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

Personally, I think if you get offended by such things, you have no business being in the military at all.
That being said.............normally, I don't pay much attention to the jabs I get from people from other branches. However, there was one instance where a comment got me a little miffed.
At my civilian job, I met a female former Army person who had worked in the motor pool. When she found out I was former Air Force, she referred to it as the "Chair" Force because in her opinion, all we did was sit around. For the exception of basic and tech school, I spent my entire term on a Special Operations base..........1st SOW, 20th SOS. We went TDY a LOT (and went to Air Force, Army and Naval bases but, never a Marine base..........no idea why) and in between, we had mobility exercises about every 1 or 2 months.
So anyway...........I told her to go spend some time on a Special Operations base, then come tell me it's the "Chair Force".

Oh dear.... how can I put this as... Politically Correct as possible? Its like this. Those "Joking" little names we call each other, little brother, can, and often are, used as terms of endearment amongst ourselves, however, I should add, that Marine to Marine, in situations where there are no others but the "EGA Siblings" those 'Endearments take on a little more caustic amusement, but first and foremost, I highly doubt there are many of us who would use those terms in such a way outside of the "Family."
I say this, with the full knowledge and amusement of a good friend, who's a "Retired Mud Duck" an ex husband who's a retired Chief, fondly called 'The Family Squid' in a rather large genetic circle of retired, formerly serving, and now serving Marines, and one rather confused son in law who is retired from the Army, and known to my cousins as "Oh, you know, that guy your daughter married...the one who picked the wrong uniform... or the wrong wife..." as well as my much loved, and dearly missed brother in law, who passed away some years ago, and had half of my cousins believing that they had meals delivered to the tables in USAF chow halls, and maid service in Boot Camp. I'm still not sure if my cousin Jerry has realized that Frank was amusing himself by out-lying several old Marines, in any case, my family is fully integrated, as far as services go, and we tend to send snappy comments, and rude come-backs at each other quite a lot, and I believe that there have not been any ill feelings or long term rage connected with such nicknames.... but maybe we're a bit odd...

Terms of endearment are important amongst those of us who have served, and are serving. Being a Navy Doc, I've been called a few different ones. But the language belongs to those who serve and have served.

No do not think it comes off as offensive and even if it does tough. I wear the title Jarhead with pride as far as the squids, flybabies, and dogfaces go you will have to ask them. Semper Fi

I have a friend who’s Dad served in Vietnam in the Army,the son started calling me Jarhead and a few other terms. I stopped him and told him your Dad can get away with that because he wore the uniform of the United States but because he never served he didn’t have that privilege.

No problem with it..... and no problem with Devil dog, Leatherneck, hard charger, gung ho or any other terms. Marines are not pussies. They are warriors...call them what you like, just don't call them "late" for dinner.

Say anything you like, but "Smile when you say that, partner."

If it is from another Vet, no problem. But from a 4F Jody it better not happen.

I am a JAR HEAD and proud of it!

No

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.

LMAO
We don't need no sticking safe spaces around here
(Retired 'Crunchy' or 'Mounted Puke' as my DAT friends used to call us...)

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.

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!

Not at all. Why should that hurt my feelings or make me mad. Get over it if this hurts your feelings Jarheads.

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.

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.

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!

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.

No.