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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MSG Bill Gerke
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NO! Serve in USMC 1968-1970. USMCR 1973-76 Been called that by other Marines. Been called that a lot serving in NYARNG for 31 Years.
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SFC Mark Bailey
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LMAO
We don't need no sticking safe spaces around here
(Retired 'Crunchy' or 'Mounted Puke' as my DAT friends used to call us...)
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CAPT Patrick Mulcahy
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I never had a problem being called a squid or other term for those in the Navy as long as it was done in fun.
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HN Gary Walker
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I was a Navy Corpsmen so I had the Best of both worlds. One of my proudest days was when my Marines started calling me Doc! I think when you have served in any service you learn when it is cool and when it is not. Grunt, Squid, Bubble Head, Jar Head Ground Pounder. We all had to earn those names and I know there is a hundred more out there. Semper Fi and Fair Seas!
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PFC Chris White
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Not at all. Why should that hurt my feelings or make me mad. Get over it if this hurts your feelings Jarheads.
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Cpl Robert Thomson
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As a rule, Marines are thick skinned. We do not need anyone's approval. We do not need our egos propped up. Marine Corps toughness is not only related to physical abilities. Most importantly, Marine Corps toughness stems from mental toughness. Marines do what even they think can't be done because they never give up and quit. Therefore, I take no offense at Jarhead, Leatherneck or Devildog. I prefer Marine, Devildog or Leatherneck over Jarhead but, Jarhead is ok too. Hope that helps. Funny thing, yesterday I was at the VA and somebody put a business card on my motorcycle for the Jarhead Motorcycle Club with a name and phone number contact. I've been a Marine for going on 50 years so, I don't know if I will join now? Not sure if they'd want this old guy lol.
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Sgt Carmine Taffuri
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Not as long as the person using the term has served in the military. I was in the Air Force, and referred to as a Zoomie! We called Navy guys, Squids, no big deal.
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CPT Physician Assistant
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Serving with the US Marines as a Corpsman we joked about it a lot, and I don't think we ever considered it offensive. I know as service men we all looked out for each other, but when in the club that could change. We would never would put up with a civilian calling us or another service member anything offensive. We did have a good times harassing other service members, and all in fun. Well I guess if you never served you just wouldn't understand what it is to serve. It all about rivalry and everyone likes to think their the best. Just happy to have served this great country!
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PO1 Tim Grace
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Never have, never will. It's a sibling rivalry deep in tradition. We are all brothers in arms. It is with the utmost respect that I use the term jarhead or other seemingly derogatory terms for the Marines or other branches. The place I work has many veterans of the military and law enforcement. Our customers (the non-veterans) often have horrified looks when they hear the banter (the vets will often toss a barb in our direction). Once explained, the customer stands a little straighter.
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COL Dan Williams
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No.
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