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
PFC Justin G'
I have worked with several Marines both in the service and the civilian side and I really got the impression that was a term of endearment. That is not to say they will not banter back and fourth as well. To be safe, it might be more prudent to know the person, as a friend on the outside chance the person is not in a good mood.
I have worked with several Marines both in the service and the civilian side and I really got the impression that was a term of endearment. That is not to say they will not banter back and fourth as well. To be safe, it might be more prudent to know the person, as a friend on the outside chance the person is not in a good mood.
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As Colonel Tisher stated below, it really all depends on who and how it's said. I was an FMF Corpsman as such was called, well a lot of so-called "derogatory" names. The best was when someone mistakenly called me either Jarhead or Marine. I'd correct them right away but I was also proud I comported myself in such a manner as to be mistaken for a Marine. As someone else said, I'd never lead with calling someone I'd just met by a slang name for members of their service. And I've been in situations where former members of other branches have given people much more than was just inter-service rivalry and that can go too far. Bottom line is, all of us are proud, or should be, of our service, branch of service, unit and occupational speciality
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I was in the Navy in the late 60's and we jokingly called eachother leather necks and swabbies if someone not in or have been in the service ,that we did not know , he had a bad day
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Brothers can joke and bs with each other .But an outsider better think twice before messing with one .
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If someone gets upset by this, they need to go home and get their baby bottle. I always loved the inter military rivalry.
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If you have worn the uniform, terms such as Dogface, Jarhead, Squid or Zoomie are no more than friendly jibes among the different services and, in my opinion acceptable. The only one I find offensive in any way is the term "GI" as I have heard it used by civilians and mostly with a negative connotation. The serviceman and servicewomen serving, and who have served, are professionals, not Government Issue by any measure.
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I've been called "squid", "deck-ape" and a few other things, I don't get offended and I don't see any reason why anyone should take offense at any of the terms used to denote the branch of service the are/ have served in.
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Having went to a tri-service school (indianhead) naval school that had Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. There were Squids, Ground Pounders (gravel agitators), Wing Walkers, and Jarheads. We all wore (or would wear) the Charles County Crab. That badge denoted a band of brothers beyond service. We get that. It has been a proven bond since 1940s.
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I've never called anyone but their rightful name. I just never felt right calling a Marine a "jarhead"...I feel only they can call themselves that. As I haven't earned that right. I also feel that only those of us who have served and or are serving can call ourselves our nicknames....and only when it's appropriate.
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