Should Army and Marines (or components of) consolidate?

No, they are already semi consolidated with the US NAVY and that's enough

The Army and the USAF already have formed "joint bases", it's not too far of a stretch to combine services. Together but separate just like before 1947.

No, Marines have their traditions and history, the Army has theirs.

Unrealistic, it's just to stir the shit pot. If soldiers wanted to be Marines they would've joined and the other way around. To many skill sets to go into Marines become one with. Let's go with one. Physical presence, what?? That's because I I know when we walk in the room, it's our room. Two, don't matter if you're a cook baker candle stick maker, you're a Marine first. Look that up so you can get locked on.

1. The Marines are not a branch of the military. It is a corps and is already a component of the Dept of the Navy. They’re essentially the “go knock on their door” part of the Navy.

This question is akin to moving Army Aviation (rotor wings) to the USAF. It could be done, but why?

The whole branch competition “thing” is frankly silly. Everyone in uniform serves under the same flag, supporting, protecting and defending the constitution of the US.

Combine the Marines with the Army? Well, it might make logistical and administrative sense, but in practice it doesn’t seem realistic or necessary.

what an insult

No! Maybe the Navy and Marines together and bring back the Army Air Corps. Might work.

The USMC is the premary amphibious landing force. Despite recient conflicts which have been mostly land ops, the Marines have unique specialest capabilities, they work with and are integrated with the NAVY amphibious capabilitys. They have organic air and artillery and pro ide detachments on capitol ships. None of this is the bread and butter mission of the ARMY.
The ARMY provides the major ground forces Divisions, Corps large scale operations capabilities. While the ARMY did have di isions do amphib landings in WWII that is not where their capabities lie.
The USAF is charged with providing Air Dominance and supporting the ground forces. The centeral control of air rather than distributing it to Divisions or Corps insures it provides that dominance. As far as being "combat oriented", dont say that to USAF Combat Controllers or NAVY SEALS. We spend more than 2 years in the pipe line gaining "combat skills" and we provide the interface that seamlessly interfaces the Air Sea and Land capabilities 250 years of working things out should not recklessly be thrown out.
George N Roll Ltc. (Ret) USAF (CCT, TACP JSOC /JCU)

No! They serve different purposes and have their own respective traditions! 110% oppose this idea!

I'd say no. Keep the branches separate but still have them work together. At least when I was at the 353d SOG, the Group CC (Col) had to answer to an AF General and a Navy Admiral. At the time I was there the Admiral was Eric T. Olsen.