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?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 673
Jar head,grunt,squid,zoomies,coasters to me means that we’ve all been there and is a sign of respect I’m just a 70 year old squid and Proud of it.
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Respecr is earned not given, as is your privilege of inter-service rivalry. Discretion is the better part of valor.
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If I DIDN'T make fun of fellow SM, I wouldn't be able stay in. That's what makes it all bearable.
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There is a bond between all of us who served and even though we pick on each other's branch or MOS, the bottom line is we ALL serve the United States of America and will Always back each other up!
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Every time I have used the term "Jarhead" it was meant as a compliment because of their high and tight haircuts (I have cut mine the same way (flat top) for the last 70 years since I enlisted in 1948.) Just like other services call Army troops. Groundpounders, Straight legs, Dogfaces and so on we call Air Force Troops Flyboys and Sailors Gobs and Marines were "sometimes" called Bellhops because of their brightly colored uniform. When I was in the Army The Women's Army Corps was jokingly called "Crack Troops". I married a WAC. All of the above were descriptive and not meant as insults. I have fought along side of Marines at the Battle of Chosen and have the highest regard for the Corps. I have worked along side of Air Force Personnel and respect their crisp efficiency. I have experienced Navy personnel's generosity when the LST we left North Korea on in Dec 24th 1950 gave up their Christmas Dinner to us Dogfaces on Christmas Day 1950. I have also worked and fought along side of English Troops (Old Father's Brigade whose members were all over 40 years old) in the Korean War, along side of Canadians (Princes Pat Regiment in Korea, Canuks), Australians (Ausies), South Korean Troops (Gooks, ROKS, and KATUSAS), in Korea AND Vietnam. I have sincere respect for them all.
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I would never take offense to it unless it came from a flag burning left.
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We can flip shit all day at each other but don't even start shit and never have served. You might find urself in a heap of trouble from several different branches at once.
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I’ve served with all the branches of service. Anyone that takes offense at good natured ribbing among the services doesn’t need to be there. We are all comrades in arms and all are important in the defense of our country. So call me a Doggie.....I earned it!
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