Should Army and Marines (or components of) consolidate?

There are many differences between the Marines and the Army. Attitude is just one, training is another. The country is well served by the mystique of the Marines. The country as well as both services would lose something if both are combined into one service. It almost impossible to explain but Soldiers and Marines know it to be true. Politicians and civilians will never understand this.

No! I have served with both components and they bring separate and unique options to the battlefield. Marines possess a history deep in tradition and pride...do not try to wallpaper it. This transition is much different than the separation of the Army Air Corp to the USAF....different elements were brought about. Marines are quick, Armies are sustaining.....keep it that way.

I would go one step further. I would stop abusing Marines and SEALs by deploying them away from oceans and waterways and involving them in long-term occupation operations, which is clearly an Army function. (Of course, strictly and Constitutionally speaking, we're not supposed to have standing armies, and no military appropriations are to be for more than 2 years, but when's the last time that was respected?) Marines are supposed to be seaborne shock troops. The only services I MIGHT consolidate are certain elements of the various services' air arms, but then they would all have to train for shipboard operations, which makes sense, at least to come aboard in emergencies or to save aircraft with battle damage and their crews.

I remember many years ago being jokingly told by a Marine Gunny what ARMY stood for (Ain't Real Marines Yet).

Even before reading some of the responses here, I figured that it wouldn't go too well. After reading a few of them, it's gone about like I thought it would.

Why would Army and Marines merge. What would be the point?

NO, I do not believe ANY combination of services would be good for the service members. It may be good for the gov't and the accountants but I do not care about them. I do not care if it makes it easier for some guy to figure out a pay or supply issue I do not care if it makes it easier for some pog to organize a training mission with another service. Combining the service at all is the start of the end.

Absolutely not, I have been an active duty Marine and I retired from the Army, three of my kids are Marines and one went into the Army.
The point im trying to make is day light and darkness. There is a pride and a sense of duty that is instilled in every Marine not so much on the Army side. The Army is more of a occupational force, where as Marines are a smaller force.

I am a two service veteran. I don't understand why my original service (USCG) is not consolidated into the USN. I don't understand why every service, including the USCG, has elite infantry forces. I don't understand why the navy, marines, army, and USCG fly! There should be three services; air, ground, and sea. Army, Navy, Air Force. That will put a bunch of generals and admirals out of work, but will save money in the long run.

This is nothing but a "shit storm" and a waste of time because is isn't going to happen. Not in my life time! We can discuss and debate this until we are blue in the face, but all in all, in the end, it is not happening! Somebody please change the subject! This one is getting old! SEMPER FI!

Many of the world's forces are consolidated under one roof. Separate command structures above the largest field organizations were eliminated. This allows them to streamline a lot of support operations while having the ability to mix and match capabilities based on the mission.