Does one US military branch think it's superior?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 13:59:42 -0500

Do you feel there is still an "inner service rivalry" between the Service Branches or that any one branch thinks they are Superior?

RP Members what do you think - be honest and professional in your responses please! Thank you

With all the deployments and joint operations that we have been involved in over the last 15 plus years of war and prior to that as well, aren't we all part of something a little bigger than our own service branches? We represent the United States of America in so many ways! We represent the freedom that all of the American citizens enjoy, to include ourselves!

For myself, I think is great to that we have the Navy/Army/Air Force rivalry on the football field and other sports, but I think it is important to realize the importance of joint operations and synchronization among the service branches.

I don't think that anyone branch is better than the other. That is my personal feeling.

They all have their specific missions, training philosophies, challenges, and characteristics that make them unique and special, but does that make them inferior or superior to the other service branches?

I'm sorry if I didn't tag some of the specific service branches!

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Jan 12 at 2016 2:05 PM

SSG Michael Hartsfield — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:05:16 -0500

Oh yes!
Even among the MOSs:

And the Lord spake forth unto the heavens and said,
"Let there be Airborne."
The earth did tremble and quake
and the waters did rise up
and the clouds did part
and there came forth a multitude of parachutes that filled the sky.
God looked down and saw this was good.
And they were good; they were AIRBORNE.

God then spake forth unto the land and said:
"Let there be Rangers."
And all at once the day turned into darkness,
and the winds did howl,
and mountains crumbled into the sea,
and the great rocks did part,
and there sprang forth a horde of Mephistopheles' disciples
wearing Ranger tabs and carrying all sorts of deadly weapons.
God looked down and saw that this was bad.
And they were bad; they were RANGERS.

Then God spoke forth thrice, unto the sky, the earth, and the sea, and said:
"Let there be Special Forces."
Lightning did flash and echo across the sky.
Mountains spewed molten rock and rained fire upon the land.
Tidal waves surged against the shore.
Dispair, disorder and turmoil did prevail.
Forthwith, there did appear a band of twelve extraordinary men.
A few came from beneath the waves;
others jumped from the sky;
and more still stalked silently from the dense forests.
Each one was in camouflage battle dress, wearing a Green Beret.
Working together, they brought peace unto the land.
God looked down and saw that this was amazing.
And they were amazing; they were SPECIAL FORCES.

Besides himself, God now spake forth again and commanded:
"Let all ye that be weak in mind and body, arise and go forth."
And lo, from the abyss they crawled forward with indecision
and limped weakly upon the earth.
God looked down and shook His head, for this was pathetic.
And they were pathetic; they were LEGS.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Jan 12 at 2016 2:11 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:11:17 -0500

I think that there may be some good-natured trash talking but that most people realize that everyone in the military serves. It has a purpose and we do our part.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 12 at 2016 2:15 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:15:00 -0500

Not only is there an "inner service rivalry" but within each military service their are rivalries COL Mikel J. Burroughs. Within each service the ground and air components have rivalries for resources, training and operational employment.
Part of this is good-natured competition; but, the budget process is competitive and tends to discourage efficiency within an organization.
Some people will always consider themselves "better" than others. Since we are each created in the image of God we are all valuable as individuals. I have long done my best to teat each person with respect independent of their rank or position. My respect was not always returned; but, I know it is better to follow the command of Christ to to do unto others what i would like to have done to me.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 12 at 2016 2:25 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:25:04 -0500

“And there were also a diverse people who ran curiously to type, with drilled shoulders, and bone-deep sunburn and a tolerant scorn of nearly everything on earth. They were the leathernecks, the old breed of American regular, regarding the service as home. And they transmitted their temper and character and viewpoint to the high-hearted mass, which filled the ranks of the Marine Brigade.”– Captain John W. Thomason Jr., 1926.

I think that is still true. Marines have a tolerant scorn for every other service - as well as nearly everything on earth. Excluding bacon of course.

https://youtu.be/QM4Pobo9LAA

Such as Regiments

Such as Regiments, from DVD.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 2:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:26:14 -0500

I think there is and will always be an inner service rivalry. I see it especially in the junior enlisted ranks. Just seems like a lot of pride and testosterone get in the way of any rational thoughts with some guys. I think senior ranking or more seasoned members understand the value/roles of the other services better. But no branch is inferior to another. That thought is ridiculous.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jan 12 at 2016 2:27 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:27:38 -0500

Each branch has that feeling simply because of the rivalries between services. But the truth is that we all know we are part of a team and each branch has a specific job to do and mission to accomplish to make everything work smoothly. We are all brothers in arms and that's what makes us unique. I am proud to call everyone here in RP my brothers and sisters as well as all who are and have served.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 2:27 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:27:58 -0500

I definitely believe there is a rivalry but I see it as all in good fun. Especially, though during football. Go Navy!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 2:29 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:29:59 -0500

Most definitely Sir...and probably with some justification. In a holistic, lofty view, all the services combined form a total effort. However, the average "Joe" probably views it as a function of the overall difficulty in entering...then maintaining the required individual effort.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jan 12 at 2016 2:30 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:30:22 -0500

Sir, I think I'm the wrong one for this.....objectively yes it serves a greater good to have the forces working in a "joint fashion". It saves money, time, and confusion. It also allows commanders means to double the forces power, bring in alternative viewpoints, and it gives someone who like writing regs a job. I see it like this:
1. So you personally want to see it destroyed? No? Join the Navy
2. So you personally want to destroy it? Yes. Join the Marines
3. So you personally want to destroy it and hold the continent as a prize? Yes Join the Army
4. So you personally want to see it destroyed from the air? Yes Join the Air Force
5. So you REALLY want to see something on a massive scale be destroyed, obliterated, and scraped off the face of the Earth so no one will ever remember it? Yes but not be there? Join the Army but go no higher than SPC, or become a Warrant Officer. Both can accomplish the task, with speed, precision, and skill, and no one will ever know they were there.
For those who doubt #5, ask this, the Green Berets have Warrants on the teams. How often do you see him? More importantly how often does he actually see you? Warrants are everywhere but nowhere at the same time.
This is in humor folks, I give a laugh and I hope to get one in return. My meme is for my Submariners. Much respect to you, even though the E4 Mafia can do the same thing.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Jan 12 at 2016 2:51 PM

MSgt John Taylor — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:51:13 -0500

I never once felt superior because in the Air Force we could all read & write.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 2:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:57:42 -0500

They're all superior in their specific area of warfare. So yeah, we are superior.
Army: superior at holding ground
Marines: superior at taking ground
Navy: superior at naval warfare and bombing the shit out of the enemy at close range
Air Force: superior air power and bombing the shit out of people at long range
Coast Guard: superior finding drugs, refugees, and saving live and all the other stuff they do

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 12 at 2016 3:04 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:04:37 -0500

Superior, No. Different, Yes.

I've seen Corpsmen dive after guys. Saw Navy guys on ship work harder AND longer than anyone should.

Each service just has a different "mentality" that works for them. I'd never try to make Air Force into Marines, or Army do what the Navy does. It just wouldn't work. Just look what happens when you have Marines & Army who are "similar" doing similar things... The Marines look like we're winging it and the Army looks like they're over-regulating or over-planning everything.

Response by PO2 Arthur Delsing made Jan 12 at 2016 3:06 PM

PO2 Arthur Delsing — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:06:54 -0500

I believe each service believes them to be superior to all the others. It is a brotherhood with close cousins. When we are Veterans some of the goes away, however the joking stays Ina good way, it creates comradeary.

Response by MSgt Billy McDonough made Jan 12 at 2016 3:17 PM

MSgt Billy McDonough — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:17:58 -0500

No one is better than the other, generally speaking. However, there are some training regimes that are better than others for specific missions. personally I think we should just collapse the 4 into one and save on the 'overhead'.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 3:26 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:26:49 -0500

Sir, in the states, there was good natured rivalry. In Vietnam, all the branches worked together to accomplish the mission. Now as a veteran, I look at other veterans as just that: fellow veterans, regardless of branch of service.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jan 12 at 2016 3:28 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:28:43 -0500

Does any branch think it's INFERIOR?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 12 at 2016 3:29 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:29:48 -0500

You're asking us to be objective? Really? We sweat, bled, and cried to be a part of a military organization. We gave some portion of our lives to it for duty, honor, and country. And you expect us to be objective, to think that those others compare? Fah!

To be fair, every branch exists to contribute to the same mission. Each has its role to play. However, in the final analysis, that mission is never accomplished until an infantryman can occupy a piece of ground against all forces that prevented him to be there and those that would drive him away. He is the pawn that checkmates the king.

Of course the infantryman owes his success to all who support him. Those who allow him to move, shoot, and communicate, be it by air, land, or sea.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Jan 12 at 2016 3:33 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:33:52 -0500

All the service branches THINK they're superior, or better, or more elite, or smarter (well, maybe not THAT one)... Like almost everyone here has said, it's a natural part of being a warrior.

However, there is only ONE service where a single unit (from anywhere on 70% of the earth's surface) can END HUMAN LIFE on the earth without leaving their chairs, and be perfectly safe doing so.

Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard... Your argument is INVALID!

7:^D

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 3:56 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:56:06 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs no rivalry at all, actually, I would love to go to their obstacle course...

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 12 at 2016 4:26 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 16:26:09 -0500

All good humor If you heard secure the building what does that mean," The Joint Chiefs once told the Navy to "secure a building," to which they responded by turning off the lights and locking the doors. The Joint Chiefs then instructed Army personnel to "secure the building," and they occupied the building so no one could enter. Upon receiving the exact same order, the Marines assaulted the building, captured it, and set up defenses with suppressive fire and amphibious assault vehicles, established reconnaissance and communications channels, and prepared for close hand-to-hand combat if the situation arose. But the Air Force, on the other hand, acted most swiftly on the command, and took out a three-year lease with an option to buy." Mind you I am Air Force.

I throw humor in it to say this. The Air Force is good at Air, Space, and Cyberspace. The Army is good at taking and holding ground, the Navy is good a projected firepower a couple of miles of the shore very quickly and the Marines are good at taking ground in any environment. Of course we all have special forces that are unique as well...not superior, unique in their missions. There are none that are inferior or superior...just better at what they are specifically called to accomplish. In times of dwindling budgets, there are also growing opportunities for joint ops that create mission success exponentially. I have witnessed this first hand. Navy corpsman triaged me in the deployed outpost clinic, Army and AF docs diagnosed, Marine and AF led the convoy to get me to the hospital and a Army medic stayed by my side the whole ride out. So I guess you could say that I believe in joint ops and that they all are good at what they do without superiority.

There will always be an inter service rivalry just like a brother to brother rivalry. BUt no body else better pick on my brother because when the proverbial poop hits the oscillating device the service names go away and we fight as one.

Response by CW3 Jim Norris made Jan 12 at 2016 4:49 PM

CW3 Jim Norris — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 16:49:35 -0500

Of course, the Navy exists to transport the Marine Corp. The Air Force is flying artillery for the Army. The Coast Guard, well...they 'guard the coast'......and as the junior service, the Air Force still has a debt it owes to the Army Air Corp :-).....

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 4:55 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 16:55:04 -0500

There's no inner service rivalry here. I've found during my tenure in the military that it is solely dependent on the job in which you hold in a particular branch of service. When you're in an environment and working right alongside and pulling the same weight as everyone else, the "rivalry" isn't present. Amongst the younger generation and individuals who's job doesn't put them in certain joint like or other types of environments are the first one's to open their mouth about being better than the other.

Response by Sgt Mike Sarris made Jan 12 at 2016 5:07 PM

Sgt Mike Sarris — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:07:19 -0500

I can't speak for today, but I know for sure while I was on AD that most of the people I was in the USAF with felt they were the top of the heap, the Navy 2nd, Army 3rd, and the Marines 4th. I never felt that way myself, since my family has members from 3 of the 4 branches, I knew each branch has their job to do, and they can't win a war on their own. I always hung out with Marines, I had more of their attitude than most of my fellow Airmen. No one in my family had ever been in the USAF, so when I scored highly on the ASVAB, I chose the Air Force. I didn't feel like being shot at anyhow...but no one told me working with the A-10 was going to put me so close to the front lines either!

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 12 at 2016 5:07 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:07:40 -0500

I guess this is not the thread upon which to note that 10 sailors just got captured by the Iranians.

Walt

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 5:20 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:20:52 -0500

Marine Corps! Enough said.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 12 at 2016 5:29 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:29:13 -0500

I have an idea, let's have a football game to decide who's best. Oh, sorry, we already did that.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 12 at 2016 5:35 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:35:50 -0500

Of course inter-service rivalry still exists. I don't think it has really changed and will never go away. We all need to work together and all have different functions necessary for the defense of our nation. That being said, I think that when we commit the Army or Marines to an action, it is more significant than a show of force by the Navy or Air Force. Of course, the Army is not going to keep vital sea lanes open or maintain air supremacy. I do think that when you look at our nation's military history, it was the Army that ended up being the decisive force but would not have won any wars without the other services.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 5:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:48:25 -0500

Just ask a Marine.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 12 at 2016 6:00 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 18:00:35 -0500

I agree that each Branch has it's specific training, traditions, history, etc. Of the five armed services, I think the Marines believe they are superior to the other branches. I will say that as a private sector manager I would hire a Marine over other Service vets if all were equally qualified. I knew a Marine could always be counted on to get the job done with integrity and professionalism.

Response by SSgt Mike Hogan made Jan 12 at 2016 6:22 PM

SSgt Mike Hogan — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 18:22:55 -0500

Col Burroughs:
I agree with in for the most part. However, I think the AF would be better served if airmen went to basic training with either the Army or Marines. The AF basic is more like a summer camp. Based on what I have observed at the bases where my sons are stationed there is a real lack of military bearing within the AF. I understand that their (AF) jobs are often very technical in nature, but that doesn't mean that can't or won't be involved in combat actions. Many of the Army and Marine jobs are technical as well. But in those services "everyone" is a riflemen first. I just think a little tougher basic training will weed out some of the mal-contents that joined the AF for some other reason than to serve.

Response by MSgt Steve Shook made Jan 12 at 2016 6:46 PM

MSgt Steve Shook — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 18:46:45 -0500

Always, but competition helps to build esprit de corps within each branch, and ultimately makes the entire team stronger. Besides everyone knows that we have each other's back when it really gets down to nut-cuttin' time, regardless of branch.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 6:48 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 18:48:59 -0500

I like to think of it as good old sibling rivalry ;)
We're all in this together, people!

Response by TSgt Manuel Perez made Jan 12 at 2016 7:07 PM

TSgt Manuel Perez — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 19:07:37 -0500

The Armed Forces of the United States, I was. Crew Chief on F-15s from C, D and E models in the U S Air Force we have have a missions to Fly, Fight and Win.. All braches have there mission to accomplish. Yes some services believe there better but all in all we are all playing on the same team. I am a Gulf War veteran and 25 years ago it was all about team work. Thank you all for your service.

Response by HN Robert Barquist made Jan 12 at 2016 7:23 PM

HN Robert Barquist — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 19:23:40 -0500

We all make jokes about "the other guys" in different uniforms. In fact you will hear rivalry within each service branch on which unit is better than the other. However, my own experience in Vietnam clearly showed how each branch working together made all the difference in the world on mission accomplishment, interdiction success, and basic survivability during active confrontation with the enemy. I was both with the patrols on the ground near Dai Loc and Hoi An, and later with a ship providing fire support off the Mekong Delta. Marine and Army air support saved our butts many a time, and our fire support aided ground units inland.
It's OK to joke around, but never forget that we ALL depend on each other. /Bob Barquist, Hospital Corpsman, Fleet Marine Forces, Vietnam 1970-71

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 7:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 19:35:34 -0500

Yes, All of them. :-)

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jan 12 at 2016 7:37 PM

PO3 David Fries — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 19:37:09 -0500

Every branch feels they are superior to the others. It's why we pick on each other. Most of the time, we are well aware of that fact. We should all be well aware that we would all have each other's backs if it came right down to it.

Response by SGT Jordan Wipf made Jan 12 at 2016 8:17 PM

SGT Jordan Wipf — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 20:17:03 -0500

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 12 at 2016 8:30 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 20:30:49 -0500

Seriously though, we all have our respective roles to fill in the Big Picture. It all boils down to each service component has a mission set it does better than anyone else. The secret is knowing which asset to utilize for the best result or intended goal. I was privileged to work in several Joint units. The Army, Navy, Marine, and even the Coast Guard troops were some of the best I've seen at their respective tasks. I consider it an honor to have served with each of them!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 12 at 2016 8:33 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 20:33:46 -0500

...other than the Marine Corps?

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jan 12 at 2016 8:40 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 20:40:10 -0500

I have had occasion to be asked in one form or another the basic question as to which branch is the best. With 22 years in the Army of course i would have to say Army but I have a standard answer I give to most all of these questions.
1st off if you are military and not Army I wil pull your leg a bit, but that's just comradeship.

The real answer?

Different uniforms;
Different missions;
Same Flag........................

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jan 12 at 2016 8:48 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 20:48:12 -0500

Yep...there are some who feel superior over others from branch to branch....although I have to admit, I grew up Air Force on Air Force bases and many in the Air Force fee they are intellectually superior to other branches... at least this is what I prescience listening to my father and his friends from time to time...of course my father has an IQ of 140 so he is actually quite intelligent.

Response by SFC James Barnes made Jan 12 at 2016 9:16 PM

SFC James Barnes — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 21:16:52 -0500

Interesting Question. I think all branches think they are superior to the others in a healthy inner service rivalry. But deep down we all know without each other the art of war we call our profession wouldn't be what it is. I know I give my old Seabee father and brother in law all types of hell about being squids but when push comes to show we become a force to reckon with. That is one of the beautiful things about our militaries inner service rivalry is we pick on each other like siblings but when provoked we turn into this wonderful force of nature that is devastating. One team one fight.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Jan 12 at 2016 10:18 PM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:18:32 -0500

I think the various services play key roles in our defense of American interest at home and abroad.
During WWII my dad was a Seabee who's relationship to the Navy was similar to the Marines.
The regular Navy sailors resented them and the accelerated promotions based on technical skills.
They wore the Navy uniform but we're supposed to wear a special Seabee identifier on their sleeve which as not even available outside the stateside home of the newly created "SeaBees"

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jan 12 at 2016 10:52 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:52:44 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Of Course. Now, I have my own personal bias. I deeply respect those who believe their particular branch is the best. To this, I would be weary of an SM who doesn't believe their branch is superior. It's "buying in" to ones unit/mission/branch that creates the ethos of the American War-Fighter. We need that --both in garrison and on the battle field. Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine: You'd damned well better believe your branch is superior!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 12 at 2016 11:18 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:18:01 -0500

I always felt the USAF wasn't quite the same after I left.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 2:29 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 02:29:43 -0500

I have more respect for the other services. Not just because I like the aviation, ships and diversity of the other services. It is because I have worked with them. I had a navy O-5 as our PRT commander and he learned the army's warcraft and his diplomacy as a Destroyer Captain was a transferable skill he already had in him from going all over the world at sea.

In my officer/CGSOC studies, I have learned about the 3 MEFs of the USMC. The army is awesome but I have also have to give my respect and appreciation to the men and women that are in the 3 MEFs that often get dispatched worldwide in MEUs to hotspots awaiting orders or ready for a mission working with or without a the Navy carrier battle group. The future is bleak with so many rifts and so many people being affected by sequestration and the Rumsfeld affect of 'going with what you got' we have to get our egos put aside and learn we need to work together because we are going to be as small a force as we were, porportionally, prior to 1941. We can just get along. We need to work together. The jokes and such will always be there. Army stands for 'ain't ready to be Marine yet' LOL....but that does not mean I will not respect them. Same goes for all braches with their reserve components including the Coast Guard. Many of us still in have two or even over 6 deployments since 911. We are no longer 'nasty guard' that you heard of back in the 1970s. LOL...we are an operational force and the Reserve Component will be used again. It is not a matter of if..but when?

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jan 13 at 2016 2:54 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 02:54:33 -0500

Yes.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 3:19 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 03:19:41 -0500

I used to think the Navy was, and then I was stationed in an Air Force base. Their 5 day weekends are far superior to any regular Liberty I've gotten in the Navy.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 13 at 2016 8:11 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:11:35 -0500

It's common knowledge "Infantry Leads the Way", but what many don't know is it's the 12Bs who recon the routes, clear the mines and obstacles so the infantry can lead the way.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 8:15 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:15:55 -0500

Yes!!! Active Component thinks it is superior to Reserve Components.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Jan 13 at 2016 10:28 AM

SSG Leo Bell — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 10:28:40 -0500

All the branches are the same. We all know that we joke around with each other in different branches of the service like ours is better than there but that is just service members picking with one another. I know if they are in a bar and someone picks a fight with a service member every service member in there joins together and fights back. The joking among service member of which service is the best is just joking. We stand together and we fight together.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Jan 13 at 2016 11:12 AM

SSG Keith Cashion — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:12:53 -0500

Yes there are. But as we all know, there are things that one Branch does over another and that is by design. That is why we as a Military can reach out and touch our enemies by land, by air and by sea. We as a military my bitch, moan and grown about one another, but mission comes down the pipeline, we all know, that with to combined efforts that we use, we can be in any location on the planet, set up, operational ready to fight in 24 hours. All the while still bitching, moaning and groaning about each other. Just one big happy family. Keep in mind, I never said we were like the Brady Bunch. But when needed, we come together fast and ready for a fight.

Half Nickel of the Day.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jan 13 at 2016 11:52 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:52:55 -0500

The Marines "think" they're the best, but they do need us in the Navy to get there after all, so...

Response by PO1 T.M. Ritchie made Jan 13 at 2016 1:08 PM

PO1 T.M. Ritchie — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:08:28 -0500

There is only ONE branch of the military specifically written in to the Constitution as to always be equipped and manned. Only the Navy is authorized in this way..So, what was the question?

Response by SGM David Pompili made Jan 13 at 2016 1:18 PM

SGM David Pompili — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:18:24 -0500

Having received four Joint Service Commendation medals (not bragging, but as a reference to
working with all services. multiple times) All of the services have talents that contribute toward intricate and complex projects and operations...Sort of a super crosstraining process and is a very interesting and fulfilling feeling when things work as planned...We need them all and knowing how they all mesh is beneficial towards maintaining our strength and viability.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Jan 13 at 2016 1:39 PM

COL Ted Mc — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:39:10 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Mikel; Of course there is "inter-service rivalry". There always has been and there always will be. At one level it is extremely healthy. At another level it can get toxic.

The "healthy" level is where each member of a service considers that THEIR service is "better than" ANY OTHER service. This keeps up morale and builds group cohesion.

The "toxic" level is where each service's pointy hats insist on being included in each and every operation regardless of whether it makes operational sense to have diversified commands using differing equipment according to uncomplimentary doctrine attempting to accomplish separate parts of a single task. (see "Grenada", "Afghanistan", "Iraq", "Syria" etc.)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 1:39 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:39:43 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs For some reason, my one brother seems to feel, that the Air Force is political, over the rest of the services. For the life of me, I am agog here, because I see it as the least political.

Both of my brothers, shook their heads at our accomodations and they are correct in that sense. I also made it a priority to help out Army in the field, to make their lives easier, if I could. Sleeping in tents on exercises and I would fudge the forcasts, to accomodate them.
I could for lives much harder, than my own. And they had a lot of respect, of my skills and competence.

Bottom-line, I was in one of the most prestigious jobs in the enlisted ranks and stressful, but I thanked God for that. I was blessed and never forgot that. And I will not disparage another service, no matter what. lol

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jan 13 at 2016 1:47 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:47:21 -0500

Sir, there's nothing wrong with a good "rivalry" - it promotes innovation! I was in the AF for 30+ years and I never met anyone I couldn't explain to that we are all one team, one fight - each with unique capabilities that depend on each other.

Response by PO1 Anthony Tigner made Jan 13 at 2016 1:51 PM

PO1 Anthony Tigner — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:51:10 -0500

The Navy is the only branch that has its own ships,the marines and air power and special forces all rolled into one not disrepecting the other services but when hell breaks out who is on scene the US NAVY.

Response by Prince McNeil made Jan 13 at 2016 2:54 PM

Prince McNeil — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:54:56 -0500

Of course! I served 13 years active duty in the Marine Corps and the difference is mental! There is no thought process like that of a Marine. The other branches call us crazy, brainwashed, jar heads, etc. it's a compliment from them in a round about way and it shows their inferiority complex!!!!! They love us to be the best!!!!!

Response by CPT Karen Nichols McAbee made Jan 13 at 2016 3:01 PM

CPT Karen Nichols McAbee — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 15:01:37 -0500

This is playing out in my home every day! Me: Army Engineer O-3 (prior service), Husband: Marine Cop/Nuclear Weapons Security E-5 (also, prior service, a decade earlier than mine!), now our youngest is in the final stages of enlistment in the Air Force! My husband loves to tell people we have a "mixed marriage" - since I'm an Army Officer and he's a Marine NCO ;-)

Response by PFC Heather W. made Jan 13 at 2016 7:11 PM

PFC Heather W. — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 19:11:17 -0500

There's definitely a rivalry but it's all in good fun.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jan 13 at 2016 7:15 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 19:15:43 -0500

The Marine Corps was the only branch of service that did not need an act of Congress to go to war. That's why we were called the President own. But now I think all that has changed, but Marine Corps boot camp is the standard that the rest of the services and even the world model after. If you go to Quantico Virginia you will find Marine Corps drill instructors.a can do attitude in the Marine Corps. Other branches of service may have more modern equipment and fighting gear and the latest flash and dash technology, but you still need ground troops to hold real estate and to take over an area.

Response by SGT David Emme made Jan 13 at 2016 8:30 PM

SGT David Emme — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 20:30:24 -0500

If you have pride you are always going to have a sense of inner service rivalry as much as there is one between Cavalry and Infantry units within the US Army. On the other hand, I think for those who have deployed to a war-zone and been in combat-it is less of a thing that matters to people. When it comes between the Army and Marines-the most gung-ho people tend to be the ones who never saw a combat deployment. At least this has been my experience and my perception.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 9:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:34:04 -0500

The Army does not feel any kind of way to the lesser branches. And when I say lesser I mean the other four. #shotsfired

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 13 at 2016 10:15 PM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:15:24 -0500

Let us not bicker and fight over whose branch is better, let us all agree that we are better than the Coast Guard! :)

Remember Coast Guard brethren, it's all in good fun!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 10:41 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:41:28 -0500

Yes, we do have inner service rivalry. I have worked in joint assignments and despite the differences, we had each others back.

Response by PO1 Pete Sikes made Jan 14 at 2016 12:26 AM

PO1 Pete Sikes — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:26:57 -0500

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 14 at 2016 12:54 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:54:34 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Are officers smarter than enlisted service members?

Response by Maj Leo McDowell made Jan 14 at 2016 1:14 AM

Maj Leo McDowell — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 01:14:01 -0500

This may not show much rivalry, but I often share this comparison which gives us a general idea about the various services when they deploy. It is important to remember this is not saying one is better, but how they might be fulfilling their mission in a deployed status. The Navy stays aboard their ships and enjoys their bunks. The Air Force moves into a tent city and installs HVAC and a lot of other nice things since they know they'll usually be in the location for some time. The Army moves into a tent city, but they realize they'll probably be moving soon so they forgo many of the nice things. The Marines just throw their ponchos over their heads as they run from one location to the next. I realize there are exceptions to this generalization, but it is fun to tell people this comparison.

Is this a fair assessment, or am I way off base?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 7:34 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 07:34:03 -0500

From what I have seen, every branch thinks it is in (at least) one way better than another. The Air Force thinks it's smarter than the Army. The Navy thinks they're more efficient than the Air Force. The Marines think they're stronger than everyone. The only difference is: The Army actually IS better than other branches! Hahahaha. In all seriousness though, the rivalry between branches in typically all in fun. I have a lot of respect for anyone who writes that check up to and to include their life for good ol' Uncle Sam. Even if they can't keep up with us true soldiers! :P

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 7:53 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 07:53:25 -0500

While each service likes to boast they're better than the others, the Marines are the only ones who actually believe it.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jan 14 at 2016 8:11 AM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 08:11:31 -0500

The difference is the Air Force enlisted person is smarter. What other service sends their officers out to get shot down as they adjourn to the club for a cold one and don't say the Navy as their ships are booze free.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jan 14 at 2016 10:25 AM

GySgt William Hardy — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 10:25:24 -0500

Of course they do and a bit of rivalry never hurt anything. As the old joke goes, there are only two military branches. The Army and the Navy. The Air Force is a corporation and the Marine Corps is a cult.

I had the pleasure of serving on joint service duty for 3 years in Stuttgart, Germany. In terms of the job performance, everyone was excellent at what they did. The point is however, each branch has a specific task and that task cannot be performed by the other branches as well. It takes a specific kind of personality to be a member of each branch. During my life time, I have seen these personalities at work. What kind of person can spend months under the sea in a sub or living on a destroyer? What kind of person wants to work in an environment of constantly patrolling the skies in a state readiness? What kind of person wants to live aboard a small ship out in the middle of the ocean just in case they are needed to protect our interests? What kind of person spends a month in the field in mud and snow in the middle of Germany just to practice the art of war?

One of my favorite gags was when an Army Captain came into my office right after lunch and asked me if I had any nails he could use to hang some certificates in his office. My reply was, "Sorry Captain, I just ate my last nails for lunch!" His response was :G.. D... Marines" (with a smile) He got his nails and we all had a laugh.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 14 at 2016 10:37 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 10:37:47 -0500

The parochial view that some branches are superior to others is as tiresome as a branch saying their blood is braver and more sacred than others. We all bleed red no matter what the branch, gender, rank, and the color of our skin.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 2:21 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 14:21:55 -0500

There is always going to be a rivalry among the branches, especially among lower enlisted. As I served with the Marines in Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, this became more apparent. I was able to get along with the officers within the Marines and they even let me play on their softball team during a stand down day. While, just about every time an Army Soldier had to interact with a Marine to provide logistical support there were words exchanged about the rival branch. One time it even came to blows.
I started out as a private in the Infantry and I can see why there is such a passionate and uneducated view of the other branches. We were indoctrinated in basic training to believe we were the baddest MoFos on the planet, and so are Marines, Navy, and even the Air Force (ok, maybe not the Air Force...just kidding). That 9-13 weeks of complete submersion in the propaganda is tough to get out of your head, but as we are exposed to more Joint Operations, it is easy to see (if we let our guard down) that all branches have some pretty amazing service members doing some pretty amazing things to protect this country.
Perspective is hard to change if you don't allow yourself to move to a different viewpoint.

Response by MSgt Anthony Grimm made Jan 15 at 2016 2:14 AM

MSgt Anthony Grimm — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 02:14:30 -0500

It is a good fun rivalry between the services. When it comes to our beloved nation all services on the same page.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jan 15 at 2016 9:35 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 09:35:30 -0500

I retired from the US Army many years ago. But I can say with total honesty, that I feel we have one military force and they all play a part in our defense of this country. Take our body for example, the body is one but it has many members working in harmony with each other. How can you say the hand is more important than the arm, or how can you say the eyes are more important than your brain. We need all of these parts working together. That's the way I fell about the military, we need all branches. No one branch of service is better than the other. I am proud of all of them.

Response by MSgt Keith Dewitt made Jan 15 at 2016 10:36 AM

MSgt Keith Dewitt — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 10:36:57 -0500

I agree.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jan 15 at 2016 5:13 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 17:13:39 -0500

Working in Veteran services at my college i would say yes there is. That being said we all respect the other services and know they have a different mission. But being in an office full of Army and Marines I do here them rag on my Air Force all the time. They do cut me some slack though since I was in AFSOC which meant my boss was still a 4 star Army general.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 15 at 2016 8:10 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 20:10:10 -0500

I'm not allowed to pick on the Air Force anymore. My Uncle Fred Otte was an Air Force helicopter pilot in Vietnam and won 2 Silver Stars and 2 Air Medals. So yeah, my Uncle is pretty much a certified bad ass.

Update: It wasn't 2 Air Medals, but rather two Distinguished Flying Crosses. So yeah, Uncle Fred is even more a legit bad ass!

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 9:09 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 21:09:45 -0500

Every branch thinks they're superior in some way, shape, or form. And in some aspects they are. USAF in cyber and being stuck up, Army in fuck fuck games, Marine Corps in ground warfare and dicking around, and Navy in floating endless across the seas. (Sir).

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jan 15 at 2016 10:17 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 22:17:52 -0500

Of course. More boats than the Navy, more aircraft than the Air Force, more Infantry than the Marine Corps...the Greatest Fighting Force the world has ever seen!

Response by PO3 Rod Arnold made Jan 16 at 2016 6:26 PM

PO3 Rod Arnold — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 18:26:52 -0500

Not counting the Navy, as we've always been # 1, a little rivalry between the other branches is good for moral!!!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 12:35 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:35:18 -0500

My experience is no. I work in a joint command with a Marine Infantry Officer as my direct supervisor with a Navy Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) as our element's vice commander and an Army Ranger as our element lead. Our whole organization is commanded by a USAFR B-52 pilot.

In that experience I have never got the vibe so far that one is better than the other. Each service provides a specific function that is integral to a mission. The Marines can do a lot initially without the AF or the Army. But chances are that they get crucial intel from all of the above. The MEU's are poised for rapid response, but the Army is poised for long term engagement. The Air Force provides a good deal of long range persistent surveillance as well as the ability to conduct deep strike interdiction with our B'2s. In addition the AF provides crucial rapid global mobility mobility capabilities.

In the joint planning world I have the opportunity to see where all of the pieces fit together. It is never a one size fits all or else we wouldn't have a job. We find that in most cases to solve a problem it involves the engagement of several parts that include the whole spectrum of the DOD's capability.

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Feb 24 at 2016 6:17 PM

MSgt Mike Ruikka — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 18:17:26 -0500

Of course we all believe that ours is superior, but when the SHTF, there is not one military member that would not give up his life for a brother in arms! No matter what branch, the respect for one another is first and foremost at the top of the list.

I have always referred to brother services in the derogatory (Squid, Jarhead, grunt etc...). But I would have given my life if I could have saved theirs.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Feb 25 at 2016 10:53 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:53:11 -0500

Well to be fair, you have to look at it from several angles. What are YOU looking for? Comfort? Training? Money? Prestige? "Superior" meaning "best" would have to be "best" for YOU. If you were after the most money, then the branch you chose - after all of your exhaustive research - would be the "superior" branch. So were you joining a branch strictly for the money it offered and settled on branch X, why would you feel that "all" branches were equal? If you were joining from a family heritage perspective ("my dad, grandad and his dad were all Marines, etc") then joining THAT branch would be "superior."

Response by TSgt Mario Guajardo made Mar 23 at 2016 8:54 PM

TSgt Mario Guajardo — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 20:54:05 -0400

"inter Service" rivalry will always exist to a certain extent and competition can be healthy but even in the 80s and 90s I didn't see that much. There will always be a few who don't understand the team concept and that we all need the special talents and abilities of each service.

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Mar 24 at 2016 5:17 PM

PO1 Scott Cottrell — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:17:38 -0400

Department of the Navy. That would include the Marines. But, seriously, each branch has it's own specialty, so to say one is better than the other, it depends on the job being done.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 26 at 2016 10:37 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 10:37:12 -0400

Every branch is more superior than any other branch - the problem is it takes all branches to complete the team!!

Response by HN Keiran Fallon made Mar 21 at 2017 10:37 PM

HN Keiran Fallon — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 22:37:09 -0400

Absolutely! It can be fun to sit around with fellow vets and (laughingly) rib each other over our different branches. In the end though I make sure everyone knows that despite the ribbing each branch does their job. (Mostly ;) )

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Apr 26 at 2017 3:36 AM

LTC Lewis Cox — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 03:36:36 -0400

Oh! Come on! There's a reason for calling we Infantrymen "The Queen of Battle " but of course the other branches have Infantry also, I would be honored to have them covering my flanks! They just go by different names. A professional Kill or Capture guy or gal is still Infantry, no matter what you call them! Of course, Medics, no matter what Branch, are our favorite team members!

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Apr 26 at 2017 9:23 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 09:23:51 -0400

OK I'm going go out on limb on this one, but the ARMY because we have the KING and QUEEN. I was FIELD ARTILLERY and being in back of the war I learn and saw that we earned the name the KING OF BATTLE because we right there with the combat infantry troops and tanks during DESERT STORM and now during major combat Operations Artillery is on the front lines with new Technology we will rain supreme on the battlefield in future. SO my hats off to ARMY. but we can't do with out being a TEAM FORCE.

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Apr 26 at 2017 9:58 AM

LTC Jesse Edwards — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 09:58:12 -0400

I think the majority of inter-service rivalry is meant in good humor. The few people that take themselves too seriously are an exception. You fight as an integrated team.

Response by SGT(P) Oliver Freeman III made Apr 26 at 2017 10:07 AM

SGT(P) Oliver Freeman III — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 10:07:08 -0400

I think they all complement one another in each specific area when needed.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 26 at 2017 10:07 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 10:07:40 -0400

They probably do, but they all have their own missions to accomplish, they all know they can count on each other.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Apr 26 at 2017 10:13 AM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 10:13:30 -0400

Well, of course the Air force is better. We learned a long time ago that it's far better to send our officers out to fight while we sit back and play vidya.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Apr 26 at 2017 10:21 AM

SPC Kevin Ford — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 10:21:02 -0400

I've always thought of it more as a good natured, give the other guys a hard time type deal. Heck, we're sending our own guys off to get boxes of grid squares from supply and to the flight line to get buckets of rotor wash. We're certainly going to be giving the other services a hard time.

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Apr 26 at 2017 10:36 AM

CPO Bill Penrod — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 10:36:33 -0400

Thanks Commander in Chief Thropy proves that.......

Response by LTC David Cushen made Apr 26 at 2017 10:54 AM

LTC David Cushen — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 10:54:53 -0400

I've always enjoyed 'sibling rivalry' with many of my friends, active and veteran, from other services. Healthy competition is good and keeps us on-our-game. Just wish Airmen would keep their pony tails above the base of the collar.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Apr 26 at 2017 11:13 AM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:13:11 -0400

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Apr 26 at 2017 11:13 AM

SGT Michael Thorin — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:13:51 -0400

•••••Caution: possibly controversial comment. Please read until the end and I promise you will understand how and why this wasn't written to offend any branch, or make any other better than the rest. These are simply my opinions, so I want to encourage everyone to render an opinion if so desired, even if it is to argue against it. However, we are all professionals and adults, so lets keep all responses in a manner that reflects such. If you're looking for an argument, I'm not your guy, LOL)•••••

"Shot, Over"
"Shot, Out"

I believe that "balanced" rivalry is good.

If I had to say one branch actually believed themselves superior, it would be the Marines. Sadly, having come from the Army, I would have to bow down and give credit to it.

I've seen more "fit" Marines than soldiers, which is pretty amazing considering the Army has 541,291 and the Marines have only 195,338.

From the outside looking in, it appears the Marines go more "by the book" when it comes to physical fitness standards, and Marines have an individual drive to maintain fitness and uniform standards.

Here is one exception; infantry units and combat arms units in the Army. These soldiers are mostly fit and ready.

I attribute this to, in part, self preservation. When I was a medic assigned to a medical company, we "did" PT, but it was not the "get your but up and drive on!!!!" kind of PT. We were never really driven to excel.

Infantry units and combat arms all "live and die by the sword", meaning that their ability to constantly push themselves in order to ensure that they are not only fit enough to ensure their survival, but also fit enough for their brothers, and now sisters in arms, and their equipment as well. Meaning if a soldier goes down during an engagement, you may have to pull that soldier off the "X". If your 70 pounds overweight and your last meal was a Coke and a bag of barbecue pork rinds, you are going to have a less than stellar performance.

Now, all of this is dependent on whether or not you have a strong chain of command with a great desire for integrity; i.e. Instead of pencil whipping PT scores and "pencil/pen" weapons qualifications to keep the numbers up, a chain of command that doesn't want to guarantee troop strengths by the power of the pen, but instead keeps troop strengths up by assuring PT, weapons qual, height and weight, and uniform are enforced daily so that when all of these are done for record, thereby maintaining troop strength by ensuring compliance daily, do the soldiers do not have a chance to not simply go with the motion, but to be the force that drives the motion.

Another thing I had noticed was the difference in services. In basic training we were told everyone's primary MOS was 11B. I did not see many of our support companies live this belief.

However, you look at the Marines, and they say that every Marine's primary MOS is 0311 Rifleman, and the majority of all MOS's in the Marines life this belief.

I am not intending to offend anyone, but 11B and combat arms (19D, etc), more closely matches to the Marines.

I know there are officers like yourself COL Mikel J. Burroughs, who did not only require the standards be met, but also led by example, and lived out the standards.

Just my take, and I may be completely off. I pray that my fellow soldiers, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and sailors do not get offended, because when it all comes down to it and rivalry becomes an issue, everyone better remember that the military is like human physiology, where if one system of the body shuts down or doesn't function properly, THE OTHER SYSTEMS WILL SUFFER. It is the same way for the sum total of our military; when one suffers, we all suffer.

Always remember this and realize that rivalry can be fun and bring forth a sense of esprit de corps, if taken to an extreme, the body can suffer.

God bless and keep each and every branch of our military strong with a desire to make each other branch strong and compliment them, as was the original concept.

"Splash, Over"
"Splash, Out"

"Fire for effect!"

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Apr 26 at 2017 11:15 AM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:15:22 -0400

As American youth begin to serve in each branch of service they choose or are chosen by the draft they have to be trained. Upon the completion of their training they become and join the best in their own service as to be compared to the rest of the world. They all start the same. Young snot nosed kids still tied to their mothers apron strings, some with college education but still untrained to the military way of life. Even the DI's and TI's as tough as they are started the same way.

Response by SPC Saundra Teater made Apr 26 at 2017 11:17 AM

SPC Saundra Teater — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:17:05 -0400

In my family, there is only one branch that our family has not served in. Coast Guard. We have discussions about which one is better or worse all the time. No one has either won or lost in these discussions. It usually evens itself out in the end. But we do enjoy trying to

Response by PO2 Robert Moore made Apr 26 at 2017 11:17 AM

PO2 Robert Moore — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:17:21 -0400

As a Navy veteran, my USMC, AF, Army and CG friends enjoy "beating" each other with "rivalrous rhetoric". It's all in good fun, and we know we are BIA's.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 26 at 2017 11:26 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:26:14 -0400

It always depends on the task at hand. Our unique training and experience makes us better than each when that is considered. My submarines couldn't provide close air support and planes don't submerge very well (I mean in flying condition),unless using the vessel in Voyage to the bottom of the sea series.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 26 at 2017 11:45 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:45:07 -0400

Yes there is, but now it's more espirit de corps. Don't get me wrong I love my service branch brothers, but trying to equate a sailor with an Ranger just doesn't work. Its now more like a sailor is like a Fobbit- got to have them but they just aren't in your league so to say. Stronger ties now between, SOCOM units (MARSOC, SEALS, Rangers, Green Berets).

Response by MAJ James Woods made Apr 26 at 2017 11:52 AM

MAJ James Woods — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:52:00 -0400

Yep. There is a friendly rivalry between the branches and then there is over bearing egos that take the rivalry too far. Same can be said within the Army and it's different MOS specialties and career branches. As for the football rivalry, I never attributed the academies truly representing the services.

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Apr 26 at 2017 11:55 AM

SSgt Robert Marx — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:55:02 -0400

It is primarily the grace of God, the function of His lovingkindness, to be alive in such a time as this. The rivalry of each service ends with the battle against our enemies, whether foreign or domestic. The Marines & the Army keep the ground, enabling the sister forces to operate. The Navy & Air Force are essential to preserve the sea lanes plus the great sky always above us for we see that no force, no matter how ferocious with ground weapons, is helpless against air attack.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Apr 26 at 2017 11:56 AM

PO3 John Wagner — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:56:23 -0400

I suppose there is. Pretty much at Junior enlisted levels as a rule. No different than kids from different high schools or areas.. No different that folks being gung-ho about a football team.
Youth is always going to play that card. I occasionally hear things on here about negativity between services but I think that is not the rule. Certainly some services have no combat troops which is of course a badge of honor to those who participate.
Mature adults grow to understand that we are all members of the human race and same team.
When I hear people raise hell about Trump respecting or admiring Putin, I know that they themselves are fairly shallow in their understanding of the world in general.
Put in is the leader of his people. While no doubt there are many things that we all would not approve of as a rule it is still important to remember that Putin, along with most other world leaders have enormous responsibilities and must meet the needs of their countries.
I don't fall in behind anyone football team, or any other team for that matter. There are excellent and admirable people everywhere. Who they work or fight for is a matter of birth and chance.
The failure to understand this is once again primarily a sign of an immature worldview, or just an ignorant person who has never bothered to develope their own opinions through critical thinking.
Unfortunately those in power are easily tempted... with good reason because it works..to take advantage of this trait.
" When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."
Mark Twain.
Hilary did win the popular vote after all... so I guess I am safe on that one.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Apr 26 at 2017 11:56 AM

MSgt Stephen Council — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:56:45 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs All I can say is that the Air Force has the most intelligent enlisted corps of all the services and we can prove it...

We send our officers to die.

Its a joke folks. I made it to lighten the mood. You're welcome.

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Apr 26 at 2017 11:57 AM

SGT Tim Fridley — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:57:59 -0400

There will always be "inner service rivalries" even as we work together at a common goal. I think this is a healthy thing. It shows pride in your Branch and actually motivates troops of all Branches

Response by MSG James Hughs made Apr 26 at 2017 11:59 AM

MSG James Hughs — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:59:04 -0400

Comparing the various branches is like comparing hammers.....each type of hammer was designed to do a specific job.....and is best suited for that job..... saying a sledge hammer is better than a tack hammer is silly unless you specify the mission.
In my ranger class the top graduate was FORCE RECON.....and he was GREAT....deserved the honor.....we also had one of the dumbest Marines I ever met in my life in that Ranger class.....
The branch does not make the man....the man makes the branch
Rivalry.....??....sure..... but for me it is also respect..... I was pinned down near Tay Nin.....an ambush..... then came "PUFF'.... saved my skinny butt..... no matter what your job.....no matter what your branch..... we are a team..... that little REMF driving that ammo truck from Saigon...... is keeping my Green Beret ass alive

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Apr 26 at 2017 12:02 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 12:02:52 -0400

It takes Jarheads to storm the beach and secure area to move forward...It takes grunts on the ground to continually hold it...it takes flyboys to provide cover to ensure freedom of maneuverability...it takes squids to keep the seas and lanes open and to fly interdiction...it takes puddle pirate coasties to ensure borders are safe and international shipping laws and lanes are open. In all seriousness...each service is the expert in their field of operation and are superior in that field of operations. But none are more superior than the other as a service. Too many joint operations rely on the best of each branch.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 26 at 2017 12:06 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 12:06:24 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs There will always be inter service rivalry. It is an important part of tradition. It is a good thing to build comaraderie, as long as it is not taken too far. It also goes away when the chips are down. Need an invasion. Air Force and Navy bombard the target into the stone age so that when the Marines and Army hit the ground the enemy is not only softened up, but also in disarray. My favorite time of the year is Army Navy Football time. I love the spirit spots, even the ones that make fun of Navy.
From another angle, each branch performs a different function requiring a different type of person. A different mentality. It is as you say we are a representation of the USA. We all have one thing in common. We volunteered. Regardless of reason, length of service, or deployments, at one time we all spoke to a recruiter of some kind and said "Sign me up." That in and of itself is worthy of respect.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 12:12 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 12:12:23 -0400

Every branch thinks they are superior to the other branches! I think it is a friendly rivalry, but each branch has its specialty that the other branches can't compete with. Nobody else can go amphibious like the Marines. Nobody else can go stealth-bomb behind enemy lines like the Air Force. Nobody else can taxi an entire military force across the planet like the Navy. Nobody else can take and hold ground in sustained combat like the Army. Nobody else combines Counter-Drug with coastal defense and rescue like the CG.

All that being said, SOCOM is definitely superior... it says "Special" right there in the name.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Apr 26 at 2017 12:36 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 12:36:55 -0400

Don't we all?

Response by PO1 Shannon Drosdak made Apr 26 at 2017 12:39 PM

PO1 Shannon Drosdak — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 12:39:52 -0400

Honestly I have worked beside "Brothers and Sisters" in every branch. I got to see each in their own environment, ya even Coast Guard. We enjoyed the jokes and rattling the cages, but when it came down to doing what needed to be done we all worked as a team. Recently (as a citizen now) I did a contract to feed some Marines, it was an awful experience. One in particular Marine was extremely rude, it seemed as though he became more of an a** when he found out I was a Navy Vet. I invisioned what I would've done if he came through my chow line back in the day acting like that. Alas I could not behave that way as I was representing a company and not a Sailor anymore. At that point in time I did feel as if these bulked up Jar heads thought they were better then everyone else.
After cooling down I took to thinking, I don't know their stories, their training out in the heat, I don't know what they've seen or have done during their careers.
Moral of the story? I don't think it's a "branch" I think it's the individuals that act that way.
*Go Navy, Beat Army*

Response by SFC Zachary Palacios made Apr 26 at 2017 12:42 PM

SFC Zachary Palacios — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 12:42:04 -0400

I am bias towards the Army because I am retired Army. However, I feel that each branch has different capabilities to bring to the war fighting table. I come from a long line of military service men and women from all branches in my family. No matter what their MOS was, we all have served and or still serving in some sort of capacity directly or indirectly as support. I feel that the United States Armed Forces as a whole is superior and what makes us a force to be reckoned with. We (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines) are all superior.

Response by SFC Dave Beran made Apr 26 at 2017 12:49 PM

SFC Dave Beran — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 12:49:11 -0400

I believe each service believes they are superior in some way. When it comes to the total package though I believe the Marines have it all. They have all the items they need to conduct armed conflict. They are also in charge of security on ships, in embassies, and are even present at the White House, among other places. So hands down they have the Army beat. The others have pluses and minuses depending on the branch.

Response by SSgt Terence Crooks made Apr 26 at 2017 12:49 PM

SSgt Terence Crooks — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 12:49:44 -0400

Yes sir more so with the younger service members than the seasoned vets, but the love of your service never goes away or wanes. After boot camp or basic training depending on where u go u r more motivated cause u accomplished a task no one thought u could so that feeling of euphoria is strong after that. I for one rep my service all the time with shirts, hats and stickers on my truck and I will never stop doing g that, heck I even change stickers as the season's change, so yes it is still there and it's good for pride purposes and recruiting.

Response by PO1 John Watson made Apr 26 at 2017 1:10 PM

PO1 John Watson — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 13:10:08 -0400

The military is a fighting force. Each service is vital for the defense of America. Each service has it's purpose and one can support another. It all works together. Having been in the Tonkin Gulf loading ordnance on A/C on an aircraft carrier I was touched by the remarks of a Marine once when I told him my role during Vietnam he grabbed me with tears in his eyes saying that Navy Phantoms saved his life and his squad as they came in overhead and dropped their bombs on enemy that would have overrun them. I've also heard from others how another branch of the military saved a life. It all works together. Being retired I go aboard military installations and meet up with older Army , Air Force , Marines and even Coast Guard and have some good conversation.

Response by SPC Woody Bullard made Apr 26 at 2017 1:11 PM

SPC Woody Bullard — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 13:11:13 -0400

I was stationed in West Germany and visited the U.S. Air Force bases at Ramstein and Sembach and
those guys had much better barracks to live in and the food was excellent. I had several of them tell
me "you have to be intelligent to be in the U.S. Air Force". U.S. Marines will tell you they are the best because they are the first to fight, "the tip of the spear"! There has always been a friendly rivalry
between the service branches. Army vs. Navy, Navy vs. Marines and Air Force vs. everyone!! We liked
the stuff thrown our way from the Air Force guys and gave it right back to them but it was all in fun,
right?? All of us worked to defend our nation in the past and today. Yes, Air Force guys can read & write.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 2:13 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 14:13:36 -0400

Rivalry and competition are good in moderation. As long as it doesn't impact the level of support between the branches it is good for morale.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 2:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 14:13:47 -0400

Oh there is definitely still inner service rivalry but I think (for the most part) it's good natured.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Apr 26 at 2017 2:37 PM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 14:37:09 -0400

Of course all service members think their particular branch is the best which leads to good merited ribbing among the respective members. Natural pride in your organization is great. It leads to good morale. In the big picture only a fool souls fail to realize and understand that all branches must work together smoothly to be effective. With that being said, if the govt. still operates as it once did than each branch of the military competes for their share of the budget and must justify their budget requests.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Apr 26 at 2017 2:39 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 14:39:08 -0400

Probably need to look to Jar Head Central for an accurate answer. I was Army and have some close friends that were Marines and of course, we all were members of THE BEST Branch, whichever one you served in was the best! I am proud to have served in the Army. When it was time for enlistment I had a small bit of indecision as to which branch I would like to be in. During my teenage years I was a Sea Cadet and naturally assumed I would go Navy. But, when the time came the Navy recruiter let me know that I would be on a waiting list and would probably be draft prior to coming up in the wait list. I moved on, then, to the Army. Passed by the Marine office on the way to the Army Recruiter and nearly stopped in the USMC Recruiter. A guy that was coming out told me that the term of enlistment was 6 years active duty (as I later learned so was the Navy.) I knew that the Army only wanted a 3 year commitment, which was OK with me. As it all shook out in the end, I would have been OK with 6 years. When making my decision 6 years sounded like forever and 3 years was almost forever. So I was Army and am happy with that result.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Apr 26 at 2017 2:49 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 14:49:29 -0400

I'm sure there are some out there that think they are better then the others. But most is light hearted fun. I do know from experience that no matter which branch you are in if an outsider (civilian) starts something with one branch we all stick together as one.

Response by Sgt John H. made Apr 26 at 2017 3:37 PM

Sgt John H. — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 15:37:26 -0400

Well of course. We all know that us old Jarheads are clearly the baddest boys on the earth... lol We are by far the best looking too.. OOOOOORAAAAH!

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Apr 26 at 2017 4:54 PM

Sgt Albert Castro — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 16:54:18 -0400

I think in the spirit of team unity, we all think our outfit is the best. Good old American competitive spirit. In reality (somebody correct me if I'm wrong), our war strategy is built around a combined forces strategy. Battle by land, sea and air. In those forces we have our specialty outfits, SF, Seals, Delta, Marines, CG ect ect. We're all in it together, but my guys are better than yours. LOL

Response by SSG Michael Eastes made Apr 26 at 2017 6:23 PM

SSG Michael Eastes — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 18:23:59 -0400

I respect anyone who served, in any branch.

That being said, if you ain't Cav,... ;^)

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Apr 26 at 2017 7:39 PM

SSG Steven Mangus — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 19:39:32 -0400

To quote Ricky Bobby "If your not first, your last," and well all know who was the "first branch" all others are a mere shadow. One thing that was not mentioned was the Cavalry (see first pic), and we all know if "you ain't Cav, you ain't shit." To prove my point I have included some visual representations of "those" other branches..

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 8:33 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:33:16 -0400

I personally have never thought anyone branch was superior to the other. We all have our areas of expertise and our missions , but we wouldn't be able to win without one-another!
As the saying goes "One team, one nation, one fight!"

Response by MSgt Ronnie Kelly made Apr 26 at 2017 8:54 PM

MSgt Ronnie Kelly — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:54:17 -0400

I feel we all do our part of the same job and in my opinion do a damn fine job

Response by MSgt Carl Stokes made Apr 26 at 2017 9:09 PM

MSgt Carl Stokes — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 21:09:34 -0400

It has been MY experience that a few Marines Truly think they are super heros, I once had a Marine tell me that their boot whould be equal to the Army SF. Usually you find these troops in support rolls, like photographer or underwater mess kit retreiver, But in joint ops we all had the same guns, same tanks, same call for fire and same objective- and all got along fine. The teasing is all in fun, but there are some out there that have some bizzare opinions of themselfs.
NOW BEFORE YOU JAR HEADS ATTACK ME, I said a few, and "my experience"

Response by SFC George Sease made Apr 26 at 2017 10:01 PM

SFC George Sease — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 22:01:33 -0400

I believe that each branch has a specialized skill. The Air Force- the bombing of key areas and help with supporting the personnel on the ground and/or the sea. In addition to providing a nuclear deterrence.The Army- take and hold ground. The Navy- keep the sea lanes open for supplies and protect the held areas from invasions. Also provide a nuclear deterrence. The Marines- to invade from the sea and any other avenue.
Rightly each branch has a special skill that is needed at one time or another to make a mission a success and together protect our country.

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made Apr 26 at 2017 10:42 PM

LCpl Donald Faucett — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 22:42:55 -0400

They all have their jobs to do. I believe each branch does their very best at whatever they do. Each branch have highly trained elite units. Nobody is any better than anyone else. Just different skills, discipline, fortitude. The Army should not wear their utility/BDU's off base.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Apr 26 at 2017 10:56 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 22:56:57 -0400

First off, I believe there's more rivalry between jobs/missions within the Army than the Army having beef with any other branch. I've read a few books from the Korean War where the Marine Corps looked down on the Army but they probably had good reason to due to the poor shape some of the Army units were in then for several valid reasons. Personally, I think there's some competitiveness between the Army and the Marine Corps but it's all professional and it's all because we got several jobs and missions that are similar. I personally never had any issues with any other branch because I understood every branch has their mission.

Response by PO1 Rodney Bracey made Apr 26 at 2017 11:16 PM

PO1 Rodney Bracey — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 23:16:10 -0400

Navy - Because Broadsides rule. :)

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Apr 27 at 2017 6:42 AM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 06:42:40 -0400

I don't know about better but I have always considered the Air Force smarter, especially the enlisted folks. Other services the Major or Colonel says take that hill or such and off the enlisted run to get shot at and such. In the AF, we let the officers strap into their toys and fly off to get shot at while the enlisted go and have a cold one or two. The Navy, it's over before they get there.

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 27 at 2017 8:24 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:24:08 -0400

An honest assessment of the Marine Corps Infantry vs Army Infantry of 20-30 years ago, based on joint training. Everything I am about to communicate is a comparison of the common soldiers and Marine Riflemen. Rangers and Special forces were a different class.
_The Marines Rifleman, platoon, and company level field war fighting skills were superior to anything I saw in the Army except Rangers and Special Forces units. Plus the Marines did not half-ass things like fighting holes, fire sketches, and small unit fire plans in the defense, the common soldiers had no idea what we were doing. Almost all Marine Riflemen new and could make calls for fire (Close air and Indirect) and could lay in crew-served weapons. I did not see the same when training with soldiers. They were clearly trained in it but they gun decked and pencil whipped enough that it was useless.
_The Marine infantry man never saw engineering assets (explosives, wire, obstacles) or training dummies, the common infantry soldier was far more familiar with their use.
_The Marines only paid attention to NBC warfare when an ORI was coming up. The Army seemed to live that stuff.
_Marines rarely conducted field training in company sized or battalion sized operations, so command and control at those level was suspect at best. I felt the Army was far superior in this aspect. The Marines operated on the assumption that everyone knew what the commander's intent was and would adjust as necessary. I don't know if that is good or bad.
_The common soldier's marksmanship was underwhelming. Marines could with the odd exception put rounds on target.
_As a unit, the soldiers did not have the endurance/toughness the Marines did. When things were miserable the soldiers showed it. The Marines gutted it out without complaint and often took perverse pride in a high misery factor.
_I thought the Marines were hot stuff at air mobile ops (always platoon sized) until I saw a Brigade exercise as aggressors for the Army. First and only time I got my ass handed to me as an aggressor. (We were straight leg aggressors). The Army was vary gracious in the way they wrapped my ass up in a box with pretty paper and a bow in short order.

As for the other services. The Air Force certainly had the best amenities and Power Point presentations. The Navy had better chow, except aboard ship, and always smelled like diesel fuel. And I never got to play with the Coast Guard.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Apr 27 at 2017 9:32 AM

SFC Bill Snyder — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 09:32:42 -0400

Because

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Apr 27 at 2017 10:44 AM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 10:44:36 -0400

If you've served or are serving in the US Military...YOU ARE in the best branch of service, no matter which one it is! The "knuckle-heads" in the branches of services are the ones that continue to perpetuate the "in-service rivalry." (SFC, 25-year Army veteran)

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Apr 27 at 2017 11:49 AM

PO1 Kevin Arnold — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:49:57 -0400

When I was Active duty we used to brag that we were the better service. However, we knew that we all had a job to do and needed each other to do that job. It was great having that rivalry competing each other during sports but when it came down to work it was a team effort.

Response by PO2 Danetta Troisi made Apr 27 at 2017 12:06 PM

PO2 Danetta Troisi — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 12:06:16 -0400

I think that it is natural, a sense of pride in and loyalty to ones branch of service to think it is the best. For some, it is part of the sibling rivalry that exists between the services. For some people, unfortunately, it is a point of contention. I have a father who is a retired Gunny and three brothers who were also Marines. One of these brothers also served in the Army. We trade the usual "squid", "jarhead", "my service is better at...." with laughter. I also have friends in all branches and we do the same thing. No harm, no foul. I have had conversations with some people who cannot be joked with in this manner. If you engage too long it can escalate into an argument. I believe each branch is important and has it's place. We all work well together and should be able to have fun with one another.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 1:14 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 13:14:48 -0400

Of course, like any family, there is sibling rivalry. That being said, superiority is not where this should head.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 1:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 13:35:56 -0400

I think the Navy would destroy all other branches. The amount of air, sea and land capabilities surpass everyone else. Navy pilots have a wide range of aircraft. The capability of our submarines and surface ships is remarkable. I joke with my Marine friends all the time about being part of the Navy so I got to give them that and say they also have a lethal Ground Force. We did beat their football team for the First Time In Like A Thousand Years!

Response by PO2 Donald Walsh made Apr 27 at 2017 2:44 PM

PO2 Donald Walsh — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 14:44:28 -0400

Technically, I was informed by senior officers as well as my captain, US Navy outranks the other services in joint operations. Operationally an individual member of any particular service, when out of their "native" environment and operating within another force's theater, is and should be mindful of the knowledge and purview of even a junior ranking member of the other service; this lesson was learned in too many wars. Mutual respect goes a long ways in joint ops. Never second guess someone's specialty just because you feel/or do outrank them as it could mean the difference between life and death for yourself or other members of the armed forces. I watched two officers on the USS Iwo Jima get killed by my ships CIWS because the OPS Officer overruled mine and the CIWS Fire Controlmen's recommendation to not fire while in live fire ops off of NC. RESPECT THE KNOWLEDGE OF THOSE TRAINED TO DO THEIR JOBS IN THEIR THEATER AND YOUR AUTHORITY/RANK WILL NEVER BE IN QUESTION!

Response by MSgt Dan Hurley made Apr 27 at 2017 3:55 PM

MSgt Dan Hurley — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:55:15 -0400

We are or were members of the greatest military in the would, but everyone this their branch is best as you should. That's just pride in yourself and your branch

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Apr 27 at 2017 4:06 PM

LTC Orlando Illi — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:06:45 -0400

My Dad a WW2 / Korea Machinists Mate used to call Marines - "...Sea Going Bellhops..."

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made Apr 27 at 2017 4:25 PM

MSG Frederick Otero — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:25:27 -0400

Yep sure do.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 4:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:31:46 -0400

I get a kick out of the rivalries as long as it's playful. And it's only really done Stateside in my experience. When deployed I don't care what uniform you're wearing, if you're there to help by all means come help. In Iraq we had Marines on one flank, Navy air support and SEALS, and even had some TAC-p's occasionally. In combat, the more the merrier.

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Apr 27 at 2017 5:36 PM

SSG Ray Elliott — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 17:36:09 -0400

There is always going to be some good natured rivalry between branches. To some point it's encouraged (ie: The Army Navy football game). Every soldier, sailor, airmen, or marine wants to think their branch is the best (and in most cases, if they thought their choice out before enlisting it is the best for them). Every branch has things they specialize in or excel at that the other branches don't, and they all have a right to be proud. A little bit of good natured rivalry is a fine and a useful motivator, as long as service members remember that we are all part of the same team, with varied, and essential missions, and responsibilities.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Apr 27 at 2017 6:12 PM

SGT Randall Smith — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:12:44 -0400

I was in a long time ago but I believe that not only do the services all believe that they are better than others, but within each branch they believe they are better than the others.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 27 at 2017 7:30 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 19:30:55 -0400

There is no constitutional authority for an Air Force, it's still the Army Air Corps. The Marines are part of the Navy

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Apr 27 at 2017 8:59 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 20:59:49 -0400

I think there will always be an "inner service rivalry" but I think rather than superior, the different branches feel that they are under appreciated by the others.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 27 at 2017 11:13 PM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 23:13:36 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I would say the Marines think they better at everything, as an outsider. But, in reality, I think we all think we are best, and hence superior. As you know, in the joint world, we need each other.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Apr 28 at 2017 1:09 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 01:09:39 -0400

I worked at CENTCOM where all services were represented. As the Navy XO in the OPSCENTER, I always thought it was like trying to herd cats sometimes. In all sincerity, I have to admit that it was really cool to watch everyone come together to get the job that needed to be done, done.

Response by SSG Howard Dennard made Apr 28 at 2017 6:22 AM

SSG Howard Dennard — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 06:22:00 -0400

As a former Army school Instructor, I had the pleasure of instructing members of the Army, Navy, and Marines. While there was a healthy rivalry between each branch, there were also team effort on all aspects of the training, and close friendships formed.
Each branch has it's limitations, but together they form a very powerful force. The professonals understand the role their branch plays in this force, defending our country. So between the professionals, it is just a good pride in your branch rivalry, much like one school against the other on the sports field.
Yes Pride in your branch is not only good, but necessary.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 28 at 2017 8:21 AM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:21:33 -0400

I've always felt that the Military could be narrowed down to one branch with (2) MOSs
1. Infantry
2. Other

Response by SPC Johnney Abbott made Apr 28 at 2017 8:25 AM

SPC Johnney Abbott — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:25:26 -0400

It's healthy to have inner rivalry. I mean, everyone needs to look up to the Army.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Apr 28 at 2017 8:57 AM

SFC Jerry Humphries — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:57:12 -0400

I and I think many of us who have served and are now serving know each service is unique in its capabilities and mission. I really don't think any one service is better than another. I do think due to the Close proximity of Hollywood and Marine and Navy Bases those two services get more limelight than the Army and Air Force and let us not forget to mention our sisters and brothers in the Coast Guard.

Have you ever noticed Seal team six is always talked about While Delta Force is rarely mentioned. If you really think about it Delta probably is more effective than the Seals because their missions don't get the press.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Apr 28 at 2017 9:09 AM

SFC Jerry Humphries — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:09:56 -0400

Hey, I got an ideal. Let's us all meet up at a bar and have an old fashioned brawl and settle this once and for all!

Response by PO2 Willis Linn made Apr 28 at 2017 10:56 AM

PO2 Willis Linn — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 10:56:49 -0400

Yes Sir, We All Do!

Response by CWO3 Curtis Conway made Apr 28 at 2017 3:34 PM

CWO3 Curtis Conway — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 15:34:23 -0400

I never felt superior in the Navy. However, there were multiple times when one of the other services would complain about little things that was big in their lives, but when in the larger perspective, was a nuisance at best. Having to det to Keflavik for 30 in an AWACS for example (wonder who that was?). My reply was always "Pack you bags and come to me on a MEDCRUISE for months, and then I will listen to you belly ache".

Judgement is real, and we all take an Oath to the ultimate Authority. Remember who that Oath is taken to, and perform today as though you look forward to That Day!

Response by SPC John Decker made Apr 28 at 2017 8:11 PM

SPC John Decker — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 20:11:22 -0400

I agree Colonel. Occasionally, there is a set of circumstances that allow for the use of one branch over the others, but more often than not the joint operations fit the bill.

Response by SGT Alejandro Benavides made Apr 28 at 2017 9:06 PM

SGT Alejandro Benavides — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 21:06:00 -0400

This is tough. Being Army Aviation I'm biased. I think Army can perform most jobs needed to accomplish the mission by itself. However it needs help from AF and Navy. The Navy is pretty solid considering that it has its own fleet of fighter aircraft and has the Marines as a sub branch. I don't think the AF is useless, I just think that it could've remained part of the Army and no one would have noticed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 11:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 23:03:51 -0400

All your girlfriends voted Marines

Response by GySgt Richard Morrison made Apr 29 at 2017 1:09 AM

GySgt Richard Morrison — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 01:09:50 -0400

If it weren't for the United States Marine Corps none of the other service branches would exist. The Navy to drive the boats for us and get us to where we are needed. The Army to clean up the mess that we will leave behind. The Air Force to fly out all of the big wigs that want to get their names and picture in the papers after saying we accomplished what they didn't vote for in Congress. And the Coast Guard just to guard the sunny beaches and rivers of the U.S. Semper Fi. GySgt USMC (Retd) '65-'85.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Apr 29 at 2017 11:35 AM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 11:35:58 -0400

Oh shit Mike, of course we do amongst ourselves.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2017 3:10 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 15:10:45 -0400

I have friends in every branch yes we do mess with each other and use jokes associated with each others branch but in the end always got each others backs every branch supports the other yes are certain branches better at doing certain tasks in which they specialize yes but in the end still "one team one fight" hooah

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Apr 29 at 2017 4:25 PM

CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 16:25:06 -0400

COL., all Services have their own traditions and Pride, and yes, there are and will be rivalries (mostly in fun) between the different Services; However, when the time comes for Our Nation's Finest to be called in to Action to do the Business and Missions Requested and Required of them For The Sake Of This Nation's Security and Defense, We aLL Become One United Force for Our Countries Freedoms!!! We Are All Brothers and Sisters in Uniforms as Veterans!!! Doc Bradshaw

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Apr 29 at 2017 7:14 PM

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 19:14:10 -0400

When I was in the Army-I saw the saying Screw with one-get them all happen. My AIT and permanent party guys called me Mom and/or Grandma cause I was almost 40 and their kids were always 'close by'me, but one day, someone did something STUPID and ALL of my guys from ALL branches came to help me! That poor punk ran so fast that, well to say a cloud of dust was behind him was an understatement. Miss it-YES, but too old now to go back, but I would in a heartbeat. I still love my 'flyboys', 'devildogs',grunts and Squids to this day. (Only one gets called Squiddles to this day and his buddies know the story behind it and bet they still get a good laugh over it to this day.)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 1:24 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 May 2017 01:24:54 -0400

Response by Capt Walter Miller made May 2 at 2017 8:01 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Tue, 02 May 2017 08:01:18 -0400

I don't think there is a rivalry at all. How could there be?

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made May 5 at 2017 12:50 PM

LCpl Donald Faucett — Fri, 05 May 2017 12:50:23 -0400

Nobody thinks there outfit is better. It takes a little of everything to make a good stew. Assign her to the mess hall, for trying to incite argumentative conjecture.

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made May 6 at 2017 1:23 PM

LCpl Donald Faucett — Sat, 06 May 2017 13:23:32 -0400

The Pledge of Allegiance absolutely needs brought back. Many Americans thru generations now can't even recite it. That's a shame and embarrassment.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made May 7 at 2017 1:01 PM

SFC David Pope, MBA — Sun, 07 May 2017 13:01:22 -0400

I worked on several JTF's in my career. I had a marine Lt Col that called me "Gunny." He knew I was army artillery and an E-7, he said it was a sign of respect. I had told a Marine joke , and he said that only a Gunney would have the balls to tell that joke to a field grade Marine. We all make fun of the Air Force, but when it boils down to it, if a non-military cracks a joke about any branch, we will have each other's back. I tell them, if they haven't served then shut up! The Air Force, cafeterias and dormitories? Really!

Response by 1SG James Matthews made May 8 at 2017 1:49 PM

1SG James Matthews — Mon, 08 May 2017 13:49:03 -0400

Well lets see--Delta thinks it's best--SF thinks it's best--We Rangers know we are the best--Force Recon feels the same--Guess thats what gives Pride to which ever unit you belong to.

Response by SSgt Jan Bronder made May 9 at 2017 6:40 PM

SSgt Jan Bronder — Tue, 09 May 2017 18:40:18 -0400

We all think we are better than the next branch or unit, butthats normal. When it comes down to it we are equal, we depend on the other branches, units to get the mission done. So, no one is better than the other fromer ssgt USAF JLB

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 4:11 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 16:11:22 -0400

As much as we all like to make fun of the other branches of service, it is done for the most part in jest and good nature. We Marines like to kid the Navy unmercifully, but when things get hairy and someone is hurt, we don't call for the plt sgt but for the Corpsman. I agree with the Col. that each branch has it's own role and mission in the defense of our country. And like all brothers and sisters, we all brag about how much better we did or can do than our siblings. However, anyone who truly believes there is one branch that is better that the others obviously hasn't looked at our military. Time has proven that we are at our best when each branch is doing what they are designed to do in coordination with the other branches. I know we Marines cannot thank our Sister services enough for they do in support of us while we save the day!

Response by MSgt George Cater made May 10 at 2017 4:54 PM

MSgt George Cater — Wed, 10 May 2017 16:54:12 -0400

Yes.

Response by CPT W Brown made May 11 at 2017 10:01 PM

CPT W Brown — Thu, 11 May 2017 22:01:49 -0400

No rivalry. And no question. Infantry. Army or Marines. All others support it.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 4:05 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 16:05:38 -0400

No questioning the USMC has always had an active PR campaign. At times they had to in order to survive the pressures to do away with them. It can't all be hype though and I'm sure there are likely similar collections of quotes about the other Services. I just wanted to share these and hopefully some will find enjoyment in reading them. I have total respect for all the branches and what they contribute to our National Defense.
http://oldcorps.org/USMC/quotes.html

United States Marine Corps Quotes

Famous, infamous and little known quotes about Marines and the Marine Corps in many wars, battles and situations

Response by SGT David Lacks made May 12 at 2017 7:28 PM

SGT David Lacks — Fri, 12 May 2017 19:28:19 -0400

Maybe a better question: which branch could we do WITHOUT in war?

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made May 12 at 2017 9:16 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Fri, 12 May 2017 21:16:33 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner…Of course the Air Force.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made May 12 at 2017 10:32 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Fri, 12 May 2017 22:32:57 -0400

I think in spite of Congress and President Obama that we have a strong military that can go toe toe with anyone. Give us a little time to get our fleet of warbirds and ships backing in shape and we will see.

Response by SSgt James Cottrell made May 13 at 2017 5:31 PM

SSgt James Cottrell — Sat, 13 May 2017 17:31:03 -0400

My experience goes back to Nam. Air Force/Army on same base, a few joint missions. It worked out fine.

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made May 13 at 2017 6:28 PM

CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern — Sat, 13 May 2017 18:28:37 -0400

I think there are inner service rivalries that are good for morale. The Navy and Marine Corps have a special relationship where name calling is affectionate and fun. I do not believe one service is better than the other. I believe each has a unique mission that coordinates as one unit making America the strongest military force on earth. We wear different uniforms but stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of adversity. I believe the only thing that makes a service superior is the men and women who serve. Thankfully, that superiority flows equally between all of our services.

Response by SPC Sean Martin made May 14 at 2017 11:09 AM

SPC Sean Martin — Sun, 14 May 2017 11:09:12 -0400

All branches of service work for the same boss. Each branch has its own specialty. Of course, one thinks they are better than the other. That's just the way man thinks. Say what you want; think what you think; contrary to popular belief, one cannot work without the other!! We serve under the same flag, for the same reason. Be proud of what you brought to the table.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2017 7:07 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 May 2017 19:07:23 -0400

I think it all part of Esprit de Corps.

Response by PO1 Mile Oconnell made May 18 at 2017 7:17 PM

PO1 Mile Oconnell — Thu, 18 May 2017 19:17:52 -0400

Well we don't but Semper Fortis

Response by PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson made May 18 at 2017 7:37 PM

PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson — Thu, 18 May 2017 19:37:16 -0400

If I'm being honest, the one branch I look down upon is the Air Force, and yes, it has to do with a really, really bad experience I had.

We shared a runway with the Air Force, a logistics squadron. This squadron had a history of sending in half-filled out flight plans that I would have to reject as the Flight Planning Branch Supervisor, which caused no end of trouble because inevitably their air traffic controllers would have to call the maintenance personnel on the flight deck to speak with the pilots to have them file a new flight plan. It usually took about an half hour or so and the whole time the squadron had a C-130J just sitting on the flight deck with fuel burning. This happened usually about 2-4 times per week.

The day that I'm speaking of in particular, I received a call from a destination station stating that an aircraft had not arrived. They were claiming 30 minutes late. This is a big deal for air traffic controllers, so I looked up the flight plan and the destination station had not yet accepted the responsibility, so I was the spearhead for this search. It was already 23 minutes past (the specific time is very, very important to us), and I had exactly 7 minutes to find this aircraft before I would have to call Virginia and literally make this thing a federal case. I sent out a request for information for every RADAR station, tower, and enroute station along the flight plan. 4 minutes later, I had negative responses from everybody. I had to call Virginia, and from that moment we had 1 hour before the USCG would launch, literally, over 20 aircraft to search for the corpses of the crew of this C-130J. At this point I widened the search to anywhere within 200 miles of the flight plan. After 48 minutes of searching, I got nothing.

The whole time I was trying to get the squadron to help, but I kept getting people who DID.NOT.CARE. that their squadron mates could have crashed in to the side of a mountain and died. I literally ended up on the phone with their XO before I found out that the pilots and crew had all left their phones behind and the squadron would not be able to contact them.

Less than 2 minutes before the USCG launched, the destination station contacted me to say that their transponder had been spotted on a RADAR scope. I called Virginia and stood down the search. For an aircraft 88 minutes overdue. From a squadron where exactly 2 people, the CO and the XO, even cared what happened to them.

Response by PFC Aaron Cox made May 19 at 2017 2:36 PM

PFC Aaron Cox — Fri, 19 May 2017 14:36:40 -0400

I picked the Marines because of its history. I only learned later how heavy the rivalry between other branches was. However, I have always noticed that when faced with an outside force regardless of your service branch the others would set aside this rivalry and come to your aid. I was in a bar a few years back that was for Navy. When they found out I was a Marine vet they gave me some shit. When a guy came in dress like a fugitive from a hip hop video and punch me in the jaw. (I guess he wanted to pick a fight) him and his buddies suddenly found themselves not just dealing with me but the entire group of Active and Veteran Navy in the bar.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made May 20 at 2017 10:48 AM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Sat, 20 May 2017 10:48:34 -0400

COL - There will always be an interservice rivalry... Quite frankly, it is a necessary evil. I agree with your philosophy of keeping it on the field of play in sports. As a former All-Army Sportsman, there was nothing finer than beating our rivals! That said, when we got back to work at our joint assignment, it was pure professionalism. The brotherhood is alive and well, even upon retirement and still competing against one another. Some of this activity was instilled in us as Privates when going through Basic and AIT. It was a good and needed rivalry. That said, over the years, a professional troop can look at the different missions of the services and see the relationship values each has in supporting one another. Our leaders have done a fine job at assessing, valuing and mandating joint operations. We truly could not function and be as successful as we have as a DoD in our past almost 20 years without that mandate! We have been quite successful in all joint activity and have gained much respect for one another across the service elements! However, back on the field, we bring back the basic PLT rivalry within ones own company, only at a much higher level. It is instilled on day one of our service and should remain strong moving forward - it's basic sibling rivalry and Brotherhood! All the best my Brothers and Sisters, thank you for your continued service... Be smart, remain vigilant, bring'em home, come home!

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made May 25 at 2017 2:57 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Thu, 25 May 2017 14:57:36 -0400

Go Army. Beat Navy.

Response by PO3 Terry Miller made May 25 at 2017 3:34 PM

PO3 Terry Miller — Thu, 25 May 2017 15:34:22 -0400

Only on the football field. In time of war or keeping the peace, the services are equal when it comes down to it. Oh, we might brag or complain but we will always support the other services.
U.S. Navy - First Among Equals

Response by SSgt Richard Jump made May 30 at 2017 7:46 PM

SSgt Richard Jump — Tue, 30 May 2017 19:46:13 -0400

I agree. No one service is superior to another. They all have their mission.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Jun 1 at 2017 5:47 PM

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:47:31 -0400

Several relatives served in different branches at different times-and when I was little, that made for fun in water balloon fights cause they would go for each other and the kids ALWAYS won. We have rivalry so that we can have fun together-but mess with one-YOU GET ALL!

Response by MSG Dan Kilpatrick made Jun 1 at 2017 9:45 PM

MSG Dan Kilpatrick — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 21:45:03 -0400

Actually all the branches are the same, because there are only two jobs in the entire military. Things are really simple this way and thus all work together in one of the two jobs.

Oh what are the two jobs you ask? They are Infantry and then Infantry Support. If your are not Infantry then you are there to support the Infantry and thus Infantry Support. This was a simple question!

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Jun 7 at 2017 3:36 PM

MSgt Brian Williams — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 15:36:42 -0400

Well of course. They all KNOW the Air Force is superior.

Response by Sgt John Czerniak made Jun 8 at 2017 7:11 PM

Sgt John Czerniak — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 19:11:32 -0400

Yes, the marines think they are the best.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Jun 8 at 2017 9:30 PM

SMSgt Tony Barnes — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 21:30:51 -0400

In 2011, 163 Marines were CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Considering the size of the USMC...that tells you who makes the strongest leaders.

http://www.navy.mil/navydata/people/secnav/Mabus/Speech/CouncilForeignRelationsv2.pdf

CouncilForeignRelationsv2.pdf

Response by SFC Joey Oliver made Jun 9 at 2017 8:03 AM

SFC Joey Oliver — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 08:03:41 -0400

Sir, I am a retired army drill sergeant and in my opinion and experience, it seems as though marines (the ones I've encountered) think they are Gods greatest thing ever created: the end all be all to human life. It seems like they are brainwashed when they first join into thinking they are above everyone else. Like i said, from the marines that i have interacted with, this is the impression that i got. Nothing like this from people who are in the navy or air force.
M-muscles. M-my. A-ain't
A-are. A-ass. R-ready to be
R-required. R-rides. M-a marine
I-intelligence. I-in. Y-yet
N-not. N-navy
E-essential. E-equipment

Response by SGT Michael Smith made Jun 9 at 2017 8:30 AM

SGT Michael Smith — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 08:30:21 -0400

All branches think they're superior. Except the Army; we know we're superior.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2017 10:53 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 10:53:50 -0400

I have been Active Duty AF and now AF Reserves, and I don't see anything wrong with the "rivalry and competition between branches, I welcome it. Because, we are all family when it comes down to it and I've seen it. We will roast each other, we will fight each other, we will make fun of each other, but let an outsider or civil attempt to do the same. The whole power of the Armed Forces falls upon them. Each service member has to remember their time and place on the spare, we are all needed, and we all come together when we need too. But, if you sit back and believe that you are better then the next person because of the branch you choose and look down your nose at every one, there is no place for you in the U.S. Military because we are each other's Wingman, Battle buddy etc....

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Jun 9 at 2017 12:54 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 12:54:33 -0400

I don't know why but all the other branch's seem to think they are as good as the ARMY.

Response by SGT George Duncan made Jun 9 at 2017 6:20 PM

SGT George Duncan — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 18:20:36 -0400

yes all of them

Response by CPL M Miller made Jun 11 at 2017 4:33 PM

CPL M Miller — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 16:33:04 -0400

Its kinda like getting between family in a fight. we all have a common goal, but don't step between us, when we doing or jobs. LOL

Response by LCpl Dan McTiernan made Jun 11 at 2017 6:12 PM

LCpl Dan McTiernan — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 18:12:00 -0400

After reading many of the comments, I would ask many of you to reconsider your responses and respond with yes, your branch is superior. That you would think that in any circumstance that your contribution in joint operations would make the differene and ensure victory without denigrating your partners. It would be hard for me, served in the US Marine Corps, to state that my grandfathers service during WWI with the 3rd Army in Germany, fighting in the trenches was not superior, or my friends, classmates and fellow Marines who gave all in Vietnam were not superior, or my father during WWII service was not superior, or a former co-volunteer on active Army duty with the Green Berets is not superior. All are superior and when each branch works together during joint operations, each branches superiority and contributions continue to make our branches the best in the world. As I see, mostly, young men enlisting in the Army, Marine Corps and a father with the Coast Guard, I am impressed by the quality and commitment of the youth in our country, and with three more locals becoming Eagle Scouts, hopefully many more will enlist and feel that their branch is superior while respecting the contributions of their partners and knowing all make us great.

Response by LTC Patrick Turner made Jun 11 at 2017 6:56 PM

LTC Patrick Turner — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 18:56:59 -0400

I do not believe so. Some of my Marine friends are a little agitated in their views but I cross that off to their enthusiasm, which I am 100% for. Every person who served should be proud of their service and their branch of service. This is what make America great!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 12 at 2017 1:45 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 01:45:12 -0400

All of the branches think they are the best - but only the Air Force is correct.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jun 12 at 2017 7:47 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 07:47:39 -0400

thinking and actual at two different things .....

Response by MSG James Hughs made Jun 12 at 2017 2:46 PM

MSG James Hughs — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:46:45 -0400

Maybe you can get where I am coming from.....if you poke a bad guy with one finger.....you might break that finger....much more effective if you hit him with a FIST

As a Green Beret I would have a hard time surviving the battle without the support of EVERYBODY on that team...... from the truck driver who hauled the ammo.....to the Air Force that delivered the bomb..... to the nurse that bandaged my wounds...... EVEN the civilian that paid the taxes
WE ARE ALL ONE TEAM....each doing their job the best they know how.... to think one is "superior" over another is an egotistical fantasy

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 12 at 2017 3:55 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 15:55:43 -0400

Yes. Hopefully the member of all of them THINK they are...well most...but directly to the question, Yes.

Response by Cpl Michael Burr made Jun 12 at 2017 5:49 PM

Cpl Michael Burr — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 17:49:39 -0400

I'm a Marine. We're taught that we're the best. We go harder, faster, longer, and with more intensity than any other service. We're loud and cocky and we're not afraid to back up our mouths with our fists. Even though we know we're the best and we pick on the other services they are our little brothers and sisters in arms and only we can pick on them. No one else! Now that I'm out I still have that "rivalry" other service veterans and it's still out of love and respect that I talk smack about their service. Let a civilian try to join in, it's their funeral! To answer your question, yes the inter service rivalry is alive and well.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2017 6:25 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 18:25:32 -0400

My brother was a USN Nuc weapons tech.
My Dad an Army Helicopter Warrant officer in vietnam.
Mom and Sister were Army (mom was a WAC and sis a 37F).
Son leaves this summer - Army. He almost went Air Force but his recruiter was crap. I would have been proud of him as an Airman...but I admit that Im just a bit more proud now that he is joining the Army - just a tiny bit.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2017 4:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 16:01:45 -0400

I think they all do, and should. As long as it isn't taken too seriously I think it's good for morale.

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Jun 15 at 2017 10:43 PM

SSG Wayne Wood — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 22:43:00 -0400

My family has military roots going all the way back to Queen Anne's War in the Colonies - I had a couple great-grandfathers who served in the Revolution - one was at King's Mountain. In the Civil War I had great-grandparents on both sides. A great-uncle who served in the Army in WWI; two uncles in WW2, one was a Frogman in the Pacific who made it back - the other a soldier who was killed in France in November 44; my father and two other uncles served during the Korean War with the Navy. My stepfather did a hitch in the Navy then finished his career in the Army where he did time in Nam. My older brother served in the Army in Nam - I was too young to go to Nam but went to Grenada with the 82nd in 83. My two youngest brothers served in the Navy at the tail-end of the Cold War - one on a Fast Frigate helping the Coasties with drug interdiction and the other on a "Boomer" at the bottom of the sea. I had two sons serve - one did a hitch in the Navy on the Reagan and our youngest is currently serving as an Airborne Infantry officer. I guess he didn't listen to his old man (my wife thinks he listened TOO well...) I had a cousin join the Marines - proud of him and a couple other cousins do the Air Force.

So my family has had the branches covered. As a paratrooper I've always felt we were pretty well at the top of the heap but I have respect for the Marines -when I worked with them they were always high-speed, low drag and professional. By the same token, the Air Force put the "Air" in "Airborne" and CAS always looks good when the kimshi hits the fan on the ground - no matter what branch.

When I was in Basic Charlie Company made fun of Bravo Company, Bravo made fun of Alpha, and Alpha looked down on the rest of us. When I got to my first permanent unit, this battalion looked down their noses at the other battalions in the brigade and so on... Forget what we thought of the other branches. At Ft Bragg? Geez, we dogged EVERYONE and EVERYONE hated us. Good clean fun, right?

After many years of beating my chest and berating "Legs," "Squids," "Jarheads," and all other non-Airborne comers I came to the conclusion the reason we beat our chests and look down on others is if we didn't have the pride of feeling as if we were better than everyone else where would be the pride and joy in doing some of the impossible [junk] we are/were required to do?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2017 10:58 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 22:58:59 -0400

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2017 10:59 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 22:59:40 -0400

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Jun 16 at 2017 9:23 PM

SPC Franklin McKown — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 21:23:06 -0400

Shoot one of us and we figure it out REAL quick...then go hunting.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 7:37 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 19:37:58 -0400

I wouldn't call it an actual rivalry, nor that one branch actually believes is better than the other, since most do understand their job; therefore, understand everyone else has theirs, with their own specialties and expertiese. Is as simple as how regular troops tend to be better at certain tasks, and spec ops better at others that the first just would not know how to do, and vice versa.
In a different page, we're all brothers in one big family, so a little sibling rivalry is always expected, mostly in good fun, but I do believe is mostly driven by that pride of belonging that all of us undoubtedly feel than an actual sense of superiority.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 22 at 2017 7:45 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 19:45:42 -0400

No, we are all equal, I mean, other than the Coast Guard, all four branches think we are better then a coasty....LOL

(BTW, Joke, CG folks do a Job that takes every bit of professionalism, Technical strengths any Marine, Army Soldier, Air force supporter or zoomie or Navy Seaman has...
When we are hiding indoors staying dry, they are going out in that crap getting it done. )

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jun 22 at 2017 9:59 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 21:59:51 -0400

No rivalries, just facts, sailors drive big grey boats, airmen fly the planes that get us there, and the soldiers come in and clean up our mess. Do you all understand?

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Jun 30 at 2017 11:12 AM

PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:12:47 -0400

Of Course. We all know that the NAVY is superior, It was the first service that the new country organized in 1773. For the longest time everyone needed the Navy in order to get anywhere. Hell there was even a Naval detachment in the Sahara Desert in WWII. I never fully under stood that But they do call the camel the Ship of the desert. Even though the Congress is trying to screw with the NAVY by cutting back our bases and putting us on Army bases and Air Force bases, and putting us in Uniforms that make us look like marines and Smurf puke cammy. We will Always be the NAVY!

(Please note that most all this post was done tongue in cheek)
its up to you to determine what parts....

Response by Cpl Armando Mireles made Jun 30 at 2017 11:26 AM

Cpl Armando Mireles — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:26:51 -0400

Yes, there will always be this type of rivalry. What counts is you know we have each other's back when it hits the fan.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jun 30 at 2017 12:07 PM

1SG David Niles — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:07:07 -0400

All branches think they are superior. If the didn't then there would be a bad moral issue in that branch

Response by SP5 Kevin Dean made Jul 5 at 2017 9:35 AM

SP5 Kevin Dean — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 09:35:02 -0400

Although I was a member of the Army for 8 years, I always believed deeply in the Combined Arms Concept. I always wanted to be in my tank coming off a beach,assaulting a fortified position and having supporting 16" gun fire from an IOWA Class Battleship go whizzing over my head!hen, that would be followed by some carpet bombing from some B-52's!

Response by PO1 Richard Borowski made Jul 5 at 2017 1:38 PM

PO1 Richard Borowski — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:38:52 -0400

I think that each branch feels that they're "the best", but when push comes to shove WE are the best. We will work together to kick anybodys butt who thinks otherwise.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 5 at 2017 4:57 PM

SSgt Holden M. — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 16:57:41 -0400

In my personal opinion there will always be a rivalry between all the branches. You will always have the Marines that think they are the best and most hard core, you will have the Army that thinks they are hot S**t, you will have the Navy that thinks they own every domain, and you will have the Air Force that doesn't care because all the other branches are jealous that we were smart enough to join the air force and not the other branches and that we treat our people better then the other branches.

But in all actuality we all have our own purpose and picked the branch that we did, and one isn't any better than the other we all have positives and negatives.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jul 6 at 2017 11:13 AM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 11:13:31 -0400

We all do. I used to work joint service in the first half of my career. Even when deployed to Iraq we were Army assigned to the Marines & the Navy. We'd always have to rub in the rivalry but we still worked well together. The worst issue I ever had was being TDY for 2 months to an all AF base in England. Not much US Army there & we weren't well received by some. They were the most gung-ho types on the base & they felt intimidated by us. The rest of the folks had no issue with us. Coasties tend to avoid all of the rest of us since so many of the other branches don't understand what they do. Hey, we all have our missions & our specialties. It's a team effort.

Response by SN Earl Robinson made Jul 6 at 2017 4:01 PM

SN Earl Robinson — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 16:01:39 -0400

Lack of context. All of our branches are the best in the world. For me knowing I was a member of the most powerful navy ever to patrol the seas is a point of pride. I'm sure each of us feels the same about our branch.

Response by MAJ Brad Friedlander made Jul 6 at 2017 5:10 PM

MAJ Brad Friedlander — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 17:10:33 -0400

I think the answer is relatively simple.
1. If you are not in a war, then your branch, your specialty, and your unit are the best. If you don't think they are, then you need to make them the best (or go where you think the grass is greener).
2. When we are at war, then US (we the US military) is best. Period! We are one team and our team is the best in the world.
Since we seem to be in a continuous war (of various types and scope), then # 2 should apply to all of us.
This goes for Active, Reserve, and Guard as well. Each has its own merits and none of us should think that one is inherently better than the others.
Of course, I am partial to computers and communications. But, they are only a means for the rest of the team to excel!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 8:42 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 20:42:06 -0400

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 7 at 2017 10:08 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 22:08:29 -0400

The Joint Chiefs wanted an answer to this question. They penned a letter to God and left it in the Chapel at the Pentagon. God sent out a memo. In the memo, God stated that he wanted to give the question serious thought, so they would have to wait for a definitive answer until he got back from his summer Marine Corps reserve commitment.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 8 at 2017 11:37 AM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 11:37:11 -0400

My Dad was a Navy Pilot flying Corsairs during WWII and Korea. He had an interesting opinion about Army Infantry vs. Marine Infantry. Dad was shot down over enemy territory 5 times and had to work his way to the lines and effect a passage of lines.

He hated when he had to cross Marine Infantry positions, because they'd kill you at 500 yards with one shot from their service rifle. As a returning Allied pilot, you really weren't safe until you were close enough to be killed by a bayonet or an e-tool.

He hated when he had to cross Army Infantry positions because they would kill you with a Artillery Regimental TOT, A mortar battery six, 10,000 Machine gun rounds, and countless rifles and pistol shots, all impacting at the same time, just as you got within distance to exchange sign and countersign.

Response by TSgt James Lacey made Jul 8 at 2017 4:18 PM

TSgt James Lacey — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 16:18:25 -0400

I think it is more a sibling rivalry than one service thinking it is better than the other. I did often hear marines and sailors as well as the army talking about being the best, but during nam, I didn't really see any proof that they truly believed it.

Response by 1SG John B. Enlow made Jul 8 at 2017 4:51 PM

1SG John B. Enlow — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 16:51:05 -0400

Yes. The branch you're in is always better than the others.

Response by TSgt Tom Goodwin made Jul 9 at 2017 8:31 PM

TSgt Tom Goodwin — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 20:31:12 -0400

Friend of mine made a comment about service rivalry that makes a lot of sense. In peace time we bad mouth each other about every thing from A to Z. when Things get tough we take care of each other. there are so many examples of this ranging from The Korean War, to the present day Mess in the Middle east. We are all Americans and we are all serving our country. There are so many examples of this that I could write a book about them. I will not do it here.

Response by SGT Joseph Alanzo made Jul 16 at 2017 4:22 AM

SGT Joseph Alanzo — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 04:22:49 -0400

ALL of U.S.MILITARY will say they are the most Superior but to me we all have JOB to do
and we MOST work together all the time to win. I have one more SAY THE U.S.MILITARY is the BEST of the BEST and NUMBER ONE TEAM TOGETTHER all the Time every one.

Response by Brian Hope made Jul 16 at 2017 4:45 AM

Brian Hope — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 04:45:03 -0400

the marine corps I believe feels itself to be the most superior fighting force

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Jul 17 at 2017 7:59 PM

1SG Patrick Sims — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 19:59:42 -0400

All branches of the military are equipped and trained to preform a specific task---in that context they are superior to their peers. Overall---I wouldn't care to mess with Uncle Sam---You're libel to get your dick stomped into the dirt.

Response by PFC Eric Parrish made Jul 20 at 2017 11:44 AM

PFC Eric Parrish — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 11:44:17 -0400

Inner service rivalry is a great thing to push our troops to be better at what they do. However, at the end of the day we all know we are on the same team. My branch is superior, should be the answer to your question from all service members. If you don't think your branch is the best, you may be in the wrong line of work.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jul 20 at 2017 12:01 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:01:49 -0400

Honest professional answer - of course everyone thinks and believes that the branch they serve in is superior - but the truth is, nothing can stop us if we all work together, each branch of service has certain areas of specialty, Navy is to project power in the seas, pinpoint targets to either knock out shore based defenses, or create "windows" in which their aircraft and Marines can be inserted. Marines are the best 72 hour regular force in the world (I am talking conventional - not special troops.like the Rangers, Force Recon etc etc) the Army excels at armored and mechanized warfare, with their own very capable 72 hour force, in their Airborne troops, and the airforce controls the skies so all of the forces can do their thing with out worrying about air attacks. Are all the Branches capable of doing this themselves, absolutely, but nothing can be as powerful when we all work in tandem and together.

Of course this is just a fast and loose description of the branches, but I am trying to point out how much stronger the forces are working together than working alone.

Response by SP6 Sean Briggs made Jul 20 at 2017 2:31 PM

SP6 Sean Briggs — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:31:29 -0400

In my opinion:

Inner service rivalry is good when it: spurs esprit de corps, challenges troops on their training, builds confidence and motivation, allows for troops to excel and work together...

It should be avoided at all costs when: there is unjustified Rhetoric, when individualistic opinions hurt other service members, when competition leads to violence, abuse, and hate towards other service members...

Remember, competition done right leads to excellence, however when done wrong, it leads to disdain and unjustified hate and ignorance. Leaders take note!

Response by LCpl Michael Parker made Jul 22 at 2017 7:50 AM

LCpl Michael Parker — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 07:50:37 -0400

Evry Branch Believes they are the best for one reason or another but the trueth be told each branch should believe they are the best .... the rilvery between branches pushes each branch and individuale to push harder,farther,and better than everybody else it is this that gives America on the whole the best millitary in the wolrd. and I hope & pray that never changes

Response by Cpl Antonio Martinez made Jul 22 at 2017 11:23 AM

Cpl Antonio Martinez — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 11:23:42 -0400

Here's the skinny of it....I was in the Army Reserve at age 17, I went to basic training at Ft Jackson SC I later enlisted in the Marines Active duty and went to bootcamp in San Diego L Co PLT 3089....I later returned to the army on active duty (not because I didnt love my beloved Marine Corps but because the closings and downsizing that Bill (Clown) Clinton was conducting at that time. I couldnt return to the Marines because at that time prior service marines couldnt return to the marines no matter what your re-entry code on your DD214 said)
I have said all that to show you that I know where I am coming from....Im speaking from experience- Marines Bootcamp is hands down one of the toughest things I have gone through in my life...army basic: mmmmm not so much. There are plenty of soldiers that say "hell no, I didnt want to join the marines cuz those suckers are crazy". That tells you in their heart they know who is the hardest, meanest, and most gun-ho!! Now lets be honest about the air force and navy: air force is like a big corporation where people were uniforms lol they go around calling themselves by their first name lol they are almost not a branch of the service lol (I was stationed at an air force base- I saw it first hand) and now for the navy- aside from seals and seabees (seabees arent super hardcore but they are extremely dedicated to their mission) what does the navy have? so....in my humble opinion- The Marines is the better branch, second to none! Semper Fi!!
I know we are all part of the same team- I know we depend on each other, I know all that jazz...but Im just saying... (my opinion was not meant to insult anyone or hurt anybody's feelings....it is simply one man's opinion) In today's world where everybody gets offended for smallest thing I had to throw in that disclaimer

Response by Cpl Charles Vadnais made Jul 22 at 2017 4:15 PM

Cpl Charles Vadnais — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 16:15:59 -0400

This reminds me of a conversation I had with an Army vet in college. We'd both been enlisted at just about the same time:
Me: "Hey man, I gotta ask ya something. We hear a lot of heresay about the Army, but do you guys really qualify on electronic targets that tell you where you hit?"
Him: *looking very perplexed at the question* "Yeah, at least my unit did, why?"
Me: "Oh, in the Marines we split the range detail in half and take turns manually pushing the targets up in a frame down-range."
Him: *stares* "You Marines are f-----in CRAZY!"

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Jul 22 at 2017 4:29 PM

SSG Joseph VanDyck — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 16:29:06 -0400

The Airborne Ranger in the sky provides overwatch for a SEAL platoon incognito insertion.

Response by MSgt Roger Settlemyer made Jul 22 at 2017 5:04 PM

MSgt Roger Settlemyer — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:04:16 -0400

Insteresting Question, All Service member belivies his Service is the best, otherwise he would not be there.I am a Marine, The Army and Navy after WW2 and Korea tried to disband us yet we are still here. Why we are 10% of the total force yet supply 25% of the combat troops. To my brothers in arms in other services we are a cult. Once A Marine Always A Marine

Response by SGT James (Jimmy) Crone made Jul 22 at 2017 7:04 PM

SGT James (Jimmy) Crone — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 19:04:51 -0400

Well I think that there is no interservice rivalries my dad was airforce and i have cousins and uncles that we're in the navy and i was army.

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Jul 22 at 2017 10:35 PM

SGT Greg Gold — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 22:35:16 -0400

There are only two branches of the service, the Army and the Navy. The Marines are a cult, and the Air Force is a corporation.

Response by PO2 Andrew Wilson made Jul 23 at 2017 10:00 AM

PO2 Andrew Wilson — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 10:00:35 -0400

We all give each other crap because our branch is our team, but when rubber meets the road we all back one another......

Except the Coast Guard..... Forget those puddle pirates.......

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Jul 23 at 2017 11:00 AM

MAJ Don Bigger — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 11:00:51 -0400

We fight on battlefields that require a combined arms calculus, thus every branch of the military is critical to mission success. It's almost like arguing which position on a baseball team is the most important. Play the game short one player and see how tough it is to win. However--I would expect--and hope--that each member of the military takes deserved pride in their branch, and I have no problem if a sailor thinks the Navy is the best, or an airman thinks the Air Force is the best, or.... Because, in the final analysis, I KNOW which service is the best :)

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Jul 23 at 2017 2:03 PM

PO1 Richard Cormier — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 14:03:09 -0400

HELL YES. Each and every service SHOULD feel Proud of THEIR Branch of Service. When the BS is flying, there is no better rivalry. When the bullets are flying, there is no better comradery. I have had the Honor of wearing the US Navy uniform for 10 years. During that time I have also had the Honor of being the "Corporal of the Guard" so our USMC brothers/sisters could attend the MC Ball. We all have different missions and different ways to accomplish them. ALL branches will aid in accomplishing missions and mess with each other during down time.

Which one is best: United States of America. ALL branches stem from that one tree.

Response by PFC Robert L. Gonzales made Jul 23 at 2017 4:17 PM

PFC Robert L. Gonzales — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 16:17:29 -0400

Well, Marines are some serious butt kickers...but in many ways the Army is superior because Marines need heroes too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 11:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 11:55:02 -0400

Yes there always has been, I always see it going on between army and marines, army and air force , nave and army, coast guard and army , it will go on like that as long as we are alive unless something in our nature drastically changes.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 24 at 2017 12:14 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 12:14:39 -0400

Being penultimate to the Navy is very important. Let's keep trying folks. :))

Response by SSgt Donald Libby made Jul 24 at 2017 1:18 PM

SSgt Donald Libby — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:18:34 -0400

Here is my humble thought on the question.

Response by SPC John Chambers made Jul 24 at 2017 8:00 PM

SPC John Chambers — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 20:00:25 -0400

I do believe there is quite a bit of inter-service rivalry even to this day. A prime example of this are the various camouflage uniforms our Armed Forces are sporting. Instead of having everyone switch to the Multicam or Woodland/Desert Digital patterns every branch came up with their own ideas. Whether or not they think they are superior depends on the topic I think.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 8:03 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 20:03:36 -0400

Im not in the Military but many of my friends are and each one will swear up and down, all day and night that their service branch is superior. I think it boils down to pride more so than logical reasoning, thats just my opinion though.

Response by MSgt Eric Roseberry made Jul 25 at 2017 9:00 PM

MSgt Eric Roseberry — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 21:00:25 -0400

Of course, selecting a branch is a very personal choice with very different experiences and advantages/disadvantages. As an Air Force junior enlisted serving alongside a "Joint" really Navy intelligence organization I had a easier time working with the Navy Commander than the Master Chief... Tradition. I was the SSIO no one touched a computer with my signoff, making MSgt made my job easier. I had opportunities to work with Army and Marine Intelligence as well, they tended to get promoted to Mr. Warrant that is, always incredibly professional. I believe mine was the best choice though.

Response by GySgt Ken Norwood made Jul 27 at 2017 8:03 PM

GySgt Ken Norwood — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 20:03:30 -0400

Of course each service thinks it is better than the other services! It is called pride in your service! But when it hits the fan not a single one of us would refuse a medical ride just because it was the wrong service. No one would say we won't accept artillery support from another service, nor would we refuse air cover from the other service. We all appreciate our sister services, but know in our hearts ours is the best!

Response by 1stSgt Joseph Jaramillo made Jul 30 at 2017 8:17 PM

1stSgt Joseph Jaramillo — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 20:17:09 -0400

How to Tell the Difference Between the Branches of the US Armed Forces!

If you give the command "SECURE THE BUILDING", here is what the different services would do:

The NAVY would turn out the lights and lock the doors.

The ARMY would surround the building with defensive fortifications, tanks and concertina wire.

The MARINE CORPS would assault the building, using overlapping fields of fire from all appropriate points on the perimeter.

The AIR FORCE would take out a three-year lease with an option to buy the building.

So it just depends on how you interpret the Mission Objective.

Response by SFC Tony Bennett made Aug 2 at 2017 7:47 AM

SFC Tony Bennett — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 07:47:15 -0400

Silly question for sure, EVERYONE KNOWS that the ARMY is superior.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2017 3:13 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 15:13:31 -0400

There'll likely always be some rivalry. But for anyone who knows the realities it'll just be in fun. And each branch should feel superior to an extent, as they should be superior in what they're meant to do over the others who are generally tasked with a different mission. But overall superiority I'd hope not, at least not seriously.

Response by PV2 Candi Breen made Aug 8 at 2017 9:18 PM

PV2 Candi Breen — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 21:18:13 -0400

Each branch is special and unique to certain things and we couldn't be as awesome of a force if it wasn't for everyone and every branch!!

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Aug 9 at 2017 11:37 AM

LTC Hillary Luton — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 11:37:42 -0400

I have always believed there was a friendly rivalry between the services. Similar to the rivalry you may see on any playing field. Granted, I was Army and my allegiance will always be to the Army, but as far as superiority goes, I believe each service serves a purpose. It is not so much a case of one is better than the other, but each of us have a purpose and we all fulfill that purpose whether it be land war/defense, air war/defense, or sea war/defense. The point is, all services are necessary for the overall defense of this nation. Is one better than the other? Does it really matter? (except on the football field....sorry, had to say it.) Do we all work together to get the job done? I certainly hope so, because that is what is truly important.

It doesn't matter to me what service an individual serves in, I still consider them my brother or sister in uniform.

Response by SSG Jimmy Cernich made Aug 9 at 2017 2:39 PM

SSG Jimmy Cernich — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:39:45 -0400

The Reserve components and national guard deploy just has much has active duty in today's time.With that said in a deployment you have to communicate with all branches because they are all on the frontlines.So no not one branch or soldier is superior to another they all count on each other to survive.

Response by SGT George Duncan made Aug 10 at 2017 6:18 PM

SGT George Duncan — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 18:18:16 -0400

YES all of them

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Aug 13 at 2017 11:56 PM

SSG Waldo Yamada — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 23:56:07 -0400

I believe so and I am a proud US ARMY retiree who know's that we're the oldest force going back to the Continental Army.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Aug 15 at 2017 4:23 AM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 04:23:03 -0400

No one branch of our military is superior over the others. We all come from different walks of American life, but we bind together when we serve in the military. Sure inter-service rivalry puts us at odds, but it's good to know we can rub each others noses in friendship and still have the respect of each other. No matter the mess we get ourselves into (or not), we will still pull ourselves up together as military members. It those people who don't serve that think one service branch is superior or inferior to the other. We have our faults and graces, and we know them ourselves.

Response by GySgt Craig Averill made Aug 15 at 2017 4:53 AM

GySgt Craig Averill — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 04:53:19 -0400

One branch thinking it is superior over another goes back to the very begging of our military history.

To me that feeling is from the PRIDE that the military member feels about their chosen branch, their successes within that branch, the history of that branch, the training endured, the over all accomplishments of the branch they belong to and finally the opinions of the civilians about the branch they are in.

I feel that the participation trophies has all but destroyed true success and true competition to the point that people no longer desire to out compete anyone or anything that is above them, they instead stand content.

I was on a Combat Rifle Team for over 10 years and in order to stay on the team, one had to constantly out shoot anyone new competitor who wanted to join the team and constantly out shoot any of the OLD shooters so you would not be considered to be replaced. That created a Team that was unbeatable and we competed against other branches and other units and in the Internationals against other countries military. You better believe we thought we were better and we proved it.

The branches of service are the same, I feel if you feel you are better than the Air Force or Navy or whatever, you perform to be better and you present yourself in your appearance and actions to be better. That to me is Excellent and makes for true Professionals and Esprit De Corps.

I remember one time, myself and few other Marines were in a Shaky's Pizza near Pearl Harbor and there was this self playing Honky Tonk piano that played many songs, including all the Military songs of the different branches and would project the lyrics on a wall with a bouncing ball that would bounce on the word in the lyrics as it was to be sung. At the time the Marines and Navy were paid twice a month and the Army and Air Force were paid once per month. Well the first of month, usually the bars and other joints were packed with hungry and thirsty military personnel. Someone would put a quarter in the piano and play their branch of service song and stand up with their mugs of beer and sing at the top of their lungs with the piano and not to be outdone by that branch, the very next song would be from another branch and all of the members of that branch would do the same and so on. We all tried to out do the other branches with our singing and the show of our pride within our branch. Once in awhile trouble would break out and today, I do not see anything wrong with that either.

The military has some tough jobs to do and they can not get those jobs or missions accomplished without a heavy dose of PRIDE and Esprit De Corps. Even within the branch one unit will feel superior over another and that drives them to push to be better. An example would be artillery versus mortars.

Hold your heads up and be PROUD of what and who you are, before you even start to boast about your unit or your branch, you are already much less than 1percent of the total U.S. Population, just being in the military.

Semper Fi

Response by AN Christopher Crayne made Aug 15 at 2017 6:34 AM

AN Christopher Crayne — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 06:34:36 -0400

And yet again I Digress! Lol.
Ok.... Coasties you guys are rocking it.

Response by SGT Steven Hines made Aug 17 at 2017 5:31 PM

SGT Steven Hines — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 17:31:40 -0400

I know what a jar head will tell you!

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Aug 17 at 2017 5:51 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 17:51:59 -0400

Well of course. Armor, Queen of battle, Artillary king of battle, Engineers, esssayons. It is a healthy competition that drives branches to do their best in the most difficult circumstances.

Response by SP5 Norman McGill made Aug 19 at 2017 11:04 AM

SP5 Norman McGill — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 11:04:09 -0400

Of course one branch thinks it's superior, the Marines. Anyone wants to go onto the beach first can go and I'll come along with my Army when they say it's safe. Of course the Navy and the Air Force has softened up the area first and that's a lot of help but the Marines want to go first and that's ok with me. However if they are short a man and want a volunteer to go with them, that will be me. After all they call the National Guard when they get bogged down and need some help. I would rank all the services as #1 the Marines and #2 all the rest but none are worth a hoot without the rest. I mean look what happened to General Custer when he tried to go it alone. Wonder if there's a statue of him anywhere? Wonder if they'll tear it down?

Response by CPT David Lowe made Aug 24 at 2017 5:14 PM

CPT David Lowe — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 17:14:28 -0400

On the surface, each branch feels pride within its own community. Branch rivalries have existed since the first stone was thrown. While each branch of the service feels a certain superiority, the truth is each has its own distinct mission. Yes, there is mission overlap. It is not the overlaps, but the gaps that cause problems. Asking if a particular branch is superior is the same question of combining the services, just the other side of the coin. The fact is each service has its own unique benefits and weaknesses. Even though each service espouses its unique strengths, we have learned to work together as a singular team to form a formidable force. Whether in peace or war, the US military has learned to form a cohesive team. Each and every service member and veteran should feel a sense of pride in that accomplishment. And we should all remember, no matter what service, Field Artillery reigns supreme!

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Aug 24 at 2017 9:28 PM

SP5 Joel McDargh — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 21:28:50 -0400

For those of us who have served we each chose our particular branch of service for whatever reason. None is better than the other as they all have honorably served to protect and defend. Though there might be some outright rivalry between the branches the one undeniable fact is that we are all brothers and sisters and no outside entity best be coming between us.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Aug 24 at 2017 9:33 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 21:33:29 -0400

well I think that not one service is better than other they are in for one reason it to protect our country.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by GySgt Gunnar Ulfsax made Aug 25 at 2017 7:55 AM

GySgt Gunnar Ulfsax — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 07:55:50 -0400

Ok, I'm going to put on my "polite" persona, and play fair! As a country, the USA has the Most Superior Armed Forces in the world!!
Now, as a US MARINE, I easily say "The Corps" is far superior to any other Branch..... we are fully self substantiated, and can deploy a MAGTAF w/o support from any other branch, and destroy damn near any country in the world. BUT....BUT....BUT..... HEAR ME OUT!!!... after numerous times "down range", what I've learned over the years is that A) The Army has MOS's that are just as good as (not better) any Marine Bn. has. B) The Navy provides the BEST taxi cab service anywhere.....UBER doesn't hold a candle to the taxi service the Navy provides, and C) Even though we ALL consider the Air Force "civvies in uniform", there is nothing better than seeing a pair of fast movers coming in for air support when things are going bad. That, and the Gunship ghost "laying the lead" to clear an area for us!! Thank You Air Force!! Last but not least.... The "shallow water warriors".... the Coasties! I've talked more shit about them than I have of any other Branch, but God Bless the US Coast Guard!! These young men and woman will fly out in the middle of a f'ing hurricane, with 60' swells, and JUMP INTO THE OCEAN, to rescue people everyday!! Plus, they love what they do...... so to the Coast Guard.... I salute you!
In all seriousness though- I've always told people (nasty civilians) there is no way you can compare the services...... We each have our OWN specialty, whether it's taking airfields or hitting a target quickly, we all do what we do BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD!! Thank you to all my bro's......Army, Navy, AF, CG.....and USMC...... Semper Fidelis!!!

Response by Col Jincy Hayes made Aug 25 at 2017 9:43 AM

Col Jincy Hayes — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 09:43:54 -0400

Retired Marine, and I went to work for US Army Special Operations Command. I really enjoyed my 10 years there. I always wore my badge on a USMC lanyard, except during basketball season when I am all about Kentucky!! Anyway, there were a couple of special ops soldiers who looked lost in the basement of the building. I cheerfully asked if I could help them find something. One said, "Not until you get rid of that stupid Marine Corps lanyard!". So I just walked away and left them lost. Another day in the elevator I had a similar incident. So I told the guy that if he wanted to try and take it off of me, he was welcome to give e it a shot.

Response by MAJ Lee Hensel made Aug 26 at 2017 12:23 PM

MAJ Lee Hensel — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 12:23:15 -0400

There have been times in the past where there have been problems with service rivalry. The Nichols-Goldwater Act (among other actions) worked to end the separation of services and focus on "jointness". In the Chicago area PMI and Black Diamond Charitiies team up to provide a free class to veterans that provides the PMI 35 Hour Certificate. As the lead instructor one of the first things I tell them in the introduction hour is that we are a "Purple" class; a joint team of all the services. Not all the students have heard the term but readily accept and embrace the idea and we share stories of our experiences in the service. Great kick-off to a great experience for them. As in this class I believe and embrace the Purple Team of America!!

Response by PO2 Richard Blakey made Sep 1 at 2017 6:35 AM

PO2 Richard Blakey — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 06:35:45 -0400

me us army ab
us navy

Response by PO2 Jeffrey S. made Sep 2 at 2017 6:16 AM

PO2 Jeffrey S. — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 06:16:34 -0400

We all are one team where each service branch serves a major part to the total defense of our country and it's allies. Every branch says they are better than the other but that is what makes us better! GO NAVY!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2017 7:21 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 07:21:30 -0400

I do not think any of the services are better than the others, that being said, each service has it's strengths and weaknesses. I have actually been enlisted, active duty in 3 of them (served in the reserve forces of 2) so I think I can speak from some experience on the matter. I will even say that every branch thinks it is the best, certainly at what their primary mission is. this is true...

Response by SFC Larry Jones made Sep 4 at 2017 12:56 AM

SFC Larry Jones — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 00:56:46 -0400

While I was an active recruiter from 1984 to late 1989, it was my job to sell the Army as the superior branch, with all the accompanying statistics to back up my claim. However, I knew then, as I know now, if all four branches don't work together in major operations, it lessens the possibility for any one branch. At least, that's my belief. Anyone with actual experience is welcome to burst my bubble. :)

Response by SGT Christopher Flansburg made Sep 7 at 2017 1:29 PM

SGT Christopher Flansburg — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 13:29:30 -0400

Of course unit pride is of paramount importance to morale.
However it has been my experience that Marines (bless their hearts) seem themselves by far the most superior of services. If I had a dollar for every time I heard how Marine basic is tougher than Ranger school AND Seal school . I believe I'd have several dollars.

Response by Lt Col John Down made Sep 7 at 2017 8:18 PM

Lt Col John Down — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 20:18:58 -0400

I think you mean "interservice" rivalry and yes, it exists. Some rivalry is healthy. Competition brings out the best in us, as long as we're all pulling in the same direction when carrying out our mission(s).

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2017 2:12 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 02:12:20 -0400

Of course inter-service rivalries exist. That is not up for discussion. I'm guessing that, since you even felt the need to post this, you're not in the military. If that's the case, great; more power to you. But if you're not one of us, I really wouldn't expect you to understand.
As far as the best branch? Each branch has its' strengths and weaknesses, without a doubt. I am obligated to point out, however, that the Marine Corps is certainly the most versatile, and capable of standing on its own, as has been demonstrated time and time again throughout the history of our nation. That is a fact, and is also not up for discussion.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 8 at 2017 2:27 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 02:27:04 -0400

Every branch thinks it is superior to the others, but the Air Force really is. lol.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Sep 8 at 2017 9:08 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 21:08:05 -0400

I agree we are one big team. I was in the Army and very proud to have served and I have a daughter who is in the Marine Corps so I give her a hard time but it is in fun because she knows how much I respect her and the Corps as I do with all branches of services.

Response by PO2 Carl Menger made Sep 12 at 2017 10:01 PM

PO2 Carl Menger — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 22:01:20 -0400

Does one branch feel superior? Apparently you've never met a Marine, or you would know, because they would TELL you.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Sep 12 at 2017 11:29 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 23:29:43 -0400

Of course. I would think less of someone if they suggested their service was not the best. They should be biased as they represent THAT service.

Response by SGT Michael Cardin made Sep 21 at 2017 9:59 PM

SGT Michael Cardin — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 21:59:55 -0400

Truthfully, I think each and every branch thinks it's superior to the other branches. And in a way they all are. Each branch has its own niche, that the other branches can't fill exactly the same way. So we have, at least I would like to think a friendly competition.

Response by PO1 Joseph Glennon made Sep 21 at 2017 10:01 PM

PO1 Joseph Glennon — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 22:01:21 -0400

The Air Force, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard all think they're superior.

Response by TSgt Andrea Taylor made Sep 21 at 2017 10:17 PM

TSgt Andrea Taylor — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 22:17:25 -0400

I would have to say with 100% certainty that "YES" each branch has its own opinion that they are the best in some fashion. That being said there is nothing wrong with a little rivalry. We all rely on each other and that rivalry help strengthen the bond between each service.
Army/Marines - ground and pound
Navy- Gett'em there
Air Force - Air support
A.N.G. - support
C.G - got our water borders covered

Just my take on each.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 21 at 2017 11:05 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 23:05:42 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs That symptom is an identifier for Infantry Soldiers. (The tip of the spear!)!

Response by PO3 Grant Skiles made Sep 22 at 2017 10:42 AM

PO3 Grant Skiles — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 10:42:10 -0400

I think that when individuals are active that they think that the branch that they are serving is superior. That is why many chose that branch in the first place. Now that I am a Veteran using the VA and having taught American History in Middle School I see each branch differently. I can now see that each has its strengths and weaknesses. The best thing is how each brach can cover every other branch in these weaknesses to give the United States a strong military that covers all aspects.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 22 at 2017 1:30 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 13:30:15 -0400

We all think we are superior.

Response by SPC Brett Curry made Sep 24 at 2017 11:37 AM

SPC Brett Curry — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 11:37:00 -0400

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.... We all think that we are better than everyone else for one reason or another.
But when it comes down to it, war, we each know our mission, we each work together, respect each other and win together!!!!! Period!!!!

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Sep 24 at 2017 7:40 PM

LTC Ronald Stephens — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 19:40:27 -0400

Why shouldn't there be a feeling of superiority for any service towards the others. Quite frankly in some respects there is an element of superiority. Case in point: Navy/Marine pilots vs. the Air Force pilots--Navy/Marines land on moving airstrips, Air Force pilots Buffs, B-1s and B-2s. Army Vs Marines: both arms have essentially the same jobs but due to the Fleet Marine Forces, The marines get to the fight first but the flip side is the Army often has to finish the fights that the Marines start. In the end its repartee. Our armed forces are beyond equal. Its healthy competition. Hitch hiking on an earlier post you step on one of us we all stomp back.

Response by 1SG Charles Simpson made Sep 25 at 2017 2:00 AM

1SG Charles Simpson — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 02:00:00 -0400

No one branch of service is superior to any other branch and all branches of service are superior to all other branches of service. Sounds confusing but it is not. The Marine Corps is our rapid reaction force because that is what they specialize in. They normally blast and burn their way to shore and penetrate far enough to allow the Army to follow in with the forces for a sustained operation. The Navy fights mainly from sea-based fortresses that are capable of deployment to all the oceans and seas on Earth. The Air Force own the airborne platforms and pull guard duty on the lowest regions of outer space. We love the rivalry between our branches but our adversaries know full well that rivalry ends when it is time to deliver a permanent ass whupping anywhere and at any time.

Response by MSgt David Harrison made Sep 29 at 2017 4:11 PM

MSgt David Harrison — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 16:11:34 -0400

Why I joined the Air Force.

The Department of Defense was conducting an All Services briefing and posed this question:
“What would you do if you found a scorpion in your tent?”

A Sailor said, “I’d step on it.”
A Soldier said, “I’d squash it with my boot.”
A Marine said, “I’d catch it, break the stinger off, and eat it.”
An Airman said, “I’d call room service and find out why there’s a tent in my room!”

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Sep 29 at 2017 4:21 PM

CDR Kenneth Kaiser — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 16:21:22 -0400

We all think our branches are special. The Marines on the other hand know it.

Response by SSG Rafael Rodriguez made Sep 29 at 2017 4:24 PM

SSG Rafael Rodriguez — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 16:24:10 -0400

I believe that each branch has their specific and or method of training and that makes the great at what they do and maybe there's where the feeling of superiority comes from but all our branches have a collective mission which is to protect our country as Citizens and Soldiers regardless of which branch we're from. I am retired and very proud to have served this country of mine, THANK YOU ALL for your past and present service, it's an honor to have served with you.

Response by MSgt David Harrison made Sep 30 at 2017 11:21 AM

MSgt David Harrison — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 11:21:17 -0400

Response by CPL David Blagrove made Oct 1 at 2017 4:14 AM

CPL David Blagrove — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 04:14:07 -0400

I definitely don't feel one is superior to the other, however for the most part, if you want to preserve your body for after a long enlistment, I wouldn't join the Army, or Marine Corps! Just my humble opinion.

Response by MAJ Glenn Lasater made Oct 1 at 2017 11:10 PM

MAJ Glenn Lasater — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 23:10:20 -0400

I've served in two branches, the Air Force and Army. The separate branches have unique organizations and cultures that are generally based on their different missions. The Combined Arms team, consisting of two, three or all four branches, is the most awesome military power in history. Technology has supported command, control, and communications of the joint force but I believe that there should be more inter service training to improve interpersonal coordination and communication.

Without starting a firestorm, it's my personal opinion that the Marine Corps has placed too much reliance on their advertising and recruiting campaign hype. Marines are well trained but no better trained for their peculiar mission than Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen are trained for theirs. We have the best Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force in the history of the country and no one branch is any better than any other.

Although there has always been a healthy rivalry between the branches, ridiculing and denigrating other branches is petty, self-serving, and unnecessarily destructive to morale and discipline.

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Oct 8 at 2017 2:17 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 14:17:29 -0400

They each do. As I explain the difference between the army and marines: the marines do their killing retail, the army does theirs wholesale.

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Oct 8 at 2017 4:10 PM

Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 16:10:04 -0400

You mean it's, "not" the Marine Corps? lol

Response by CPT Jay Ward made Oct 11 at 2017 9:15 AM

CPT Jay Ward — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 09:15:40 -0400

If you ain't Cav..........

Response by SSG Bill Cooke made Oct 15 at 2017 8:43 PM

SSG Bill Cooke — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 20:43:34 -0400

Yes the Marine Corps sure does under the Navy and eventhough I was Army, I do respect the MC for what it does.

Response by PO1 Bruce Ramsey made Oct 16 at 2017 3:40 PM

PO1 Bruce Ramsey — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 15:40:46 -0400

We all give each other a hard time about what branch we served in but at the end of the day we respect what each of us done and/or continuing to do for our country.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2017 9:47 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 09:47:36 -0400

Combined Joint Operations. Doing ops using USAF stacks, talking with a Naval Carrier off the coast, using my Marine intelligence folks with US Army Soldiers and Czech Special Forces on the ground while on the phone with DoD Civilians and Aussie Liaisons...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2017 9:49 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 09:49:00 -0400

Of course one of the branches is superior to the rest!

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Oct 18 at 2017 6:36 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 18:36:28 -0400

Those of us who wore Air Force blue, all passed the test..... LMAO

Response by CPO David Ransom made Oct 21 at 2017 4:21 PM

CPO David Ransom — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 16:21:55 -0400

If they didn't, that would kill all the super funny memes on Facebook.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Oct 21 at 2017 6:00 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 18:00:31 -0400

Inter-Service Rivalry is part of our culture. 99% of it is done in fun. I am part of 7 successive generations of 11 people that served in Army, Air Force and Navy. We are brutal with each other but it is in fun. IF it becomes abusive or violent then it's WRONG. Consider your audience and tread with care.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Oct 21 at 2017 6:43 PM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 18:43:30 -0400

I don't think superior is the word for it. The assumption is you choose your Branch because you want to be part of it more than the others.

Response by PO1 Robert Ryan made Oct 23 at 2017 12:53 PM

PO1 Robert Ryan — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 12:53:32 -0400

The Army is needed for sustained combat operations. Marines are shock troops go in kill as much as the enemy as you can, destroy as much of their war making capability as possible. THe Navy is pure sea power and usually is the first line of defense as they can also strike from the air not just the sea. The Airforce of course gives us control of the air and adds bombing support to ground units. And in time of war the coast Guard not only protects our shores but is part of the Navy. So each branch has it's own specific job in defense of our nation. But all together we are the strongest Armed Forces in the World. We might joke around with each other and about what branch we are in. But when comes down to it, God help any nation that tries to take away our freedoms or attacks our country. when the enemy runs up against the Armed Forces they will find we do all the same thing protect our nation. I was in the Army and the Navy between both did 22 years.

Response by CMSgt William Reed made Oct 23 at 2017 4:38 PM

CMSgt William Reed — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 16:38:05 -0400

Of course there is inter service rivalry and I think it is healthy; just as within the Services there is organizational rivalry. It builds pride and competence and the "feeling of I/my service/organisation is the best". When the "flag goes up" it's my experience that "rivalry" really makes us a better joint force because no-one wants to feel they didn't do their part or best. Who ever wants to finish 2nd? It's this "I'm best that makes this the best fighting force in the World - the implications are too overwhelming to consider otherwise.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Oct 23 at 2017 6:52 PM

LTC Ronald Stephens — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 18:52:26 -0400

Its been my understanding that from early on in the War on Terror many operational teams have had members from 2 or more of the services.

Response by AA Whitney-Elizabeth Moates made Oct 24 at 2017 5:08 AM

AA Whitney-Elizabeth Moates — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 05:08:27 -0400

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 11:54 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 11:54:32 -0400

My personal experience of serving with 'joint service' commands highlighted the differences between members of the various services (routines, usage of different acronyms, and the like). However, I believe much of this is due to the varied training backgrounds and routines of those services. I see no particular service as being 'better' than any other. I do see members of those services preferring their own branches to the others, more than likely because that is how they have been trained and adapted.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Oct 24 at 2017 12:10 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:10:48 -0400

The Navy Seals are the bomb

Response by Sgt David Hiersekorn made Oct 24 at 2017 12:59 PM

Sgt David Hiersekorn — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:59:51 -0400

I think this joke is necessary for this thread...

If you tell a soldier to "secure" a building, he will set up a perimeter wire and establish patrols to keep bad guys out.

If you tell a sailor to "secure" a building, he will turn off the lights, lock the doors and go home.

If you tell a Marine to "secure" a building, he will bust through the door and kill everyone inside.

If you tell an airman to "secure" a building, he will take out a two-year lease with an option to buy.

;-)

Response by PO2 Roy Powers made Oct 29 at 2017 3:37 PM

PO2 Roy Powers — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 15:37:28 -0400

I know some Marines think they are superior to the Navy. One Marine told this sailor he was in the men's department of the Navy. I informed him that he was just a sea-going bellhop. the SEALs are the men's department. But regardless of the uniform, we all fought the same country. I salute all my brothers and sisters in any U.S. uniform.

Response by SFC Keith Sollazzo made Oct 29 at 2017 5:03 PM

SFC Keith Sollazzo — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 17:03:38 -0400

Each branch would love to hold that honor however without the other we become less effective as a cohesive unit. We love to bash each other but we know it's just a game. If a P.J dropped down to rescue, a Army, Marine, Navy, or AF; it's not the name plate but an American. Civilians never understand us & after 20 yrs we don't understand them.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Oct 29 at 2017 6:02 PM

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 18:02:50 -0400

LOL! Of course! The Army is best at large missions and holding ground! The Marines are best at storming the beach and being the tip of the spear! The Navy are best at taking the Marines wherever they need to go! The Air Force is best at flying B-52's, and Coasties are best at pretty much everything else! Hooah! Ooh-Rah! Hoo-Yah!

Response by SN Brian Riter made Oct 29 at 2017 7:21 PM

SN Brian Riter — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 19:21:56 -0400

I don’t how to explain it to people because they don’t seem to grasp it but the navy is the best branch of the armed forces plain and simple.

Response by SGT J M Porters made Nov 1 at 2017 11:46 AM

SGT J M Porters — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 11:46:42 -0400

Of course we are Superior. And if you do not think so you are in the wrong branch!

Response by SSG Robert White made Nov 3 at 2017 1:29 PM

SSG Robert White — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 13:29:33 -0400

Oh Christ yes, The Air Force.

Response by PFC Robert Rice made Nov 4 at 2017 1:33 AM

PFC Robert Rice — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 01:33:49 -0400

There is always going to be an inner service rivalry between the different branches. Each branch thinks they are superior to the other. Each have a job to do and that is how I look at it.

Response by LCpl Troy Gwyn made Nov 4 at 2017 4:13 AM

LCpl Troy Gwyn — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 04:13:47 -0400

Even the Marine Hymn gives the Army and Navy a light poke. The Air Farce and Coast Guard don't even rate a mention.
'Nuf said!

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Nov 4 at 2017 7:03 AM

SGT Aric Lier — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 07:03:48 -0400

Don't let this distract you from the the fact that in 1966, Al Bundy scored four touchdowns in a single game while playing for the Polk High School Panthers in the 1966 city championship game versus Andrew Johnson High School, including the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds against his old nemesis, Bubba "Spare Tire" Dixon.

Response by LTC Reginald Brown made Nov 4 at 2017 10:15 AM

LTC Reginald Brown — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 10:15:02 -0400

Correct, a combined, joint, team effort; each with tasks to perform with superior execution

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Nov 4 at 2017 10:24 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 10:24:20 -0400

The rivalry used to motivate me to do better.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2017 10:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 10:41:00 -0400

No matter what branch you are in you’ll think your superior to all the other branches. It’s like a sibling rivalry, always try to out do the other one, but at the end of the day we are all brothers and sisters and we respect each other.

Response by MSgt Mason Manner made Nov 4 at 2017 2:06 PM

MSgt Mason Manner — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 14:06:38 -0400

The only branch that has not forgotten why they are there are the Marines ,every other branch hasbecome a social experience and a way to make stripes and brass while being incompetent doing nothing avoiding responsibility and lookinggreat in uniform. This appliesespecially to USAF

Response by SP5 Jeannie Carle made Nov 7 at 2017 2:02 AM

SP5 Jeannie Carle — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 02:02:19 -0500

Thank y ou Sir! Well said. I felt the same way about the KATUSAs that served with us in So Korea. There were those (mostly the young 'uns) who denigrated them, but I'd be happy to have "one of them" at my back at any time in any circumstances. They signed their contracts and were as ready to be sent anywhere at any time for any reason, same as I did and was. (that would be Koreans Attached to the US Army).

Response by SP5 Jeannie Carle made Nov 7 at 2017 2:45 AM

SP5 Jeannie Carle — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 02:45:14 -0500

I have to say I read further "down" on this one than on any other - and I have thoroughly enjoyed every single post. Kind of like sitting in the NCO club and listening to the conversations around me. Thanks to all of you - I needed this tonight :-)

Response by MSgt Victor Moss made Nov 9 at 2017 10:25 PM

MSgt Victor Moss — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 22:25:35 -0500

That's a silly question; just ask any former Marine.

Response by COL John McClellan made Nov 13 at 2017 9:28 AM

COL John McClellan — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 09:28:20 -0500

Yes. Each of them think that!

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 14 at 2017 3:34 PM

SPC David Willis — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 15:34:15 -0500

We all think we're better than the next one. 60 year old vets will talk some serious trash to each other when it comes to Army/Navy games, or who had it worse. But I don't know a Marine alive that wouldn't have given everything to save an army squad that was pinned down, or an AF bomber that would have pushed the fuel limits of his bomber was the only one that could get to out location.

Response by LCpl Stan Rabinowitz made Nov 14 at 2017 3:36 PM

LCpl Stan Rabinowitz — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 15:36:44 -0500

The Marine Corp's. When your the best its hard to be humble.

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made Nov 15 at 2017 2:01 PM

PO2 Louis Fattrusso — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 14:01:32 -0500

I think each branch considers itself superior. That’s a good thing. It actually promotes a friendly competition among the branches. You don’t need to look any further than the Army/Navy game to see both pride and respect shared by those two branches.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Nov 16 at 2017 1:29 PM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 13:29:35 -0500

I'll say this I was in the Air Force and by far most Air Force personnel thinks they are superior to the other services. I don't agree with that however. In my opinion each branch of the service has a different role and we need them all to work as a team in order to fight and defend. There is no "I" in team.

Response by MSG Richard Cooper, PMP, SIPM, CMAS made Nov 22 at 2017 10:51 AM

MSG Richard Cooper, PMP, SIPM, CMAS — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 10:51:22 -0500

I will go one step further. When I was in 5th Special Forces Group, I was in C/2/5. When we metbsomeone from 1st or 3rd Bn, we would say to them, when did 5th Group get 1st or 3rd Bn? These guys would look at us funny. End of the day we would have a laugh.
V/r
Richard

Response by A1C Lexas Granger made Nov 26 at 2017 9:53 AM

A1C Lexas Granger — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 09:53:37 -0500

Personally, from experience, the Marines think their poop doesn't stink. While in actuallity they were born in a bar bathroom and left to the drunks to take care of.

Response by CSM Tee Oden made Nov 30 at 2017 8:38 PM

CSM Tee Oden — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 20:38:43 -0500

Well spoken Sir! Different missions, same results.

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Dec 2 at 2017 6:53 PM

SSG(P) D. Wright Downs — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 18:53:59 -0500

If you don't think the branch of service you are in is the best branch for you, you are in the wrong branch of military service. That said, we all work together, often go to schools together and are a team for the same end.
I have been out for years and spend time with veterans from all branches yet we still have the jokes and punches. There is still a closeness between the Army and Marines that is due to being legs and knowing how to shoot. The Coasties are part of my group at the range, too. We just hang out like that. Love my friends who are Air Force and Navy, too. Many of them have totally different backgrounds and never had to walk a perimeter or do the things I had to do as general military skills. However, they got me good billeting at my military schools.
Today all branches of the military have changed from what many of us experienced it back in the day. The personnel often have different attitudes than we had. Things change. It was teamwork back then. It is teamwork now.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2017 10:22 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 22:22:53 -0500

Sir, I’ve been Stationed at and Air Force base, deployed forward twice operating in a joint environment or on a joint mission, the travel my MOS entails me to take from time to time to other services stations, it is in my experience that there is still a feeling of superiority in some sense to one another. I wish it weren’t like this, but a lot of times I have come across such instances. This being said, I have not come across anyone from another service who has denied me the right to “prove” myself an asset and represent my branch proudly. I feel there are stigmas and pride associated with everyone’s chosen path, but, as I mentioned, these do not outweigh teamwork, camaraderie, or friendship.

Response by MAJ Pete Joplin made Dec 4 at 2017 9:23 PM

MAJ Pete Joplin — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 21:23:30 -0500

Every member of every service is correct to to feel his/her branch is superior. Only one is right.
In similar light, I used to teach my ROTC students that the minute that they learned that they were branched (Signal, Engineer, QM, Infantry, etc.) that each and every one of them had just been branched into the best branch of the Army. In answer to the inevitable quizzical looks as to how that could be possible, I told them that if they did not feel their branch was superior, that I didn't want to have anything to do with them!

Response by MSG Robert Lee made Dec 10 at 2017 10:29 PM

MSG Robert Lee — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 22:29:29 -0500

We all do have one thing common. When we bleed , we all bleed red.

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Dec 22 at 2017 7:31 PM

PO1 Tom Follis — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 19:31:24 -0500

I think America and the people take great pride knowing that we have the best and most highly trained military in the world. I put in 21 years in the worlds finest Navy so, of course, I’m going to show partiality. However, I also believe all branches share equally in the rights and freedoms we know in America. Does it really make a difference if you were in direct combat or behind the lines? One cannot function with support from the other. Thank all of you for your service. God bless you and your families.

Response by Al Reynolds made Dec 23 at 2017 6:12 AM

Al Reynolds — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 06:12:07 -0500

I wouldn't call it a rivalry .. but there is a rumor that the Navy and Marines have been on to each other all the way back to wooden ships.... It's just a matter of understanding.... For the most part sailors are individuals.... These are folks who remember boot camp as a place where they lingered while the administration shuffled paperwork and determined our next duty... that took eight weeks... While we waited we learned how to take showers and to clean clothes. Time went by.... We went to our new duty stations the same individuals we were before we enlisted... Only now we were wearing our swanky blues and we were clean behind the ears....

The Marines on the other hand are sad individuals who have voluntarily embraced herd mentality from about age twelve. Marines are folks who couldn't wait to join up to become part of the big transition down there in the swamp .... Liberal Archaeologist from schools like Harvard, have given this phenomenon a name which I have forgotten but it is enough to know that it has been determined by these scientists that there are thousands of young civilians who are dreaming, as we speak, of the day when they can sign up just to have their individuality beaten out of them and replaced with herd mentality. That's why their uniforms will be proudly worn exactly the same way and why these new Marines will spend countless hours shining the same belt buckle or searching for the same elusive gear adrift ... It took sixteen weeks to learn that... Is this healthy? Those Harvard essays didn't say.

The Air Force is a civilian job only you have to wear a uniform.... Just knowing there are individuals who understood the Air Force before they joined up is enough to excite admiration in any free thinking male....Thus there is no rivalry between the Navy and Air Force... only admiration.

Marines would not understand, unless of course, it was published in the plan which all are ordered to read .... with pictures to color (attached) .

The Army is something sailors have never seen.... The Army just doesn't get that far out into the ocean.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2017 6:49 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 06:49:36 -0500

interservice rivalry... East v West rivalry... unit rivalry... MOS rivalry... land-sea-air rivalry... (i.e. grunts vs wing) Enlisted v Officer rivalry... Mustang v Ring Knocker rivalry... Active v Reserve rivalry... State rivalry... Old school v new guy rivalry... Hell, we rival everyone don't we?

Response by CPO Cliff Young made Dec 24 at 2017 6:28 AM

CPO Cliff Young — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 06:28:13 -0500

If I was really forced to make a choice, I would say the U.S. Navy is the best of them all. Not because I've served for 24 yrs in it but because we can do sea (on it and below it), air AND land (Navy SEALS). NO OTHER branch can make that claim of versatility! Go Navy!!!

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Dec 24 at 2017 2:41 PM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 14:41:52 -0500

It is called "Esprit De Corps". While I am certain that every branch would like to believe it is the "best" I know that the Marine Corps does not have that problem. There is a big difference between believing and truly knowing. We have no need to believe. We know that Heavens gates are guarded by Untied States Marines.

Response by 1SG Klayton W. Hayes made Dec 27 at 2017 8:02 AM

1SG Klayton W. Hayes — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 08:02:42 -0500

Most certainly. The US Army, YORKTOWN, 1775, THIS WE WILL DEFEND.

Response by 1SG Klayton W. Hayes made Dec 27 at 2017 8:12 AM

1SG Klayton W. Hayes — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 08:12:46 -0500

and it is The Military Police Platoon that greets you at the bridge head when you legs arrive to cross.

Response by PO2 Kristine Lilja-King made Dec 31 at 2017 6:25 PM

PO2 Kristine Lilja-King — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 18:25:55 -0500

Each service has a specific role to play in defending our nation. Other than sports, we compliment each other to accomplish the mission at hand. We have each other's 6, we work for the same goal: Our nation; our way of life, our Constitution, and our family and friends and fellow citizens. I may not agree with which one says, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. God bless America, and every soul in our beloved country. We are tied together by the Rule of Law, freedom of personal believe systems, and the common social and ethical goals that America stands for. I am a VETERAN and proud of it!!

Response by SGT Gene Florest made Jan 6 at 2018 10:29 AM

SGT Gene Florest — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 10:29:01 -0500

The USMC "thinks" they are the best, because they get brain washed into that thought process, fact is all branches are equal in my eyes, we all train similarly, I was in the Army I did 8 weeks boot camp and then another AIT so that is 16 weeks, this was also in a time when there was a war going on so it was necessary to get men trained and to the front, I did a short stint in CA then shipped off to Viet Nam, and yes I said "MEN" trained because back then there were very few women in the military and none in combat roles that I can recall. (nothing against our feral military members currently) I don't have a problem with them at all (and I must say there are some beautiful female military members from all branches)

I was a combat Military Policeman in Viet Nam and we were usually called out before anyone else, when our base would get hit we were first out even before the Special Forces, and we did every assignment you can think of. and yes we always give each other shit about our individual branches but we all know that we are all brothers and sisters and respect each other, It is OK for us to do that to each other because we have all earned that right however if an outsider does it they are looking for an ass kicking from all of us

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Jan 8 at 2018 8:57 PM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 20:57:27 -0500

Yes, there is rivalry inter service and each one thinks they are better. Did you go to high school? What High School thinks they aren’t better than other high schools? Or colleges? Or professional sports? Keep it in perspective tho: I ain’t good at flying airplanes or helicopters ( gotta say I might have been better pilot on a few of the helicopter rides I took) but, I am good at tactics, effective fire, and I know how to throw a hand grenade with amazing accuracy. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but, it’ll never stop the rivalry

Response by Pvt Rip Masters made Jan 9 at 2018 4:02 PM

Pvt Rip Masters — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 16:02:42 -0500

lmfao of course !

Response by PO2 Gerry Tandberg made Jan 10 at 2018 4:54 PM

PO2 Gerry Tandberg — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 16:54:50 -0500

Inner service rivalries exist, but its natural and healthy. The vast majority of us understand that. However, within our ranks there are a few idiots that believe their branch of service makes them the best. I have a nephew who was in the AF constantly berated those of us in the family who together have served in all five branches of military, and collectively we agree, he's an idiot. Our Navy Attack Squadron once played baseball against a Marine Attack Squadron in our carrier group. I don't even remember who won, but we sure had a great time giving each other hell. Back aboard ship we continue to work as a team. On liberty in the Mediterranean we always have, and appreciate, the few Marines that joined us. Usually we were three Squids and two Jarheads. Great memories.

Response by SGT George Duncan made Jan 13 at 2018 6:32 PM

SGT George Duncan — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 18:32:47 -0500

yes all of them

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Jan 13 at 2018 8:32 PM

SP5 Joel McDargh — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 20:32:41 -0500

It's a part of our competitive nature to think our particular branch of service is better than the others, but after it's all said and done we all are brothers and sisters for the service and sacrifice we have made. I salute all who served.

Response by SGT Ron Murphy made Jan 19 at 2018 12:01 AM

SGT Ron Murphy — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:01:35 -0500

After you set aside the service rivalries, it is One Team, One Fight!

Response by SSG Steven Lemon made Jan 19 at 2018 8:11 AM

SSG Steven Lemon — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 08:11:07 -0500

I agree. EVERY service thinks it is the best one, but most don't realize how true that is.
Each branch is best at what it does. WE (generic) do OUR job better than YOU (generic) could because our mission is designed specifically for US and yours is designed for you.
You do your job better than we could do it.
When I look at it that way I'm thinking EACH branch has a right to feel they are the best, because it is true.

Response by SFC Jeff Stevenson made Jan 20 at 2018 6:35 AM

SFC Jeff Stevenson — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 06:35:06 -0500

My response is measured. After having done my time in the Army, and worked with pretty much all services. I have met some great NCO's from all and enjoyed the time we did deal with multi services as the result was always to a pretty high standard. That being said, we will all joke who we think is better, like brothers in a huge family, and here is my point, But let someone who is not in this very large family, speak bad of any of my brothers or sisters and quickly realize that we back each other. As a family, no issues with when you were in, where you served, you are always part of that family. We will defend, and we will also go after those who lie about being in our family and defend till we feel the wrong is corrected.

Response by Sgt William Morris made Jan 28 at 2018 11:42 AM

Sgt William Morris — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 11:42:16 -0500

Let me be blunt, I respect all the branches, but if my ass is in a sling, I want a fellow Marine.

Response by Cpl Raymond Hottinger made Jan 28 at 2018 11:18 PM

Cpl Raymond Hottinger — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 23:18:58 -0500

if we are being serious than no, no one branch is superior to the others. and when it is all hitting the fan i assume (since i was not in during combat operations) that y'all should and will pull together to complete the operation safely (for us and our allies) and successfully. but back on base or in the bars than the whole sibling rivalry thing kicks in. and like will all families there will be those who take it WAY to far but that is between us. if someone else tries to jump in that is not family than i hope differences and attitudes will be put aside, at least long enough to extricate yourselves from any bad situation.

Response by SCPO Joel Snell made Jan 29 at 2018 1:31 AM

SCPO Joel Snell — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 01:31:06 -0500

I read a quip somewhere (maybe here)
There are only 2 branches of the Armed Forces: Army & Navy. The Air Force is a corporation and the Marines are a cult.

Response by Capt Al Parker made Jan 30 at 2018 7:00 AM

Capt Al Parker — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 07:00:09 -0500

But when it comes down to the bottom line We are All Brothers in Uniform. I can remember when I was stationed in Greece with the AF the Navy needed some parts and there was no hesitation for our CO to offer assistance. Rivalrie but Comrades together

Response by PO1 Jim Spencer made Jan 30 at 2018 7:49 AM

PO1 Jim Spencer — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 07:49:17 -0500

Nope. There is not onw person in the Navy who thinks it is superior. They all know it is.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Jan 30 at 2018 3:35 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 15:35:40 -0500

It's important that each branch has its Esprit de Corps to build up confidence and pride to exert even more.
Pride is a word often heard in our sermons and class discussions at church. So I ask, how can a paratrooper defuse the word pride in belonging to the 82nd or a Marine in the 2nd MARCOR and remain humble in spiritual and temporal matters? There have to be two different lines to parallel the other. I've learned through the years that we may be humble, yet feel the pride and belonging to certain groups and affiliations and therein contributing to our chosen branch efforts.
The bottom line is that all branches of the military make sacrifices and contributions to the good of America.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jan 31 at 2018 8:34 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 20:34:46 -0500

Every branch considers itself superior to the others. Engineers motto "Essaons" - Let us try etc. Can see advantages of all branches being incorporated into one joint operations military. Was a time one branch couldn't speak to another via radios etc.

Response by CWO2 Bill Kerr made Feb 2 at 2018 9:50 AM

CWO2 Bill Kerr — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 09:50:18 -0500

We all bring something to the table. Each service has its quirks, traditions and yes short falls. The rivalry is for the most part done in a joking fashion which I think brings camaraderie to the table. I've worked with the best and brightest who have served in our Armed Forces. We hold one common goal. Our country, victory and bring home everyone.

Response by Sgt Tee Organ made Feb 2 at 2018 9:55 AM

Sgt Tee Organ — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 09:55:23 -0500

You can take the Marine out of the Corps, but you can't take the Corps out of the Marine!!!

Response by Lt Col Rick de Castro made Feb 3 at 2018 9:39 PM

Lt Col Rick de Castro — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 21:39:48 -0500

Well, sure. But only the Air Force is correct

Response by SGT Forrest Fitzrandolph made Feb 5 at 2018 7:14 PM

SGT Forrest Fitzrandolph — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 19:14:41 -0500

We, as a group, firm the largest brotherhood in the world!! It’s one thing to “talk the talk” with all our brothers and sisters, but when all is said an done,we all “walked the walk” for each other and always will.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Feb 8 at 2018 11:30 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 23:30:48 -0500

Try not to confuse pride with superiority.

Response by PO2 James Hendrix made Feb 16 at 2018 4:34 AM

PO2 James Hendrix — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 04:34:24 -0500

I agree all the branches are essential to our mission

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 4:45 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 04:45:04 -0500

There's absolutely a rivalry, but I don't think it goes past anything than a point of jostling between service members. Its all in friendly competition - at the end of the day, we're all on the same team.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2018 11:05 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 11:05:07 -0500

I will write later on this. Thank you.

Response by PO1 Michael Steffens made Mar 22 at 2018 7:22 PM

PO1 Michael Steffens — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 19:22:10 -0400

The all think they are the best, let them have there beliefs.

Response by SGT Glenn Speck made Mar 25 at 2018 9:14 AM

SGT Glenn Speck — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 09:14:34 -0400

Each branch thinks it's superior.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2018 10:04 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 10:04:35 -0400

The Army, as the senior service, is the best. I could go on and talk about how they do the most because they are asked to do the most. They have greater diversity in jobs, they have more boats then the Navy. They actually take ground. They provide air support- yea they don’t have jets like all the other services but like I said the Army takes ground. I could say that stuff but I don’t need to. I just have to say, the Army is the best and everyone knows it. They also have the best football team.

Response by Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller made Apr 2 at 2018 4:20 AM

Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 04:20:54 -0400

I don’t see how any service can believe they are superior to any other. Unless they are Marines. But that goes without saying. By the way which one of you ate all the crayons.

Response by SPC Susan Marquez made Apr 7 at 2018 12:51 PM

SPC Susan Marquez — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 12:51:53 -0400

No, but some men think men in the military are superior to women in the military.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 9:52 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 21:52:07 -0400

NO! They all do!

Response by SN Jay Perry made Apr 12 at 2018 1:57 AM

SN Jay Perry — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 01:57:40 -0400

All do, honestly, I have NEVER (in 25 years as a dependent/active duty/reserves), see anyone who said ANOTHER branch of service was better honestly/

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 10:21 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 10:21:50 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I believe that most would agree that the military is a like a family where we tease each other about being better, etc. but we work best when we work together. Unless we have a fight we poke fun of each other. However, if you attack a sister service you will have the full force of all services coming to take down your house (literally).

Response by Sgt Al Thompson made Apr 13 at 2018 3:32 PM

Sgt Al Thompson — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:32:59 -0400

Competition in everything is healthy. SO, I still feel that the US Marine Corps is the finest fighting outfit in the world.

Response by Cpl Nick Gibson made Apr 16 at 2018 3:18 PM

Cpl Nick Gibson — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 15:18:34 -0400

Some think they are superior. One knows it is. Semper Fi.

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Apr 19 at 2018 8:50 PM

CSM Patrick Durr — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 20:50:47 -0400

Absolutely there IS inner service rivalry. It's what keeps the standards high. I've served 32 yrs AD in the US Army, so of course, I think ARMY is best. During 2 of my last deployments though, (Iraq) I served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to an Air Force MG with a majority AF staff. A serious culture class and feeling of superiority existed constantly. One thing was clear though and relayed to me by most, AF Senior Masters and Army SGM's are a different breed. In combat, different is good. In Afghanistan, I was assigned as the Senior Enlisted advisor to the Chief of Combat operations, a USMC Major General. Talk about Culture clash. Marines think there are none better...to a fault. nuff said. I think these attitude and practices are very necessary as long as they don't get in the way.

Response by PO2 Jonewald Pyzel made Apr 27 at 2018 9:24 AM

PO2 Jonewald Pyzel — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 09:24:11 -0400

This is a question that must have been officer generated. A vast majority would think the branch they chose was the superior one. Personally, I did not like marching and carrying a gun, and the thought of travel was appealing. The Navy let me see the world at an age when it had the most impact The fact I basically had a 9-5 job on a 24 hour ship might have helped.

Response by PO2 Jonewald Pyzel made Apr 27 at 2018 9:43 AM

PO2 Jonewald Pyzel — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 09:43:24 -0400

Any non vet who watches NCAA football realizes the rivalry exists. It's called the Commander's Cup and involves Navy, Army and AF Academies

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2018 2:55 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 02:55:05 -0400

My school has an Air Force program and naturally there's a rivalry between their program and my own. One of my most memorable exchanges with some of their cadets was an energetic exchange about who was better, but one quote stands out for me; "As long as you keep bringing the brrrrt brrrrt we'll get along fine". It might be cheesy and very cadet-y but it's something that in hindsight I think has been reflected in every conversation I've been a part of between service members from different branches.
It's a sibling rivalry, something like: "naturally I'm better than you, but the enemy hasn't earned the right to kick your teeth in. That's my privilege."

Response by PO2 Michael Conner made Apr 29 at 2018 9:35 AM

PO2 Michael Conner — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 09:35:44 -0400

When I joined the Amphibious Navy...Yes, that's a branch...Like Sea Bees...We were taught to spit out Marine life and never tell a Jarhead where the ships store was...Kill, Kill...Kill...Once out of Boot Camp that's all they know...we lend them our Medics...ever wonder about that?

It's all good...I respect all other Branches and Thank you for your service. We wouldn't be free without our people to keep it that way. I Salute You.

OS2 Michael Conner

Response by CPT Don Kemp made May 3 at 2018 12:35 PM

CPT Don Kemp — Thu, 03 May 2018 12:35:35 -0400

I would hope that members from each service thinks that service is the best. The inter-service rivalry should be just that - "Inter-Service". We close ranks when civilians make comments. In fact, I selected the Marine Corps as my first choice before Army. I had passed every element of the entry physical to join the Corps, but at the last station, they couldn't fit that Jar on my Head. RLTW Hooah Airborne.

Response by LCpl Cameron Doscher made May 4 at 2018 9:16 PM

LCpl Cameron Doscher — Fri, 04 May 2018 21:16:43 -0400

Yes Marines oooooo rahhhh!!!!!

Response by SrA Leroy Barrows III made May 9 at 2018 1:17 PM

SrA Leroy Barrows III — Wed, 09 May 2018 13:17:17 -0400

Agree

Response by Capt Walter Miller made May 18 at 2018 9:51 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Fri, 18 May 2018 09:51:55 -0400

An Army General, a Marine General and a Navy Admiral were at the O club bragging over which of their non-rates had the most courage.

They get one hard charger from each service to climb to the top of a 4 story building.

The Army general yells up to the young soldier, “Soldier, jump off!”

The soldier shouts out -YES SIR! Renders a sharp hand salute and jumps off the building. Splat!

The Army general says, “See! That takes guts!”

Not to be outdone, the Navy Admiral shouts up to the young sailor, “Sailor, jump off!”

The Sailor shouts out, “AYE AYE SIR!” renders a sharp hand salute, and jumps off the building. Splat!

The Navy Admiral says, “See! That takes guts!”

The Marine General shouts up to a salty lance corporal, “Marine, jump off that building!”

“Fuck you Sir!” the lance corporal shouts out.

The Marine General says, “See! That takes guts!”

Response by Amn John Dixon made May 19 at 2018 9:44 AM

Amn John Dixon — Sat, 19 May 2018 09:44:32 -0400

It takes five fingers to make a fist. Index finger can point the way, middle finger tells you how I feel, ring finger gets to wear the jewelry, thumb lets me hitch a ride, and the pinky does something -- not sure what -- but it takes all five to make a fist.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made May 19 at 2018 7:20 PM

MSG Greg Kelly — Sat, 19 May 2018 19:20:19 -0400

Yes they all do

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made May 30 at 2018 11:08 PM

1SG Cj Grisham — Wed, 30 May 2018 23:08:23 -0400

There doesn't have to be a rivalry. As soon as all the other services recognize the superiority of the Army, we can end this distraction. :)

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jun 2 at 2018 11:39 AM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 11:39:16 -0400

Inner Service rivalry came about because of which branch is Superior over the other. I believe you'd have to enlist in each branch to really find out.

Response by Cpl Bill Johnson made Jun 4 at 2018 9:22 AM

Cpl Bill Johnson — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 09:22:06 -0400

Of course.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jun 11 at 2018 4:39 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 04:39:12 -0400

There is and will always be inner service rivalry. I've seen that with my own eyes when I was in the Army, going through AIT, ASI, even when I was in Kuwait in 2003. Each unit in the military regardless of what branch is told by their superiors that they are the best. However, while I was deployed in Bosnia in 1999, and Iraq in 2003, I had a deeper understanding of what role the different branches play in a war time situation. For example, in 2003, if it wasn't for the Air-Force, Navy, and Marines doing what they did at the start of OIF, Units like mine(1-4 Aviation Regiment, 4ID), would not have been able to push as far as we did when we moved into Iraq. We went as far north as Tikrit, and 101st, pushed farther north into Mosul.That was because of the other branches doing their part.

Response by Sgt John Mostowski made Jun 13 at 2018 10:10 AM

Sgt John Mostowski — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 10:10:00 -0400

Each branch has a specific job to do which might rely on partnership with other branches. The important thing to remember is TEAMWORK.....

Response by SFC John Ellis made Jun 13 at 2018 10:34 AM

SFC John Ellis — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 10:34:14 -0400

No, we all in the same fight; just have different jobs to do for freedom.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Jul 1 at 2018 4:50 PM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 16:50:32 -0400

Hell yes! The Air Force thinks they are the smartest. The Navy thinks they are the sexiest. The Army thinks they are the biggest. The Marines think they are the toughest. I’m not going to say what the branches think of the other branches.

Response by Sgt Vance Bonds made Jul 8 at 2018 11:16 PM

Sgt Vance Bonds — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 23:16:14 -0400

Bwah ha ha ha ha!
Great comments all.
I love my military family

Response by PO1 Walter White made Jul 18 at 2018 4:17 PM

PO1 Walter White — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 16:17:19 -0400

There is absolutely no doubt that it takes all branches of our military to take on its assigned mission, and carry it through too completion. This includes Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. We are all brothers in arms, and will defend one another when appropriate.

Response by SGT Thomas Chapman made Jul 20 at 2018 4:56 PM

SGT Thomas Chapman — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 16:56:12 -0400

Because of my family has at least 1 member of every Branch of Service I have said this.

Response by MSgt Willie Stovall made Jul 22 at 2018 9:12 PM

MSgt Willie Stovall — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 21:12:49 -0400

The simply answer is yes. It part of the training ingrained into each person who choices a branch of service. In peace time, it's more a political thing because each branch is working to get the biggest part of the pie from Congress. At the working level, in joint operations, there is Competition, but at completing their part of the mission with few if any FUBRs. On deployments, it a whole different thing. You do you job to the best of your ability no matter what branch. In the end, in my opinion, Yes, one does thinks they are better. Every one of them. And that's a good thing.

Response by COL Steve Rowe made Jul 25 at 2018 10:21 AM

COL Steve Rowe — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 10:21:52 -0400

YES. EVERY one of them. And now that you think about it, you wouldn't want it any other way...

Response by Sgt Michael Sargent Sam Samardzija made Aug 4 at 2018 6:03 PM

Sgt Michael Sargent Sam Samardzija — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 18:03:57 -0400

Col. Burroughs, are you a Col. of the Coast Guard? I belong to the most audacious brotherhood of Marines. I don't need any other. If you sent me on a mission and lined up one person from each branch and said I could pick one to go with me, I would pick the Marine. If there was not a Marine I would go it alone. The few the proud the Marines. Enough said.

Response by PO2 Steven Michaeli made Aug 9 at 2018 5:36 AM

PO2 Steven Michaeli — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 05:36:43 -0400

If you don’t feel your military branch is superior to the others you have been cheated by your instructors and superiors. If you don’t feel esprit de Corps, get out.

Response by LCpl William Perry made Aug 22 at 2018 7:15 AM

LCpl William Perry — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 07:15:30 -0400

As a Marine vet I will always see us as the best, but like in all families we poke and jab at each other knowing that all that have the US in our title are our brothers and Sisters. There is and will always be respect for the roles each master and is the reason our Armed Forces is the best. I would lay my life down for any of you as I would my Brothers and Sisters in the Corps!

Response by CPL William Champion made Aug 22 at 2018 10:14 AM

CPL William Champion — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 10:14:11 -0400

I'm a little older than maybe most of you, but on Friday morning at Bob Evans rest. all of us former veterans get together for mutual harassment and respect. There is a love we share that it makes eating together a great start for your week. Men and Women from WWII, Korea,and Vietnam and conflicts of today sharing their adventures they had as youngster during wartime, but remembering those who did not come home. WE still sing " God bless America" and pledge our allegiance to the FLAG for which we served for and still SERVE for today.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Aug 23 at 2018 9:45 PM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 21:45:18 -0400

We all do, I started out in the Army in 1966 got discharged in may 1975 and Oct 1976 I went into the Navy and retired in Jan 1988. I got harassed by my ship mates and they asked which I liked better. The truth is that they both had their good parts. In the Army I saw Vietnam, Germany twice which was like going home because I was an Army brat and spent most of my life in Germany and I spent a short period in Gt Hood and in the Navy I spent a lot of time at sea but I got go see most ornate far East and Australia before I retired. We all tease the other services about whose the best but when it comes down to it we are all brothers and no body picks on my brothers but me.

Response by PFC Dt Glenn made Aug 30 at 2018 8:05 PM

PFC Dt Glenn — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:05:42 -0400

Only branch i know of is Army Airborne Infantry ....All The Way SIR !

Response by Lt Col Bg Smith made Sep 2 at 2018 6:39 AM

Lt Col Bg Smith — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 06:39:24 -0400

There is, and probably, always will be rivalries between branches. It is not because one is better in all terms than another, we each have our specialities, but it is cultural and only surface deep. When it comes to the “nitty gritty” we are all one team, and act that way in the face of danger. When someone wails about their branch being better, good for them. But when pinned down under heavy fire and in comes the Navy, or Air Force, or Marines for close air support, watch them say thanks. I had a life long friend I made as a corporal in the Marines. He was an USAF pilot we pulled from the jungle. He was always proud of the Marines, even as a full bird colonel in the Air Force. I applaud all who serve. Be proud, very proud of your service and branch..

Response by SSgt John Carter made Sep 2 at 2018 7:50 AM

SSgt John Carter — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 07:50:22 -0400

They all do, but we were all equal. I served in two and the only differences were the customs and traditions. The mission and the professionalism was the same.

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Sep 2 at 2018 10:53 PM

SPC Daniel Rankin — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 22:53:28 -0400

There has always been a rivalry on the grounds, yes, but it is usually in places like sports and horseplay. When it comes to serious matters the different branches do come together to get things done. If they do not then those who do think they are better then one over the other needs to rethink and get over themselves or leave the service. Because it will leave some one hurt or dead.

Response by SFC William Huse made Sep 7 at 2018 5:10 PM

SFC William Huse — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 17:10:01 -0400

I wouldn't want to be a part of any branch that didn't think it was superior to the rest. I have had the pleasure of working with every branch, and although in fun, there was always trash talking and rivalries.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2018 8:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 20:45:35 -0400

How annoying. Everyone KNOWS which branch is really the best ... THE SPACEFORCE! Hahahaha

Response by PO1 John Flores made Sep 19 at 2018 5:35 PM

PO1 John Flores — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 17:35:48 -0400

We all think we’re superior to the “other” branches. But we also have to realize that superiority is in finite skill sets: A-10’s will make mincemeat out of a tank in a forest or an open field, but against a carrier with all manner of close defense support? Not likely. Seal teams, Delta operators, Marine Recon can hide all day and all night from contacts, but can they calculate a shooting solution for a torpedo against another submarine - and get a hit every time? Submariners play cat and mouse with other submarines, but put them in a swift boat and when bullets start flying, there better be some serious toilet paper available. At one time I could tell you where you were to within (classified) any time day or night 24x7 all year long, but put me in a helicopter and I might be able to figure how to turn it on - fly it? ain’t happening. The Marine Silent Drill Team can toss bayoneted rifles all day and look good doing it, I’d probably lose a thumb just taking the scabbard off.

Response by GySgt Dj B made Sep 24 at 2018 10:55 PM

GySgt Dj B — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 22:55:38 -0400

Does one U.S. military branch think it's superior?

Hello? Have you met us?

GySgt, Retired, U.S. Marine Corps

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2018 6:02 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:02:53 -0400

Yes, we are a joint force, and conducting joint operations was how I finished my career. My battle-buddy was in the Navy and I worked closely with both Air Force and Marine personnel. With that said, inner-service rivalry is as much of the heritage of our nation and respective branches as anything else. Frankly I like both branches, Army and Army-Support. :)

Response by SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc made Sep 30 at 2018 3:08 PM

SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 15:08:43 -0400

Think of the branches as boys; Army oldest brother, Navy second oldest, Marines third brother and Air Force the youngest. We squabble amongst each other always trying to outdo the other brothers. But when someone who is not within our inner circle attempts to hurt one of our own we collectively come together in order to achieve a goal. Then of course after this is complete we go back to our squabbles.

Response by SFC Scott Parkhurst made Oct 5 at 2018 12:00 AM

SFC Scott Parkhurst — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 00:00:49 -0400

I'll probably get ding for this but I'm sorry... Yes I do think that the Marines think they are far more superior then the other branches. And I think that "some" take it to far. I've even had some Marines bash me on sites and say what a piece of shit I am and that I couldn't handle even going to their boot camp etc....Now really? That is just down right petty and truly shows "that guy's" colors. Well, I can and could handle their boot camp trust me. I choose to be Army and damn proud of it. I have never bashed any other branch for the simple reason that we are ALL on the same damn team. I've been an Instructor for other branches so I've seen how each one operates and what it takes. I have no judgement only pride. So suck it buttercup and just join and be proud of the branch you choose.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Oct 5 at 2018 8:39 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 20:39:05 -0400

Absolutely, the Marines have always felt they were "superior" to all other branches.

Response by Pvt Robert L. Lamoreaux made Oct 10 at 2018 1:32 PM

Pvt Robert L. Lamoreaux — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 13:32:33 -0400

Any rivalry between the branches is - or should be - good-natured. (Except for those at a much higher level than I would aspire to, fighting for a "fair share" of the DoD budget.) This good-natured ribbing (at least I HOPE it is done in good-nature!) is probably just as prevalent between those in "combat arms" and "support and logistics" within each branch. The important thing is that every member of the armed forces is a vital member of not only "the team" but of a culture that emphasizes self-discipline, trust, respect, honor, and duty.

Response by SGT David Gavar made Oct 20 at 2018 11:25 AM

SGT David Gavar — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 11:25:08 -0400

Of course, other branchs think they are superior than the other. It's always good to strive to be than the other, especially between branchs. Ultimately, we are all on the same side.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 22 at 2018 12:30 AM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 00:30:13 -0400

Every military branch thinks it is superior and for good reason. Navy rules the seas, Air Force rules the skies, Army rules the land, Marine Corps in their diversity to function in all three terrains.

Each service has it's elite tier 1 operators and teams, each one their special operations. Each one has their contributions to the warfighter that the others can come close to but not match. The rivalry, the one up mentality is all tossed though when it comes to getting the mission done. We might trade barbs in the bar or in training or downtime, might get into drunken brawls as things got a little too heated with booze in the mix but out there doing the job all that is stowed fast and tacked down as we all have each others six when the shtf.

I've worked with Navy, Marines and Air Force in my day. Navy and Air force got us there, Marines and Navy worked with us to on the ground. Air Force, Marine and Navy provided close in air support and the list goes on and the flip can be said from any branches perspective.

At the end of the day it is all about the team, rather than the individual service. I've bled for and been bled over. And will gladly do it again.

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Oct 22 at 2018 5:01 PM

SSG Harry Outcalt — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 17:01:33 -0400

LoL, the First Branch wins by virtue of having Medics who can heal you after they shoot you .... No offense to the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard or Merchant Marine , Roflol

Response by CPO Susan Peterson made Nov 3 at 2018 1:42 AM

CPO Susan Peterson — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 01:42:53 -0400

We are all part of the same mission. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy.

Response by Cpl Greg Berman made Nov 23 at 2018 5:21 AM

Cpl Greg Berman — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 05:21:29 -0500

" I'm sorry if I didn't tag some of the specific service branches!"
HAHA How funny that you are discussing whether or not one branch thinks it is superior to the others , then apologize for not tagging the superior branch . lol

Response by SGM James Pepple made Nov 25 at 2018 7:52 PM

SGM James Pepple — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 19:52:21 -0500

Members of my family served in all Branches of Service and I've served in both Air Force and Army Active and Reserve each has it's specialty when unified are unmatched around the World and I'm proud to call them my brothers and sisters all.....

Response by SMSgt Mark Miller made Dec 8 at 2018 6:56 PM

SMSgt Mark Miller — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 18:56:17 -0500

I am proud of my 25-years in the AF. I worked with outstanding people. We put the mission first and the person next to us second. I primarily worked in AFRTS before we had full-time satellite service. We knew people relied on us. I worked in joint facilities as early as 1972 and developed a great appreciation for the other services. Becoming familiar with the other service's cultures served me extraordinarily well. I became a much better NCO because the men and women I worked for and later with lead by example. That being said, I must admit that for my money, the Marines bring the most to the table. Working for, with, and later supervising Marines was a humbling experience. I could never have made the grade, and to a person, they were kind enough to never point it out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2018 3:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 15:46:01 -0500

I have seen this a lot. Every group has a chip on its soldier and believes itself superior in one way or another. Likewise each branch is a little jealous of another for something. The truth is we are all specialized in our own ways and better at somethings and worse at others. At the end of the day as ling as we work together we accomplish the mission. United we stand, divided we fall.

Response by SGT Jim Wiseman made Apr 20 at 2019 2:00 AM

SGT Jim Wiseman — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 02:00:24 -0400

Always just a friendly rivalry. Often I tell other services when I hear it was something other than the Army, "I won't hold that against you." All with a little silly smile on my face. I call AF guys Chair Force. Marines you have to love, esp. if they're a grunt, if you're a grunt. We all served. In the end, it's all love. But, without a doubt, I give love and appreciation to every Nam vet I see with a hat, jacket or t-shirt! They didn't get the welcome back a lot of us did.

Response by SGT James Murphy made May 30 at 2019 3:41 PM

SGT James Murphy — Thu, 30 May 2019 15:41:12 -0400

Short Answer. Yes and I like the idea of Pride of Unit and Pride in service. If done properly a good boxing match can teach one humility as well. 8-)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 30 at 2019 5:13 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 30 May 2019 17:13:36 -0400

I will use WWII as an example. All the branches suffered enormous losses. No one branch was better than the others.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 28 at 2019 7:01 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 19:01:14 -0400

Yes some folks have a myopic view that their beloved branch is better than others despite the fact we all bleed red.

Response by SGT Richard Garza made Oct 17 at 2019 4:04 PM

SGT Richard Garza — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 16:04:48 -0400

One branch doesn't survive without the other. Each branch has their tradition, pride and fellowship with one another. Proud to be a Paratrooper and Army Strong.

Response by MSgt Richard Lucero made Dec 29 at 2019 5:06 PM

MSgt Richard Lucero — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 17:06:57 -0500

Each Service is best for their Primary Mission. Mission creep causes failure gaps. But only one branch has Petty people in it.

Response by LCDR Rich Mahone made May 10 at 2020 4:10 PM

LCDR Rich Mahone — Sun, 10 May 2020 16:10:49 -0400

I am 30 year Navy and the entire time in EOD. I do not think our branch or specialty is superior. The U.S. armed forces is a huge team, we all play a small part on it. I get the rivalry aspect and that is a part of human nature and tribalism.

Response by SSgt Robert Jorgensen made May 10 at 2020 4:24 PM

SSgt Robert Jorgensen — Sun, 10 May 2020 16:24:27 -0400

Well after doing a lot of reading and history there is one group that are superior to all and I salute them. They go in after all that are hurt or down, they make it easier to recover things! So it must be Air Force Pararescue/ CCT

Response by CMSgt William Reed made Nov 17 at 2020 10:40 PM

CMSgt William Reed — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 22:40:23 -0500

Of course, it's healthy and builds "esprit de corps" and when we join the other services each Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine doesn't want to be or perceived to be the "weak link". The rivalries that exist today originate from times past and are based in fact and fiction and are Great!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2021 12:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 12:33:40 -0400

Heck, Sir. There is sibling rivalry between Army units under the same Brigade on most Army installations. From my joint time, you would think there would be more rivalry between the Army and USMC. Nut with my experience, there was more between the Navy with the Army or Airforce with the Army when it came to common coworkers. My best friend is a Marine, and we always give eachother shit outta love for our respective branches. It was mean spirited between the other two branches with the Army from what I witnessed. But now we have the Space Force, so it will be entertaining to see how that pans out, lol.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 7 at 2021 1:18 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 07 May 2021 13:18:19 -0400

Different branches have different missions, obviously within branches different units have different missions. Nothing to argue about, you need a quick reaction force you use Marines, you need an invading Army to take a lot of ground and hold it you use the Army. Use need CAS take your pick they all support ground units. You need stand-off capabilities you can use AF or Navy ships loaded with missiles. The combined arms thing works pretty well, we all support each other each to their abilities.