Does ‘Branch of Service’ really matter?

CPT Richard Riley — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 08:40:53 -0500

In the grand scheme of things, does your branch of service really matter all that much? We can all agree that one’s branch of service holds some importance, gives specific identity and shapes how you may look at things –BUT – in front of every branch name is the designation “United States”. We are brothers and sisters from the same family. Yes, there are stepbrothers, sibling rivalry, and constant inter-branch squabbling. The bottom line is we all wear or have worn the uniform, we have all sworn an oath, and we all belong to the dysfunctional, dis-jointed family we fondly call the military.

We can freely admit there are rivalries … Army versus Navy, Marines versus anybody, Air Force versus everybody, and the Coast Guard versus – well, it is just the coast guard so, um, anyway. The point is, branch gives you some identity but family gives you vision, family gives you strength, and if we have to admit it this family is at its best when every member works together to complete a mission. If you remove one branch from the circle things begin to get complicated. It may be hard to admit that we need each other sometimes, but we know, deep down, we have each other’s back all the time. Take one look at your contacts list … most of you have a mixture of people from every branch, rank, and specialty on the map.

I guess I’m saying that while I’m proud of my Army history and heritage, I am also very proud to have some really weird, goofy brothers and sisters from those “other” branches that make my FAMILY so unique. Thank you for your service – whatever branch that may come from.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 8:49 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 08:49:38 -0500

Sir - Well said! I think we have become much better since 2001. Operating in joint environments in combat gives you a better look at your brothers and sisters!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 8:54 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 08:54:27 -0500

Air Force vs. Everybody... LOL> Love it...

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jan 25 at 2015 9:00 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 09:00:21 -0500

Yes it does matter, the things we learn in the military carry over into civilian life. It seems to me that being in the military brings with it a sense of duty, honor and country not found in anyone who hasn't been in the military. I will always choose a military person over a nonmilitary person. Totally agree with your statement, we are brothers and sisters serving the United States.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 25 at 2015 9:10 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 09:10:01 -0500

CPT Richard Riley, In respects to the MISSION "ONE TEAM ONE FIGHT " DUTY HONOR COUNTRY" For intercollegiate fun--well that's another story...Army beat Navy...Still awaiting for Victory some day!! Great Post!

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jan 25 at 2015 9:49 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 09:49:25 -0500

I would be interested to hear a point-of-view from a few of my "other" family members ... PO3 Private RallyPoint Member Maj Chris Nelson Cpl Dennis F. LTJG Robert M. ... just to name a few :)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 10:10 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 10:10:35 -0500

I am still helping people with weather across the United States and I love the fact that the military provided this opportunity to be doing something that I like and helping at the same time. Lots of cool people I could have worked for here. Like SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca 1LT L S CPT Richard Riley. Of course I would be a mentor to SSgt John Steigerwald . I would throw SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member in the brig along with a few rabblerousers like my friend MAJ Private RallyPoint Member LOL.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 25 at 2015 10:14 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 10:14:28 -0500

Yep.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 10:35 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 10:35:21 -0500

Competition keeps people sharp and can be fun. But we all have to remember we are on the same team. We went to the different services for a variety of reasons, mainly because we are all diverse in thinking and goals. That is also our strength.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 25 at 2015 10:53 AM

CMC Robert Young — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 10:53:04 -0500

Sir, it really is the Coast Guard verses ......well you get the picture. In addition to being the smallest service, we are also the bastard step child of the military because we're not in the DOD. Everybody forgets about us.....no love..

However, I will remind everybody (today's history trivia) that the Coast Guard is the nation's oldest continuous seagoing service (the Continental Navy - and Army for that matter- was disbanded at the end of the Revolutionary War, and not reconstituted until the 1790s) , and the second oldest continuous military service (Kundos to our family in the National Guard).

All humor aside, I grew up in an Army family; uncles in the Navy & Air Force; and my son just got out of the Marines after four years. Yes family reunions are fun, but what we say & do to each other is all motivated by love and shared sacrifice....it's okay for us to do it, but not anybody else.

Final parting shot at my Navy bothers and sisters; The US Coast Guard is the rock hard core around which the US Navy forms in times of national peril.

Capt, I would be happy to fill the deficit in your US Coast Guard inventory of friends...

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jan 25 at 2015 12:00 PM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 12:00:08 -0500

Here's a question I'd like to pose.... Could we disband or consolidate any branches? For example, marines and army? Navy and air force?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jan 25 at 2015 12:38 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 12:38:51 -0500

I love the "dysfunctional family", if that isn't true, I don't know what is. I think Branch of Service provides us all with our base identity based on the missions each performs. From there you select your MOS and the Army's case your Army branch to further define your identity and job. Yes there are many, many MOSs that translate between and across branches, but choosing to be a Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman or Coast Guardsman first allows to choose our "flavor" of military pride.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Jan 25 at 2015 3:50 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 15:50:37 -0500

Not sure how much I can contribute to this. It has been hashed over in so many guises and variations here, I feel that it has pretty much been beaten to death.
That said...my bottom line, "Yes, it mattered and still does, to me" That in the long run after all the other nonsense shakes out is all that really matters.

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Jan 25 at 2015 4:04 PM

PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 16:04:35 -0500

CPT Richard Riley in my Naval career I typically only dealt with Navy. On an occasion I would deal with the Marines. Which were never bad, unless they lose a flag football game to a bunch of squids. LOL! I was considering doing the Blue to Green program that was offered in the mid 00's, but my ex-wife was completely against it.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Jan 25 at 2015 4:34 PM

Sgt Jay Jones — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 16:34:53 -0500

Thank you for a well thought out question. I would say that branch of service does make a difference and then it doesn't make a difference.

I am a Marine, therefore my first and basic job responsibility is to be a combatant. I may never see combat. I may be a cook, a supply person, or an infantryman, but my first basic job is to fight! That is why you see Marines act the way we do! However, when that Army AH64 Apache rolls in and takes out insurgents hiding amongst the tree line, there is not one Marine who looks down on the Army! What I'm making an attempt at saying is each branch of the service has certain standards. Those standards were developed to meet the primary mission of that branch of the service. There are different missions because the enemy is not a one dimensional enemy and we must be prepared at all times to meet diverse challenges and threats. Yes, the branch matters when it comes to things like family life, accommodations and yes, even duty stations. However, it takes ALL of us to meet the primary mission which is defend this country against all enemies foreign and domestic. To my other brothers and sisters who wear or have worn the uniform, please accept my sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU!

With all of that being said I do have to admit that the United States Marine Corps is in fact a Department of the Navy! ...the Men's Department! (sorry, couldn't resist).

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Jan 25 at 2015 4:47 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 16:47:40 -0500

There are some good reasons for joining an individual branch, but rivalries between branches shouldn't be serious. I had the opportunity to work with every branch over the years. I personally suggest to young people who want to join the military to look at the Air Force most often. Although I loved being in the CG, it is not an easy branch to join and it is harder to stay in. I wouldn't bad mouth any branch.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Jan 25 at 2015 5:21 PM

SPC Todd Hanson — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 17:21:57 -0500

Sir,
Very well said. I come from a Navy family (my mother and older sister served) and caught a lot of of it when I signed up . it's just a sibling rivalry that works together when there is s force against the family.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Jan 25 at 2015 8:06 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 20:06:22 -0500

Sir:
I served in a time and a branch with little to no risk, compared to the men and women who wear, and who have worn, the uniform since my day. I cannot compared the 80's to the last 15 years.

But I am humbly honored to stand behind those men and women. Whether they crawled through dirt, drove monstrous machines, flew planes or helos, turned wrenches or pushed buttons on a keyboard, they are all my little brothers and sisters.

Branch be DAMNED, Captain! I can no longer do what they do, but I will stand IN FRONT to keep them doing their jobs.

I hope that answers your question, Captain Riley!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 26 at 2015 1:08 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 01:08:28 -0500

CPT Richard Riley, it always matters to each individual, until there's a job to do, and then all the services must pull together.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 5:15 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 05:15:34 -0500

This is a great summation of why the Goldwater - Nichols Act in 1986 was such a great thing. I think had this question been asked before then or even in the years right after the responses would have been much different.
I think the would be great benefit to have a similar style act for inter-agency coordination. We in the DoD get the lion's share of the budget and personnel, but the DoS is better equipped for nation building, so it would be of great benefit to have better coordinated operations.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jan 26 at 2015 7:29 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 07:29:49 -0500

You haven't lived until you've deployed to a JTF! Man what an experience - 5 ways to do the same things and every branch has a different form to fill out, SOP to follow, and decision making process. If you deploy to a JTF pack two things, aspirin and valium as your head will be spinning more than Linda Blair's in "The Exorcist".

Laughs aside its the best place to learn about and work with your branch counterparts. In Somalia I had a Marine Communications platoon to work wth ant that was a great experience. GTMO was my first JTF. Our S-6 section had slots from all 5 branches and it was a really great experience learning about all branches in a close knit environment.

A definite must on your military career bucket list!!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jan 26 at 2015 9:19 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 09:19:21 -0500

Bottom line: does Branch matter? NO. Each person joined the branch (or branches if long haul more then 1) for specific reasons. Each branch has their strong points....each one has limitations. Combined....well, I think we have shown the world a few times over what we can really do when working joint ops!!

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 7:21 AM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:21:37 -0500

I believe we are becoming more of a joint operating force than ever before. I was fortunate to serve in a joint environment in Iraq (CJSOTF-AP) and the capabilities of this unit were limitless.

I picture us in 50 years wearing one uniform and "branch" badges.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 10:18 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:18:03 -0500

I'm n the army but I would strongly agree on the Marines

Response by LCpl Dave Walter made Feb 2 at 2015 10:53 AM

LCpl Dave Walter — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:53:31 -0500

Oooh Raahh, Sir.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Feb 12 at 2015 10:04 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:04:15 -0500

Ran across this in a search and it is interesting ..... GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

PRINCETON, NJ -- The U.S. Army and the Marine Corps are now tied with the Air Force as Americans' choice as the most important branch of the United States' armed forces, with the Navy and the Coast Guard far behind.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/11824/Which-Branch-Armed-Forces-Most-Important.aspx

Which Branch of the Armed Forces Is Most Important?

The U.S. Army and the Marine Corps are now tied with the Air Force as Americans’ choice as the most important branch of the United States’ armed forces, with the Navy and the Coast Guard far behind. This represents a significant change from Gallup Polls stretching back to the 1940s in which the Air Force was seen as the most important branch. The Marines are named by more than twice as many Americans as any other service as the most...

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Feb 12 at 2015 10:06 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:06:16 -0500

Gallup is out with its periodic poll on which military service is the “most important” to national defense. Makes about as much sense as pointing to a toolbox and asking: what tool in there is most important? It all depends on the job at hand. A hammer makes little sense when you need to cut a 2-by-4. But common sense like that might force pollsters to earn an honest living.

TIME - has added their two cents into the conversation .....

http://nation.time.com/2011/06/28/which-military-service-is-most-important-to-national-defense-%E2%80%93-and-the-most-prestigious/

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Feb 12 at 2015 10:07 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:07:38 -0500

Americans Say Army Most Important Branch to U.S. Defense - Marine Corps considered most prestigious branch by wide margin.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/170657/americans-say-army-important-branch-defense.aspx

Americans Say Army Most Important Branch to U.S. Defense

Americans consider the Army the most important branch to national defense in the U.S. military, followed by the Air Force. The Marines are seen as the most prestigious branch, with the fewest saying this about the Coast Guard.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Feb 12 at 2015 10:08 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:08:39 -0500

When you decide to join the military, you have a very important decision ahead of you - choosing your branch of service. Each branch plays a unique role in the security of our country. While they all work together to some extent, their purposes can be very different and they can offer different jobs and specialties. In order to choose the best branch for your needs and interests, you must understand the differences between the five branches of military - Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard along with their reserve components.

http://www.militaryspot.com/enlist/understanding-the-five-branches-of-the-military/

Understanding the Five Branches of the Military - Enlist - MilitarySpot.com

Understand the differences between the five branches of the military so you can make the best decision when you decide to serve.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Feb 12 at 2015 10:09 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:09:54 -0500

U.S. Military 101 - The "Basics" of the United States Military

http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/military101.htm

The Basics of the United States Military

The basic description of the United States Military, including the mission of the five military branches, organizational chain of command, and an overview of military ranks.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Feb 12 at 2015 10:12 AM

SGT Francis Wright — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:12:15 -0500

Each branches has its job to do, and all are equally important.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Feb 12 at 2015 10:12 AM

SPC Neil Hood — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:12:30 -0500

You should be proud of the branch in which you served. However all branches bring something to the table and should not be disparaged due to stereotypes or incorrect perceptions. The smartest man I have ever known happens to be like a living map and he is also my Father. Not only was he a Marine (many people think of marines as being less intelligent) but he was also a Lieutenant (who are known for being green and getting lost) My Father shatters these stereotypes yet I still poke fun when I can. As a former Army soldier I have so much to learn still from this former Marine officer who I am blessed to know.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Feb 12 at 2015 10:21 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:21:06 -0500

"The Few, the Proud, the Marines". Yes it does. No offence, but I wouldn't trade my title for any other branch. I enlisted in the Marines, not the military. If they didn't take me I wouldn't have enlisted.

Response by SFC Richard M. made Feb 12 at 2015 10:25 AM

SFC Richard M. — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 10:25:52 -0500

Individually, yes it matters. I joined the Army and don't regret a thing. I honestly couldn't see myself in any of the other branches. It was the best fit for me and what I was looking for.

Collectively, not at all! We are all brothers and sisters in arms and should respect and honor each other equally regardless of branch.

For the record, I have family that represents all of the branches dating back to WWII. I'm proud as hell of my Navy, Air Force, and Marine family!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2015 10:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 10:24:52 -0500

One team - one fight! The inter service rivalry and good natured jabs are good and healthy. I fully respect what everyone wearing one of our uniforms bring to the table and the service and sacrifices they make.

You cannot deny the logistical; strategic; and tactical capabilities the Air Force brings to the table. Likewise you cannot argue the capabilities of positioning a couple of carriers off the coast of some third world crackpot nation to project our force capabilities. For the long haul and boots on the ground the Army is the answer and to deny the special and unique role the Marines play would be downplaying their abilities. We must also not forget our other brothers and sisters in service under our flag; the Coast Guard, NOAA, and the US Public Health Service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2015 12:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:44:01 -0500

We all have our jobs to do, and all services have a proud heritage. One other thing, we serve the greatest nation in the free world!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 5:22 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 17:22:18 -0500

This doesn't sound like you want input. It sounds more like a PSA telling us to put our bullshit aside. That said, I am onboard. Some of my favorite coworkers hail from other services.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 10:54 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 22:54:45 -0400

A little
More jointness could not hurt!

Response by PO3 Jonathan Cooper made Mar 14 at 2015 11:15 PM

PO3 Jonathan Cooper — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 23:15:29 -0400

I have family in multiple branches, past, present and future. One of my cousins did a 4 year contract with the Army, another 20+ in the Army, grandfather was a Coastie, great-uncle who was a Marine, and a cousin who has been accepted to West Point. If I can have family serve in any branch, then I can say that any branch is family. Whatever we do, we do it for those we love and the freedoms we wish to protect. That's good enough for me!

Response by LTC Mark Maitag made Apr 3 at 2015 3:26 PM

LTC Mark Maitag — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 15:26:23 -0400

I was at an AMEDD symposium 8 years ago where the discussion of a Joint MEDCOM came up...the idea being that Army, Navy, and Air Force Medical Centers would fall under a Joint MEDCOM HQ, and these hospitals could be led and staffed by any service branch, as you'd expect in any joint location.

One of the generals stated that "The Cult of Culture" prevents this from occurring - the way each service is different and reluctant to change or give up control. Today, haven't seen too much movement towards a Joint MEDCOM. JTF CAPMED was a start, but not much closer to any 4-star MEDCOM billet. I'm sure it is way more complex then I'm describing.

So, I guess branch of service still matters, and probably because of culture, funding, and control issues when it comes to those non-service specific missions, such as medical.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 7:21 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 07:21:02 -0400

I served in both the Air Force and Army. Also have a little experience with joint support.

Differences? Yes. But, mostly just a great bunch of people intent on doing their jobs well.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 7 at 2015 9:57 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 09:57:11 -0400

Only on Army Navy Football day does it matter. Beyond that everyone who has enlisted is serving to defend The United States. One of my colleagues is a former Marine. When I deal with him, we are constantly joking about the inferiority of the other's branch. Yet each year I send him a note on the Marine Corps' birthday. The inter service rivalry is part of the traditions. When the chips are down, it doesn't matter all that matters is that your fellow service members are there to support each other on and off the field of battle.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Apr 7 at 2015 9:55 PM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 21:55:43 -0400

I don't think branch really makes a difference over-all. Deep down we are all brothers and sisters.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 22 at 2015 12:32 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:32:24 -0400

It also happens within the branches. Infantry would heckle me, until I show them the main gun of the tank, and say mine is bigger.

Response by AN J. Blair Cano made Jun 15 at 2015 10:50 AM

AN J. Blair Cano — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 10:50:26 -0400

While I agree that there are differences amongst the branches, the fact of the matter is that relatively few Americans in total serve in any branch, which puts anyone who has served (no matter which branch) in a category of people that are distinctive from the rest of America.

Response by LT Garth Young (Ret) made Jun 18 at 2015 12:37 PM

LT Garth Young (Ret) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 12:37:17 -0400

Veteran. At the end of the day, we all are or will become a Veteran. I agree Richard, we all have our challenges, our duty assignments, our leaders, and our fun....ultimately our memories. At my age, 62, a Vet is a Vet & I don't care what Branch he/she served in. To me, they're my brother/sister.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jul 16 at 2015 5:16 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 17:16:05 -0400

Honestly 1st are the Marines the go first in followed by the Army but that is the way I see it

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 17 at 2015 6:49 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 18:49:12 -0400

I have gotten to work with all of the other services, and I can say all of them have their pro's and con's. Having learned the Army way I often scratch my head when I see the way some of the other services do things, but I suspect they look at us in a similar way. I also know push come to shove we have each others back.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 9:45 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 09:45:17 -0400

Years ago, I was in an in depth conversation with a USMC Gunnery Sgt. He believed the DoD would become more Encompassing and less Exclusive when it came to branches. He said that within the next 20 years we will see the Individual Service Branches disappear (by name) and start being a functional component of the DoD. Uniforms would go back to the WWII style of having one style with different component caps.

I thought he was crazy, but after a while, I can see this happening too.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jul 9 at 2016 5:21 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 17:21:00 -0400

There two categories in the U.S. military:
1. the Marines
2. those who wish they were Marines.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 2:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 14:55:00 -0500

Any of you SOBs calls me Airman...I'll kill ya..

Response by CPO Ronnie Townes made Mar 21 at 2017 12:03 PM

CPO Ronnie Townes — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:03:29 -0400

Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty across all services.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 31 at 2017 10:58 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 10:58:21 -0400

We are all brothers and sisters at arms. I belonged to the oldest form of defense this country had, the military militia. Now known as the Army Guard.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 31 at 2017 11:51 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 11:51:12 -0400

CPT Richard Riley As veterans and/or retired military service members I believe that all service to this nation while wearing the uniform of the Armed Services of the USA is equally valuable.
In my own case, I had wanted to be a soldier since I was about 10 years old. I learned later that my paternal grandfather had fought as a British Army lance corporal at Gallipoli, Turkey and in the trench warfare of France an Belgium where he was wounded.
I joined RallyPoint in the months after you posted this interesting question. I am responding now since I was mentioned here today.
My family was opposed to war and serving in the military which made it challenging; but, I was determined to become a soldier. I enlisted in November 1974 and entered USMA at West Point in 1976. My first exposure to another military service was at West Point when we had a naval officer as our company tactical officer for a year.
I did not work with over services until I became a field grade officer in the 1990s. I worked most with USMC personnel and some USAF personnel. I have the utmost respect for the embers of the US Armed Forces that I have worked with over the decades since.
Thanks for drawing my attention to this discussion SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL LTC Stephen C. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Christopher Mueller Capt Seid Waddell CPT Gabe Snell 1stSgt Eugene Harless CW5 Private RallyPoint Member SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT Robert George SPC Private RallyPoint Member SrA Christopher Wright SP5 Robert Ruck SCPO Morris Ramsey CPL Eric Escasio SPC Margaret Higgins

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Mar 31 at 2017 2:53 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 14:53:01 -0400

It matters a lot when you are in - not so much when you are out.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 31 at 2017 6:25 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 18:25:24 -0400

We all took the same oath and we have signed the same blank check. We are all Proud Americans and have chosen to honor and protect our nation in the way we feel we would be of the most service. I include reserves, guards, Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard - we are one family as a whole. Even though we represent <3% of the general population the other 97% depend on us and we accept the responsibility without reservation. God Bless America. The Greatest Nation On This Planet.

Response by SrA A.A. Hall made May 5 at 2017 12:36 AM

SrA A.A. Hall — Fri, 05 May 2017 00:36:58 -0400

I agree, we may be competitive, but we are all one big family. We have each other's 6's

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made May 14 at 2017 4:26 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Sun, 14 May 2017 16:26:49 -0400

Great post. The same could be said for political party. American first. Race, Creed, religion, etc, after.

At most of my duty stations, there were members of other branches. During one deployment to an island in the Mediterranean, there was a USAF base and a USN base. The occasional drunken fights notwithstanding, it was fun to serve alongside other branches.

As the only single 2LT, the lovely ensigns brightened my days.

Response by LCpl John Miller made Jun 15 at 2017 10:58 AM

LCpl John Miller — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 10:58:23 -0400

We talk trash to each other because of our pride and because its tradition we have earned the right something a civilian could never understand

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 15 at 2017 11:02 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 11:02:07 -0400

Yes Services do matter. I chose Army because I wanted it. But in the grand scheme of things. I have had great time working Joint missions. Each service has it's job which needs to be done.

Response by LCpl Todd Houston made Jun 26 at 2017 1:17 AM

LCpl Todd Houston — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 01:17:15 -0400

As a family? No. Dysfunctional as it may be, you are right. It is the UNITED STATES military. Marines can do some awesome things, but not without our devil docs. When that soldier has been hit, he is damn glad to see an Air Force medic helicopter show up in short order. When we are all together having a drunken party and the yacht starts to sink, we have no issues with the Coast Gaurd showing up to get our ass out of the drink. But we do have our friendly rivalries. My cousin asked me one time what we called our trainers in boot camp. I said, well the Marines call them drill instructors, Army calls them drill sgts., the Navy has petty officers. Then he asked about the Air Force. I was a little stumped, but I had been told they were den mothers. Pop smoke. Semper Fi

Response by SPC Christopher McMahon made Sep 25 at 2017 12:40 PM

SPC Christopher McMahon — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 12:40:46 -0400

I support any man or woman, who served this great country, irregardless of branch. That being said, Army is number one!

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Sep 25 at 2017 8:16 PM

PO1 Tom Follis — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 20:16:14 -0400

I don't think we can argue anymore as to who's the first to hit the beach but, the Marines get to the beach thanks to the Navy and, only after a bit of shore bombardment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2017 1:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 13:09:12 -0400

Yeah it does I am first a United States Marine and as much as I love the Army it doesn't compare just something about being a Marine that's different

Response by Cpl Bill Johnson made Sep 30 at 2017 4:30 PM

Cpl Bill Johnson — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 16:30:18 -0400

Does it matter? F*** yes, it matters.

Response by SrA A.A. Hall made May 13 at 2018 11:15 AM

SrA A.A. Hall — Sun, 13 May 2018 11:15:41 -0400

It does, but doesn't at the same time. We are all in the military, in away one big family. Each branch has a great use. Everyone's job is important. From the clerk who types up a supply order to the ones who deliver the supplies, to the medic's who go out & pick up the wounded/ dead, to the fly boys who deliver & take whatever is on the agenda. The mechanics who keep things repaired & running. The one's who patrol, the who carry out specialized missions. We Are All Important! God Bless Us All!

Response by Matt Moon made May 21 at 2018 7:31 AM

Matt Moon — Mon, 21 May 2018 07:31:00 -0400

No to some people it dose and it really shouldn't we all serve for a different purpose.

Response by CPL Cheryl Bottass made May 21 at 2018 1:29 PM

CPL Cheryl Bottass — Mon, 21 May 2018 13:29:39 -0400

Well said

Response by SrA Robert Schels made Jul 14 at 2018 8:55 AM

SrA Robert Schels — Sat, 14 Jul 2018 08:55:05 -0400

I agree completely but I would like to add one small statement. We're all members of the same family and between ourselves, we pick on each other, play jokes on each other, blame each other for our problems, etc. Usually it's all in good fun but sometimes it does get heated.
But if someone else steps in? We band together. You come after one of us? You deal with All of us!!

Response by TSgt Wayne Johnson made Feb 14 at 2019 11:34 PM

TSgt Wayne Johnson — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 23:34:34 -0500

Absolutely true

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2019 12:58 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:58:08 -0400

Service to this great country is honorable no matter the branch.

(Army IS the best though!

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Dec 17 at 2019 2:07 PM

Cpl Christopher Bishop — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 14:07:26 -0500

In the bigger picture, we all get the “Same Team” concept.

But there is a certain pride about meeting the entrance standards of the most stringent branch.

And we know some of the Army people tried to go Marine Corps first, and for whatever reasons, weren’t accepted.

I find that Marines who expect Army to keep up are fooling themselves with such unreasonable expectations. Most 0300 Marines would eat Army 11-Bs for breakfast. Im not coming from a biased viewpoint. Marines just get more time in training (and have individually met higher entrance standards).

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Oct 26 at 2020 12:51 AM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:51:39 -0400

Well when you're the best, everyone tries to knock you down soo ....

Response by TSgt Wayne Johnson made Jul 20 at 2021 6:32 PM

TSgt Wayne Johnson — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:32:06 -0400

Branch of Service absolutely matters.