Posted on Jun 18, 2016
PFC Justin Gkuspie
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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?
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TSgt James Lacey
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I don't mind when people call me flyboy or some other term for the Air Force because it only happens at the VA. I had a brother in the Navy one in the Army and both father and step-father were swab jockies. If you have been there done that what is the problem? As to John Wayne's not serving that was actually a pentagon decision they thought he could do the service more good making movies
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Cpl Doug Adams
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I've maintained the high and tight flat top for years after leaving the Corps and I hear jarhead and still look to see if I'm being addressed. Never has bothered me, even if its a "squid" . lmao
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Cpl Jeff Ruffing
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Really? I think I’m dumber responding to this than the question. But, how do you keep a sailor busy? Have a doggy ask a dumb question. If someone becomes upset because of a comment on his service of choice, that person never served. All of us can agree that you need a different thickness of skin to deal with service of choice, so if you can’t deal with a little “joking” you need to check your self. Now, most of us know the “jokes” we sling at each other we have all heard more than once. Every now and then you do hear a “new” one. That being said, as long as you are not slinging racial, ethical, religious insults, you’re good. I always look at the joking from other services as a sign a jealousy. Not everyone can be a bad ass Marine. Not all of us can be a Force if one. Not all of us can Sail the seven seas. Not all of us can convince only the officers to go into battle while we stay in the rear with the beer and the gear.
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PO1 Richard Nyberg
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I agree, I was in both the Army first and then I got out and went into to the Navy, I got teased by my shipmates and I fished it back but we knew it was all in fun. No one out side our smoothest tried it.
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CAPT Hiram Patterson
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I think everyone jokes about the Air Force. The Marines and others call us squids and we call the Marines cargo. I rarely ever heard jarheads used.
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Capt James McAllister
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I've been out of the Air Force for years, and I think I've earned the right to be called a 'Wing Nut'.
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SCPO Investigator
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No. You want my long answer? Hell no.
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SFC William Allen
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I'm from an Artillery unit (3/112th FA) and I used to get teased by other for it ( "Queen of battle"). I never took it seriously and anyone who has been there never will. I also never teased anyone who I just met for their branch of service or what they did. To be honest, the only thing I ever objected to was being called "Sarge"- I HATE that!
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Edited 7 y ago
It can be offensive if you don't know the guy/gal. Just like saying something offensive to someone you don't know in the real world. You just don't do it. But if you know them it can be funny or endearing. I am Navy, prior service Marines. Once just before a personnel inspection one of my peers began to degrade the Marine Corps. I let it go on for a while, but then let the gent know that I was about to turn loose and although one of us was going to win, both our white uniforms were going to wind up bloody. It depends on the person and the time.
PO1 Eric Booker
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Good lord if I had a nickel for everytime I was called a "Swabby", "Squid" etc...and I gave it back as well!Lol! As others have alluded to, it's one thing if "we" vet's play the "game" but quite another if a civilian with no service tries to. They have not earned the privilege of ribbing like that IMHO. Although different branches, duties, etc..most of "us" have very similar experiences when it comes to the "life" of a military member or family.
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