Posted on Jun 18, 2016
Do you consider the term jarhead and other names for the different branches of service offensive?
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I have a couple of friends who are Marines (They are both out but I know 'Once a Marine always a Marine') and I've jokingly called them jarheads and they've made fun of the Army. I'd never call someone I just met a jarhead unless they absolutely knew I was joking. I guess what I'm getting at is, do you think interservice rivalry can sometimes come off as 'offensive'' even if it's meant jokingly?
Marines
Respect
Inter-Service
Branch
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 673
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Its all in fun. I work with the Navy and surrounded by former Navy in the personnel detachment. I get the occasional Jarhead and Gyrene comments. The best remark so far is don't mess with him or at least let him have his morning dose of crayons before talking to him, he's grouchy when he hasn't eaten.
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Any term you might come up with has probably existed for a long time. When joining the military, regardless of branch, you need to be prepared. Anyone taking offense should not be allowed to wear the uniform.
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Sure, terms meant inoffessively can be misinterpreted on a bad day. What used to bother me was logistics professionals calling themselves "Log-Toads" in a manner where they actually seemed to be self derogotory!
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Jarhead, Devil Dog are nicknames that envelope a Marine. If someone does not like being a doggy, squid, bus driver that is there problem with their own issues pertaining to there service of choice. If they are offended apologize. Then walk away.
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I always looked at as a sign of acknowledgement and respect, with a little humor and sarcasm. All in good clean fun.
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Terms of endearment, earned by generations of those who served. We might bust each others chops, but we always have each others backs.
V/R
Bogie
V/R
Bogie
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I doubt today’s snowflakes know what a jarhead is. It’s not words it’s tone that makes the difference, say that to someone and say it like an insult you’d better like to fight.
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I have a ton of these..for all services. poking at each other is great because we are all family.
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