Do you consider the term jarhead and other names for the different branches of service offensive?

if you feel offended you're wrong, we are in the business of killing the enemy. plain and simple

I think that it's a term of good natured ribbing among those who know each other. My marine friends(all retired ) call me "Bus Driver"(USAF) and "Beer Bitch" and I know that they just like to needle me. They would defend me in a heartbeat and that's the nature of friendship. However I would never call a former or current marine I do not know "Jar Head". It's a right you earn through friendship. IMHO.

I always considered an honor. It only applies to Marines.

If you know the person really well then it is ok to use the service nicknames with them.

Absolutely not. It is no Marines business or right to be offended. We take pride in our history, as everyone knows, so it is a part of something bigger than individuals themselves in today's Corps. The same goes for Devil Dogs, leathernecks, and any other name you have heard. The only exception I would agree with is the comment from Major Erik Tisher, who commented on this post. He made good points.

I was a Jarhead for six years and believe I earned the title. It's unique and projects a strong military image. I have always believed those who called me Jarhead who served in other branches as well as those who never served at all were doing it respectfully and in some instances perhaps even a bit enviously.

Depends a lot on the speaker. However there are very few Marines that are that thin skinned. The only time I was offended by the use of the term was the title of the garbage movie they made with the sole purpose of demeaning the Marine Corps. Of course, they failed.

No, If you are so thin skinned you should have join the Girl Scouts or the Air Force. : )

We have never met but you can call me a Jarhead and I will thank you for it - badge of honor.

I have met veterans and call them by their nick names and always thank Navy veterans for the rides.

It has never let me down and like myself - most carry the badge of honoring for serving and like it.

I think if it goes deeper than that - then it is harmful.

I call Marines Jarheads all the time even if I just met them. Maybe because I am one.
if they responded negatively my next name would be dickhead.
I would not care if a army guy called me a jarhead

So the story goes that during World War II sailors began referring to Marines as Jarheads. Presumably the high collar on the Marine Dress Blues uniform made a Marine's head look like it was sticking out of the top of a Mason jar. Also the Marines on the ships were tall and would hit their heads on the beam if they weren't careful- hence "jarring their head" or jarhead for short. Both scenarios seem to make I sense.

I have never taken offense to being called a jarhead- There are far worse things to be called.

Semper Fi!

I from the Jarhead Clan. Only a Jarhead has the right to call me that. And my personal friends. You earn that title and only Jarhead's know what that means.....

They can call me any of those just like by buddies who are active army would call me nasty girl when I got out of the corps and went to the guard I think the problem is that sensitivity is being forced too much on the military