Posted on Apr 30, 2015
If being a Marine is so awesome, why is it that there are so many Marines that join the Army and Air Force?
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If being a Marine is so awesome (I am the son of 2 Marines), why is it that there are soooo many Marines that join the Army and Air Force?
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 294
Because earning “The Title” is an honor unto itself, a mark you will wear all your life. Being a Marine is awesome, but it’s a hard life. Making a career and earning a comfortable living which you may choose to do later for benefits and quality of life is a different matter. They are still Marines.
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I spent 4 years and 2 months on active duty in my beloved Corps. I voluntarily extended in order to deploy with the squad that I trained. I completed 3 combat deployments as a combat engineer. From being a machine gunner during the invasion of Iraq in 2003 to returning to Iraq in 2004, and finally being a squad leader in Afghanistan's Kunar province in 2005-2006, I got burned out really fast. By the time my last tour was over I just wanted to go home. After 4 years of trying to settle down after war, I threw in the towel on civilian life and decided to try to go back to active duty. I was told that the Marines stopped taking prior service for active duty as of 2009, so I went over to the Army recruiter and the rest is history.
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This is just the latest in a series that never stick to the issue. Some give honest answers, but the rest is a food fight with a lot of self-proclaimed bad-assery, insults, and digs. The bottom line is that people do what they do for many reasons. Joining in a volunteer military is a buyer's market and people often shop around for a better deal. It's human nature. Everyone serves for similar but sometimes totally different reasons. Since we're all part of the Total Force that it takes to perform the mission, just enjoy the ride and take pride in the fact that we are part of the 1% that sign the dotted line to serve in the World's Finest military. That is not up for debate. I chose to be a Marine, but that was my choice. I respect the service of all others and wish you well. We should never lose focus of the fact that although we all gave some, some gave all.
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It is easier to promote and get paid for your level of leadership. E-3 in USMC infantry often has the same responsibility as an E-5 or E-6 in the Army.
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Marine, I am so sorry that you were treated with anything other than the respect that you have earned.
Recruiters, to me, are a necessary evil, and low on the totem pole regardless of rank.
Fuck 'em!
As a snake eater, I was always thrilled to find out that we were receiving support from Marines. The Corps always kept them so pissed off with bullshit, they were always ready to kill SOMETHING!
I love Marines.
Oooorahhh
Recruiters, to me, are a necessary evil, and low on the totem pole regardless of rank.
Fuck 'em!
As a snake eater, I was always thrilled to find out that we were receiving support from Marines. The Corps always kept them so pissed off with bullshit, they were always ready to kill SOMETHING!
I love Marines.
Oooorahhh
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I was an 0311 in the Marines. There's not much room for advancement since the Corps is so small. I enlisted in the Army reserves and I have several MOS'. There is more room for advancement in the Army. I do miss the culture of the Corps though, the camaraderie is second to none.
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In my opinion, it doesn't matter one way or another. The Marine Corps is a great branch of service, yet it is not for everyone.
As long as we stick together and support one another, remembering that we are ultimately part of the same team, the only thing that can stop our country are the citizens within.
As long as we stick together and support one another, remembering that we are ultimately part of the same team, the only thing that can stop our country are the citizens within.
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SFC Morgan explained it best in his comment. After 9 years active duty in the Marines I took the money during Force Reductions and got out. Several years later I wanted back in but was wrapped up in a civilian career and there was not a Marine Corps Reserve unit near me. There was, however a Army Reserve Unit in the same city I am living in. With a few adjustments in customs and courtesies I am back in the military serving my country as a soldier finishing a 20 year military career. I LOVED the Marines but here I am, a Soldier. Love it as well.
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I'm confused... several people have said "better pay"... An E5 in the Marines gets the same pay as an E5 in the Army. Same medical and dental, same BAS.... So, unconfuse me... at least be honest and say, "cuz I'm tired and I need a break, and y'all don't work as hard for that same pay".
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Sgt (Join to see)
I don’t know if this is true but I know when we go to the field the Marines deduct money for our MREs while other branches either pay you for the “hardship”
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Sgt Kenneth Mitchell
The better pay in my opinion comes down to promotional opportunities. A hard charging and squared away Marine Sgt/E5, with all else being equal, would probably have already been promoted to E7 within the Army. Being within a much smaller service, opportunities for advancement are much greater within the Army, Navy and Air Force.
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