Posted on Jan 12, 2016
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
156K
2.74K
1K
276
276
0
127c1154
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!
Edited 7 y ago
Avatar feed
Responses: 458
Capt Seid Waddell
1
1
0
Every branch thinks it is superior to the others, but the Air Force really is. lol.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSgt Air Traffic Control Navigational Aids Technician
1
1
0
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.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Larry Jones
1
1
0
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. :)
(1)
Comment
(0)
SFC Larry Jones
SFC Larry Jones
>1 y
lessens the possibility of success for any one branch. Sorry.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SCPO Naval Security Forces,
1
1
0
Edited >1 y ago
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...
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PO2 Jeffrey S.
1
1
0
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!
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PO2 Richard Blakey
1
1
0
me us army ab
us navy
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
MAJ Lee Hensel
1
1
0
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!!
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Mark Franzen
1
1
0
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
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SP5 Joel McDargh
1
1
0
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.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CPT David Lowe
1
1
0
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!
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close