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 9 y ago
Responses: 673
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.
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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.
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NO!!! and to me its very offensive that anyone would even bring that up. I do not care for this Unconstitutional PC garbage.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.)
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It can be offensive if you make it so but no one has the right to talk trash unless they have served,period.
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Professional Men At Arms will flip one another a bit of guff, but the underlying respect for one another should be apparent.
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