Should Army and Marines (or components of) consolidate?

NO.

We could essentially roll ALL of the branches into one and call it "something". From the outsider's perspective, they all look the same. From the inside, they are each completely different, often with cross-functionality but with significant specialties, expertise and identities.

Absolutely NOT! Although I know that when push comes to shove, the Army and Marines tend to get along the best, but having served in both I know there is a certain pride in the heritage of each. This kind of esprit de corps MUST be maintained. And that's all I'm going to say about that...

Ok this age old question will never die. Taking out the bias and traditions both branches have or lack thereof, they have different missions. The Army is built as an occupying force, we as Marines are not, we're expeditionary. There are similarities but much more different than similar. The Marine Corps is unique, but Im not talking about history/ traditions/etc, the uniqueness comes from the fact that we're the only combined arms force in the world. Other countries and the other branches have their gear and a wide range of capabilities, but the Corps encompasses all into one "unit" per se. Yes each branch has their unique capabilites but if youre in the Army and need air support (beyond helo) you'll need outside support, if youre in the Air Force and need to take over an area without bombing it, you'll need outside support, if youre in the Navy and need an infantry to press on and secure more land area (without using missiles), you'll need outside help. The Marine Corps has all the issues covered for the most part (barring very specific mission niches) . The problem with the Marine Corps is that they cant stay for too long in an area due to their size/ funding and thus requires the other branches to occupy what has already been taken over. Without a doubt each branch has something that is being done in the other branches and may be better at, but the issue is, is that the Marine Corps has a broad spectrum, and though we may be the best in some aspects, those in what we're not, is reserved for the other branches.

No.
Different missions.

If so then meld the Air Force and Navy too since all fly aircraft.

No. It's worked great for over 235 years. Don't mess with success.

As a former Army enlisted man there was a lot of competition between the branches. Having said that, in the civilian world I worked as a corrections officer with both former Army, and Marines. My brother Army vets set a good example, in particular 2 female captains. My Marine Corps brothers also distinguished themselves as both officers, and supervisors. We liked to tease one another, but in an emergency we functioned as a team. I think both services have their merits, and missions, and should be kept as individual branches to serve their own missions. One reason is redundancy, if one branch should be less then effective, another branch with different strengths, and tactics would be available. Another reason is checks, and balances, if a team were to go off mission, and need to be dealt with using a team from another branch would be easier on the individuals having to do the dealing.

It would help the Marines secure better funding for equipment and MOS schools since they are still considered the bastard step-children of the Navy. It would be better if they were not affiliated with the USN. Make them a totally separate branch.

The Army and the Marine Corps exist as separate services because they have separate missions. Before we should ask if multiple services should be joined, We have to ask how the mission has changed.

Depends on who you ask I guess???? will Army Pukes have to be vaccinated for rabies??? Will the Jar Heads have to wear muzzles???? I say this all in good fun by the way and think that it would be awesome to see a merge like this and watch individuals drop like flies if the standards stay in the Marines house.I think the Army has grown too soft and it would do them some good to get back to their roots! SEMPER FI !!!!!!!!