If being a Marine is so awesome, why is it that there are so many Marines that join the Army and Air Force?

Competition for advancement in the Corps is fierce, and most Marines who end up enlisting in the Army have been passed over for promotions. They will find that the Army offers more opportunities to change MOSs or to advance quickly in the Combat Arms. However, most of the Marines I have met, who joined the Army, chose the Infantry because of quick promotions, and they were all Airborne Infantry or Rangers.

Three things that comes to my mind. 1. You Earn the Title of Marine not given, 2. First to Fight, First to Die. 3. The Army and the Air Force have more opportunities for advancement and technical expertise than the Marine Corps. But to your answer why being a Marine is so Awesome, I highly suggest that you ask those two Marines. Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful!

Hahaha, great question. As a 20 year Marine, I believe it’s because we are so hard and tough on them. They still want to serve but want a life that’s a bit more comfortable.

Generally I saw two types of marines join the army when I was active. Most joined because they had plateaued as at a lower rank in the corps and felt that the opportunities for advancement in their field were better in the Army. These Marines seemed to do well. The other type I encountered and far more infrequently was the type that were mediocre marines and thought they could succeed in the Army with minimal effort. They did not do well as a soldier in my experience

My reason for re-enlisting in the Army was very simple. I made Sgt. in the Marines in 2.5 years (meritorious Cpl. And meritorious Sgt.) My re-enlistment option was where the Marines needed me. That was Camp Lejeune. My then wife didn't want to move there. I got out.

3 months later and a dead end job, I went back to see the Marine recruiter, only to be told they weren't taking prior service, but the Army was. That's where I went and I've been Army ever since.

Everyone is special in his/her own way and their wants and needs should be respected by the rest of us. Let's keep that in mind when responding.

There are as many reasons as there are Marines that join another branch of service. I don't care what the reason is, I only care that they serve. I was in the military for over 20 years, now I'm old and cant serve. Thank God there are men and women that will defend and serve this nation the same as I did when I could. Listen to the B.S. about each branch and which one is best, bottom line is each branch serves a specific part of the battlefield, but together, the protect and defend us old and young that can't do it anymore, the same way I did it for them when they could not.

I think the main reason is the small size of the Corps. Because it’s so small, it has far fewer opportunities for advancement than the Army or Air Force have.

If they find out you can read and write and both your parents are married (legally) to each other, they will put you out of the Corps as disqualified! LAMO!

They’re looking for something easier to commit to.