIVE THE PRESIDENTAL UNIT CITATION PLUS OTHER U.S.C.G. MEDALS. SHALL I CONTINUE, MY LAST ACTIVE DUTY TIME WITH THE ARMY I ONLY GOT PAID FOR 3 OR 4 DAYS OF ACTIVE DUTY PAY AND IT STOP COLD FOR ALMOST 6 MONTHS NO PAY . I AM STILL WAITING ON MY DD-214 AND DISCHARGE AND BACK PAY PLUS PER-DEM PAY. OUCH!!! GOD BLESS ALL WHO SERVED AND GOD BLESS AMERICA

Response by PO1 Richard Borowski made Jun 2 at 2021 1:21 AM

2021-06-02T01:21:00-04:00

"Real Soldier"? Anyone who served in whatever branch of the military. It IS NOT a competition, ladies and gentlemen(or whatever you identify as)It is a service to our country. In that service, you go where and do whatever it is you're supposed to do. YOUR OATH IS THE SAME. If you are needed in a warehouse shipping supplies to the "shooters", or if you are needed as one of the "shooters" the blank check you signed still includes "up to and including your life". What can be more real than that?

Response by SSgt Robert Van Buhler III made Jun 2 at 2021 9:33 AM

2021-06-02T09:33:34-04:00

If you are a Marine who served, you are a real Marine. Anyone else, it sounds silly. My brother was an Army Cpl, and he thought the Specs were not real soldiers. A real Airman, a real Soldier, a real Sailor. That is just the Testosterone talking. You don't need bullet holes in your hide to be the real deal.

Response by SGT Roland Sharpe made Jun 2 at 2021 8:40 PM

2021-06-02T20:40:43-04:00

People making comments on things they know nothing about is the source of almost every problem this country has. A real soldier would never make a comment like this. You will deal with this the rest of your life. Try to look past it and rise above it and be the leader this country needs.

Response by CPO Mike Castro made Jun 3 at 2021 4:53 AM

2021-06-03T04:53:35-04:00

My 25 years in the Navy has proven to me beyond any doubt there are no real sailors, there is no real warships and the only one with the big picture is the recruit in Great Lakes standing in yellow feet r

Response by SSG Bill Cooke made Jun 3 at 2021 2:43 PM

2021-06-03T14:43:24-04:00

Where would their skills be without training NCOs. Not doing their basic jobs right that is where. Without support persons where does not get food, housing, medical care, etc. They are are REAL military personnel.

Response by SGT Gary Stemen made Jun 3 at 2021 3:06 PM

2021-06-03T15:06:38-04:00

To be a real soldier, you have to live your rating and rank to the fullest and best you are able. Take pride in what you do, and excel in carrying out your duties. I was an 11A, 11B and 12B in my years in service, and survived by the fact that we all did our jobs, and all of our support units also did theirs...

Response by SP5 Jorge Maspons made Jun 4 at 2021 10:58 PM

2021-06-04T22:58:02-04:00

Upon arriving in Vietnam I was assigned to a cavalry combat outfit which at that time was in Cambodia. I had a supply MOS but it was quickly changed to 11D, (armor.) In addition to being in a combat zone, we had dismount patrols, that is nothing more than infantry. Yet none of us received a C.I.B. I fired several weapons but since I was not an 11B I did not get the C.I.B.
Jorge Maspons

Response by 1stSgt Paul Lennen made Jun 5 at 2021 9:15 AM

2021-06-05T09:15:37-04:00

Follow the orders you are given and go where your sent. Do the best you can in every assignment your given. That's what counts.

Response by SSG Earl Corp made Jun 5 at 2021 7:40 PM

2021-06-05T19:40:53-04:00

As far as I knew, you were a real soldier once you graduated AIT. I heard that a lot of times when I was in . You hadn’t really done a European tour until you’d been to Hohnfs, Graf, and Wildflecken. You weren’t a real soldier unless you earned an EIB. You weren’t A real NCO unless you’d been to PLDC. People just kept coming up with additional qualifications to be a real soldier the whole time I was in. But I think my first sentence defined it best.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Jun 19 at 2021 7:23 PM

2021-06-19T19:23:18-04:00

Everyone who signed their blank check to serve this country are Soilders, Marines, Sailors and Airpeople. 11-Bs yup you fight. You get the CIB no one else can. I walked the bush with a ground surveillance radar on my back with 11-b s. When the shooting started I did as told, I was 11b. Afterwards I was back being a Red Leg. I went to Cambodia to make sure the 11b s I traind to use the same radar , were doing good. I saw a huey shot down because they were delivering ammo to 11Bs who shot up all their ammo. I am a soldier, if you think not, come talk to me, I will give you a break, I'm 72.

Response by MSgt Matt Hancock made Jun 20 at 2021 11:06 AM

2021-06-20T11:06:42-04:00

Never really understood why some have to make themselves "real" when the obvious truth is as previously stated. You signed up, went through all the required training and are literally on call for anywhere 24/7. It doesn't get more real than that. If on call means you are dodging incoming or simply manning a telephone, you are still serving where you are needed.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Jun 20 at 2021 12:17 PM

2021-06-20T12:17:57-04:00

Doesn't end when you get out. There are guys in my VVA chapter who figure unless you were awarded an Army CIB or a Marine Combat Action ribbon, you're not a "real" Vietnam vet.

Response by SP5 Leo Fitz made Jun 20 at 2021 5:12 PM

2021-06-20T17:12:45-04:00

I hate to burst some bubbles, but if you took the oath and did your time you are real as anyone else.

Response by SPC(P) Mark Newman made Jun 25 at 2021 7:03 PM

2021-06-25T19:03:51-04:00

As one of the troopd who was not ordered into combat, I DO feel that combat troops have gone a step further than us. I appreciate all the support from combat arms and combat-zone troops, really; thanks! And I know I provided a valuable service. But I still feel those troops gave more than I was asked to give, and I can't help but have a special place in my mind -- and heart -- for those service members.

Response by SSG Brian Carpenter made Jun 27 at 2021 10:01 AM

2021-06-27T10:01:15-04:00

As a support MOS I have always laughed at those idiots. I knew a few and they would talk smack until they realized I had seen more deployments with combat arms than they had being a combat arms MOS. I was just as far forward or more so than half the smack talkers I ever met. But in the same token I always met the ones who knew and were quick to put their own peers in their place.

Response by Cpl James Kelly made Jun 27 at 2021 1:36 PM

2021-06-27T13:36:03-04:00

Same here. I was involved in combat operations, but being that I was in the Airwing, was considered a toy Marine. My CAW, and Air Medals say differently.

Response by SGT Corey Sandberg made Jun 28 at 2021 9:57 AM

2021-06-28T09:57:26-04:00

As an infantryman, I highly appreciate every other MOS. All necessary and important in my opinion! As for directly answering your question, I guess I’d respond with, “if you know, you know.”

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2021 11:10 PM

2021-06-28T23:10:30-04:00

You serve where you’re told to serve. You serve in the MOS you were assigned. I don’t believe in someone trying to belittle you or anyone else for “Not Being Under Fire”. If your number had come up “You Would Have Went”! You Wore The Uniform. You earned the title. “Marine”! Nobody could ask more of you!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jul 1 at 2021 12:38 AM

2021-07-01T00:38:50-04:00

You hear this a lot from morons... yes morons...that are inexperienced in the ways of the military to really know better. It is usually but not always from the young and those that are E-5 and below. Essentially it is this: That a person is not a "REAL" soldier, marine, sailor, airman unless they have seen combat, served in a combat zone and been in combat.

They do not realize or in some cases care... that it takes an army to support one of those "real" soldiers. He has to have his shots, his clothes, his weapon, his ammo, his food, his water, petrol and transport to get to the battlefield, air support, close air support, artillery, helos for medical and extract and supplies, medical to patch him and his buddies up and even to get his mail, communications and a host of other specialties to even allow him to do his or her job. Everyone that serves is a real *whatever.

Cannot count the number of schmucks I have dropped in the dirt who have said this in derision to another troop.

Response by 1LT Kevin Bridges made Jul 1 at 2021 7:27 AM

2021-07-01T07:27:18-04:00

Probably comes from insecurity

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Jul 1 at 2021 5:35 PM

2021-07-01T17:35:58-04:00

The real soldier is the one who understands the meaning of the US Army's values and lives up to that values: honor, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jul 1 at 2021 5:53 PM

2021-07-01T17:53:18-04:00

Everyone that swore an oath to defend this country is good to go.
Just respect rank while on active duty. Or I will PT your arse until I get tired.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 2 at 2021 11:24 AM

2021-07-02T11:24:25-04:00

Real soldiers are those who have signed the line, put their lives on hold to serve our country. Real soldiers are those who do the job they have been assigned to do to the best of their ability. Real soldiers are those who accept the facT it takes all the MOSs of the TEAM to fully complete the mission. I am 11Z. During was I was a REMF. Did I like the job I was doing, not really, would have rather been assigned to a front line combat unit BUT, I did the job I was assigned to do to the best of my ability. Yes 11Bs are what they are because of the job they do, but they could never do their job unless everyone else is doing their jobs as REAL SOLDIERS.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jul 2 at 2021 2:15 PM

2021-07-02T14:15:05-04:00

The "Other" Soldiers are anyone whose MOS is not 11B

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Jul 2 at 2021 4:48 PM

2021-07-02T16:48:54-04:00

Different branches of service have similar issues. In the Army, infantrymen have a special, distinctive pride. Their blue ascot and shoulder cord and especially the CIB. Younger troops - the gung-ho especially, see other soldiers as not "real," but if really pinned down on it, they admit that without the Transportation, Medics, Cooks, and other support groups, they'd be impident as combat soldiers.
The Marines have a similar issue, that if you don't have a CAR (Combat Action Ribbon), you're not a "real" Marine. That's wrong too for the same reasons, but ANY MOS in the Corps can get the CAB while Army can get same point awards (CMB and CAB).
A "real" sildier though is ANYONE who services .... Regular Army, Reserve or Nat'l Guard and the MOS does not matter. In fact, as an MP, I was ALWAYS told, "You're a SOLDIER first, THEN an MP!" Same with when I was a medic ... soldier, FIRST. I'd add, 'REAL SOLDIER," first!

Response by CW4 Paul Hammel made Jul 2 at 2021 5:46 PM

2021-07-02T17:46:06-04:00

You wear The Uniform YOU are for REAL! I served 27 years as a combat helicopter pilot in the US Army, UH-1's and UH-60 Blackhawks, was assigned all over the world but never in Combat! Just lucky I guess.....Just Sayin'......

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2021 10:26 PM

2021-07-02T22:26:01-04:00

As a POG I might be able to understand what they mean by “not real soldiers”. I was in 3cr and I would hear that in the infantry squadrons there’s PV2’s going to parade rest for PFC’s, a whole other level of discipline. Leadership that’s hard on them and makes sure that they are the standard at all times, fitting the image of a Soldier. Meanwhile in just about every other job you see absolute garbage walking around due to complacency. I dont have to give any examples because the comparison between infantry soldiers and others is fairly visible. Im currently transitioning to intel and the standard is much worse, and it feels as though its because they’re essential so they are easier on them because its harder to train and finance their replacements. Im not for either side but i think I know why they say they’re real soldiers, from what i’ve seen they strive to maintain the standard and I admire them for that, even as a POG, they earned that title

Response by SP6 Bruce Kellar made Jul 4 at 2021 12:57 PM

2021-07-04T12:57:18-04:00

Not an infantryman, just another rifleman with a caustic disdain for anyone who is unable to comprehend, being an American with purpose. Nothing is free unless you stole it. At that point you should become hunted.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Jul 4 at 2021 5:03 PM

2021-07-04T17:03:21-04:00

I met some in the Nam that could be counted as not real. But they answered the call non the less

Response by SGT George Edward Brown made Jul 4 at 2021 10:20 PM

2021-07-04T22:20:37-04:00

The military services are made up of multiple layers of men and women that support the next level, down to the point of the spear the light infantryman. Each individual soldier, Marine, Sailor or Flyboy contributes to the make the whole mass work at the pleasure of the gov't. They used to say it takes 10 folks in the rear to support one person(pc) at the front ! Today the front and rear are closer together with the support bases under fire meaning they have to be able to drop their wrenches, pencils etc and grab their weapons to defend themselves. So i'll leave it there, one for all, all for one.

Response by LCpl Richard Lally made Jul 5 at 2021 10:43 AM

2021-07-05T10:43:20-04:00

I heard this referring to "Reservists' ALSO KNOWN AS WEEK END WARRIORS.". Since Kuwait and the full deployment of all members of the armed services These "titles" have become obsolete

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Jul 5 at 2021 11:37 AM

2021-07-05T11:37:59-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I think what you are referencing started in the V/N era and continued and still does with some people. The biggest thing was in country was what they called a garatrooper.
This was the person sitting beside you at the bar and talking about how he just returned from the Jungle and one to two fire fights, you look at his feet and you see spit shined boot. (this was seen as a person who never served outside an office environment).
The you return to the world and are mistreated by everyone even folks you grew up with on and on, it made for bitter times either way. About this time the National guard, reserves and inactive reserves were gaining ground in recognition Yet most of them units were what was referenced as NOT REAL Soldiers just the state's party crowd or weekend warriors which was understandable most weekend training included large amounts of adult beverages purchase presumably by unit budget funds. Yes i even seen them use a state owned Military Vehicle to load up at the beverage Mart. Not sure who paid for it.

Next you seen National Guard/Reserves making rank faster than active duty (just because they make time in service, time in grade requirements), where Active Duty Soldiers are promoted on a different tougher criteria. But in the public eye they are seen as the same. The new Soldier will even talk down to the active duty Soldier telling him he stupid, there are examples you can see for yourself here on R/P. JMTC

Response by SGT Ted Hooban made Jul 6 at 2021 12:44 PM

2021-07-06T12:44:36-04:00

My response to this has always been, "I think my recuriter lied to me, I was supposed to be enjoying a 4 year summer camp adventure. Maybe you bought the cheaper package." WHAT, you mean I wasn't supposed to pay the recruiter to let me join? Trust me. they will all walk away from you, scratk cold war, although it seems like we are trying to gibe that victory back.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2021 8:10 PM

2021-07-07T20:10:56-04:00

That's just something people say to justify a low (infantry) ASVAB score.

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Jul 10 at 2021 3:49 PM

2021-07-10T15:49:02-04:00

I started out army life as a combat engineer. I am not sure we were great parade ground soldiers but we took point ahead of the infantry and had fun blowing things up so the foot soldiers could go through in more safety. Real Soldiers probably, Warriors most assuredly. I know Warriors in a lot of MOS’s

Response by SGT Antonio Orozco made Jul 22 at 2021 9:21 PM

2021-07-22T21:21:28-04:00

A real soldier is disciplined, follows orders, fit, has proved his worth I'm combat and not a pog...

Response by PVT Farrah Bramble made Aug 1 at 2021 9:37 PM

2021-08-01T21:37:04-04:00

I understand the reason the 11 bang bang said that remark. We all do not have the gift of being infantry. Each of us have other gifts like being a fueler or waterdog or the cooks that checked our ID before we could enter the DFAC or the Squad leader that taught us how to PMCS every Monday morning in the motor pool or the SERGEANT MAJOR WEBB that patrolled FOB Rustamiyah to be sure everything and everyone of us UNITED STATES ARMY SOLDIERS were doing the right thing...and he corrected me when I was wearing pt's..and I was wearing my white socks like soccer players...so I he squared me away and told me to wear the ankle socks. The standard for pt socks..
We were REAL LIFE SOLDIERS serving in the REAL COUNTRY OF IRAQ with REAL M16s
HOOAH !!!

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Aug 2 at 2021 12:20 AM

2021-08-02T00:20:59-04:00

I will tell you this. The 205th Ord Plt (Ammo) went to vietnam in July 65 we were the only Ammo Techs ready to go The Army sent us their with 2wks notice. We Set up ans ASP at AnKhe even before the Main unit of the 1st Cav. arrived. Their was no base camp for us because we had to pitch our Pup Tents across the road from the Ammo dump. WE pulled our own Guard Duty. First nite their We watch tracers go over our heads about waist high. And Flares were lighting up the nite sky. I supect to this day it was the perimeter of the Base camp getting nervous and shooting at us. When The Air Cav was fighting to stay alive at II Drang valley in Nov. 65 they were dam glad that our ASP was their. An Ammo Dump was like a Magnet to the VC. We had one blown up at Qui Nhon about March 65 and I know a big dump was blown up at long Bien later in the war. Use your judgment as to if we were real soldiers or not. We Bleed just as red as an infantryman. We had the product they needed to fight a Battle. By the way we had 2 purple heart recipients. They had minor wounds shot in the foot and another hit with a bullet when he was in his pup tent. Semper FI.

Response by MSG Bob S made Aug 2 at 2021 8:24 AM

2021-08-02T08:24:08-04:00

If you raised your hand to serve regardless of MOS then you’re a real soldier.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Aug 2 at 2021 9:27 AM

2021-08-02T09:27:30-04:00

to be a real solider you must be in the military and do what your job requires you to do. If infantrymen really believe these persons are not real soldiers then they are fooling themselves. In July of 65 The army didn't have an Ammo Co ready to send to VietNam so they formed the 205th Ord. Plt. Ammo . 2 wks later we were on our way. We ended up at AnKhe supporting Air Cav. with Ammunition. WE set up an Ammo Dump outside of base Camp. We lived in Pup tents Ate c-rations most of the time.1st. nite their we had MG. fire about waist high over our heads and Flares lighting up the night sky. Which I believe to this day was friendly fire from nervous soldiers guarding the Base Camp. We supplied 7th cav Regt, with Ammo and other ordnance during the battle for II Drang Valley in Nov. 65. They were dam glad we were their to supply them with Ammo. An Ammo Dump is like a magnet to the VC. We had our Ammo Dump at Qui Nhon blown up in March of 65. At Long bien a large Ammo dump was blown up later in the war. Semper Fi.

Response by 1SG Robert Rush made Aug 2 at 2021 1:16 PM

2021-08-02T13:16:11-04:00

I spent 40 years Active, PA National Guard and USAR. I had two combat deployments in Vietnam 69-70 and Iraq 03. I had a number of MOS’, Chemical, Armored, Military Police, Supply, Infantry and Military Intelligence. Every MOS in the military is important to the over all missions. When it comes down to a critical engagement in a combat theater, they are all Infantry when the time comes.

Response by SGM Boyd Riley made Aug 2 at 2021 3:45 PM

2021-08-02T15:45:49-04:00

I recall the majority of the troops that complained about others not being 'real soldiers' as being the ones that didn't think they needed to look like professional soldiers. They often felt that since they performed well in the field that they didn't need to look like a professional soldier in Garrison. To me, a 'real' soldier does both - they look AND perform like professional soldiers.

Response by SFC Eric Harmon made Aug 2 at 2021 3:51 PM

2021-08-02T15:51:00-04:00

Speaking as an Infantryman that is utter horse crap. It takes every Soldiers effort to put steel on target.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2021 4:49 PM

2021-08-02T16:49:31-04:00

What is that song. I'm not as good as I once was but I'm as good once as I ever was.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 2 at 2021 5:06 PM

2021-08-02T17:06:45-04:00

This is tough, not every soldier qualifies to be infantry airborne death from above. Sorry that is the truth of the matter. Does that make them any less of a soldier? Not IMHO.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Aug 3 at 2021 12:08 AM

2021-08-03T00:08:25-04:00

All Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airman and Coasties are real service members. We all signed up for a MOS but some was diverted to another MOS. We all did our part so others can do their part no matter the task at hand. You have a job and a job needs to get done. A real service member will do what he / she is told to do and never bat an eye about it as long as it is a lawful request. We all are a team and there is no "I" in team. A real service member will pickup and carry on when a service member is no longer capable to complete a task he / she was assigned to do.

Response by SSgt Ricardo Lugo made Aug 3 at 2021 1:05 PM

2021-08-03T13:05:21-04:00

My father was in the services for 24 Years. I leave under a military enviroment that influence my life to see; that a soldier duty Is honorable AND respectful under God. The alligment of the base education schools to the visión and misión of the Department of Defense ; guide the student to understand the real purpose of the American Soldiers. The call from God to become a Warriors of áre nation Is founded; since the begining of áre country. The fundaments we can find it in the Biblé and áre constitution. We defend liberty AND national security under God. So God help us to keep this purpose alive for future generations tu come. God Bless América.

Response by SSgt Ricardo Lugo made Aug 3 at 2021 9:20 PM

2021-08-03T21:20:00-04:00

As I recall my father served 24 years on the Total Force Vision. His influence in my life was very strong; concern of soldier service. He always projected pride, passion, honor, bravery and compassion as a soldier of the United States of America. I am the fourth generation of honorable military family tradition. Leaving on base school education; also help me understand the real purpose of being part of the great family of warriors of are nation. Freedom, pursuit of happiness, national defense and global reach is the foundation of being a real soldier of are nation. With these four important principals under God should take us to a total outcome of victory; as the history of are nation proved that this concept is the base of are DOD vision and mission for future generations of soldiers to come. So God help us. God Bless America / The Home of the Brave.

Response by MSG Carl Clark made Aug 4 at 2021 3:59 PM

2021-08-04T15:59:01-04:00

A "Real Soldier" is not so much about what some soldiers refer to others as as it is about what they themselves need to see them as. We all operate in hierarchical pyramids, some economic, some social, some professional. An infantryman, for example, that might refer to an admin clerk as not being a "real soldier" is just one man jockeying for position over another, even though they are in the same realm. One that by rank let's us know where we stand. Even though that 11B will fallout and have to police the cigarette butts after formation , while the clerk got out of going to formation all together because the admin shop is always busy.

Response by A1C Sarahlynn Bower made Aug 4 at 2021 5:23 PM

2021-08-04T17:23:15-04:00

Would hear this about service people that are in the National Reserve, National Guard and Coast Guard.
Merely because they are part time with a civilian jib.
It's disgusting.
My daddy, RIP, Nevada Air National Guard. 152nd Recon. Multiple duty assignments where he would become Active USAF for duration of mission.
RF101C Voodoo.
John E. Bower, MGR, Retired.

Response by PO3 Robert Gordon made Aug 5 at 2021 10:40 PM

2021-08-05T22:40:49-04:00

As a cold war vet I feel pretty much the same way real "boots on" do about vets who didn't do "boots on" THEY are the heros not me I was just "filler"! I "skated thru" my enlistment even though I received my DV entitlement and was "Riffed out" because of it. I been asked to sit in the same groups (PTSD/anger management) as the men and women who were boots on and I won't...to me that is a slap in their face.Others may see it differently but that is the way I see it.

Response by LCpl David Query made Aug 6 at 2021 12:59 AM

2021-08-06T00:59:33-04:00

I am a Marine 0311 Rifleman and I consider all Marines combat Marines and all soldiers combat soldiers because we all have jobs towards one goal...to WIN wars and Keep America Great !!

Response by SPC Daniel Kennedy made Aug 8 at 2021 2:12 PM

2021-08-08T14:12:23-04:00

Did you raise your hand and swear the oath,nuff said,you are all my brothers,one team,one mission.

Response by SPC Daniel Kennedy made Aug 8 at 2021 3:25 PM

2021-08-08T15:25:06-04:00

Pardon me.for my sisters also.No harm meant.

Response by PFC James Henderson made Aug 8 at 2021 9:56 PM

2021-08-08T21:56:40-04:00

Every job group says something to pump themselves up. Artillery said the something else. What ever it is, be proud that you served and continue the friendship that you made afterwards.

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Aug 9 at 2021 12:44 PM

2021-08-09T12:44:34-04:00

In the early 80's, it was said that it took 7 support soldiers for each combat soldier. Prior to retirement, I've heard it was up to 11. Whether it was 7 or 11, which in Vegas is a good thing if you're shooting craps, one can't blame the infantry, artillery, armor, etc., for their feelings of others. One really can't blame anybody for anything. They hold these beliefs, because if soldiers doing their jobs are not reinforced with how important their function is, they may not take it seriously or perform to the levels that are required. One group I have never heard make demeaning claims to others are SF, SEALS, Rangers, etc. I believe it's because they don't need to put others down to make themselves feel more important, they know they're bad ass. The others only wish they were.

Response by LCpl David Conrad made Aug 10 at 2021 2:15 AM

2021-08-10T02:15:15-04:00

As a combat Marine in Vietnam, I didn't understand about anything the support guys did. But it didn't take me more than a few weeks to appreciate what those guys did. We razzed on anyone who didn't walk the boonies, we called most of the guys who worked in offices or supply and such 'Remington Raiders'! Most Marines practice what I found out was called 'the dozens'. It wasn't right, but boys who think they are men do stupid things sometimes.
I think most of us who went into combat were jealous of those who served but not in combat, because most of us did something we feared, hated and were appalled with. We did what we did for each other, and we were there because we loved our country, but we did it for each other. and I met very few who liked what we did. We thought of those guys who seemed to not care as just not right. Usually they were just resigned to death. Most of the guys I met who were like that were M60 guys. They had a short life expectancy. I think corpsmen had the shortest, and my group were right there with the M60 guys. I was a radioman. But unlike the MG squad guys, we were too busy during a firefight to focus on the actual combat in a personal way.
All of us threw out the kind of macho bravado we had learned in the school yard. It made us dismissive of anyone who didn't have to do what we had to do. It was mostly because we were envious of those other guys. It helped compensate for the terror we all too often felt. I carried a knot in my stomach all through Vietnam, on and off the hill. I even carried it for a while after I returned to the world. I couldn't believe I wasn't living "Jacobs Ladder"!
All you guys who went to boot camp and became Marines then served in non combat roles with honor, this combat Marine says you're no less my brother than one of those M60 luggers!

Response by SPC Louis Copechal made Aug 16 at 2021 11:35 AM

2021-08-16T11:35:13-04:00

What constitutes a REAL soldier? Basic training? AIT? Making it to the first duty station? First deployment? First combat? What? To me a soldier is a soldier regardless of seeing combat or not. Everyone has a part for the collective and every part requires attention for the specific job training. Here is a good example. I joined the Army back in 1988, became a stepfather in 2016 and my youngest daughters father Also joined the Army back then. I graduated, and he would have but was stopped 2 weeks before graduating day, due to having flat foot that wasn't caught during MEPS in processing. He was given an honorable discharge due to medical condition. I still consider him as a soldier now veteran yet he doesn't. He believes he is not so because he didn't make it to his first duty station. In short its all about perspective.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 2:31 PM

2021-08-16T14:31:39-04:00

This question reeks of cherry

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 10:16 PM

2021-08-16T22:16:20-04:00

I believe it is the Infantry Soldiers saying that if your are not in the infantry then you are not real. In other words the AG soldier or Signal soldier. Anyone that is not infantry is not real. I am currently a human resource (AG) officer. I was commissioned as an Infantry Officer and led a platoon during OIF one. There are tons of jobs in the military. I was also a MEPS commander at one point. I have seen people come into the military as things I never knew existed. Everyone's job is different. Everyone has their own special thing that they are contributing to the service of our country. We all still learn to shoot and lead but some don't have to shoot as often as others but lets see them do all the paperwork.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Aug 17 at 2021 7:55 AM

2021-08-17T07:55:06-04:00

In my day it was explained to me very simply. If you were NG, Or Reserve soldier who was not prior service or a Draftee then you were not a real soldier the only real soldier was the career or those who were RA. That was in the 70; by the 1980 that term was no longer used in my vocabulary or any other soldiers b/c we were all volunteers.

Response by SCPO Dan Lewis made Aug 18 at 2021 2:56 PM

2021-08-18T14:56:09-04:00

Similar to the Navy Version "You are not a real diver unless . . ."
Near the end of Dive school in Little Creek, VA our class was dismissed early one afternoon and headed to a local watering hole to plan the past & relive the future. There balancing on a stool at the bar was a 30 something PO2 (E-5) already three sheets to the wind. Let me reiterate: mid-afternoon, mid-week, middle age, half way to drunk but pretty far behind on his carrier. He asked if I was in dive school and offered to help me become a "Real Diver". He said, "You can't be a real diver until you give another diver a hand-job. I'll be glad to accommodate you." I walked on and never heard THAT proposal in ten more years active and 8 years USNR diving.

Over the years I've heard many "Be a real man" stories. Often it involves consumption of alcohol; but usually self-serving. The lesson in self-worth never has anything to do with a man my values; so
bottom line: CONSIDER THE SOURCE.

Response by SCPO Dan Lewis made Aug 18 at 2021 3:01 PM

2021-08-18T15:01:53-04:00

Similar to the Navy Version "You are not a real diver unless . . ."
Near the end of Dive school in Little Creek, VA our class was dismissed early one afternoon and headed to a local watering hole to plan the past & relive the future. There balancing on a stool at the bar was a 30 something PO2 (E-5) already three sheets to the wind. Let me reiterate: mid-afternoon, mid-week, middle age, half way to drunk but pretty far behind on his career. He asked if I was in dive school and offered to help me become a "Real Diver". He said, "You can't be a real diver until you give another diver a hand-job. I'll be glad to accommodate you." I walked on and never heard THAT proposal in ten more years active and 8 years USNR diving.

Over the years I've heard many "Be a real man" stories. Often it involves consumption of alcohol; but usually self-serving. The lesson in self-worth never has anything to do with a man my values; so
bottom line: CONSIDER THE SOURCE.

Response by LTC Ernest Edge made Sep 12 at 2021 3:55 PM

2021-09-12T15:55:16-04:00

When you sign your name on the dotted line and swear your oath, you have committed to everything, including giving your life for your country. At that moment you are a real Soldier. Do you need training? Of course you do. And lots of it. But you are in every sense a Soldier.

Ernie Edge
Key West, Florida

Response by SGT William T. made Sep 12 at 2021 5:42 PM

2021-09-12T17:42:12-04:00

Speaking as a person has has more than my fair share of combat patrols, as route clearance, convoy security, PSD, and a few other missions ( did volunteer for a lot of them to be fair over my three years in Iraq.
All that to say this. Everyone has their purpose. That purpose is that individuals purpose.
Just because some one else has either small brains, genitalia, or both, does not mean your purpose should be belittled.

Response by SSG James N. made Sep 13 at 2021 8:30 AM

2021-09-13T08:30:11-04:00

Real? My Marine background taught me a lot. Drawdowns forced me to look elsewhere, and a new family polluted that to a basic mercenary attitude. I became a demolitions specialist in a combat engineer unit, then I became a forward observer with a tasking to 442nd US Soma BCo. Funny thing though, delivering pizza got a the shittiest job in the Army, a cook(I only cooked a little before being placed in other assigned positions)
REAL...lets talk real. I was an ACLS(Advanced Combat Lifesaver). OEFVII, I spent more time triaging kids, women, and old people who were blown up, fucking blood everywhere, faces falling off, jaws missing, hands and feet blown off, that shit was fucking real, about as real as real gets.
Do your real, be your best. do things good, and people will remember you for a generation or so

Response by SSG Aaron Gough made Sep 13 at 2021 7:35 PM

2021-09-13T19:35:24-04:00

As an Intel guy in a SOF unit, I can tell you right now that the guys who have more room to boast never do. In fact they know to rely on everyone else in the unit to be able to accomplish their mission.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2021 3:25 PM

2021-09-14T15:25:03-04:00

In my personal experience combat arms soldiers generally use the term “you’re not a real soldier” or variations to refer to soldiers who are not in a combat arms branch. It’s sort of an underhanded remark to make to your comrades honestly.

Like combat arms has a specific mission set, support soldiers also have a specific mission set. The combat arms branches would have a very difficult time fulfilling their missions without the support MOS’s. Even those designated support are called upon to conduct combat operations, I’ve honestly seen quite a few bronze stars for valor awarded to support soldiers.

Response by PO2 Brad Broerman made Sep 15 at 2021 9:40 PM

2021-09-15T21:40:44-04:00

I hear that from my son, an infantryman in the 10th mountain division. At least when he talks to me he says "With all due respect, you're still a Pog." Each division, each section, each branch, has it's own view of self worth. It's necessary for our morale, and to keep us going to get the job we are responsible for, done. For us sailors, the Gator Navy was better than the rest (same for bubble heads), and among those on a ship, you were either a Snipe, or you were a passenger... We all have a part to play, and each part is as important as the others. You can't win a war or even a battle without all of the pieces working together. When I hear my son say that, I do hear the laugh in his voice, and know that even though we tease each other, we all did our part, we all made the mission work, and we all wrote that blank check.... Whether you're an 11B, a tanker, scout, communications, mess cook, supply, sailor, airman, or whatever... We are all brothers.

Response by MSG Tony Hughes made Sep 16 at 2021 12:45 AM

2021-09-16T00:45:14-04:00

Those people saying that should of been charged with dereliction of duty. Everyone in uniform that took an oath and serving is a soilder, sailor, airmen or marine. If a soldier isnt meeting standards then it is everyones responsibility to take corrective action, on the spot correction etc

Response by LTC Brett Weeks made Sep 16 at 2021 8:52 AM

2021-09-16T08:52:55-04:00

Hopefully, it’s just the normal “trash talking” that has gone on forever- nothing wrong with that- it’s all good fun. However, the military is a team, and is only successful when works together as a team. Everyone has a role to play,

One of my favorite old sayings is relevant here: “the butt you kick today may be the ass you kiss tomorrow”. Piss off someone in supply or maintenance at your peril….

Response by PO2 Robert Kelly made Sep 16 at 2021 10:44 PM

2021-09-16T22:44:26-04:00

I believe a real soldier stands by his teammates even if, no especially if, they’re a-holes and does his best to accomplish the tasks assigned to him. Period. End of sentence.

Response by SFC Linda Clipp made Sep 19 at 2021 7:34 PM

2021-09-19T19:34:12-04:00

Lemme tell you whut. All members of any branch of military service are REAL members, maintaining the exceedingly high standards of training, discipline, appearance and physicality of said service. And...they are ALL serving.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Sep 26 at 2021 5:50 PM

2021-09-26T17:50:36-04:00

This discussion seems to pop up every year for some reason. As far as I am concerned, if you signed up, wore the uniform, served honorable and were discharged honorable, you are a REAL soldier, marine, sailor, air force, space force or CG.

Those that play that game about 'real' or not, can kiss my ass because my bet is they most likely sat behind a desk. And for those that do it who did see combat, my bet is they are usually a single tour, 2-4 years served loud mouth idiot who now thinks they are badass Rambo who shit does not stink.

Anyone that has truly seen the shit, knows it is not something anyone should ever WANT or strive to experience. And those acting like it is some kind of badge of honor, either are bullshitting and lying or mental in the head.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Nov 20 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-11-20T20:31:49-05:00

Nothing.

The infantry is a cult of personality.

Most dangerous jobs in the army, in a combat zone, are transport and MP.

Response by SGT Michael Jordan made Nov 22 at 2021 2:28 AM

2021-11-22T02:28:04-05:00

Being a real soldier is doing what you're supposed to how you're supposed to when you're supposed to. Bitching about it is allowed as long as you're out of earshot of superior rank.

Response by 1SG William Rodman made Dec 6 at 2021 12:04 AM

2021-12-06T00:04:58-05:00

While the Infantry has both a dangerous and dirty job; now days, if you are anywhere in a war zone, you have the opportunity to die for your Country. Having said that, people who have been shot at, a little, or a lot, are in a unique fraternity. '

Response by Cpl Ed Casala made Dec 6 at 2021 10:06 AM

2021-12-06T10:06:27-05:00

As a former Grunt who never saw a shot fired in anger, I can only think he was referring to the Reserve guys. They were way out of shape, uniforms looked like caca, were generally sloppy at everything Marine Corps related. But, I was in from 84-88, so it may have changed now.

Response by SFC William Linnell made Dec 6 at 2021 11:42 AM

2021-12-06T11:42:15-05:00

That's a great question. I have heard it used before but don't recollect when or where. I can't even formulate a reasonable, pull out my butt answer. I wouldn't think/believe it has to do with being in combat. Then again it could be.

Response by SSG Michael Schneider made Dec 7 at 2021 7:09 AM

2021-12-07T07:09:54-05:00

As a former Airborne Infantryman with extensive combat service during two tours in Vietnam I reject the idea that those that served in supporting roles were somehow not real soldiers! What pray tell, would we in the Infantry have done without those that supplied us; supported us and, ensured our receiving the food; ammo and supplies we despertly needed? That notion is absolutely ridiculous!

Response by Sgt Douglas Berger made Dec 7 at 2021 12:36 PM

2021-12-07T12:36:19-05:00

A Marine is always a Marine.
I recall a story of a Marine who was interviewed because of age 100+.
The reporter asked_ how is it to be the oldest Marine alive. His answer was simple.
His response? "Anyone can grow old."

Response by MAJ Stephen Bish made Dec 7 at 2021 3:40 PM

2021-12-07T15:40:14-05:00

As an infantryman I've heard that, but it was related to combat arms vs. service support. Those that had combat arms training vs, those that had service support MOS's. Not saying that they aren't real soldiers, but not the combat training one gets in the combat arms MOS's is different, and back in my day, there weren't female soldiers in the combat arms. Of course reserves and national guard weren't considered real soldiers either, and a lot of times still aren't, when deployed supporting an active duty unit.

Response by 1SG Tom Carter made Dec 7 at 2021 11:53 PM

2021-12-07T23:53:14-05:00

This comment is usually made by those with low self esteem and putting down others is a way to make them feel like they are somebody.

Response by SFC Michael Krogmann made Dec 8 at 2021 8:42 PM

2021-12-08T20:42:25-05:00

Heard the same myself. I retired in 2019. Spent the first third of my career as a Combat Medic. Got broke and went into the AG Corps. Do the infantrymen want to be treated for their wounds? I've treated quite a few soldiers. After I transitioned to AG, do the infantrymen want to be paid and promoted? Better thank a so called poge

Response by SFC Michael Krogmann made Dec 8 at 2021 8:44 PM

2021-12-08T20:44:04-05:00

By the way, I maintained my medic skills after reclassification. Still continued to treat soldiers

Response by PVT Tony Notimportant made Dec 9 at 2021 7:04 PM

2021-12-09T19:04:09-05:00

That is the most absurd thing to be called if you volunteered to serve your country. Now if you directly make choices that put your team, squad, or platoon in a negative position, then you're called a pile of s**t. If you go AWOL during wartime then you're just a libtard.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Dec 20 at 2021 6:29 PM

2021-12-20T18:29:12-05:00

Why in the hell do some people think that they are so much better than the rest of us? I was a combat infantryman , a grunt in 1970 Vietnam. I sure as hell feel that I was a soldier but the clerks and supply etc. who kept us going were soldiers too. It dosent matter if it was peacetime or war all who took the oath and served are most definately soldiers. It dosent matter if you were in combat or not. All of us who served were soldiers even the National Guard and Reserves at that time who never saw combat were soldiers, same as us grunts. The term soldier usually refers to Army but I feel the same about all branches

Response by CH (CPT) Ephraim Travis made Dec 25 at 2021 9:29 PM

2021-12-25T21:29:24-05:00

A "real" Soldier/Marine/Airman/Sailor/Coastie is the one who does the job s/he was trained to do and does so with purpose, humility, honor, respect, selfless service, dignity, unity, etc.

Response by SSG Clayton Lam made Dec 26 at 2021 3:58 PM

2021-12-26T15:58:17-05:00

A Soldier is a Soldier. There is no such thing as a “real Soldier” there are only Soldiers. Do they remember the expression “one team one fight!!”? Every Soldier has a specific role to carry out in order to ensure success of a mission. One Soldier should not down play the role of another. At one point or another, a Soldier makes sacrifices. Remember the expression United we stand divided we fall-each Soldier is required to do their job and work together because otherwise the mission fails. I served 23 years in the Army and when I speak with other veterans and they hear me say I served 23 years they say I only served 4 years and I tell them leave the only out of it. The point is you served. The same goes for what your MOS is or was. You may not be a combat MOS but you are equally important. Don’t ever forget that.

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Dec 26 at 2021 5:27 PM

2021-12-26T17:27:13-05:00

If you wear a military uniform, then you are a real soldier. Those that haven't served, have no idea what it takes to be able to wear that uniform.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Dec 26 at 2021 11:21 PM

2021-12-26T23:21:14-05:00

If it wasn't for the supporting troops the infantry wouldn't have beans or bullets. Once you raise your right hand and take the oath to protect and serve your country you are a real solider, Marine, Sailor or Airman and you are given a job to do. About every Mos in any service has to do with supporting the person doing the fighting. So these infantry people are prima Donnas in their own right. Just remember the other 90% that make it possible for you to do your Job. We are all on the same team. Semper Fi.

Response by Cpl Daiji Yoshimura made Jan 4 at 2022 4:55 PM

2022-01-04T16:55:16-05:00

Served with Marines (0341 with 1/7 Suicide Charley) and Army 1/4 HHC Hohendels (M1 mechanic). Basically the term is more commonly referred to POG (People other than grunts/p**sies other than grunts) which is the infantryman's way of letting others know that they picked the wrong job.

Just kidding! All joking aside it is a pernicious phrase but you will always have animosity between trigger pullers and desk jockies. Others aptly pointed out that the three Bs (beans, bullets and bandages) won't sprout legs and follow the infantry MOSs. However Marine grunts don't get access to the spartan DFAC facilities which also open for a midnight meal (because of thrid shift), so there is bound to be resenment.

Infantry do get the short of the stick. They are in the field far more than most (except for the artillery mos who basically vacation to the barracks and live in the field) and have to work in some horrific conditions. When you are a fresh boot and get to the FMF, you have these ideas in your head. However as you mature and grow up, you realize that we are all the same team and yes we need non-combat MOS to field the best fighting force in history. My long hours as a service mechanic working on M113s nonstop for 10 hour days proved to me that we were all just immature boots back in the day. Some refuse to mature haha!

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Jan 4 at 2022 11:31 PM

2022-01-04T23:31:23-05:00

Real soldiers (in the most generic use of the term ie sailors, marines, airmen, & USCG) do their jobs to the best of their abilities regardless of their place in the chain. From recruiter to the person on the sharp end, they’re all needed to produce the point guy and to make sure he has enough of the best available tools to do the job. I have every respect for the sharp end, but they would do well to remember that those that transported him to LOD are also the ones who will bring him back…..hopefully. That ‘zoomie’ loadmaster can always manage to drop his supplies in the worst possible place. The list goes on and on. On my old ship I overheard a Gunnery SGT chewing out one of his guys for making a remark like the post. With all the decorations removed from the impressive language he basically said. “You can have the biggest, sharpest, deadliest spearhead in the world. It doesn’t mean a damned thing if you don’t have a shaft to push it with.”

Response by Sgt William Land made Jan 5 at 2022 11:01 AM

2022-01-05T11:01:24-05:00

I have heard of a moment in WWII when typists, cooks, old school "fobbits" held up highly motivated well-trained, Nazis. Go little Fobbits. I understand troops from outside the wire not understanding how things behind the wire get done. And I understand the supply guy not being real smooth on a magazine change. But both are really troops. Some people are shiny troops, some people are green troops. That's why most services have dress uniforms and some kind of green uniform.

Response by MSG Roy Cheever made Jan 6 at 2022 10:27 AM

2022-01-06T10:27:14-05:00

You must be like CPT America or at least close in mindset with the values inherent to the oath taken before being allowed to “serve”.

Response by SPC Rick Bunker made Jan 6 at 2022 1:43 PM

2022-01-06T13:43:13-05:00

It really depends what you think the Army's mission is. If it is "destroy the will of the enemy to keep fighting" I don't think infantry can claim to be the only center of the universe. Field Artillery and aviation kill and intimidate a lot more. In some conflicts, armor, too.

If you say the mission is "take and hold territory" then infantry has a stronger claim. But I don't think that's been the primary mission for a long time.

I had a semi-REMF-y job. I did signal intelligence collection. Although my unit had "forward" in its name, and pretty often we did deploy in front of the official FEBA (I used to joke that we were more likely to be blown up by the 11 ACR dudes from Fulda, when it was time for us to fall back, than by the Red Army). We weren't supposed to be noticed, or to have to fight. And we wouldn't have been any good at it compared to infantry etc.

I always thought that our job was to help combat arms. That combat arms in general were the "real" soldiers if you must. But that included more than just infantry to me.

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Jan 7 at 2022 10:59 AM

2022-01-07T10:59:59-05:00

Some people seem to have linked their egos TOO deeply with combat arms,and some combat arms soldiers don't regard those who aren't ordered to deploy as real soldiers ...yet.
I regard anyone who has worn their uniform in ANY country as soldiers like myself,I wasn't the best or the worst.
I went to Desert Storm,I rode in the back of a Bradley. We rolled under an artillery barrage and I fell asleep.So to MANY, I wasn't a real soldeir because I had seen no hard combat.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Jan 7 at 2022 6:44 PM

2022-01-07T18:44:54-05:00

Anyone who signed that check to include his life is a soldier. Without their support infantry is nothing but dead men and women walking. Thank god we have those willing to serve! Been there did that

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Jan 7 at 2022 9:01 PM

2022-01-07T21:01:51-05:00

If you served, you are a real soldier. If you are questioned about your service, the questioner is a brain dead asshole and should be ignored.

Response by SSG Richard Williams made Jan 7 at 2022 9:12 PM

2022-01-07T21:12:00-05:00

I was a REMF. I can count on two hands the number of times I went to the field, wore khakis on Friday and ate in a mess hall 96% of the time during my enlistment.
I admired the combat arms soldiers, and while I knew that they were the sharp edge of the sword, I knew that I wasn't in "real" Army.

Response by SPC Matt Crawford made Jan 7 at 2022 10:36 PM

2022-01-07T22:36:07-05:00

A good logistics officer is worth his weight in gold,I served 3 years in the 5th ID,mechanized.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Jan 9 at 2022 11:40 AM

2022-01-09T11:40:40-05:00

These type comments are made by people with tunnel vision , combat arms is just one key element of the overall team

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2022 6:18 PM

2022-01-10T18:18:53-05:00

That term/saying is usually expressed by young grunts that have no clue how the world works. They just need to learn how the army works

Response by PO1 John Crafton made Jan 10 at 2022 6:30 PM

2022-01-10T18:30:18-05:00

Good grief. Here we go again. "Real Soldier", "real Sailor", "real Airman", or "real Marine"? If you feel the need to use such a qualifier, you're probably not a "real" anything, besides maybe a "real douche".

Response by SMSgt Kevin Bishop made Jan 11 at 2022 1:06 AM

2022-01-11T01:06:06-05:00

You raise you hand and go where they tell you. Simple as that.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2022 1:40 AM

2022-01-11T01:40:38-05:00

I am guilty of saying something similar to this, usually directed at people who sham and malinger their entire contract. Or are a prime example of toxic leadership. For example an air natty guardsman who flaunted his rank consistently then brags about how he’s getting his first soldier and he’s giving him every last bit of drunken e-4 fueled advice so his soldier can sham early in his career.or how on Veterans Day wished Ill will upon me due to a upcoming rotation. He also very rarely works the service he’s asked and mainly does the tmc duty once a month. So when he starts talking down to me about how much better he is than me because he promoted faster I remind him how little soldering he does and as a “staff position” he’s nothing to me. As for his wife she heard she was going on a deployment to a joint base my friend just came from and he said the entire base was chill the only thing that sucked was the heat. She was going to Qatar and got out on a medical discharge for fibromyalgia which cannot be proven she had but also couldn’t be proven she didn’t have as well. It’s soldier types like these that I personally don’t think should be considered real soldiers as they go out of their way to do as little of their job as possible. And being in the army I’ve seen it here too.
Side note: there’s more issues with the wife but I’d rather not call them out on rally point because she signed up for active and at least attempted to do her job for a couple years.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 12 at 2022 2:10 PM

2022-01-12T14:10:04-05:00

Not everybody can be the tip of the spear. The tip has all kinds of mass behind it, thrusting it forward. The tip is useless without the rest of the spear.

Response by SPC David Buttrey made Jan 17 at 2022 2:42 PM

2022-01-17T14:42:38-05:00

Most of the time they simply mean if you are not Infantry then you are not a real soldier and look down on every one else. Some Rangers, Special Forces, etc look down on others the same way. I guess it is a superiority complex.

Response by SSgt Mathew Cummings made Jan 20 at 2022 9:16 PM

2022-01-20T21:16:33-05:00

My views on the matter differ. I saw those that weren't real as dishonorable. I mean those in the shadows that never lived up to the title, the billet or the uniform. We all knew them, we have all seen them. When I was early in my career, I had to detain and escort a Marine, whom I knew personally and served in combat with, for raping friends wives. He wasn't a real Marine.
Now that I'm out, I have caught prior service members lying about what they did and where they have been, they aren't "real" anymore. Even if they simply scanned admin documents in for 4-6 years, that's real if they are real about it. That's my 2 cents.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Jan 24 at 2022 7:06 AM

2022-01-24T07:06:18-05:00

Sad to say, but we, in the community, are the worst offenders. If you don't rate an Army CIB or Marine Combat Action Ribbon, you're not "real" according to many who have those awards. Another example. If a soldier graduates Ranger school, but isn't assigned to a Ranger battalion, he's not a real Ranger. He "tabbed out" insist those who are in the 75th. Said it before in these pages, if you take the oath and put on the uniform, you're "real," doesn't matter if you're a cook or a Special Forces operator.

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made Jan 31 at 2022 8:23 PM

2022-01-31T20:23:54-05:00

I understood that the Infantry was more likely to see active combat than I was, as an Avionics Tech in the Air Wing, so some considered the Infantry to be "The Real Marines." I was on the Trap Team, that went to recover downed Aircraft in combat zones, as well as a SAR Swimmer. I agree with what SSGT Andrews has to say in that you do as ordered, and support the mission, and you are "real."

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Feb 6 at 2022 11:34 PM

2022-02-06T23:34:45-05:00

Real soldier. When I was active, I was never deployed. Everyone did sign their life away. But unless you took the next step deployment you don't get the final Pat on the back-so to speak. When I was active, they activated our reserves. One woman got pregnant to get out of going. Really. My time came while in the reserves and I did get activated. I am a passive person typically. But it was my duty to use everything my country trained me to do and at 43 I had a lot of "training" to repay. Just a medic not a fighter. But I am glad I got to use what they gave me. I am glad I came back. Everyone served/serving a veteran{honorable}. Not every veteran took the final step. Are you less-NO! it's the politicians that decide our fate. Vote for good ones! Not the swamp.

Response by CPL Gabriel Galindo made Feb 7 at 2022 1:53 PM

2022-02-07T13:53:00-05:00

To know when to listen and know when to lead. Know when to duck and know when to bleed. To know not to die and know when to cry , to know when to pass the torch so the legacy stays alive. Just made it up but I feel it does justice.

Response by SP5 Donna Barr made Feb 8 at 2022 12:07 PM

2022-02-08T12:07:23-05:00

Vietnam era REMF here. Without my teletype, how would the hospital know the canned potato soup was spoiled, or put bodies in the wrong graves?

Response by SSG Michael Davis made Feb 9 at 2022 2:25 PM

2022-02-09T14:25:21-05:00

There are no real Soldiers, only real (authentic) people.

We have lost the craft of taking care of people and treating them as decent people, unfortunately. Anyone that served is real and many of our first responders deserve the same credit for what they do as much as many people that served in uniform.

My grandfather wanted to volunteer for WWII and was rejected for service due primarily to his age at the time. What did he do as a result? Served as a carpenter and work man on a defense project that he knew nothing about at the time. He had no idea at the time, but he was part of building Oak Ridge National Laboratory that helped build first atom bombs.

He was never a Soldier, but he is one of my personal heroes and that's all I care about.

Results matter. Dedication matters. Giving a sht about other people matters. At the end of the day, these things define who we are. Leaving things better than when you show up matters.

Response by SPC Ralph Ware made Feb 9 at 2022 2:37 PM

2022-02-09T14:37:46-05:00

I agree with Andrews, below. Two tours in RVN. I was a real soldier, I went through Basic and AIT successfully. Was not thrown out for not doing my duty and was Honorably Discharged. I was a REAL SOLDIER. And so was ANYONE else that followed the same route of successfully and honorably serving their country! Any A hole that would throw that statement out is either a total jerk or has no self worth, if they have even really served. If they did serve and run that crap on anyone it only shows that they have a sad understanding of HONOR! I've said it before and will always say it.......If you signed on that dotted line and willingly agreed to the possibility of losing your life for your country...you are and always will be a REAL SOLDIER!

Response by Frank Leverett made Feb 10 at 2022 11:03 AM

2022-02-10T11:03:30-05:00

I'm not a veteran, just a firefighter, but I would liken this to saying someone who's never on a hose team, say someone who drives the truck and runs the pumps, "isn't a real firefighter." Without that person, the hose team is useless, they won't get to the fire, and if they do, they have no pressure. Take this into your example, without logistics, the Infantry has no supplies (bullets, beans, etc,) without Avionics, the choppers are grounded. Everyone has a role to play, some are more pressing the others, yes, as you must guard your post, you must engage the enemy, but once you begin doing those things, you quickly learn how vital the other positions are. If I show up and get going soaking a house down to put out a fire, but no one is on the truck, I lose pressure fast, and the fire comes back hard and heavy, and I lose the house. Those "not real" firefighters are vital to the "real firefighters" doing their job. The same is true in the military, everyone has a role to play.

Response by SPC Jonathan Lee made Feb 24 at 2022 2:34 PM

2022-02-24T14:34:45-05:00

As a former grunt, we absolutely rely on any support personals to finish (also survive) our job.
"real" soldier.. in my opinion, any Soldier who can do their assigned task with best of his/her ability in timely manner.

Response by 1SG Chad Mcdaniel made Feb 25 at 2022 7:35 PM

2022-02-25T19:35:51-05:00

I don't really know what to say, so I'll say the following.
1. 26 years service (retired honorably)
2. 4 Combat Deployments
3. 3 non combat deployments

My wife
1. 22 years served (retired honorably)
2. 3 Combat deployments

But neither of us were infantry...guess we weren't real Soldiers!

Response by TSgt Pamela Hoelscher made Mar 10 at 2022 7:14 PM

2022-03-10T19:14:50-05:00

It means to serve in any and all capacities.
I joined during Vietnam, and, being a woman, was NOT ALLOWED to serve in combat no matter my desires and efforts.
This makes me no less a "real" member of any service than any combat member. We don't all get to "hands on" defend. Many also have and have had to defend from afar.
That said, ANY AND ALL who serve are "real" Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard. Anyone that doesn't believe that should've walked in my shoes for a while.

Response by SGT Charles Whited made Mar 12 at 2022 8:53 PM

2022-03-12T20:53:14-05:00

Keeping the front lines supplied and alive happens because of all who sacrifice.

Response by SSG Ken Potts made Mar 15 at 2022 7:43 PM

2022-03-15T19:43:04-04:00

It means having a Combat Arms MOS. If you are Combat Support, you're shit. Except for Medics. They love Medics when they need them, but after that, we go back to being shit.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Mar 15 at 2022 8:26 PM

2022-03-15T20:26:05-04:00

Lol whoever said that must fix their own vehicle, cook their own chow, manage his own pay, etc.

Response by MSG Ron Radar made Mar 17 at 2022 5:58 PM

2022-03-17T17:58:41-04:00

WOW ! ....This thread is still going !?!....To be honest when I was much younger I bought into the whole " Infantry or nothing " routine . My only excuse is that I was young and dumb ! Over time I learned different MOS's are needed to make the whole thing work , heck it even takes all the different branches of service to do all the things necessary for the defense of our Nation and our obligations to NATO and other Countries we've pledged support to . Boots on the ground will always be the only way to enforce political mandates BUT in order to have those boots on the ground MANY other operations have to all fall into place . Without the Air Force and Navy nothing moves from here to there . The Marines have their quick reaction force that's at sea with pretty much everything they need to force a beach head and hold it until reinforcements arrive but they still need everyone else . The Air Force has the tools necessary to prosecute an area and clear it for boots to be able to finish taking that ground and holding it but they still need everyone else . The Navy has the means to clear a seaway and hold it allowing large amounts of the hardware necessary to resupply and hold the area as well as to continue forcing the enemy to retreat thus ending hostility as quickly as possible but they still need everyone else . The Space Force while new to the arena has the tools needed to have constant surveillance and confirmation of the battle ground as well as the enemy's movements and rear area . The Army has the numbers to swarm the battlefield , take it and hold it as well as being able to place troops into key areas with air drops . With ALL these different services we have the ability to do whatever is deemed necessary to fulfil the politics' that led to said action being necessary . NOW as to the old crazy put down of those not wearing a CIB all I can say is that Without everyone not wearing one NO one would ever get one ! Every single person wearing our Nation's uniform is necessary ! Without REMF's nothing would get done , NOTHING ! Without them you don't get bullets , shells , bombs , food , fuel , water , medical , transport to and from and around the area in question and the list goes on and on ! Need things repaired ....need things delivered .... need info on where things need to be addressed ...I've always wondered why it is that some feel they're more important then others . The Military is a great example of why everyone is needed and none are less than others . Yes some do get shot at more than others but rear areas get bombed as well , IED's don't care who you are , snipers don't care either ....The Air Force gets the same treatment with the added bonus of getting blown out of the air for some ! The Navy has deep water , fire and hungry sharks that are just waiting for something to happen . The Marines have to make it to the beach before they're in the same conditions as the Army and the water is very unforgiving . So in my way of thinking Everyone who raises their right hand and takes the Oath is Necessary and is the equal of everyone else wearing one of our Nation's uniforms .

Response by CMSgt Donald ONeill made Mar 18 at 2022 11:04 AM

2022-03-18T11:04:12-04:00

We all should remember it takes 10 troops to support one combat soilder in combat . And without these support troops getting the beans and bullets on station there is no combat troop or as one would say a real soilder .

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Mar 18 at 2022 2:32 PM

2022-03-18T14:32:33-04:00

No matter what you MOS is, if you volunteered, graduated your training, and joined the ranks, you are my brother/sister, and a soldier.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2022 4:00 PM

2022-03-18T16:00:02-04:00

At the end of the day, individuals know what they did and what they didn't do. People like to rag on Airmen, but there are flight crews that go into 'the sh!t' everyday when they bring SM's into combat zones. Just be truthful about what your role was. I had a neighbor who was a reservist and never deployed, thus told me that he wasn't a 'real' veteran. I told him that's BS. If you served your country and were always willing to go wherever your country needed you, you are a veteran. I have two combat deployments and don't consider myself better than anyone else that didn't deploy... even if they were my boss or outranked me.

Response by SP5 Douglas Murphy made Mar 18 at 2022 4:47 PM

2022-03-18T16:47:40-04:00

As a combat engineer, we already know our worth, as engineers and soldiers. No need for reflection.

Response by SSG Conrad Sylvestrelamb made Mar 19 at 2022 11:41 AM

2022-03-19T11:41:48-04:00

Young male soldier full of testosterone. Dead in first 100 days being complacent. Going home in a box not a seat . Real soldiers do their jobs not bragging about real . Real soldiers accomplish the mission. Then we have AARs next mission.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Mar 19 at 2022 4:37 PM

2022-03-19T16:37:46-04:00

Tell them to pull out their ID card and show you where it says 'REAL SOLDIER'.
Now shut up and get back in ranks before I show you what a 'REAL 1SG' is like.

Response by SPC M Moore made Mar 19 at 2022 6:34 PM

2022-03-19T18:34:39-04:00

Did you leave your family to join a bunch of strangers and wear the same clothes they did? Did you miss graduations, holidays, weddings, funerals and all the important events of family? At any point did you get a wave of loneliness , even if it was brief, because family and friends were far away? During this time was a weapon shoved in your hands and you were told "this above all over things is what you are"? If this and other things happened to you then you were a "real" soldier. At least as far as I'm concerned.

I love how the general public is so ignorant of what they speak about. From a cook to navy seal everyone is critical to mission success.

Response by SPC Terry Martin made Mar 19 at 2022 7:29 PM

2022-03-19T19:29:29-04:00

A "REAL" Soldier is anyone who was in the military within any MOS! I went in in 1962, a 11111 physical profile, as a combat engineer. I later moved into a clerical position. Known by "REAL" soldiers as a pencil pusher. Amazingly, this pencil pusher out shot and blew the doors the real solders in physical performance testing!

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Mar 19 at 2022 10:07 PM

2022-03-19T22:07:47-04:00

No matter the service one is in. What makes a real service member is "One for All & All for One" Not all MOS's is Combat orientated nor is all MOS's is orientated Combat Support. However all MOS's is in support of all on or off the Battle Field. What makes a unreal service member is one that is in it for them self's and no one else. They don't have your back but you do.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2022 12:09 AM

2022-03-20T00:09:51-04:00

30 years in the US Army from PVT Hutson to LTC Hutson, 3 big wars and a couple of little ones and I'm no more, or no less a 'Real Soldier' than my grandson who just finished basic and AIT last year.
But just to stir the shit I will say I started as an 11C... that's an Infantryman that can do math...;)

Response by 1LT Michael Contos made Mar 20 at 2022 8:33 AM

2022-03-20T08:33:04-04:00

Once you put on the uniform, you become a real military component to be used by the US government as its leaders see fit for assignments. Yes, I served in the combat zone of Vietnam but am no more a "real" soldier as a clerk typist serving at home or in a foreign land. We are all "real" soldiers.

Response by SMSgt Ed W. made Mar 20 at 2022 2:37 PM

2022-03-20T14:37:01-04:00

When I first started out in the Air Force, I was led to believe if you weren't directly involved with an airplane you weren't really an airman. It didn't take long to learn that in our military everyone is important to getting the mission accomplished, If you never had a reason to question it look at how well the Russian military is operating without proper logistics and support personnel in Ukraine. When I moved into the Supervisory roles I really appreciated the support from all career fields. I simply became amazed how a great logistics support team could make it easier to accomplish our mission in preparing aircraft for pilots to fly them into combat.

Response by SGT Brian “Doc” Burry made Mar 21 at 2022 11:43 AM

2022-03-21T11:43:00-04:00

EVERY M.O.S. is first trained as an infantryman in basic training. THEN Advanced Training takes all the jobs in the military to the individual job requirements needed to operate fully. Think of the jobs of the military as a bicycle wheel, where EVERY single spoke is needed to have a complete, functioning wheel! Whether medical, supply, fueling, intelligence, any and ALL M.O.S. are paramount to a strong, successful military. As an 18 Delta, combat medic, wounded in combat, I first hand saw, and appreciated, each M.O.S. and respect ALL who serves in the military! God bless each one!

Response by SGT Albert Thompson made Mar 21 at 2022 11:56 PM

2022-03-21T23:56:32-04:00

Back in the day, I was a 91B2P (Airborne Medic). There’s a big discrepancy, respect wise, between field medics on the front lines and hospital medics. However, we are ALL soldiers! In my opinion, the only idiots that would have the gall to say that a person is NOT a real soldier is someone who belongs to the 99% who DON’T serve in the military!! Regardless of branch, those of us who’ve served (war or peace) worked our asses off & EARNED the right to wear our nation’s uniform! Everyone can’t be on the front lines, and all positions are a vital part of the grand collective it takes to defend our country!!

Response by SCPO Edward Westerdahl made Mar 22 at 2022 8:48 AM

2022-03-22T08:48:17-04:00

As a retired Navy Senior Chief, I remember being told by my squadron mates rhat to be a “Real Sailor” I’d have to have a tattoo and a specific social disease. I retired in 1984 with neither.
I honor Soldiers and Marines who have seen combat because they Fought for our Country !!

Response by LTC John Wilson made Mar 22 at 2022 9:12 AM

2022-03-22T09:12:28-04:00

A "real" Soldier is anyone who wears the Uniform and does their Job.

When I was a Tanker, the Infantry would look down their noses at us.... until they were cold and wet. Then they humbly begged to have us crank up the Abram's turbine engines to dry off and warm up.

Response by SGT Russ Farr made Mar 28 at 2022 11:08 PM

2022-03-28T23:08:41-04:00

What I was told when I was in the Army it’s a soldier that doesn’t have a combat M.O.S.

Response by Sgt Frank Staples made Apr 20 at 2022 12:49 PM

2022-04-20T12:49:51-04:00

I've had some youngsters tell me that since I was Air Force and never saw combat that I wasn't a real troop...I told them that without me the Hawgs couldn't fly and save them when they were pinned down by whatever enemy we had at the moment. When my friends were being sent to Nam I was sent to Sondestromfjiord, Greenland, and I've hated cold weather ever since.

Response by SP5 Derick Johnsohne made Apr 24 at 2022 8:56 PM

2022-04-24T20:56:18-04:00

it is just a military slur . it can be used jokingly and it can be used meanly .

Response by SPC David C. made Apr 25 at 2022 12:14 AM

2022-04-25T00:14:58-04:00

The only ones that buy into that shit are the ones that NEED to buy into that shit to feel like they've accomplished something. There will always be that next "best" thing, nothing will fill that void inside them. Best just to tell them "sure thing champ, whatever you say" and move on.

Response by SGT Richard Hanson SSP/CGS made Apr 30 at 2022 1:34 PM

2022-04-30T13:34:50-04:00

Toward the end of June in 1967 I left my Office at 4th Trans Command and went to the Snack Bar for lunch. I happened to rub elbows with a bunch of 9th Infantry 11Bs, they asked what my MOS was and I told them that it was 71B Admin. They started calling me a REMF. After a few minutes I got tired of it and I interrupted them and I said. "I am going home in a couple of weeks comfortably seated in a commercial jet plane, but before I go, I will make sure that they write all over your Body Bag "This man was not a REMF" It got pretty quiet after that.

Response by COL Hugh Stirts made May 3 at 2022 6:16 PM

2022-05-03T18:16:10-04:00

I think it (a real soldier) refers to those serving in combat arms; not necessarily serving in combat. A real soldier is a soldier. one who has finished basic, advanced, and he or she is a 'real' soldier. In 28 years I started in artillery, then branch transferred to combat engineers, and ended my career as a logistician. I consider myself a real soldier (Army for Life).

Response by SGT Andrew Anderson made May 5 at 2022 4:10 PM

2022-05-05T16:10:05-04:00

In my humble opinion, anyone who puts on a uniform and takes an oath to the Constitution of the United States is a “real Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman or Coast Guardsman. I like to use this example: During the battle to reclaim the city of Hue alone, the 1st Signal Brigade lost twenty-two men killed in action, 160 wounded, and one missing, none of them were Infantryman, I’d consider that pretty real!

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2022 10:09 PM

2022-05-05T22:09:31-04:00

It’s basically “elitism”, it’s never gonna go away and will be in the most ridiculous of places in all levels. Just gonna have to learn to live with it. It’s already present and established as the norm with enlisted and officer, so there’s that.

Response by 1SG Donald Dillman made May 6 at 2022 6:38 PM

2022-05-06T18:38:04-04:00

As a retired 1SG, I would like to comment on this question.
A soldier is a person that follows orders, supports the organization, remains physically, mentally and morally fit, Is educated both with military education and also college to advance his/her potential for advancement or self achievement. Understands how to conduct themself both in uniform and out of uniform. As a squad leader, this is the most challenging position in any service. He/she is the immediate supervisor to grow and groom their subordinates. As for being a "real" soldier, any career field, is combat related and supported. Try fighting with Infantry without support. It can not be done. All soldiers are real soldiers and needed to support every operation.

Response by SGT Craig Hoffman made May 6 at 2022 7:35 PM

2022-05-06T19:35:23-04:00

I never met a soldier that wasn't real during my tour in Viet Nam. I was a radio man with the infantry.
When I called for artillery support, that soldier better be real that gave us the support we needed. Most likely he was on a firebase exposed to enemy fire, How about the helicopter crew that flies in to pick up the wounded. They expose themselves to deadly fire in and out of the LZ. Believe me they are real. How about the supply sergeant who saw we were supplied with all the equipment we needed out in the field? He was real! Imagine fighting a war short of equipment. The medical staff that saved our
lives when we were shot up and came to their MASH unit. Will you tell me they aren't real? I can show you anyone over there was real. Most everyone was exposed to enemy fire. If you served on a firebase and saw attacks on your position, or on an airbase and saw rockets fired onto the base. Tell me now where a soldier is not real!

Response by LCpl David Query made May 17 at 2022 12:30 AM

2022-05-17T00:30:56-04:00

Damn if I know...All of us service members fight for our country and we're all on the same team. We just do different jobs in order to defend America.

Response by SA Michael Moore made May 17 at 2022 9:36 PM

2022-05-17T21:36:37-04:00

It reminds me of my best friend, a Navy Lt who served tours with the Marines of the ANGLICO Team 1 out of Pleiku in the 60's. He adored his Marines. After he got out he went to law school, and I heard from him many times that "only real lawyers were trial lawyers" (which he was).

Response by CWO3 George Pacheco made Jun 15 at 2022 9:06 PM

2022-06-15T21:06:55-04:00

I joined the Navy when I was 17. I went to the training as assigned, my mission was to learn what they were teaching. After the schools I went to whatever command I was sent to, my mission was to accomplish assigned tasks to the best of my ability, be it scrubbing pots, cleaning compartments, or serving on gun or missile crews. Later, I was tasked with learning to maintain and repair those systems. After a while, I was put in charge of other Sailors, from gun andissile divisions of 12 men to carrier borne counter terrorist and physical security, consisting of 160 men. No, I wasn't a SEAL, but when you were in the jungle under attack and had to call for a "Danger Close" fire mission, aren't you glad I was there to help you out? No, I wasn't a SEAL, but I was a "REAL SAILOR"

Response by SFC Tracy Donahoo made Jun 16 at 2022 10:33 PM

2022-06-16T22:33:46-04:00

Do Real Soldiers ask this question?

I think not.

Response by SP5 Milton Ragsdale made Jun 17 at 2022 1:56 AM

2022-06-17T01:56:12-04:00

I don't pay attention to the false impressions of civilians. For every front-line combat soldier you have dozens of soldiers supplying the ammo, the meals and other parts of logistics that enable the front line troops to accomplish their mission.
As a Cold War soldier, I was fully aware that as a Forward Air Controller, I was well under the coverage of enemy artillery in my "not real soldier" support role, guiding Army choppers to rearm and refuel points so they could return to the front and support the "real soldiers". I was a functioning part of the Army machine and my ego doesn't have to be stroked under Hollywood standards that so many civilians follow.

Response by SPC Joseph Weiss made Jun 18 at 2022 10:12 AM

2022-06-18T10:12:47-04:00

Next time you hear that, show them your Veterans ID, that should shut them up

Response by SSG Stewart Ritchey made Jun 18 at 2022 8:17 PM

2022-06-18T20:17:25-04:00

Opinions are like noses: everybody has one.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2022 9:47 PM

2022-06-18T21:47:00-04:00

When things get REAL bad, the President could send an E-3 Air Force Finance-Clerk into battle. Sure, it is assumed "Real" Soldier/Marine means one who routinely faces increase risk of the dangers of combat, but keep in mind at FOB Sharana in Afghanistan in 2012, a young supply-clerk or something (who never left the safety of the FOB) and looked like Kendrick Lamar decided to do the responsible thing and maintain his fitness: He threw on his PT uniform and went for a jog around the flight-line, and just pure coincidence the Taliban landed a mortar on the plateau the FOB was built on (hard to do, when considering Taliban-physics), and it landed right next to him. The shrapnel decapitated that young Soldier. Obviously they were aiming at a target like a crowded barracks, HQ, or Dining Facility, but again~ not easy for them to aim mortars at different elevations. Does this make him a "REAL" Soldier?... more or less as compared to an Army infantry or Marine who went out with increased-risk yet never saw actual combat?... In conclusion, I say it is just one of those terms that can be used very vaguely for no other purpose than self-confidence and morale. What is more important, no matter what your job is, is to be a Soldier/Marine with LDRSHIP; Loyalty, Discipline, Respect, Selfless-Service, Honor, Integrity, and Pride in your job.

Response by MSG David Surprenant made Jun 19 at 2022 11:56 AM

2022-06-19T11:56:55-04:00

Wow. This conversation has some serious hang time.

Point one: I've heard that it takes around 100 support roles to put one infantryman in the field. There are no small parts just small-minded players.

Point two: Over the expansive length of the War on Terror I've had friends deployed as MP's directly supporting infantry units in operations (read that working as infantrymen). I've had friends who were tankers playing gate guard (they weren't very happy). It doesn't really matter what your PQR says your PMOS is, if they need trigger pullers, you're going to pull triggers; if they need someone to stack boxes; you're a warehouse worker. If BG's are shooting at you; you're an infantryman.

Point three: I've never met an infantryman who would say anything like that about another soldier regardless of MOS. They were well aware of point one and really like to eat, stay warm and have ammunition for their weapons. They're also partial to being taken care of if incoming fire turns out to be a little more accurate than their outgoing fire. Maybe I just hung around with a better bunch of soldiers.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Jun 27 at 2022 3:41 PM

2022-06-27T15:41:10-04:00

You served you are a Real Soldier. You wrote the same blank check! Thank god we still have 4% who will!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jun 27 at 2022 7:34 PM

2022-06-27T19:34:42-04:00

It’s a team effort, without that unreal soldier or Marine , you get no bullets, no food, no water, no letters from home. Everyone doesn’t hump a rifle.

Response by SFC Darwin Maring made Jul 11 at 2022 11:57 AM

2022-07-11T11:57:34-04:00

I was not in combat however, those like me are the ones that cloth, feed, provide arms and ammo, provide intelligence, mail and that just scratches the surface of what we do to keep them supplied and alive. They call us SOG, something other than Grunt. In my day we were called Garrett Troops, those that remained in garrison. Im proud of my 20+ Army Service and thank my combat brothers for their service.

Response by 1SG Craig Gardner made Jul 11 at 2022 6:46 PM

2022-07-11T18:46:41-04:00

During my time (Army; 1973-1993) that meant National Guard or Reserve. Looking back on it and realizing they pretty much did their weekend warrior stuff and didn't deploy (except those that did) it was an appropriate saying. Looking at the deployments that ANY soldier did (regardless of MOS), they are all real soldiers. Whether they were at FOBs or wherever. They were deployed and being a soldier 24/7. I still look on the NG and Reserves and feel the same way as I did back then.

Response by LCDR Jerry Maurer made Jul 12 at 2022 10:28 AM

2022-07-12T10:28:20-04:00

Yeah, being in the infantry just after Vietnam, I got told that several times. But I had heard so many horror stories about Vietnam (and later WW2 by my Father-in-Law) that I just nod my head. It most always came from someone who had been in a war and I guess I just feel they have the right to say that. I volunteered to fight, and I would have gone if I'd been sent, but I'm glad I wasn't sent. Those who did go, they've earned the right to talk shit.

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Jul 13 at 2022 1:18 AM

2022-07-13T01:18:38-04:00

I used to volunteer at the Veterans Home in Vineland, NJ. All the residents were of course Veterans. Not to get into too much detail. But there were "groups". I asked one Veteran why he didn't join the card game that was a big event every afternoon? He said he tried they did not make him welcome. I asked why? Because they were all ******* and he was not. What a sad state of affairs. In the later years of their lives they are behaving as young kids.
I have the utmost respect and gratitude to those that have given that last full measure of devotion. Anyone who has been in combat deserves high praise indeed. If you served in a combat zone you did more than the vast majority of the population. If you did your duty in any MOS. You were a soldier and deserve the respect of every soldier.
Duty
Honor
Country

Response by Cpl Roman Makuch made Jul 13 at 2022 7:43 PM

2022-07-13T19:43:26-04:00

I just tell them I'm sorry I scored high on the ASVAB and the Marine Corps decided to use my brain to fix avionics, not hump everything I own over every mountain.

Response by Sgt Ed Allen made Jul 14 at 2022 1:18 PM

2022-07-14T13:18:25-04:00

When somebody says that it usually means that he doesn't have a clue or that he is an arrogant SOB.

I had a similar discussion with one of my older brothers who was staying the night in my home. He served in the Navy for 9 months during the Viet Nam conflict and got out a general discharge. His opinion, which isn't worth the spittle required to keep his mouth moist, was that "If you didn't serve in combat than you weren't a veteran". After saying spewing that BS a second time, another of my brothers, also Navy but did his full 2 years during "the Nam" informed him how wrong he was. I dared him to repeat it and was ready to deck him and throw his ass out on the street. My other brother was of the same mind as I was.

Fortunately for the dipshit, he shut his pie hole.

You are a real soldier, sailor, marine, airmen once you commit to the service, sign the dotted line giving up your rights and giving the service the option to place you in any climate, terrain, or situation that they see fit. With Marines, you don't get to wear the title until you have graduated from boot camp. But from that day on, you are a real Marine for life.

Don't let some arrogant idiot make you believe otherwise. They have a confidence issue and are looking to build themselves up in their own eyes at the expense of others.

Response by PO2 Ronnie Chandler made Jul 14 at 2022 7:24 PM

2022-07-14T19:24:32-04:00

This comes up every so often also he's not a real veteran most of the time I'll just ignore them and consider the source. Sometimes though I'll ask them if they were a one man army because if they weren't then they weren't real.

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Jul 15 at 2022 6:37 PM

2022-07-15T18:37:18-04:00

It’s a team effort …Captain Everett is on target ….without the help of support troops us grunts would b in a world of …..you know

Response by SPC Kenny Hale made Jul 16 at 2022 11:04 AM

2022-07-16T11:04:16-04:00

During the 80's and 90's, we (infantrymen) would refer to non-combat arms types as REMF's but I don't recall anyone saying they weren't "real" soldiers. However, we did sing some funny, not so PC, songs about them when we ran PT through their areas. ;)

Response by SSG Manuel Romero made Jul 16 at 2022 11:35 AM

2022-07-16T11:35:49-04:00

This topic really torques my Jaws. I had a co-worker judging real or combat soldiers when he had never served a day in uniform. Almost slapped him upside the head!!! I'm proud to be "Chairborne" and part of clerks and jerks. I was put in positions of responsibility, including recruiting new soldiers. I was never asked if I was a "real" soldier. I wore my uniform, did PT, went to the field, did shit details. No one asked me about my specialty (71L). They gave me a mission and told me to move out!!! I am now retired and just finished a stint with a Police Department. My Army training had served me well, and I am so proud to have served. ALL are REAL Soldiers. Thank you.

Response by PFC Martin Potashner made Jul 16 at 2022 2:24 PM

2022-07-16T14:24:14-04:00

A real soldier I would say is trained and ready to defend the country.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jul 16 at 2022 3:05 PM

2022-07-16T15:05:13-04:00

Excellent question. No materr what MOS You may choose, there's always going to be another Soldier looking down upon You, especially when that other Soldier is an 11B. Many Infantryman have the mind set that He or She is way better than another Soldier just because they possess a certain type of ribbon or badge. But, ironically, every MOS isn't the same and have a certain type of job that keeps the Army functioning well. This is just My opinion as a former 11B.

Response by Cpl Darrin Pruett made Jul 17 at 2022 3:34 PM

2022-07-17T15:34:09-04:00

When I served in the Marines I never heard such talk . It was only later in life I read such things on social media and when I read it I believed the one that wrote it sounded very insecure about themselves.
I drove trucks when I was an active duty Marine and I’m proud of it.
One conversation I did hear when active duty was when a couple Lance Corporals told a Staff Sergeant that had served in Vietnam that they wish they could serve in combat like he did. The Staff Sergeant’s face got serious and he told the Lance Corporals “No you don’t. You could be one that don’t come back, or see your friends not come back like some of my friends didn’t come back.” He then went on to tell them to prepare for war but don’t ever wish for war.

Response by CW2 Ron Jackson made Jul 17 at 2022 5:02 PM

2022-07-17T17:02:20-04:00

I'm thinking maybe it means a Soldier that is in it for the long haul, a Lifer. A soldier that is mostly " over soldiery". One that just fits the profile and stereotype of a soldier and looks good on recruiting posters as well as in a foxhole. Not necessarily better, or literally, more "real" than the others, just a good example of one most times.

Response by GySgt Tony Alley made Aug 29 at 2022 2:28 PM

2022-08-29T14:28:07-04:00

All gave some; some gave all...

One team- one fight.

But just for the record, Afghanistan was a shit hole. But the way we left was nothing short of criminal negligence.

Response by SN Chuck Keeton made Aug 31 at 2022 1:26 PM

2022-08-31T13:26:09-04:00

Right on!

Response by SPC Michael Tierney made Aug 31 at 2022 4:24 PM

2022-08-31T16:24:43-04:00

The amazing thing in the Army was how officers found ways to get a Combat Infantry Badge. It must be something important to their careers. I have mine in a box somewhere.

Response by SSG Jack Scott made Aug 31 at 2022 4:54 PM

2022-08-31T16:54:48-04:00

If that’s true than why is every time we roll up in a Tank the Infantry cheering?

Response by SGT Richard Hanson SSP/CGS made Sep 4 at 2022 2:50 AM

2022-09-04T02:50:19-04:00

It means that you have sworn to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America from all enemies foreign and domestic so help me God! It matters not if your MOS is 11B, or 71B, when push comes to shove you don't get to say stop right there and wait, the infantry is coming. At that point you are the infantry, no matter what your MOS says.

Response by MSgt Robert E. M. made Sep 10 at 2022 5:28 PM

2022-09-10T17:28:54-04:00

As a marine, it's ok when they call me "soldier" because I have served with or supported the many U.S. branches and other countries' arm forces. What I love now, we all are mentioned in the Holy Bible. Not just in St. Matthew 5:9, but in many other places in the Torah, Holy Qur'an, and many other true history books.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Sep 17 at 2022 10:11 AM

2022-09-17T10:11:43-04:00

As far as I am concerned, anyone who uses those phrases is an idiot. Everyone enlisted. By doing so you were accepting the possibility of serving in hazardous duty. The mere act of enlisting makes you "real". In the Marine Corps, you must have graduated and earned the EGA to be in the Brotherhood of "Once a Marine, always a Marine." Even among those that served in combat zones, it seems that there is an argument that you are not a combat Marine unless you were involved in actual fire fights. I guess they count rockets, mortars, and sappers as combat. People are always trying to up one. I worked in a communications center in Nam. We had some Air Force guys working out of our comm center for a number of months while they were closing down their unit at Danang Air Base. They came under the same rocket attacks as we did. I would never say that an Airman never knew combat. That is one reason I do not like the parameters of the Combat Action Ribbon. Strange that you have to be in a fire fight to get one, yet many in the Air Wing got a Purple Heart and KIA but no CAR. Go figure that one out. It bugs the hell out of me that even the upper echelon is trying to divide its members with such foolish rules.

Response by LT Jim Chatfield made Oct 3 at 2022 2:18 PM

2022-10-03T14:18:46-04:00

Marine Corps Humor. "Are you a real Marine (Parris Island) or a Hollywood Marine (San Diego)?"

Response by MSgt Ed Blanz made Oct 3 at 2022 4:37 PM

2022-10-03T16:37:11-04:00

As a former Marine 03, a real Marine or soldier is one who completed his or her initial training. MOS does not matter, if the job was not important theilotary would not have it

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Oct 6 at 2022 4:16 PM

2022-10-06T16:16:29-04:00

Many times it refers to those who do not or have not taken the hurt to the enemy. Terms like FOBITs, POGs, & REMFs come to mind. It could still refer to those in combat arms who have never been out past the wire, been shot at, or were in in Kuwwait or Qatar. In the Army, one may look to see if they have a combat patch & which units that actually served in Indian territory. Sorry folks. One can train all you want for combat but if you haven't been in it, your just a player. Sorta like training for the Olympics vs participating in the Olympic Games. Only those who get to compete are the real deal. But when it comes to support personnel, don't be critical of them. The tip of the spear is worthless without the rest of the spear behind it.

Response by SSG Michael Davis made Oct 24 at 2022 7:30 PM

2022-10-24T19:30:31-04:00

A real Soldier doesn't look for ways to tear others down. They look for ways to build people up and take meaningful action to do so. The "S" in LDRSHIP is Selfless Service which means not sh!t talking about others. In the case where someone truly doesn't meet a standard of some sort, why not make a difference and help them achieve the standard instead of talking garbage and tearing others down?

Response by SP5 Deontrai Damond made Oct 25 at 2022 8:19 PM

2022-10-25T20:19:13-04:00

I don’t get why people say that. I was in logistics. Does that make me a fake soldier? Some times I wish I went combat arms, but it’s behind me now. A soldier is a soldier to me. It doesn’t matter if they’re an infantryman or if they’re a water boy.

Response by SP5 John Fink made Oct 26 at 2022 9:24 AM

2022-10-26T09:24:26-04:00

i hear it all the time as i was stationed in germany during vietnam war (1965-1967)
the VFW even says im not a veteran but a prior service..... jf us army 1964-1967

Response by CPL Kory HInes made Oct 27 at 2022 12:08 AM

2022-10-27T00:08:07-04:00

One thing you definitely learn being in the armed forces is that nothing is ever as it appears but never underestimate and assume. I deployed with people that were back in the rear, well they had the shiniest boots, the most squared away barracks, the most crisp ironed uniform, the ear plugs right where they are supposed to be (lol), every nook and cranny just Army Reg perfect. When we crossed that berm these were the worst soldiers to be next to when s@## hit the fan!!!!

Response by SSG Joseph Branham made Oct 27 at 2022 12:42 AM

2022-10-27T00:42:10-04:00

As a Vietnam Vet I have heard them all. If you were not infantry then you were not a real combat vet, yadda, yadda, yadda. If you were in Vietnam then you are a Vietnam Vet. If not then you are not. Vietnam era vets.....do not get me started. Never heard of any others like WWI era vet, WWII era vet..........et al.
If you were in any branch of the military then you are either a Soldier, Marine, Airman or sailor not matter what your MOS happens to be. Same as being a Veteran. I have never, ever looked down on another military person. I have used the acronym REMF on occasion though.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2022 12:23 PM

2022-10-27T12:23:50-04:00

Who ever says this is very immature and does not understand how the military work. The military to work it must have each piece of the military chain working and in piece of the chain must be fully intact. All service members are "REAL" Soldiers, Marines, Airmen or Seaman, because they volunteered to serve when others didn't. If you think you can go out side the wire without the support of the Cook (cook your food), Supply (gets what you need to operate), Armor (Repair and Modify your weapons), Mechanics (make sure your vehicle, aircraft, generators, A/C, NVG's and other equipment are working), Admin (they make sure your pay is good, awards, and your travel are done), SASMO (ensures your communication are operating, radios, satellites, computers, etc.), Engineers (your roads, buildings, other structs are built and maintained), Fuelers (Fuel the equipment such as aircraft and vehicles back it there and back), Water Dogs (They purify the water you drink so you don't get the bubble guts). Rambo, Chuck Norris, Rack Reacher, Privet Ryan, Chris Kyle, Tom Cruise, Maverick can't do what they do without the support team (the full well maintained chain) behind. I've lived in both sides of the wire, in direct combat as well as support. Thank you all who are serving and those who have served.

Response by SGT Jeff Bush made Nov 5 at 2022 10:41 AM

2022-11-05T10:41:00-04:00

It’s astonishing that the “real” soldiers treat the combat support soldiers, those who bring them their beans, bullets, bandaids, water, fuel, resupply and hook up the wrecker and drag their sorry butts out of the kill zone all while supporting them with suppressive fire so they can turn the tide in a firefight as “not real” soldiers. I got it, I’m a POG, Ok, but I saved and made friends with enough grunts for them to know that I know that they are grateful and completely FOS. So I guess the “real” soldiers are the lifers because outside of the video game Metaverse, there is no civilian equivalent for a door kicking, face shooting trained professional assassin

Response by CPO Bernie Penkin made Nov 13 at 2022 5:41 PM

2022-11-13T17:41:05-05:00

There is a lot to unpack on this. I look at folks and make that judgment on a case by case basis. Now this is strictly my opinion but my gauge goes like this. If you signed up and did you job well no matter where it was then you are “real.” On the other hand if you signed up and did everything possible to avoid deployment or any form of hard work but your ribbon bar was a collection of achievement medals and other meritorious things with no sign of a deployment ribbon and you begin to lecture me on how deployed personnel should be training and other duties, then you aren’t “real.”

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Nov 20 at 2022 3:53 PM

2022-11-20T15:53:55-05:00

Real soldiers? A simple analogy. A really good person, say a cop or fireman does something amazing, above and beyond the call of duty. He or she will not get the congressional medal of honor. That's because they're not a real soldier. A Marine, a sailor, the Coast Guard man, an Air Force can get the congressional medal of honor because they are real soldiers.
If you think you're hot stuff, because you're the point man on infantry squad, then I put you to the airborne, Rangers, Navy seals, in all those are the guys that I'm very proud of but don't put them on a pedestal. If you're pilot, you're good, because bad pilots wash out a die. But that does not make them better than navigators on the same plane to take the same chances.
In my opinion if someone is talking to you about real soldiers versus the rest of us you are talking to somebody who has real problems about his own identity.

Response by SPC Paul Gooch made Dec 6 at 2022 8:23 AM

2022-12-06T08:23:33-05:00

I call us warriors,as I've said to other guys "congratulations, but remember, once a warrior, always a warrior". There are many different kinds of battles. I have this way about that can make a 30year military retiree shut up real quick. It's all about service and the word "service" has various definitions

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Jan 6 at 2023 9:22 PM

2023-01-06T21:22:36-05:00

I was a medic,and some of the biggest wusses when I needed to give shots or stitch someone up were combat soldiers. Judging anyone by what they do or did always leads to problems and someone will come out badly!
How about we treat everyone the same and respect all! We all did the time!

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Jan 8 at 2023 11:24 AM

2023-01-08T11:24:07-05:00

I was an Image Interpreter and when I told people I was in Military Intelligence they would say, "that is an oxymoron". So I would say that I was the ox and they were the moron referring to those in charge. I feel that anyone that has gone through basic training and served in the military for two years weather in a combat zone or not has experience something that no one else has. The control over ones life is EXTREME. That in itself makes one a "real" soldier.

Response by SPC John Bryant made Jan 8 at 2023 2:09 PM

2023-01-08T14:09:54-05:00

Good question, I feel a soldier is someone who is willing to put the life on the line to protect the Citizens and constitution of the United States of America. When I was active duty we would get NG soldiers that would train with us for 30 days and I think people look at them as not real soldier but if they serve and do active tours their real and any soldiers because they are willing to die for God Family Country as I am even know I've been out sense 1984 active. So it people that lack the respect for those who serve regardless and serves member deserves the respect because only 3% of America serve and 1% are combat MOS 11BP1

Response by 1SG Rick Seekman made Jan 8 at 2023 9:38 PM

2023-01-08T21:38:24-05:00

Years ago, a real soldier was definitely an MP .
Today, I'm guessing that everyone can "identify" as a real soldier..

Response by SGT Marsha Aperans made Jan 9 at 2023 3:19 PM

2023-01-09T15:19:43-05:00

Yes, those of us who didn't get to fight are consider not real soldiers. I joined because I lost a 1st cousin in Viet Nam who was 2 weeks younger than me. I am a female by the way. I had to wait until after kids. I made a promise and I may have been Grandma in Basic and wanted to go and fight but it was still the Cold War. Us Veterans from the Cold War may not have had weapons and nobody to fight but our part of the Military fought differently. We still kept our oaths and defended our Country from the USSR. We just didn't type of war but we all grew up afraid of the Bomb being dropped just like today. We are back in a Cold Was of sorts. I think any one who joins the Military to defend the United States of America is a "Real Soldier".

Response by SGT Marsha Aperans made Jan 9 at 2023 3:37 PM

2023-01-09T15:37:17-05:00

I was of the Cold War Era. I also lost a 1st cousin to Viet Nam. Because there was real conflict and real fighting going on it was just a different type of fighting. I am a female who made a promise at said cousin funeral that I'd join and service in his place if I could. Females in the Cold War weren't allowed to fight but I was willing to. My answer to you is: I you were in the Military and took the Oath to Protect and Serve "The United States of America" you are a "Real Soldier". We are back at a sort of Cold War with Russia now. We are back trying to prevent Russia and North Korea from dropping Bombs on us. Does that make me any less of a Soldier than those who Died, came home severe injuries and other stuff. If the Bombs drop not just those who were over seas fighting with rifle's and other weapons our weapons were computers. This may not be worded the right way. I wanted to take my cousins place, I was in the wrong time zone to do that. To be a Real Soldier you have to want to Protect the United States of America. Just because some of didn't get to fight, bleed, died doesn't make us any less than you. Some get to and some of us are in the wrong time zone. Now, those who will be going to Outer Space our they real soldier's or not? They are just watching the Satellite's from Russia.

Response by PVT Mark Whitcomb made Jan 9 at 2023 7:00 PM

2023-01-09T19:00:27-05:00

I was an 11B and believe me we knew everyone was a real soldier. Except maybe the rotc Lt's :-).
We needed the boys far behind the lines for artillery support, boys flying hueys to resupply us with food and ammo. Never let anyone tell you. You are not a real soldier. Everyone does their bit to keep in moving.

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Jan 10 at 2023 6:32 PM

2023-01-10T18:32:09-05:00

I was in the Air Force and everyone of our airmen were combat ready. The USAF is one of those DoD components that commonly send their officers out into "Harm's Way" while the enlisted troops stay back and support us (very well). We could not do our job if they were not doing their job. You always knew when a chaplin showed up to a briefing that you were going to do something that fell outside of OSHA. The one's that got you were when the briefing mentioned that the Secretaries of Defense and State would disavow your existence and location and you were like 7 flying houirs away from the closest friendlies. I failed to mention that the officer aircrews that were not flying fighter aircraft also carried enlisted boom operators, crew chiefs, flight engineers, airborne avionics repair personnel, radio operators and the list goes on. We were all in harms way and we did our jobs. BTW, we really appreciated the "ground pounders" who held our airfields and walked patrol to keep us safe.

Response by SPC Frank Rizzo made Jan 10 at 2023 11:59 PM

2023-01-10T23:59:46-05:00

An old saying my uncles had, these men were WW II they fought in North Africa, The Pacific, California. They told me this before deploying to THE NAM! I wasn't a trigger puller, however I wound up in the SHIT and shot down in a HUEY. They had a saying "Those who sit and wait also serve"

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2023 11:37 AM

2023-01-11T11:37:43-05:00

I get this all the time, so I will take a moment to talk about it. I belong to a State Defense Force. Only half of the states have a State Defense Force. Technically, we are classified as light infantry. We are a crucial element to the National Guard but we are not a "Federal" force, we belong to the state. We have the same General commanding us as does the National Guard, (The State's Adjutant General) We are a formal military unit, we're subject to UCMJ just as any other servicemember is. We're all volunteer, we don't get paid unless the Governor says we get paid. Our Force is made up of retired from Federal Service people, Civilians with no prior experience, Law Enforcement, Medical, Clergy, JAG, Cyber/IT and so much more. We often get told that people have never even heard of us before and that's a very true statement. We're domestic soldiers. We can't be Federalized as a force, though we could be called upon by draft individually should a situation ever progress to the point where they need to do that. We're made up of people ages 16-65. The Governor of the state could draft us if he so chose. It's all written into our state laws. But what do we do? We're the boots on the ground for the State. If National Guard is deployed on any mission that takes them away from their home state, we are the people who fill in and hold down the fort while they are gone. We protect the armories and the equipment that did not go on the deployment. We are trained in commo, often time providing inter-agency support for local authorities and working as a bridge between the Civilians and the Military. But we're all volunteers. We don't get the same benefits that you get. We are providing emergency services to local communities that need force multipliers. Our force is trained and prepared to go on local state domestic missions with the National Guard. When we are there, we ARE The Guard. We train with them, often we are training them, sharing in the professional bond between sister agencies. We are authorized under Title 32 of the US Code. We work often with the Civil Air Patrol and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as well. We are considered to be "soldiers" because we are a formal military entity with in the state. Every State has it in their laws to have a State Defense Force, though about half are using them. We're the home team. When Guard is out of town, we stay behind. Do we ever get paid for what we do? Sometimes. When the Governor declares a State of Emergency, we will get called up to deploy. Our deployments don't usually last a long time but we have had some running up to 7 months, We are paid at the same rate as our Federal Counterparts are for the duration of the mission. So for instance, I'm a SGT, I'd be paid at the same rate an E-5 would be paid for the same length of time that is the duration of the mission. Maybe the mission is 72 hrs. I'd get paid what ever a SGT would make for those 72 hrs. But when the mission is over the pay stops too. Our Civilian jobs are protected, just as any other Guardsman's job is. I was deployed to the Civil disturbance of 2020. I had earned the Virginia National Guard's Emergency Services ribbon for the work I had done. If you may be interested in knowing a little more please visit this link. https://statedefenseforce.com/main/about-the-state-defense-force/faq/
If you are wanting to still serve a little out of active Federal service and are in Virginia, let me know.
https://vdf.virginia.gov/
I'm 79R
V/r

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions Listed below is our FAQ section. Take a look at the following questions and learn more about The State Defense Force. Cant Find your Question? Email us at jean@statedefe…

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Jan 11 at 2023 11:50 AM

2023-01-11T11:50:04-05:00

"REAL SOLDIER" = "DOES THE JOB"
He Was In Agreement To.....
That's NOT Me,
I'm A Chicken-chit Airman.

Response by Spc 1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2023 7:29 PM

2023-01-11T19:29:00-05:00

The question is offensive and moot. Anyone who makes such a statement should reevaluate themselves to see if they are a real person.

Response by LTC George Morgan made Jan 12 at 2023 3:14 PM

2023-01-12T15:14:52-05:00

It means someone is blowing smoke usually.!!! A soldier does his best to follow legal and achievable orders. As Gen George Patton said: The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other poor SOB die for their country.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Feb 12 at 2023 12:27 PM

2023-02-12T12:27:57-05:00

Every branch says. I heard you're not a "real sailor" unless you served on a Battle Ship, unless you served on a Destroyer, and few other ridiculous things. If you served in any branch, then you are a real "fill in the blank"

Response by SFC James High made Feb 15 at 2023 8:35 AM

2023-02-15T08:35:18-05:00

I think that it mostly refers to Army members that do not respect the traditions of the Army or its culture. It has nothing to do with one's MOS but rather how that person feels about their commitment to Military service.

Response by SGT Andrew Anderson made Feb 16 at 2023 8:18 AM

2023-02-16T08:18:14-05:00

Whenever I hear something like this, I give an example that think would, to some degree demonstrates that whether or not your MOS was in combat arms or a cook, you are a real soldier, marine, sailor or airman. Here's a little story that I think demonstrates that. In the effort to reclaim the city of Hue alone, the 1st Signal Brigade lost twenty-two men who were killed in action, 160 were wounded, and one was reported missing. None of these casualties were combat soldiers, to say they are not real soldiers simply because they didn't possess a combat arms MOS is kind of ludicrous.

Response by CH (LTC) Lowell Roddy made Feb 17 at 2023 5:19 PM

2023-02-17T17:19:28-05:00

SGT Reynolds, I think a "real" soldier is one who makes it through basic and AIT. As SSG Andrews has said, you go where you're sent; that's what soldiers do. Folks just look for bragging rights and too often that means downplaying the sacrifice of others.

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made Feb 17 at 2023 5:25 PM

2023-02-17T17:25:52-05:00

In the Marines, the Air Wing always get crap from the Infantry for not being in the real Corps. That changed for my unit in the Gulf War. A real Soldier has nothing to do with combat. I say your willingness to stand for your country earns all the respect needed. If someone has issue with that, remember, it is their issue. Stand proud, correct where you can, but don't argue with idiots. You won't hear the end of it.

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Feb 18 at 2023 1:10 PM

2023-02-18T13:10:34-05:00

The Combat Arms Units are Infantry , Armor and Artillery …in that order …with the Infantry first into the fight ….pick up a weapon and get in the fight …if u must know the difference …it’s not a normal job and be warned , you might get hurt …

Response by SPC Alexander Bendyna III made Feb 19 at 2023 8:28 AM

2023-02-19T08:28:06-05:00

I've heard people say "he's not a real soldier" for a number of reasons. I've heard some say it in regards to what generation those soldiers are from. For instance, I've heard guys whonserved in Desert Storm say that to soldiers who, like myself, didn't join up until the mid 2000's. They would then go on to complain about how weak the Army has gotten.
I was a 19D Scout, and I did my OSUT at Ft. Knox. The Army moved the Armor School to Ft. Benning in the early 2010's. So I would joke with the new guys that "real scouts" were trained at Ft. Knox. It was just a joke and not intended to be taken any other way. The younger guys trained at Ft. Benning had a chuckle at that nonsense.
Regardless, I wouldn't give it much mind. Just do what you're supposed to do and make sure to be constantly learning and honing your skills. Be sure to hit the books, become more competent at your job/career, gain the trust of those you serve with, have a good attitude, and you'l go far

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Feb 19 at 2023 2:04 PM

2023-02-19T14:04:10-05:00

I have commented on this topic on several different sites. A soldier is anyone who has made it thru to a regular serving unit, active, reserve, or guard, and are fulfilling the duties for which they contracted. I was an Infantryman, so I respect all of those who supported us, which pretty much means everyone in uniform. We Infantryman just have a different type of swagger because of how we conduct our business. An clerk has a pen, paper, computer. Engineers have their machines, tools, schematics. Commo has their radies, satellites, wire. Tankers have their vehicles, artillery their big guns. Those are the tools of their trade. We Infantrymen have a rifle, grenade launcher, machinegun, bayonet/knife. Our job titlw states " close with and destroy the enemy". It's somewhat personal because we see it up close and get bloody. That doesn't make us the only soldiers out there. I hope this helps.

Response by SP5 Laurie Mixter made Feb 19 at 2023 2:48 PM

2023-02-19T14:48:16-05:00

Only people who were never in with these brothers and sisters of ours would say these things, let them walk a mile in our shoes!

Response by SSG Rob Lawrence made Feb 19 at 2023 3:02 PM

2023-02-19T15:02:35-05:00

Every member of the military goes through the boot camp of their particular service. When you finish this training, each branch now considers you a member of it’s ranks. If the people in charge feel your are part of their team, this means you have met the criteria to be called part of the team. It doesn’t matter where you serve, you can pride in being part of the team. Funny thing, I don’t remember ever seeing a uniform with a patch that said, “ This member never served in combat, so they are not part of the team.” Bottom line, if you wear the uniform you are a soldier, marine, sailor, coast guardsman or airman, PERIOD.

Response by SP5 Timothy Cooper made Feb 19 at 2023 7:46 PM

2023-02-19T19:46:44-05:00

I to have heard it but I thank wait is being said is if you work in side the wire an never go out . We all know when the bullets are flying ever one is infantry ever that supply man for his or her ass is on the line too.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2023 5:39 AM

2023-02-20T05:39:31-05:00

You’re not a “real soldier” unless you have stood at least 356 hrs of CQ, scrubbed a toilet with a toothbrush, stood guard over a patch of grass, mopped a parking lot during a rainstorm, filled 8,734 sand bags, or found the box of grid squares. Prove me wrong.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Feb 20 at 2023 7:15 AM

2023-02-20T07:15:42-05:00

Anyone want to tell me I ain't real?

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Feb 20 at 2023 9:12 AM

2023-02-20T09:12:36-05:00

Anyone what to tell me I'm not real?

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made Feb 20 at 2023 6:31 PM

2023-02-20T18:31:58-05:00

It's not about what your MOS is or was, I think that reference is for those that washed out of bootcamp, or anyone who otherwise did not fulfill there enlistment obligations. Regardless of branch of service. Combat or no combat, if you did your job until your ETS, your a real soldier. It's not a soldiers fault if he didn't get in combat, he was there, ready and willing. That's a hero in my book.

Response by Sgt Bobby Armentrout made Feb 20 at 2023 7:38 PM

2023-02-20T19:38:20-05:00

I was in supply and called a POG by the arty guys in my unit. That is... unless they were trying to turn in some dirty 782 gear, or were missing something when they tried to check out of the battalion. Then we were best pals. Later, when I was a reservist in an Amtrak unit, it was YATYAS and the same old routine. I hated the d!ck measuring of the military but you need a bunch of hard charging Type A guys and gals to make that machine go. It took a minute to figure out that I really never fit in and supply was a dead end MOS, so I left.

I'm sure most of you know, this isn't unique to the military. It translates into my current career as a cop and I would bet a chunk of cash my brothers in the fire service, and any number of other "manly" job fields. I've been a cop for almost 24 years and it's "If you aren't in Patrol, you're not a real cop." or "You're STILL in Patrol so you aren't a real cop." and so on for detectives and officers in the property room or command officers with rank who almost never hit the street. I've had a number of guns pulled on me. I've been punched, bitten, kicked, cut, tackled, spit upon and called some very unkind names. I know that during my time as a Marine and my time as a cop, I HAVE been there and done that. I care very little (as in none) if someone else thinks I am a real cop or was a real Marine. Just as long as you aren't a sh!tb!rd and I can count on you, we are good. I don't care about your sex, race, MOS, or classification.

Response by GySgt Troy Wiltshire made Feb 22 at 2023 10:08 PM

2023-02-22T22:08:17-05:00

I would have to say if anyone wasn’t a “real” Marine it would be reservists. I always thought since they went to the same bootcamp, MCT, and MOS schools as the active duty did that they were as real a Marine as the rest of us. That was until I was stationed in a reserve squadron and on my first drill weekend I was the only active duty Marine in my shop, I was a Sergeant at the time, and I started treating the reservists just like any other Marine. I immediately got taken to the side by another active duty Marine and told I couldn’t treat the reservists the same as active duty Marines, and I had to be gentle with them. To this day I still don’t understand why I was told that, and I think those reservists would have been a lot better at their jobs if we were allowed to be as hard on them as we were on the active duty.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2023 7:50 AM

2023-02-23T07:50:35-05:00

I think they might be referring the resernest and national guardsmen. Because technically those 2 organizations are quote unquote part time as they only work on Drill weekends and Annual training, unless they get mobilized. I still think it's stupid to put down other soldiers for whatever reason

Response by LTC Myron Opfermann made Feb 24 at 2023 9:07 AM

2023-02-24T09:07:35-05:00

SSG Gary Andrews and his DI are right on target with his explanation of the situation. Those individuals who are making those comments are either just "jerking your chain" or mean spirited teasing best ignored.

Response by PO2 Joan MacNeill made Mar 16 at 2023 9:18 AM

2023-03-16T09:18:10-04:00

Everyone likes to feel as elite as possible. The "real soldier" bit is not a valid distinction, since all actual soldiers are real soldiers. The snobbish term is just an ego-booster for those who, usually deservedly, have pride in their record, feel a distinction, brotherhood with those in their experience group. They just go overboard in voicing that pride. Also, remember that military folks like to needle each other just for entertainment, usually not seriously.

I never slung bullets at an enemy (most sailors let their machinery do that for them). I respect and admire those who were up close and personal with opponents in real serious sitiuations. It was hard, they should probably get some slack in claiming their duty gives them special status. Within reason . . .

Response by 1SG Arthur Kristiansen made Mar 16 at 2023 11:08 AM

2023-03-16T11:08:08-04:00

It means that you would have to be exactly like whoever came up with that statement. Just ask them.

Response by MSG Billy Brumfield made Mar 16 at 2023 2:53 PM

2023-03-16T14:53:54-04:00

The entirety of your MOS can be derived from the SMCT? (Sarcasm)

Response by CPL Amie Mclaughlin made Mar 27 at 2023 9:45 PM

2023-03-27T21:45:29-04:00

If you wear the uniform of any branch of the United States Services, you are a real soldier. You are ready, trained, and willing to fight if need be. It matters not that you were not called on to fight. I stand with every man and woman that take the oath to protect our Constatution. Thank You for your service,from one old Vet to all Veterans.

Response by SPC Juan Servera made Mar 28 at 2023 7:20 AM

2023-03-28T07:20:59-04:00

I did two enlistment first was 3 years than when my first enlistments was up why station at Garlstedt Germany, I reenlisted for 4 year got Ft Polk stateside that all they had to offer so I raised my hand and took it. Why station at Polk they started taking unit to go to the Middle East, they started taking list of volunteers in unit I volunteered not to many did the list was small. I got reject everyone I put my name on list never why than 1 SGT asked why they keep taking my name odd the list SGT MGR said the only place your going is Korea consider yourself lucky, never heard of the place so DEC 90 took off to Korea got station Camp Garry Owens my enlistment was up in 92 wanted to reenlist but I got disable and that was end. I never told anyone I was vet if they didn’t ask I never said anything just keep to myself for years never applied for any veteran discounts. Va would call me and harassed me about free benefits, but I never took a advantage of it until late in life. So I did the problem I ran into was when people who never served ask me if a I was veteran I would answer yes than they would ask were did you serve did you go war I told them no I ended up in Korea than would have this weird look on their faces and tell me I wasn’t a real veteran, this was coming from people never served a day in any arm forces. It got to point were they would ask I would just tell them no because I didn’t want deal with their negative attitude. I when I would to a vet rep for help with my disability they would ask me certain questions I would tell them I didn’t go to war, than I would them what people were saying to me. He would tell me it doesn’t matter you served rather if you went to war or not you did 2 enlistment with no gun over your head a lot people only do 1 and get out a least you tried to make career out of it and was just dealt a bad hand. Don’t listing to them they have no idea what their talking about.

Response by MSG Jesse Molinar made Mar 28 at 2023 8:56 AM

2023-03-28T08:56:57-04:00

This reminds me of a plaque I saw in one of the SOC buildings during a visit. No SOF operation can be conducted without conventional support. It is a team effort. Each person has a specific skill set, but all are needed.

Response by SFC Larry Triplett made Mar 29 at 2023 5:34 AM

2023-03-29T05:34:44-04:00

First, I want to thank all Vietnam for their Service to our Country and have a Blessed Vietnam Veterans Day. No matter what branch of service you're in if wear the Uniform your real and you should be Respected!! In Iraq I worked with all Marines, Air Force, Navy, National Guard, Coast Guard, Army, and Army Reserves. I respect all Branches of Service you're in, I want to thank you for your Service to our Country.

Response by Sgt Michael Clifford made Mar 30 at 2023 9:00 AM

2023-03-30T09:00:07-04:00

I was a Marine infantry Sergeant and my younger brother was a Marine artillery officer. I constantly bust him about the only real Marines are grunts. All the rest are just support for the grunts. He tells me that grunts are the low intellect types who they couldn't trust with anything more powerful than a rifle. Artillery were the true elite. It is all in good fun No one with any intelligence takes the busting serious It is the same with the relationship between Marines and their Navy Corpsman. The platoon doc ia almost always the butt of jokes and pranks but there isn't a real Marine alive who wouldn't go to the wall to defend his/her doc on liberty or combat.

Response by 1SG Timothy Trewin made Mar 31 at 2023 5:39 PM

2023-03-31T17:39:53-04:00

People who claim that someone is not a “real Soldier” are typically those who lack self esteem and draw their sense of self worth through their MOS. It’s sad really and no different than those who claim a sense of superiority based on where they are born or live as if that made them somehow a better person. A Soldier is a Soldier and I can’t think of any major military campaign since time began that was successful without support elements.

Response by SN Russell Helberg made Mar 31 at 2023 10:02 PM

2023-03-31T22:02:39-04:00

in my eyes it does not matter, a soldier is a soldier you took an oath weather you fire a rifle in anger or not. you are uncle sams property no matter what russ

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Apr 1 at 2023 8:11 PM

2023-04-01T20:11:58-04:00

I was in some form of the Infantry or Paratroops for virtually all of my military service. As such, we tend to bond "with our own kind", and are sometimes considered as snobs. But I value our support troops. The best way to destroy the morale of a good Grunt is give him poor support in supply, pay, or chow.

Response by SPC David Young made Apr 2 at 2023 3:50 PM

2023-04-02T15:50:15-04:00

As cook who served with both Infantry and Field Artillery units, I heard that a lot. 11 series and 13 series types have that mentality that they're the only "real" soldiers. 'Really didn't think about it that much until my active duty time in the Army ended. Then, I did a two-year hitch in the National Guard. There were a couple of old time vets who had tours in Vietnam and a handful of Desert Storm veterans like myself but 3/4 of people in that unit were high school and college kids doing the weekend warrior thing. They never served time in an active Army unit, been on a deployment etc.. All they knew was that little armory. I didn't really get along with the younger ones because they didn't get it. I didn't see them as "real" soldiers. Maybe it's a matter of perspective.

Response by MSG Chuck Odom made Apr 24 at 2023 12:31 PM

2023-04-24T12:31:25-04:00

I put those people in the same category as those who "almost" joined the military.

Response by SGT Timothy Posemato made Apr 25 at 2023 12:30 AM

2023-04-25T00:30:21-04:00

I was infantry, yeah we were out front in the thick of it, but there was a few things I liked, such as my mail from home, my pay, my shit on a shingle for breakfast, I loved that shit more that a nice steak, thing is I couldn't get any of that stuff without the soldiers that weren't real. So when it comes down to it, we were all real soldiers. Those guts that said if you weren't infantry, you weren't a real soldier, I have no respect for them, they're the same ones that got home and bragged about everything they did, and probably were the same ones that stayed in the rear to clean up cause they were to much of a coward to be with the real men. Don't listen to a thing they say.

Response by SSG Ramon Torres made Apr 26 at 2023 1:19 PM

2023-04-26T13:19:56-04:00

Shoot, communicate, move. Buddy Ready. It takes an Army to accomplish the mission. It takes all the Armed Forces working collectively to accomplish said missions...

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Apr 26 at 2023 1:31 PM

2023-04-26T13:31:11-04:00

4 years Active Duty and all with the Combat Arms Unit Army of the Pacific the 25th Infantry Division …

Response by CPT James Burkholder made Apr 26 at 2023 2:43 PM

2023-04-26T14:43:26-04:00

I was a CPT, MC just because I went to med school and did an internship. Basically I was drafted in 1965 but voluntered so I wouldn't be a PVT E1. I was stationed in Korea, but applied for a transfer to RVN. I always felt I was not a "real soldier" and still do. I never was assigned to be a Battalion Surgeon post, and spent much of my time as a CO of a Med Clr. Co. behind the lines. Those of us who weren't sent to the front lines often have this long lasting feeling. I still wish I had been assigned elsewhere although this maybe is merely stupid.

Response by CPL Eddie Baca made Apr 28 at 2023 7:03 PM

2023-04-28T19:03:50-04:00

You're serving our country you are a real soldier, giving your life to defend our nation is the right thing to do, I am a retired Vietnam Vet and you are serving as I did . Don't let anyone Bullshit you Hoorah

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Apr 29 at 2023 4:31 PM

2023-04-29T16:31:17-04:00

It is never someone with a combat infantry badge that says that shit. It is always some overweight Cletus with a bar to reenlistment that says that shit.

Response by PO1 Robert Ryan made Apr 30 at 2023 10:19 AM

2023-04-30T10:19:53-04:00

Anyone on active duty in the US ARMY is a soldier. no matter the MOS. As an MP I was a soldier first and MP second. My duties as a soldier were Military Police duties. As an Infantryman I was a soldier and mu duties were that of an infantryman. When I completed basic training our drill sergeants called us soldier.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Apr 30 at 2023 7:52 PM

2023-04-30T19:52:26-04:00

Some MOSs are chosen - others are assigned, often by sheer chance. Some are accepted willingly; others "not so much". It's the same thing with whether or not anyone ended up in Vietnam, Korea, Europe, Hawaii, or CONUS! ALL of them are REAL soldiers (or airmen or sailors or Marines or Coasties - male or female!)

Response by SPC Cory Thomson made May 1 at 2023 3:27 AM

2023-05-01T03:27:50-04:00

It means the person uttering it was either joking or retarded. Ribbing and shit talking is part of life but deciding someone is beneath you because of their job is not just stupid, it’s dangerous. Everyone has their part to play, someone has to bring the ammo, someone has to collect the dead, someone has to do the shooting, some jobs may seem more glamorous or difficult, more desirable. I love taking shit apart and figuring out how to fix it. I still carried a rifle during the war, people were still shooting at me the same as the infantry I was supporting, the enemy doesn’t care if you are a cook or a mechanic, they just want to kill you. Now would I look down on the national guard or army reserve pukes who were scared to resupply us? Absolutely! Would I call them names and make disparaging remarks about their manliness? 100%! But when we were in Baghdad and we didn’t have supplies and the marines sent us a water purification team, I was ready to kiss everyone of those men on the mouth for helping us. I don’t give a shit what job someone has, they were brave enough to wear the uniform and to do the job, you get my respect. Anyone who wants to attack them should line up in front of me, I’ll be the one uppercutting punk asses and stabbing jackasses in the jaw.

Response by SPC Cory Thomson made May 1 at 2023 3:28 AM

2023-05-01T03:28:24-04:00

Response by CPT Keith Hood made May 2 at 2023 3:33 PM

2023-05-02T15:33:53-04:00

I think what you're talking about is mostly just perfectly understandable grousing by people who think they have gotten the dirty end of the stick. But if anyone wants a useful definition of a "real" soldier, it's one who does the job he's supposed to do. Someone who follows orders and gets the work required in his MOS done. Unfortunately, that's not everyone. There are always some welfare queens in uniform.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made May 6 at 2023 10:04 PM

2023-05-06T22:04:45-04:00

When one signs his/her name and takes the oath then they are real service members no matter the MOS. Not all MOSes doesn't require deployments and if so they are in the far rear. For me "To Serve Your Country" is a Real Solder, Airman, Sailor, Marine or a Coasty.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made May 31 at 2023 5:01 PM

2023-05-31T17:01:42-04:00

I believe this is a dig toward soldiers who have not experienced combat. Ignorant on their part because it takes many soldiers supporting other soldiers to make us the very best in the world. I respect that soldier who ensures supplies get from the warehouses to the field any day, after all, it is the whole body of the military that makes the wheels turn. Look at Russia, they can't clothe; feed, supply their troops because there is no spirit of unity in their culture. You hold your head high and shoulders back, as an infantryman, you are a real soldier in my eyes.

Response by SP5 John Fitzgerald made Jun 2 at 2023 2:40 PM

2023-06-02T14:40:51-04:00

You put on the uniform, took the oath. You don't have to take second place to anyone.

Response by SPC Roland Bigby made Jun 4 at 2023 5:56 AM

2023-06-04T05:56:46-04:00

Us grunts are really happy when the log bird gets there!

Response by SFC Jim Freshour made Jun 4 at 2023 6:25 PM

2023-06-04T18:25:43-04:00

Lots of bravado talking. Grunts still have to eat, get their booboos fixed, get paid and have their leave forms processed. Soldiers other than grunts make all that happen.

Response by PO1 Kate Schoeneich made Jun 4 at 2023 8:59 PM

2023-06-04T20:59:13-04:00

That's how ppl acted in the Navy, while I was stationed in Mississippi, it was a training base. In the the "fleet.". I spent much of my time AD and reserves either training sailors or being at a base where training was going on. So get real people! If it wasn't for admin, personnel, fuels, cooks, instructors, and so on, where would you be???? NOWHERE.

Response by COL Carl Jensen made Jun 5 at 2023 10:59 AM

2023-06-05T10:59:52-04:00

Basic in the Army is where you are trained as an 11B, you are a real soldier regardless of where the Army decides to position you after you finish the course.

Response by SPC Richard Standal made Jun 5 at 2023 11:40 AM

2023-06-05T11:40:36-04:00

God, Country, Self, those who live that creed are the men and women who stand on the wall and are real soldiers. Your number one job as a soldier is to protect the man standing next to you, your squad your country, That is done in peace time and war.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Jun 5 at 2023 2:46 PM

2023-06-05T14:46:12-04:00

It means anyone that put on the uniform, served for a period past bootcamp and made it to their first real command, and later was honorably discharged. OR someone that put on the uniform, but was injured, any time after boot camp, severely enough to warrant a service connected rating.

Any moron that claims because they have combat experience, is somehow a "real" soldier or somehow more than anyone else is, well, a moron and worse. People like that don't seem to understand that for those of us that have seen it, we would not have survived it without the supply people, the transport people, the mechanics, the techs and for me especially, the medics and corpsman that saved my life.

Someone wants to play the game of people not being a 'real' soldier or sailor, are themselves NOT the real deal. And of course there is irony there, because a couple of these morons I have met in real life that tried to play that stunt off, ended up being in support roles themselves but because they happened to have a few mortars or minimal rocket attacks happen near their location, they act like they are somehow "real" and anyone else is not.

The other one I love is the 20 somethings that throw insults at older generation military veterans. They will even look down on them. What they don't seem to understand, is that older veteran made it to the older years because HE or SHE survived and had the brains and balls to do so. Proven when I have heard of times here and there where some 20 something spouted off to some 50 year old Veteran and got thumped for it hard. Sometimes the best lessons are the hardest to experience.. lol

Response by PO1 Robert Ryan made Jun 6 at 2023 11:35 AM

2023-06-06T11:35:34-04:00

If you wear the uniform of the United States Army you're soldier. If you wear the Unifrom of a United States navy your a sailor. If you wear the uniform of the Marine Corps yours a Marine. if you wear the uniform of the Air Force you are an airman. If you wear the uniform of the Space Force you area a Specialist. up to the rank of E-4, After that NCO Status for enlisted. If you are in the Coast Guard you are a Coast Guards man. So what ever branch you are in your real. I was a soldier March 1967-1 December 1977. I retired as a sailor in June 1989.

Response by SPC Roland Bigby made Jun 8 at 2023 1:14 PM

2023-06-08T13:14:16-04:00

The best thing about being an infantryman is being missed

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 19 at 2023 1:18 PM

2023-06-19T13:18:14-04:00

It means they have low self esteem and need to feel better about themselves by denigrating others.

Response by CAPT Robin Felix made Jul 14 at 2023 4:49 PM

2023-07-14T16:49:51-04:00

A "real" soldier, sailor, airman, or marine is one who swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, thereby agreeing to follow all lawful orders and put themselves in harm's way if so ordered. Comparing "validity" of service is foolish.

Response by CPT Eireanne Russ made Aug 4 at 2023 2:30 PM

2023-08-04T14:30:13-04:00

Is that the person who is talking is insecure and has a small...ego. they have the attitude that in order for them to feel significant they need to make other people feel insignificant. Throughout the 80s one of the things that we tried to teach our support folks was the helicopters and parachutes and fast moving armored vehicles created a situation where the brigade and battalion trains and the division support area could easily be attacked and every one of them needed to know how to fight in that event. And the recent political fiasco in Afghanistan and Iraq showed us that it wasn't just infantry squads in platoon that were coming in contact with the enemy it was truck drivers and mechanics and convoy people as well. As I recall there are several silver and brown Stars awarded to folks in support units who had to fire a maneuver against ambushes. So the only person who's not a real soldier are the people running around pretending to be soldiers who never served

Response by 1LT Christopher Wos made Aug 4 at 2023 5:30 PM

2023-08-04T17:30:17-04:00

I was a Field Artillery Officer (13A). The way I see it, everyone has a job to do. From my perspective, an infantryman who is neck deep in enemy may cry out to God but he won't get an answer. However, if he hollers "Fire Mission" into a radio, it will be as of the Hand of God Himself has reached down from the sky and swept his foe from the battlefield. Does that make me and my fellow Redlegs "real soldiers"?

Response by CH (LTC) Ted Baccich made Aug 5 at 2023 12:02 PM

2023-08-05T12:02:02-04:00

Excellent question. I served for nearly 33 years as an MP, Infantryman, Infantry Drill, and finally as a Chaplain. Along the way I served in 4 wars, 3 as a chaplain, 1 as an MP and had 2 stints in the Airborne, (82nd and Alaska). Sometimes I refer to the trigger pullers as "real soldiers" and myself as a paper soldier (especially as a chaplain). However I do believe there is much more to fighting than just the physical wars before us. There is a spiritual war behind the physical. It is an unseen war, but it is just as real, just as actual, just as factual as any shooting war that spills blood. I think of a quote from Mark Twain, "Why is it? That among men, physical courage is a trait so plenteous, yet moral courage is a trait so rare?" So what is a "real soldier?" In my book, a "real soldier" is one who fights (in peacetime and wartime, in and out of uniform) the critical battles for the hearts and minds of young people. A real soldier fights to defend his sacred honor, to defend freedom, to defend the Constitution of the United States (in word and deed), from all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Aug 5 at 2023 4:57 PM

2023-08-05T16:57:52-04:00

It’s just trash talk, one thing has nothing to do with the other, the field you choose is what you decided to do, NO one should cut your field because it doesn’t align with theirs, Infantry is a demanding field, but an infantryman isn’t a mechanic, or a Medic, or a Commo or a cook, so every one has skills and do them well, just do your job and don’t sweat the minor things

Response by PO2 Robert Edwards made Aug 5 at 2023 5:01 PM

2023-08-05T17:01:31-04:00

I've heard this in multiple references. Usually either referring to someone who never saw combat, or never handled any kind of weapon, or even someone who was only a paper pusher. But they always seem to be said by someone who never even served so they have no clue at all. Otherwise they'd realize how wrong they are because no matter what rate or branch we are all soldiers and we have each other's backs.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2023 9:04 PM

2023-08-05T21:04:29-04:00

Hi David. My ex-wife's second husband knew that I was in the United States Army. (He never was in any U.S. military branch though he was similar to me in age, the Vietnam War Era generation.) He tried to disparage me by saying that I must have laundered and ironed the clothes of those men in the "real army." Though this was never my army job----I had a top secret cryptologic clearance and was in the Army Security Agency as a traffic analyst----I thought that I could be proud serving our beloved country as one who washed and ironed the clothes of other soldiers, if this was my assigned duty. . . .

Response by MSgt Ed Blanz made Aug 6 at 2023 2:06 PM

2023-08-06T14:06:32-04:00

If all soldiers or Marines were infantry ("real"), then we would have no arty, air, tank support. No $$ come payday without dispersing clerks, no food, gear, ammo without supply, Could not receive orders or help without comm. Now I guess GS or contractors could do it; BUT I would rather have a Real Marine doing that; like SSGT Andrews says, you earned the right to the unifrm and title, you are as real as it can get

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Aug 6 at 2023 3:51 PM

2023-08-06T15:51:14-04:00

All Military Occupation Skills (MOS - ARMY) matters. This is a response from 1st hand experience …. “NEEDS OF THE ARMY”.

Army Reserves and Active Duty Army, I didn’t “Fast Track” in rank, but I did so via AIT/OJT being adaptive for the overall mission by being trainable, reliable, dependable, responsible and having INTEGRITY.

That’s what it means to be a REAL SOLDIER, honoring the contract you signed freely ( I completely RESPECT those who were drafted ), understanding “selfless service” and doing the job the very best of your capabilities.

Being a REAL SOLDIER is doing what 98% of the United States population didn’t or wouldn’t have done.

SOURCE https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/demographics-us-military#:~:text=Now%2C%20there%20are%20about%201.3,percent%20of%20the%20U.S.%20population.

I’ve been the cook, mechanic, paralegal, etc., and as stated previously by other REAL SOLDIERS (AIRFORCE-ARMY-COAST GUARD-MARINES-NAVY-SPACE FORCE) all the military jobs matter CONUS/OCONUS.

Council on Foreign Relations

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan member organization, think tank, and publisher.

Response by SFC James Cortez made Aug 7 at 2023 7:53 AM

2023-08-07T07:53:09-04:00

It means you know ignorant people.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2023 12:15 PM

2023-08-07T12:15:58-04:00

Generally when someone says another isn’t a “real soldier” it’s a reference to either being in a support mos & or have never being deployed to a combat zone.

It’s honestly pretty ridiculous. Every soldier in the army has a specific function to perform that supports the overall mission of the army. Combat arms need support iot perform their function just as much support need combat arms to perform their function.

The whole deploying or never been deployed issue is a bit juvenile as well. Not every soldier deploys during an active war. It doesn’t make anyone less of a soldier if their unit wasn’t deployed. You raise your right right hand & serve your time you’re a soldier regardless of going to war or not.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2023 7:53 PM

2023-08-07T19:53:18-04:00

A real Soldier embodies unwavering commitment, exemplified by the readiness to sacrifice oneself for a greater cause. Such individuals have willingly offered a blank check to their nation, pledging their life's value without hesitation. Whether that check is eventually cashed in the line of duty or remains untouched, the essence of a true Soldier lies in their selfless dedication, resilience, and willingness to protect and defend. Their valor is defined not merely by physical prowess, but by the profound depth of their sacrifice and the unyielding spirit that propels them to stand as guardians of liberty and security.

Response by SFC George Caudill made Aug 8 at 2023 10:40 PM

2023-08-08T22:40:46-04:00

When the Queen's in a pinch, She calls for the 8inch.

Response by Cpl Daniel Marcano made Aug 9 at 2023 12:34 PM

2023-08-09T12:34:24-04:00

All of This comes from service members who have been to combat. I. sorry but combat or not we are all the same. We all served knowning Combat was always a possibility. Well since 9/11 service member Got National Defense Medals. I served during the Cold War I didn't get a medal nor do I care that I didn't. Now if your doing it to break balls go for it, but don't do it to DISRESPECT another SERVICE MEMBER.

Response by LTC Selso Tello made Aug 9 at 2023 5:42 PM

2023-08-09T17:42:51-04:00

Gunga Din
BY RUDYARD KIPLING

Response by CAPT Edward Schmitt made Aug 10 at 2023 6:21 PM

2023-08-10T18:21:47-04:00

I honor you for your service and I honor others for the way they served. Different jobs, different specialities, different functions. If the team is to be successful we all have to do our part. Soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen either work together or fail individually.

Response by SP5 Lynn Circle made Aug 11 at 2023 11:06 AM

2023-08-11T11:06:32-04:00

I was never a "real" soldier after Basic Training. My advanced training at Ft. Devens was somewhat military in that we were marched in formation to classes but, once in the school, we were at school. Once assigned overseas, we only gave lip service to the Army. We were IN the Army, but not OF the Army. We carried our passes in our pockets and when not on duty, were as free to do what we wanted as any civilian. But, when on duty we took our responsibilities very, very seriously. We were the Watchers on the Wall for the United States of America, the ones who would provide the very first warning of any strategic attack being prepared upon our country.
In some ways I am ashamed of never having served as a soldier. But in other ways i am very proud to have been the smallest cog on the smallest wheel in the intelligence service of the United States of America. I am a Pacific veteran of what was then arguably the smallest and most highly classified unit in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964, the Army Security Agency

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2023 4:43 AM

2023-08-12T04:43:14-04:00

Plenty of pretenders in Quora. I can name four of them straight away. Three said they were "commanders." One even has a profile picture of Powell and said he was a "TAC officer" at OCS. SMH. If you go in for the right reason you are not going to be selfish and victim bash like they do, but then again the commander, Mr. Carl Bergamann, that caused my issues did not seem to care that much either. He is on record for saying that me loosing my career over a inadvertat failure to follow a direct order was and I quote "no big deal."

Response by SSG Scott Will made Aug 12 at 2023 3:14 PM

2023-08-12T15:14:46-04:00

As to the question about real soldiers, they’re all real. A person who is in a Combat role isn’t any different than the soldiers in a support role. I was a Huey Crew Chief and Gunner in Nam, during the 68 Tet Offensive in Nha Trang the NVA hit the 1st Logistics Group on the other side of the city, those guys fought like hell to defend their own, soldiers from other units were sent to help, there wasn’t many Infantry around (they were busy at the time) so soldiers from other support units were sent, long story short, they fought off the bad guys and saved the day. A soldier is a soldier no matter their MOS. That’s been proven through out history. I was proud to serve with all them.

Response by SPC Steve Rosenow made Aug 22 at 2023 7:58 AM

2023-08-22T07:58:08-04:00

Now for a different point of view. I didn't really want to be a soldier. I'm a war protester who, after I flunked out of college, was drafted, trained in Fort Polk for the infantry and sent to Vietnam. Fortunately, I was there late in the war when there wasn't a lot of fighting. Both sides realized that the U.S. was then in it for the short run and decided to wait that out. Part of the last combat unit in the country, the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, stationed in Danang with stops in Chu Lai and Phu Bai. Still, our unit suffered one KIA and a couple of wounded. They were cutting troops so fast that I got a 100 day drop and ETSed after only 13 months and 19 days of service. I had to forfeit some of my GI Bill education benefits, so living during my last quarter of school came out of my pocket, married with one child. No regrets about the early ETS. I guess my experience was more like the doctors in MASH than many here -- drafted and didn't want to be there. Times were different in so many ways in the early 1970s than earlier.

Response by CPT John Green made Aug 23 at 2023 10:38 AM

2023-08-23T10:38:26-04:00

I dont know, i heard when I was in just about every unit i was in (USAR, MDNG active duty) that this is not the real Army. I spent almost 25 years looking for the "Real Army" I am not sure if i ever found it let alone real Soldiers. I know plenty of good guys who never deployed who know there stuff and plenty of folks with a deployment who don't seem to know squat.

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made Sep 13 at 2023 8:47 PM

2023-09-13T20:47:10-04:00

1st, I am a combat Marine. I have served in an active combat zone during time of declared combat. I was in the Air Wing of the Marines, and the Ground Pounders tease us about the real Corps. I know what they do, and God bless them. Let them tease. As for the people in any service that says someone isn't a "real" what ever branch they are in, and are serious, all I can say is the internet has taught us that idiots are everywhere. Anyone who serves with Honor is real. A real Soldier, Airman, Sailor, Marine, Cop, Fire Fighter... Educate those you can, walk away from those who won't listen.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2023 10:35 PM

2023-09-13T22:35:49-04:00

Probably the simplest way to put it is guy 1 to your left & to your right, do you trust your life in their hands & theirs in yours. If the answer is yes, then that's a real soldier. If no you need to train them to be that or you are the problem. Cause doing our jobs is what everyone is suppose to do & after 3 tours in a forward area, It comes down to do you trust them & they trust you.
That takes time, training, & experience. As leaders we have to do all that for the 1s below us. So if you are training them, taking time to work with them, listen to them, show them when they don't understand, be fair with each, then you've become that real soldier to them.

Response by Sgt Douglas Berger made Sep 15 at 2023 10:22 AM

2023-09-15T10:22:48-04:00

"Real" has meaning defined by use and the person's interpretation. "not being "real" soldiers" requires more information. Why?, Because. A meaning as used could mean he is a civilian "stolen valor".

Response by SP5 Don Bradley made Sep 15 at 2023 11:34 PM

2023-09-15T23:34:08-04:00

If an Infantryman likes to make friends with people other than his own kind then he will. But I think that most of them think nobody but his own kind can relate to him. Maybe, just a guess.

Response by 1SG Ron Schlatter made Sep 16 at 2023 1:27 PM

2023-09-16T13:27:33-04:00

I have never heard this question asked before. All soldiers are real soldiers. We should have had the same initial training when training began. Real soldiers cook, maintain equipment, provide logistical support, communication, air support and on and on. We all have different missions to accomplish in support roles.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Sep 16 at 2023 10:57 PM

2023-09-16T22:57:41-04:00

Sounds like a grunts vs people-other-than-grunts (POGs) thing. I've been hearing about that since 2010 or so. I agree with what others have said here. If you got past boot camp/basic then you're legit. Does that mean you can go and supplement an infantry unit about to deploy to wherever? No, probably not. But, I'd imagine if you handed any of us an M4/M16 (or M14 for the saltier among us) we'd at least have an idea of what to do. Most of those still griping and yipping about being a real soldier/Marine because their MOS is 11-whatever or 03-whatever seem to think that those of us who aren't need to go through the same BS they are just to prove we have a work ethic worth looking at. Best immediate retort to them when you have the energy is ask when was the last time they did a combat deployment; especially if they only joined in the last few years.

Response by SPC Vernon Trexler made Sep 17 at 2023 6:42 PM

2023-09-17T18:42:05-04:00

too much thinkin goin on.every one of us who served know in our hearts whether we were for real.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Sep 17 at 2023 10:22 PM

2023-09-17T22:22:37-04:00

Well I don't know to many burly soldiers who didn't need Doc once in a while! I never fought but I took care of my share of broken ans sick soldiers. I'm not a real soldier?? I doubt many of the macho fighters could do my job!

Response by CPT Stephen Egbert made Sep 18 at 2023 4:08 PM

2023-09-18T16:08:18-04:00

I was an Infantryman. And I’ll tell you this. The Infantry won’t do much fighting without resupplies of ammo, MREs, and fuel, mechanics, commo support, artillery support, Apaches, etc. The supposed “not real soldiers” provide this support. Never denigrate the service of a fellow soldier. As long as he or she is squared away and carries out his/her duty without fail, with courage and honor, they are real soldiers.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2023 5:12 PM

2023-09-18T17:12:40-04:00

I've been an 11B, 74D, 63C/88M, 00B, and far more.
All MOSs are "real soldiers".

Response by SSG Robert Velasco made Sep 20 at 2023 12:23 AM

2023-09-20T00:23:45-04:00

I served from Oct 1978- Mar 1989. Who's gonna say my Vietnam veteran drill sgts Were anything but and their training of us wasn't real? I began as a wheel vehicle mechanic,track mechanic and recovery specialist,then moved into combat arms in armor crewman. It was peace through the years until Grenada and we were placed on alert but not deployed. No one has ever called me a not real soldier and they shouldn't try me for not seeing combat. I trained armor crewmen and especially gunners so most likely they did see combat in the Persian gulf and made the enemy know what's what! That's where we go ,that's what we do,no questions asked! I wear the uniform, I am a United States soldier!

Response by SPC Martin Meyer made Sep 20 at 2023 1:32 PM

2023-09-20T13:32:05-04:00

I served from 71-74 and was in the infantry and never saw combat. I was also a paratrooper which set us apart some what from other troops. Truth is we depend fully on each other no matter what the MOS someone has to make sure we get paid, someone needs to make sure our records are kept straight, and if we are in the field someone has to provide us the supply to support our mission. I think the difference evolves around those in combat arms MOS and are prepared to meet the aggressor head on and those in the rear that never have to endure the hardships involved in a combat MOS. Just my thoughts. Airborne All the Way!

Response by CPO Aaron Grant made Sep 20 at 2023 3:20 PM

2023-09-20T15:20:44-04:00

The answer to this ignorant statement by any one in any service that someone is not a "real ___" (pick your service) is simple. We all pledged our lives to our country PERIOD.
It is not the choice of the member if they were combat deployed or not. That is the choice of the service. As a combat veteran I do not and will not look down on any who served and did not see combat. They still swore to give their life for OUR country and for me that is enough.

Response by SPC Stiv ChenRobbins made Sep 22 at 2023 9:50 AM

2023-09-22T09:50:22-04:00

It mostly means they need to validate their own value by claiming something negative about someone else

Response by SPC James Cooke made Sep 23 at 2023 10:24 PM

2023-09-23T22:24:24-04:00

Those are commonly known as POGs - a non-combat arms individual. I was one as a 92G. Just don't forget what it's like to have hot chow and not eating MREs for days or weeks straight. And for good Lord, don't mock the cooks at the DFAC while you're waiting for your hot chow or you'll get cold chow. And yes, us 92Gs can handle a Full Bird and explain what happened. And we'll have the NCOs and DFAC Manager (usually a SFC if not a civilian) in on it, too.

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Sep 24 at 2023 1:20 PM

2023-09-24T13:20:28-04:00

Loyalty - to hold truth and obligation to all you swore to uphold during the swearing in ceremony of your initial enlistment in to the service of this country Duty - to faithfully follow assigned tasks, missions and other essential feats IAW leadership written, verbal fragmentation and special orders, Respect - do unto others as you would have them do unto you, Selfless service - to put the welfare of the nation and your fellow warriors above your own, Honor - the ability to live up to Army values and standards, Integrity - do what is right legally and morally, Personal courage - the ability to face fear, danger or adversity both physical and moral. DRIVE ON WARRIOR!

Response by Sgt Javier Romero made Sep 28 at 2023 8:10 PM

2023-09-28T20:10:32-04:00

As a POG (person other than grunt) my 1st unit in the Corps was an Infantry Regiment. An infamous one at that. Fightin 6th Marines who along with 5th Marines earned the name of Teufel Hunden. To which I am proud to be part of 6th Marines Regiment history along with other units I have been proud to serve in. I have served in the Infantry, Helicopter Group, Helicopter Squadron, Reserve Unit (training reservists), Intelligence Marines. I have volunteered to do every billet available just to get out of the office just so I could be around my fellow Marines to pass on knowledge and train other Marines. Like others have posted on this my opinion of soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines, if you swore an oath to the Constitution then you like myself were willing to cry, bleed and even die for our country and what it means to fight for freedom. If you ever wore the nation's uniform you make a commitment and in fact, sign a blank check payable to our country for an amount up to and including your very lives. That blank check includes the sacrifices willingly made by the families of veterans as their loved ones serve. Such unwavering dedication calls for equal dedication on the part of our nation to ensure that those who have sacrificed, and were willing to sacrifice so much.

We may talk smack on each other branches but that's only because we are family. But the second someone outside the family insults us... that person should standby.

Response by CW3 Kenneth Henderson made Sep 30 at 2023 4:37 PM

2023-09-30T16:37:44-04:00

Have seen it both ways. My father was a "Marine's Marine"; totally dedicated in every way. Even as a Gunnery Sergeant, he sorted his National Defense Service Ribbon; and felt what was not spoken. He went to Vietnam as a CW2 and retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant with 3 1/2 rows of ribbons. He finally "made it".
I volunteered for whatever the Army needed, and fully expected to ship out to Vietnam. Didn't happen until Dad came home, as I was as "sole surviving son". I served with distinction - as a personnel clerk. I never told my family what I did in the Army, or about my service in Special Ops in Vietnam - as a clerk. I retired as a CW3 with my own chest of awards, two of which were awarded in the name of the President of the United States. Truth is, even though I was proud of where I had been and what I had done, for 30 years I was ashamed; surrounded by a family of warriors. It was only after I met a "brother" at an American Legion convention did things change. He too had served in MACVSOG, as an infantryman. When I told him that I spent my time in the headquarters, he looked at me and said, "Do you know how many soldiers had battle buddies because you made sure they were put there? Do you know how many people could rely on "beans and bullets" because of your coordination? Do you know how many of our people came back alive because of your service?" That simple conversation removed 30 years of shame. I thank God for our warriors, and what they did. Few of them realize that in Vietnam, four out of five folks were not in the combat arms but instead were what the Army calls Combat Support, and Combat Service Support.
That year, I proudly stood next to my wife's uncle at an Independence Day ceremony, honoring veterans. He had been ashamed because somebody told him that National Guardsmen weren't "real soldiers" because he didn't go to "Nam. He trained regularly as an artilleryman, but the phone never rang - the call never came. We're both okay today. May the Good Lord bless you, one and all.

Response by SSG Tammy Joy Partridge made Oct 22 at 2023 4:47 PM

2023-10-22T16:47:21-04:00

My husband was infantry. I was logistics. He calls me a POG all the time. We laugh. Sometimes it is used in jest. If the person uses it to belittle you stay away from them. They are a jerk. We made fun of all kinds of folks in different MOS in my twenty years and laughed till we peed our pants. Never was really used bad except once my platoon sgt said the riggers in my unit were Ranger Ricks because they though they were better than everyone else because they had reclassed from infantry to logistics. They all laughed too. Big cry babies I might add. (Joke) haha

Response by CPT Larry Booth made Nov 3 at 2023 12:23 PM

2023-11-03T12:23:30-04:00

I heard the same crap about guys who didn't serve "in country" during the Vietnam war (I did. Combat engineer, 1st Cavalry). My answer: Those guys served during a time of war and deserved as much respect as any of us. Through luck or circumstance they didn't have to go into combat but that didn't make them any less of a soldier than me.

Response by SFC Timothy Dutcher made Nov 5 at 2023 5:43 PM

2023-11-05T17:43:09-05:00

It's propaganda. The military needs its members to think these ways. Infantry to think they are special or they won't do what they do. For everyone else to think they are just as special or they create their own animosity. It's this constant game of hyping everyone up. It works. No one is going to really try to stop the smack talking from anyone because the culture is motivating. It doesn't matter if it isn't logical.

Response by SSgt Edward Collins made Nov 5 at 2023 6:45 PM

2023-11-05T18:45:48-05:00

Well as a supply specialist cam Rahn Bay Air Base 71-72 I came home with the outstanding unit award with "V" device and two oak leaf clusters survived two sapper attacks and 122 rocket attacks I was on the RDF for the two sapper attacks one ammo dump one on our fuel storage. Maybe they gave us the award for sending us out with M16s and no ammo during the attacks.

Response by SSG James Stodola made Nov 6 at 2023 10:53 AM

2023-11-06T10:53:20-05:00

Ahhh, one of the most famous shit talk lines all across the military spectrum. If you stand up and take the oath, perform your service honorably, do your best, be the best you can be, you are real. Having a deployment or several under your belt is not really your choice, nor is it bar to measure how "real" you are. This has the ring of all the crap that we share with other services as members. You have same service members talking crap among the different MOS's, this is all in fun, anyone who takes this serious is the one with the problem, and the one who is not a cohesive member of the overall team.

Response by SPC Tarrence Molendyk made Nov 7 at 2023 6:58 PM

2023-11-07T18:58:10-05:00

I've been called a POG. Basically it means those of us who are in Combat Support (Truck drivers, fuelers, warehouse, Admin etc.) We are considered the guys in the rear who support the front lines. Our jobs are not like the Infantry, Cavalry, Armored, and Artillery. Some combat MOS's get the wrong idea of which job is more important. As Support Soldier our job is a thankless job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2023 9:21 PM

2023-11-07T21:21:57-05:00

"What does it mean to be a "real" Soldier?"
Be an Infantryman!! In reality, just join the Army, complete basic/AIT/OSUT, and you are a Soldier, regardless of MOS. However, there's always going to be a rivalry or feeling of superiority in Soldiers who are in the Combat MOSs versus the Soldiers in the support MOSs who no doubt aren't living the "suck" that the combat MOS guys are and experiencing the hardship and accomplishments of being an Infantryman and other Combat Arms MOS Soldiers.

Response by SFC Birk Ellis made Nov 16 at 2023 9:12 AM

2023-11-16T09:12:39-05:00

This has been and always will be the infantry mindset as it applies to POG's, (Person Other than Grunt). What they fail to realize is that without the truck drivers to deliver the bullets, the cooks to cook the food, or the admin people to process actions, they will never be able to do their jobs.
Every MOS is different but needed to support each other.

Response by Brig Gen Joe Callahan made Nov 16 at 2023 8:04 PM

2023-11-16T20:04:44-05:00

Doesn’t really matter. The services are broken into tribes - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and the others. However within these tribes are further tribes. Combat MOS vs non-combat in the Army or surface warfare vs flyers in the Navy, etc. it is derogatory, but IMO a good natured ribbing of others not in their tribe. This tribal concept continues the farther you go down. As an example in the USAF pilot community there are fighter, bomber, transport, helicopter sub-tribes. It’s natural.

Believe all the services use nicknames or phrases that try to separate one tribe from the other. The most common word is POG which is short for Pogue. The word is Galic meaning “kiss”, as in kiss all the girls while the real men went to sea.

It started in the Navy and referred to those that never left land. The Marines picked it up from the Navy. Not sure when the Army adopted the term, but it has been referred to as “Person Other than Grunt”. Basically anyone who has a non-combat MOS. The USAF also uses the term but it refers to those who don’t work on the airfield.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Dec 1 at 2023 5:41 PM

2023-12-01T17:41:26-05:00

I agree with the SSgt below, you earned the title after graduating from boot camp. Semper Fi

Response by SPC Jonathan Lee made Dec 5 at 2023 2:20 PM

2023-12-05T14:20:53-05:00

I was an infantryman also. Any infantryman cannot survive for long in the battlefield without their support teams. Look at those poor Russian souls in Ukraine right now. I consider the "real" soldier as any military man and woman in the uniforms.

Response by PO3 Nicholas Bennett made Dec 5 at 2023 3:36 PM

2023-12-05T15:36:53-05:00

I think it depends. Everyone will have a different opinion on that. Me, my definition of that is someone who gets the job done to the best of their ability, they are honest and try to be a genuine and nice person, even when they have their bad days. That goes for both guys, girls and everyone inbetween.

Response by Jd Skaggs made Dec 7 at 2023 9:58 AM

2023-12-07T09:58:40-05:00

I enlisted in February of 75 (35M) Vietnam was winding down and did a three hitch state side. I never really felt like a real soldier compared to the combat troops returning from the war. Years later I was talking to a few guys that were talking about their time in service and was ask if I had served.,I replied that I had served but compared to war veterans I didn't really feel like I was a soldier. And they got really quiet for a few hours, then one ask me if I took the oath and served honorablely when I replied yes they told me thats more than a lot of money had done and that I was truly a real soldier

Response by SPC John Dodge made Dec 7 at 2023 11:52 AM

2023-12-07T11:52:57-05:00

At times I heard similar comments when serving as a medic in the Army. Except for hospital duty, I was usually a field medic. I was seldom 'in the rear with the gear', I was mostly 'up front with the grunts'. If an uninformed young trooper made such a remark, I encouraged them to reconsider how they were to receive medical care when a situation arouse without field medics.

Response by Capt Michael Whisman made Dec 9 at 2023 3:17 PM

2023-12-09T15:17:00-05:00

Career Marines are born bullies and narrow minded egotists. They scorn anyone who is not a Marine and anyone who is intelligent and kind with feelings for their fellow man. Only mentally ill people join the Marines. They do not think of what is best for the country. They only think that they are right and everyone else is wrong.

Response by SGT Jeff Everhart made Dec 9 at 2023 5:54 PM

2023-12-09T17:54:02-05:00

This is BS, because all the frontline infantry guys need to eat, be paid, have leave approved, need doctors, and nurses, also they need bullets, weapons, someone to tell them what is ahead, need I go on?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2023 11:41 AM

2023-12-10T11:41:28-05:00

From the frame of reference of infantrymen, "real" soldiers are infantrymen. . . .

Response by SPC Ken Cain made Dec 10 at 2023 2:40 PM

2023-12-10T14:40:36-05:00

I know there is a ton of discussion already on this so I'll get straight to the point. EVERYONE in the military regardless of branch or rank is a REAL soldier. Even our cooks or our desk jockeys. Everyone doing the job they are meant to do makes it easier for someone else to focus on the job they need to do. Just remember this, I single piece to a jig saw puzzle is useless by itself.

Response by CPT Stephen Feldman made Dec 11 at 2023 7:59 AM

2023-12-11T07:59:29-05:00

I was a grunt in 5th Marines and went to Vietnam with the 9th Expiditionary force in March 65 and again with 5th Special Forces twice as both enlisted and an officer. I new POG/REMFs that never saw combat because of their jobs and I new guys that were killed in Vietnam while "NOT" being in a combat unit. I never understood how anyone could denigrated them or anyone that served!

Response by SSgt James Carter made Dec 11 at 2023 11:06 AM

2023-12-11T11:06:03-05:00

You either agreed to serve or you didn't. If you did then you are a soldier, airman, marine, coastguardsmen or seaman. If you didn't then you're a civilian. Anyone making a distinction beyond this is simply dealing wit an inferiority complex.

Response by SFC John Gilmore made Dec 11 at 2023 2:02 PM

2023-12-11T14:02:13-05:00

IMO it means that "I'm puffing up my chest 'cause I'm better, tougher, or whatever I think I am."
My dad was a WW2 Marine (Guam and Okinawa), he went through Boot Camp at PI. They called Marines who went through Boot on the west coast as "Hollywood Marines" because, well, they didn't go to Parris Island. Didn't make a bit of difference on the islands fighting the Japanese though...
Maybe the "real soldiers" in question ought to take a lesson from that.

Response by SFC Dr. Jesus Garcia-Arce, Psy.D made Dec 11 at 2023 5:23 PM

2023-12-11T17:23:22-05:00

Once you be a soldier always you be a soldier no matter the MOS you got, everyone do his job to complete the mission. The infantry need the signal for the communication and the artillery to end the mission. Every one is necessary on the mission.

Response by SP5 Wick Humble made Dec 12 at 2023 12:38 AM

2023-12-12T00:38:30-05:00

About as many definitions as there are 'soldiers' (sailors, airmen, marines, etc.) but I think anyone who went, and did their best qualifies. Some said anyone not in actual combat didn't qualify, others that anyone in-service because of the draft couldn't claim it, and -- just sayin' -- some of my ex-marine friends... well, you know! Plus, they hate being called 'soldiers anyhow'! A hundred routes, and all who make the journey can claim to be 'real'! IMHumbleO.

Response by SGT Chuck Freiman made Dec 18 at 2023 9:19 AM

2023-12-18T09:19:37-05:00

You make it through Basic, get an MOS, then you're a "real" soldier. Full stop.

Response by SPC Curtis Cobb made Jan 8 at 2024 1:22 PM

2024-01-08T13:22:18-05:00

As a former infantryman, that has always pissed me off, too, because, without all the other MOS''s my infantry life would've been even more miserable.

Response by SrA Vincent Stafford made Jan 24 at 2024 2:07 PM

2024-01-24T14:07:59-05:00

Of course we were all real soldiers…but those of us who were maintenance (myself) or something we know isn’t a front liner…we felt/feel we’re a little less ‘soldier’. I was and still am guilty of being openly not a real soldier.

There is a different cut to what it would have taken for me to die than someone designated as infantry and we all know it. IMO you don’t have to have seen the front of anything to share in that designation…but your job code told/tells that story for you.

But someone who never served doesn’t get to give you any shit about it. Could I have died? I guess. Bad luck or pulling caravan duty…but that wasn’t my job. Enjoy the respect that comes from it if you’re a maintainer (or personnel or whatever) or the ribbing that the knuckledraggers give you cus they had to sling a rifle.

Response by SGT Ricardo Rivera made Jan 26 at 2024 10:46 AM

2024-01-26T10:46:23-05:00

Being a soldier is not easy, and it requires a lot of dedication, sacrifice, and commitment. You may encounter different challenges and situations that test your character and abilities. Ultimately, being a real soldier is about being the best version of yourself that you can be, and striving to improve yourself and your service.

Response by CH (LTC) Ted Baccich made Jan 27 at 2024 1:30 PM

2024-01-27T13:30:10-05:00

I am the quintessential "NOT REAL" Soldier. I served 24 of my 33 years as a Chaplain. And I know that my physical load was lighter than many. AND I was not in harm's way as much; in some cases, not in harm's way nearly as much. Then I remind myself that I served 33 years, four wars, including the first one as an enlisted MP, along with service in the 82nd Airborne as a Battalion Chaplain, Alaska Airborne CAV, Brigade Chaplain to the largest BDE in Afghanistan, etc. etc. etc. The SPIRITUAL WAR I fought was VERY REAL. And so were the many enemies I faced - several from within the Chaplain Corps. Was I a "real Soldier"? It all depends on your definition of Soldier.

Response by MAJ Bruce I. made Jan 27 at 2024 2:52 PM

2024-01-27T14:52:11-05:00

123

Response by SGT Ernesto Fernandez made Jan 28 at 2024 12:04 AM

2024-01-28T00:04:26-05:00

As an Army EOD guy myself and former USMCR infantry, I encountered a USAF bus driver at an Appleby's. He wished that he could have served in a special forces unit. He was crying with stories of snipers and IEDs killing the other drivers in his convoy. What he did not know is that even the special forces and infantry would have been grateful to ride in his bus to board a plane home safe, when the time came. Everyone should be grateful for his service too.

In February 1991, I responded to the As Salman Air Base Disaster during Desert Storm. Available EOD teams were told to respond. I was initially told that the casualties were 10 combat engineers. It would not be until 2023, that I found out in an email that the total to date casualty count, was actually 48. This incident was 1/3 of the coalition casualties during Desert Storm. There were no fire fights nor heroism. Just instant deaths from bomblets. When the mission was over I had to clean my boots and trousers of blood, bile and human intestines, without any knowledge of the jobs of the victims. I guess the lesson is that bullets, bomblets and Scud missiles don't distinguish between "real soldiers" and "other soldiers". We all have the same risk.

One day I, my cousin who had served in the blue water navy in Vietnam mentioned, the events that he witnessed for a PTSD statement. He stated that he witnessed electrocutions, fires, crushing accidents, and a pilot that ejected into the ocean. That is when you realize that military service is not a Club Med cruise, the boy scouts nor an American Airlines job. Military service is always dangerous for everyone in every service.

Response by PVT Michael Davis made Jan 28 at 2024 1:26 AM

2024-01-28T01:26:01-05:00

A real soldier accepts his role in his unit, does his absolute best to fulfill the requirement(s) of THE MISSION!

A real soldier has the six of everyone at his 12 o’clock, protecting the other real soldiers of his unit.

A real soldier follows his orders from the COC, unless the order is negated by illegality, a real soldier protects innocents in the combat zone while making sure to, “Let the enemy die for his country,” [Gen. G. Patton] rather than sacrificing his life for his/her country…
Unless it is to take the bullet meant for her/his unit members.

A real soldier has Pride, Intestinal Fortitude [everyone is afraid, courage is rising above the fear], Honor, Loyalty, and Love for his/her country, unit members, family, friends, and fellow Americans.

Pvt. Michael Davis
91C10 PCS ~ MEDDAC

Response by SSgt Dr. Dave Frey made Jan 28 at 2024 9:06 PM

2024-01-28T21:06:29-05:00

I served both during the Vietnam Conflict (Never declared a war by Congress) as well as during peace time. Fellow veterans, citizens, as well as my brother have ridiculed me (and got violent with me) since, in their minds I was “not boots-on”, but served CONUS. However, briefly I participated in “Operation Homecoming which liberated and brought our POWs home following Marine-assisted POW camps attacks at POW camps around April 30, 1975 when Siagon fell ending our involvement in Vietnam.

The above actions of fellow vets, citizens, and my brother have caused me additional PTSD traumas. I am in VA psychotherapy to address my traumatic insults elicited by unknowing, uneducated vet and non-vets. I have borne these PTSD symptomatologies for over 50-years. I don’t know how to react to someone who has emotionally (and in a few cases physically assaulted me) traumatized me and caused me to become “reactive” when my PTSD triggers are “poked!”

If anyone knows how I can be able to be non-reactive when others unknowingly don’t understand that they are triggering my PTSD when he/she provokes me with emotional/physical abuse as a result of being told (many times in my face” that “I am NOT a soldier because I was NOT ‘boots-on’”

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Feb 4 at 2024 10:16 PM

2024-02-04T22:16:42-05:00

If I say you are, you are.
1SG US Army (retired my ass)

Response by 1SG Fred Hermstein made Feb 6 at 2024 3:13 PM

2024-02-06T15:13:05-05:00

When I was in the 82nd Airborne, real Soldiers were airborne infantry paratoopers. PERIOD.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Feb 6 at 2024 4:44 PM

2024-02-06T16:44:51-05:00

I usually chalk these kind of statements to folks that don't truly understand what it takes to win a battle.
The thousands of supporting units, just as dedicated to victory, doing their jobs in difficult circumstances, to make sure the ground evolution succeeds.

Response by SGT Robert Urbaniak made Feb 7 at 2024 9:33 AM

2024-02-07T09:33:38-05:00

To be honest I was never questioned about being a " real " soldier, in fact this is the first time I have heard of this. Those of us who served in Vietnam, or other wars, are and always will be "REAL ": soldiers, and those of which served their country in countless ways also are. The main objective is to keep AMERICA safe, and sound.

Response by Sgt James Biear made Feb 28 at 2024 8:45 AM

2024-02-28T08:45:05-05:00

I once heard, “you normally don’t make a lateral move into the infantry…”.

Response by COL Maher Abed made Feb 28 at 2024 2:26 PM

2024-02-28T14:26:30-05:00

I heard this nonsense from others when I first joined. Soldiers try to glorify the role of the combat arms like infantry and artillery. Don’t pay attention to this BS. Every MOS in the Army is important to include engineers, signal and combat support. The only way to win wars through combined arms and unified fight. That means every soldier regardless of his/her MOS must do their part.

Response by COL Greg Wyman made Feb 28 at 2024 5:14 PM

2024-02-28T17:14:06-05:00

Well as a grunt, everyone is a soldier. However, there are combat MOS’s and REMFs. If your feelings get hurt by some ‘brotherly’ ribbing, that may be because they’re jealous. The combat arms usually give each other grief and ignore the rest. The more crap you give each other, the more you show your love. As a dumb grunt, I respect DATs (dumb ass tankers) the most.

Response by PO3 Terry Young made Feb 29 at 2024 12:25 AM

2024-02-29T00:25:15-05:00

It's not just the infantry or the Army. I was in the Navy, served on a ship that was assigned duty in Naval Gunfire Support Operations off the coast of Vietnam. We would conduct firing runs with our 5" guns all night then spend the next day doing "unreps" or underway replenishment of the 5" shells and the powder bags to fire the 5" guns. Day in and day out for 90 to 120 days at a time. Funny thing, we were firing at the NVA (North Vietnam Army) and either the NVA or ChiComms (Chinese Communists) would shoot back at us and they hit the ship a couple of times. That enemy return fire hitting the ship earned me, everyone on board at the time, the Navy Combat Action Ribbon. I've had other veterans tell me I'm not a real combat veteran because I wasn't "boots on the ground" shooting at the enemy and being shot at with rifles, pistols, or some other hand-held weaponry. My response - ignore their unfounded prejudice.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2024 5:37 PM

2024-03-02T17:37:48-05:00

I would hear this same crap regarding active duty vs reserves. It really ticked me off especially when many reservists had just as much AD time as the “regulars” before they transitioned to the reserves. They had also forgotten that most awards were given to reservists during WWII…many posthumously.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Mar 3 at 2024 12:30 PM

2024-03-03T12:30:37-05:00

Anyone that serves is a real soldier or Marine, sailor, AF Semper Fi

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Mar 4 at 2024 4:17 PM

2024-03-04T16:17:29-05:00

The combat arms is the tip of the spear. The rest of the srmy is the shaft of the spear. You cannot call it a spear without the sum of its parts. If you were part of the spear, you ARE a soldier.

Response by Maj David BenJames made Mar 6 at 2024 4:45 PM

2024-03-06T16:45:11-05:00

I was a Medical Officer in USAF, (Maj).
Specialized in Aviation Medicine, ( Pilot Safety).
Three trips to Nam, all TDY, 3 to 6 months each.
My DD214 doesn't show any TDY Trips.
Because I never went PCS, I was never there.
I volunteered for Military Service, 7 years.
The USAF owned me and send me where they need.
I followed orders and accomplish the mission.
I saw combat first hand. I would do it again.
So, am I "Real" ? Dam Right.

Response by SPC Daniel Dresen made Mar 30 at 2024 6:05 PM

2024-03-30T18:05:22-04:00

Well... I'm just the guy that made sure your body got home, your family got paid, the base was cleared after a mortar attack, your records were up to date, and you got the correct pay... so... I guess you could say I was God. Oh... and if the computers were down... I'm the guy that got them back up. I wore many hats in the brigade and R5 teams on deployment. I dismiss the "real soldier" arguments. In the brigade, each section had 2 saw gunners... including s1. Guess who was issued a 249? I'm pretty good with zeroing and aiming. Heck, I've helped others with zeroing and aiming. I even gave pointers to improve position when firing from kneeling and when doing NBC or CBRNE fire. At the end of the day... everyone who enlists is a soldier. Some are just more educated and have a greater priority to keeping the organization moving. Do I want an infantryman who can't do basic math running finance? No. But the CPA who enlisted because of family tradition... he may shoot 38/40 but he's of greater use in finance. That's why the military uses incentives programs for selecting MOS. Everyone has a role and everyone call fill in the infantryman role should the need arise.

Response by SGT Russell Colburn made Apr 10 at 2024 7:38 PM

2024-04-10T19:38:45-04:00

A real Soldier is anyone that raised their hand, said the words, and signed the papers. Then provided service in keeping with that agreement. If you have to be in combat or hold a combat arms MOS to be "real" I say B.S. I have 3 MOS's. 11C, 11B, and 13F. Does that make me a real soldier. Yes. But you know what, I like to get paid too. And I like chow, and getting beans and bullets out in the field. And knowing there are folks willing and able to put me back together if I have a bad day. They are soldiers too. Everyone plays their part to make the whole thing work. If you haven't been to war, good you lucky bastard. But it could have happened anytime. Luck of the draw, and you weren't dealing. Look. We bust each others chops from time to time. But at the end of the day we were all soldiers.

Response by SP6 Richard Kellar made Apr 12 at 2024 9:49 AM

2024-04-12T09:49:50-04:00

OK hot shot, without at least 8 men behind you your efforts would greatly impeded. As in the Army "every swingin dick is a rifleman first. Their assignment is precisely as a grunt when SHTF. Think about not eating. I wasn't a cook but imagine never eating a hot meal for your duration? How about ammo? Yeah, all those guys are a bunch of punks not needed, hot shot. How about the courier who goeas out alone sometimes in the dead of night, ALONE. It requires everyone to be effective is the bottom line tough guy.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2024 1:25 PM

2024-04-12T13:25:36-04:00

I've heard that a lot, but my answer has always been, "Where would you be without the Navy sitting off the coast backing you up or the Air Force flying over, dropping bombs and softening up your target, not to mention all the support personnel in the rear ordering your supplies, sending you food, supplying your radios (which was part of my job), and providing your intel?"
We all wore uniforms, followed orders, and potentially put our lives on the line. Whether we were (or are) called Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, or Guardians, we all worked toward the same end, and we got the job done... together.

Response by SPC Kenneth Berry made Apr 12 at 2024 7:49 PM

2024-04-12T19:49:02-04:00

What is meant to be a "real soldier" is asked by the ones who don't know what a soldier is or what it takes to become one. Even if they are in, if they ask they have no idea anyway.

Response by SP5 John Hien made Apr 14 at 2024 3:57 AM

2024-04-14T03:57:29-04:00

A ‘real’ soldier is one who has served in the military and received a general or honorable discharge. A ‘real’ soldier will have a genuine DD-214 that can be reviewed by the Veterans Administration to ensure it’s factual and authentic. Unfortunately, some individuals will forge their DD-214 in such a way that they claim heroic actions and medals that they didn’t earn, to include the Medal of Honer. A book titled ‘Stolen Valor’ is an excellent review of individuals claiming heroic action, false military claims, and awards they didn’t earn.