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

No. They're your friends so don't worry about it. They were in the military so they're thick skinned, and furthermore, if they don't like it, they'll tell you. I have two friends in the Marines who I call jarheads, glue-slurpers, crayon eaters, and leathernecks. I have several friends in the Navy who I call swabbies, squids, and bubbleheads.

Not at all, as long as the term is coming from a fellow service member, however may the wrath of the gods fall on a civie who dares to speak so.

NO!!! and to me its very offensive that anyone would even bring that up. I do not care for this Unconstitutional PC garbage.

Isn't that the point?

I don't think it's meant to be offensive if used among friends. I myself have called some of my retired friends squids, jarheads, ground pounders (Army) and they call me Flyboy even though I flew little except crossing both ponds several times to exotic locations. Just don't use these terms at Gitmo unless you are a good runner.

I've known several Marines in my lifetime and "Jarhead" didn't offend them at all...BUT it was coming from another veteran, even though not another Marine!

I was told by an old Navy Chief the name "flat top" for Army and "jarhead" for Marines came from the Navy in WW2 while transporting troops. The Army had flattop hair cuts and the Marines head look like a bottle cap. The banter between retirees is all in good fun and is only understood by those that served.

I have to go along with the Major. If someone who can't spell S-U-B-M-A-R-I-N-E refers to me as a "Squid," he or she and I will have a little discussion! However, if my old submarine buddy calls me a "squid," I guess I will insult him back, we will have a good laugh, and drink another beer! However, I do not recommend in any way, shape, or form, to go into a Marine NCO Club and refer to the first Marine you see as a "Jarhead." Why? Because that is a good way to get your head stuffed into a small jar!!!! I would assume that would apply to all services. Coast Guard does not like to be referred to as "six-foot sailors", the Army very likely does not like to be referred to a "mud-heads," and the Air Force probably doesn't appreciate the term "Space Cadets" either. In closing, if you aren't sure, ask your brain if you really should say something insulting, and if your common sense answers "NO" then "DON'T!!" If you do not possess any Common Sense, then you probably deserve what is served! Respectfully Submitted; TMCM (SS), CWO-2, USN (Ret.)

It can be offensive if you make it so but no one has the right to talk trash unless they have served,period.

Professional Men At Arms will flip one another a bit of guff, but the underlying respect for one another should be apparent.

When you are in the military, you have names for others either in your branch of service or other branches of service. When I was in the Navy, I was called an "Airdale." It didn't refer to the dog. We called those in the lower depths of the ship "Snipes." The list goes on. "Jarhead, leather neck, grunt, squid, just few of the terms of endearment cast around in service. If you are not a veteran or an active service member, then don't use those terms.

Found this a few moments ago, and just couldn't resist giving the Navy and Air Force grief.

Seriously? Its a family affair brother, we talk shit to each other and move on. Civilians are not allowed this privilege.

I like the name Jarhead.

once my son became a marine in 2002 I never used that term again. since he was in the corps I have more respect for marines that ever more. they are marines thru and thru. now he is in the process of going into the army marines kept running him around saying we do not know if we have a boat space. he told the recruiter to hell with you. within a few months he will return to active duty. keep his rank of sgt and go to army comm school. we are proud of him.

NOT AT ALL.UNLESS SOME CIVIES ARE TALKING CRAP.then,you stand for ALL YOUR BROTHERS.✌⚓

No if you have served your country.

I feel like today every one can be offended by anyone or anything. However, I think it is great to have the fun rivalry and use certain names in reference to a Job, Career or Military Service. I recently took a Joint Fire Power Course and one of my instructors was a Marine. He made fun of him self and his branch by making Crayola jokes. If it is in good fun, have fun.

PFC Gkuspie, Sir; Been call a lot of things.. some I can NOT repeat.. However, sea-going bell hop, Ice cream man.. Sparks etc.. well, just in fun.. never really bothered me... My irritation is the fact that the government wants and tries to divide us, within each branch, or just in general.. They appear to enjoy the division.. hoping they can remain in control, screwing things up because many of them never had the backbone to serve in the military, so they play games with our lives instead !!

I have the highest respect for any jarheads. If they find that term offensive tell me and quit.