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

Because they couldn’t hack it in the USMC....but still wanted to be in the military.

I will also add that there is many more Army and Air Force Guard/Reserve units around then Marine reserve units. So many have no choice if they want to remain in and still be close to home. You can never take the Marine out of a Marine.

I’ll tell you why. Try being in a MOS where promotions suck and when it comes time to get out, you have Army and Air Force drooling over you like you’re a steak dinner. Begging you to join and willing to give a promotion or two as well. So more money and easier work. We are that good and stand out like a diamond in the rough.

I joined the Army Guard to help pay my way through college after getting out of the Corps. I tell people I joined the Guard to help raise the standards. LOL

Marines obviously join the Army or especially the Air Force to completely embarrass most of them out on the range. How bad is It? Half of them unq. And then another 25% I'm guessing don't qualify the second time around. I figured what the hell I'll shoot unsupported as everything is supported by some object you know wouldnt be there in a real situation and got a 45 of 50 or whatever it was for Air Force qual. They look at you like Whoa! Haha!!!

For me I tried to back into the Marine corps but I had children, the Army had me sign a waiver and I did. Plus I wanted to be a M.P. I got the opportunity in the Army.

Most of the Marines I met in the army came over for jump school.

Once you are out of the Marines it is often difficult to get back in. Especially after a number of years. Also the NG has a state mission that as a Marine reserve you would not be part of.

Had one former marine in my basic training platoon back in 1982. He wanted to fly helicopters and back then Army would make you a warrant with 2 years of college, Marines required 4 years and he only had 2, so he went army so he could fly 2 years sooner. I was 18 and like most recruits just out of high school, he was in his mid 30's and the old man of the company. Drills messed with him for the first 5 minutes realized he could max the pt test and pretty much left him alone after that.

It's called retiring to the country farm!