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
Its all in fun. I work with the Navy and surrounded by former Navy in the personnel detachment. I get the occasional Jarhead and Gyrene comments. The best remark so far is don't mess with him or at least let him have his morning dose of crayons before talking to him, he's grouchy when he hasn't eaten.
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Any term you might come up with has probably existed for a long time. When joining the military, regardless of branch, you need to be prepared. Anyone taking offense should not be allowed to wear the uniform.
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Sure, terms meant inoffessively can be misinterpreted on a bad day. What used to bother me was logistics professionals calling themselves "Log-Toads" in a manner where they actually seemed to be self derogotory!
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Jarhead, Devil Dog are nicknames that envelope a Marine. If someone does not like being a doggy, squid, bus driver that is there problem with their own issues pertaining to there service of choice. If they are offended apologize. Then walk away.
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I always looked at as a sign of acknowledgement and respect, with a little humor and sarcasm. All in good clean fun.
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Terms of endearment, earned by generations of those who served. We might bust each others chops, but we always have each others backs.
V/R
Bogie
V/R
Bogie
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I doubt today’s snowflakes know what a jarhead is. It’s not words it’s tone that makes the difference, say that to someone and say it like an insult you’d better like to fight.
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Not a chance. Each service gives each other a hard time, its like siblings picking on each other. However we all pick on the Coast Guard (just kidding)
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I trained with Marines and we had Marines attached to my Battalion as Combat advisors. So I treat them with respect.
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I'm not a Marine so the term "jarhead" which I've used with my nephews is not offensive. I served in the Army but not the infantry so "grunt" is inappropriate for me. I do say that I served in the oxymoron "Army Intelligence CIC".
There is one word that absolutely disgusts me and it's the "c" word for the covers which are worn. I'm not a prude. However, that word turns me off then and more so now.
There is one word that absolutely disgusts me and it's the "c" word for the covers which are worn. I'm not a prude. However, that word turns me off then and more so now.
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Actually no. there is such a thing as military rivalry and in my days in the military it was taken very well. Weather you are a Marine, Air Force, Navy or Army you have a kinship type of respect for other Branches. While you always believe your Branch to be the best you know that in times of conflict your very happy to see the Marines, Navy and Air Force in the fight with you!
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Nope I wear the term Jarhead, or Devil Dog proudly and will till the day I die, I earned that title.
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Absolutely not! I'm in the American Legion and we have all branches and ages and not a single one hasn't joked about another's service. Airmen here but one of the older guys who was Navy (my son is also Navy) loves to pick on the ARMY which he says means {Ain't Really Marines Yet} :-). We are family, after all!
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I am sure that it is no longer acceptable to run past the Navy barracks at zero dark thirty singing "Navy Navy don't be blue, Sinbad was a F@GG@T too. However, inter service rivalry is an excellent way to build Esprit de Corps.
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Being in the Seabees and serving with them some times I'd refer to them as Uncle Sam's Misguided Children or what the definition of a Marine was......A Seabee on light Duty
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