68
68
0
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.
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.
Posted in these groups: 
Branch
Branch
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 72
29
29
0
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!
(29)
(0)
CPT Richard Riley
Very true CSM (Join to see) we have grown to participate in more joint operations which opens your eyes to a different side of the 'family'.
(5)
(0)
SGT William Howell
I used to think that some branches were a little fluffy for my taste. When I was in Iraq we had some Air Force guys bed down at our FOB for the night and I got a chance to talk with them. They were pulling convoy duty from Basra to the Sunni Triangle and the were combat hardened. It was not their job in the AF to drive 5 tons, but it was the mission they were given and they did it with professionalism. Good bunch of guys that had my respect.
(4)
(0)
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
During My time at Da Nang, Viet Nam in 1968-69 I worked quite a bit with Marines and that relationship worked well. The Marine unit We worked with mostly was the 1st MP BN, when I was assigned to the 366th Security Police Squadron, USAF. The Marine MPs on perimeter duty had no K9, all the dogs used had USAF handlers and worked both our post areas and with the Marines. Even outside the perimeter esp the USAF K9 troops and our people worked with 1st MPs in close contact. We also had request for mortar support from our unit to support other Marine units outside the perimeter. (Yes, USAF had mortar crews with 81 MM mortars) We had some Marines that even lived in our barracks with us and worked with us and our people with the Marines. In my hut lived a lance Corporal and also a Marine E5 Sergeant whom We used as a Squad leader. In that area We did the same job and had mutual respect for each other. 3rd MPs had town patrol and USAF people worked there with them and from the guys I knew who worked there once again the relationship was very good. We were all there to do the same job. The pictures below I took myself at DaNang Vietnam, of (1). a USAF 366th SPS 81 MM mortar, and (2) members of the USAF, 366th SPS, on an a APC, Armored Personnel Carrier with a 50 cal mounted upon it and (3) Me on within and old French built bunker overlooking a perimeter area, of Da Nang Air Base, with an M60. the outlook was over a rice paddy and there was a Vietnamese village across the paddy. There was a 50 caliber on the rooftop area. The USAF 366th SPS also had Claymore mines set up on some of our perimeter areas. (click on any picture for a closer view)
(2)
(0)
26
26
0
13
13
0
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!
(13)
(0)
CPT Richard Riley
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I'm still waiting for that victory too. Unsure when the 'some day' will be but certainly look forward to it.
(3)
(0)
CW3 Bill Wynne
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS: With a mostly muted Navy offense and two missed field-goal attempts by the Mids, one play — a Black Knights interception — set in motion the only drive Army needed to establish control and capture the Star Series over rival and host Navy, 7-3. With the win, Army becomes the lone victor in the Collegiate Sprint Football League in 2020 after the league decided to cancel the season this fall but permit the two academies to play one another one time. HOOAH!!!
(0)
(0)
13
13
0
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.
(13)
(0)
CPT Richard Riley
Thank you MAJ David Vermillion for the comment of confidence. Due to my father-in-law's Navy roots I've grown to be almost as fond of Navy as I am Army, I have a multitude of Marine friends I learn from every day, Air-Force buddies that teach me both humility and mischief, and I'm still working on that Coast Guard thing.
(4)
(0)
MAJ David Vermillion
Thank you, throughout my career I have learned to realize the need for every branch of service. We need everybody pulling together because how could one person do everything. We all wear "United States" in front of our branch of service and the US means us working as a team.
(5)
(0)
10
10
0
CPT Richard Riley
Well, what can I say. It just seems to roll off the keyboard that way -but- you know I'm fond of you even if you get me in trouble ALL THE time :)
(3)
(0)
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SSgt (Join to see), Army needs to find another service college to play. Navy is too tough for us. Ok what about the Air Force....we need a win brother in football.
(3)
(0)
Capt Seid Waddell
SSgt (Join to see), CPT Richard Riley, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, at least he didn't say "Air Force vs. the Military".
(1)
(0)
9
9
0
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) (Join to see) in the brig along with a few rabblerousers like my friend MAJ (Join to see) LOL.
(9)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
I'll assume you are talking in jest, and therefore I'll bite. I am also assuming this is meant as a proactive, purposeful post...while I can speak from experience from having served (or survived, depending on who is asking) in two services. Not sure too many SM have had that privelege...those that do, probably have some sort of allegiance to their first service, which in my case was the Marines...back to the OP -- Does branch of service (really) matter? Well, what are we asking? Combat time, if it made a difference in the world, or how one looks in my dress uniform (we know the answer to this one based on previous votes), or places deployed to, or assigned. I feel the question is vague....so it leads me to believe he wants to hear how decisive we can we become about our 'mother' service.
The uniform is a uniform, today's services largely deploy to nearly the same locations, the Army has a longer 'in-country' contract, the Marines frequently revolve in fresh units. So in respect to impact on Marriage and Suicide rate, I believe the type of service does matter. The USN deploys on ships and subs for very long periods, but rarely sees the fighting of the FEBA. The USN probably has the same amount of broken marriages, but not as much PTSD, so again the branch does matter. I have no figures to compare the suicide rate vs. PTSD and from which branch of service.
I think the branch of service has little to do with anything, the leadership within the unit...is what makes all the difference. If you are a squared away soldier and arrive to a unit that is effed up...and try and try to make positive changes but meet resistance along the way, you are probably going to change yourself, get out of the unit, or become disenchanted....again, this doesn't reflect whether you are AF, USA, USMC, USN, or USCG. There are great leaders and NCOs (or POs) in all of them. A unit may also suffer with bad leadership, poor morale, corruption, drug issues, poor training, and overall too much down time, leading personnel to get into trouble. This doesn't matter which service one is serving in. Comraderie and Espirit DE Corps seems strongest in the forward fighting units, Spec OP community and is definitely observed personally in both Army and Marines. I cannot say I see the same in the USN, or USAF. So, depending on what you want (or need) out of your service, your decision on day one definitely has an impact of which branch of service you choose.
The uniform is a uniform, today's services largely deploy to nearly the same locations, the Army has a longer 'in-country' contract, the Marines frequently revolve in fresh units. So in respect to impact on Marriage and Suicide rate, I believe the type of service does matter. The USN deploys on ships and subs for very long periods, but rarely sees the fighting of the FEBA. The USN probably has the same amount of broken marriages, but not as much PTSD, so again the branch does matter. I have no figures to compare the suicide rate vs. PTSD and from which branch of service.
I think the branch of service has little to do with anything, the leadership within the unit...is what makes all the difference. If you are a squared away soldier and arrive to a unit that is effed up...and try and try to make positive changes but meet resistance along the way, you are probably going to change yourself, get out of the unit, or become disenchanted....again, this doesn't reflect whether you are AF, USA, USMC, USN, or USCG. There are great leaders and NCOs (or POs) in all of them. A unit may also suffer with bad leadership, poor morale, corruption, drug issues, poor training, and overall too much down time, leading personnel to get into trouble. This doesn't matter which service one is serving in. Comraderie and Espirit DE Corps seems strongest in the forward fighting units, Spec OP community and is definitely observed personally in both Army and Marines. I cannot say I see the same in the USN, or USAF. So, depending on what you want (or need) out of your service, your decision on day one definitely has an impact of which branch of service you choose.
(6)
(0)
CPT Richard Riley
Thank you for the thought out and reasoned response SSG(P) (Join to see). Yours is a perspective I'll reflect on and think through. In some aspects (as you've mentioned) branch does make a difference and therefore does matter.
(4)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
If marriage is an important issue...join the USCG...seems like a good decision too me.
(3)
(0)
8
8
0
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).
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).
(8)
(0)
CPT Richard Riley
Two of my good friends are Marines Sgt Jay Jones and I learn from them all the time.
(2)
(0)
8
8
0
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.
(8)
(0)
CPT Richard Riley
The 'flavor' of our pride is a great way to phrase it MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca. Really had not thought of it that way before & not sure I want to venture into opening up what 'flavor' each branch gets you .... might be a can of worms we don't want to get into. :)
(3)
(0)
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Well, CPT Richard Riley my first inclination was to be an Air Force Missile officer after seeing "War Games" My dad wanted to send me to a shrink to see if my head was screwed on straight. I even applied to UCONN as they had the closest Air Force ROTC program. I know I didn't want to go Navy as the whole life on a ship thing did nothing for me and I never considered myself hard core enough for the Marines. What ultimately changed my mind other than the cost of UCONN vs. URI was that I related more to the Army than the Air Force. I always loved Army history and movies and that did it more for me than the other branches.
(2)
(0)
8
8
0
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...
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...
(8)
(0)
CPT Richard Riley
CMC Robert Young you were the first Coast Guard inhabitant to befriend me here on RP. I'm grateful for it and have learned much from it!
(5)
(0)
SP5 Joel O'Brien
My first choice choice was Coast Guard but as they were full in 1972, I went Army and things worked out great for me.
(3)
(0)
SMSgt Dan Powell
The Coast Guard has some really tough missions. When everyone else is hunkered down in port, the Coasties are out rescuing folks who didn't make to port. In my younger years, I didn't really know what to think about the Coast Guard, but after getting to know some Coasties and learning about what they do, I have gained new respect for them.
(3)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google