Posted on Dec 30, 2013
Should former Marines who join another service give up the Title?
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I first joined the Army and after my enlistment, I joined the Marine Corps. I no longer call myself a Soldier, but a Marine. Should former Marines give up the title of Marine once they join another branch of service? It's analogous to a woman taking the name of her husband, then once the marriage has ended, she re-marries and takes her new husband's name. Me, I'm married to the Corps!
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Marines
Marines
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 358
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I have never been a Marine, but I have always heard "Once a Marine, always a Marine." So, that about says it. I genuinely envy Marine Corps pride, but not the Marines per say; Soldiers are pretty cool too. I do love and respect all who volunteer to serve, where ever they serve.
I am a proud Soldier, and I believe if you are now a Soldier (Sailor, or Airmen), that you should embrace that, and leave the past in the past. I have no issue with being proud of your service, and being a Marine for life, but I also believe you need to fully embrace your new chosen path.
I do get tired of hearing "I used to be a Marine" from Soldiers. I always wonder why that needs to be articulated endlessly, and I wonder if being a Marine is such a good dealio, why didn't you stay in Marines vs. settling for one of the lesser branches.
I am a proud Soldier, and I believe if you are now a Soldier (Sailor, or Airmen), that you should embrace that, and leave the past in the past. I have no issue with being proud of your service, and being a Marine for life, but I also believe you need to fully embrace your new chosen path.
I do get tired of hearing "I used to be a Marine" from Soldiers. I always wonder why that needs to be articulated endlessly, and I wonder if being a Marine is such a good dealio, why didn't you stay in Marines vs. settling for one of the lesser branches.
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Sgt Eldridge Allen
COL Charles Williams - Sir a lot of it comes down to attaining rank. The Marine Corps is the smallest and because there is only so much room at the top it is by virtue a little harder to gain rank. That is why many of us made the trip
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I am a retired MARINE. I was also a Drill Instructor.Bottom line is if your in the Corps your in the Corps. If your in the Army your in the Army. I think you should be able to keep your rank or get a pay raise and keep all your ribbons and badges. Believe me it will not take much to shine in the Army if you are a MARINE. And everyone will know by your actions that you bleed red and gold.
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I earned the title and transitioned from being an Sgt (0311) to an Army Officer in 2004. The lessons that I learned in the Marines make me a better officer, Soldier, father, husband, citizen and man.
Even after spending a year at Quantico in MEWS, I've never had a Marine tell me I wasn't in the club or on the team.
If someone wants the title, they will have to take it from me...I won't give it up willingly. I am a proud Soldier and a proud Marine.
(Grumpy old mustang out)
Even after spending a year at Quantico in MEWS, I've never had a Marine tell me I wasn't in the club or on the team.
If someone wants the title, they will have to take it from me...I won't give it up willingly. I am a proud Soldier and a proud Marine.
(Grumpy old mustang out)
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Sgt Rick Disney
Should former Marines who join another service give up the Title?
MarAdmin 11.101776 states that there are no Former, Ex, or prior Marines. With this statute in full force enforced, the Marine that transitions to another branch must covertly display the EGA, prior Rank, or other notable USMC device.
Semper Fidelis
3rd Generation U.S. Marine
Rick-
MarAdmin 11.101776 states that there are no Former, Ex, or prior Marines. With this statute in full force enforced, the Marine that transitions to another branch must covertly display the EGA, prior Rank, or other notable USMC device.
Semper Fidelis
3rd Generation U.S. Marine
Rick-
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I will always be a Marine, I earned the title and will never surrender it. But I am as equally proud of my service to the Air Force. So "no" a Marine never gives up their title as a Marine.
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No, I do not believe so, but they should also take the title of Sailor or Soldier and respond to both appropriately when in context.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Yeah, I rolled my eyes at the word 'former', after seeing it was from a Marine? Notice all the Marine questions get down votes and all the Marine-haters show up and get in line?
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Im not a Marine but my brother is and after many talks with him and other battle buddies who were in Corps and joined the Army I say once you earn the title Marine you keep it. Unlike most branches, you go through hell to replace 'Recruit' with 'Marine'. Being a Marine is a lifestyle from my observations....far different than being a soldier, sailor, or airman.
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MSG (Join to see)
MSG Garcia, why does it bother you so much about our pride as Marines? What mess has the Army had to clean up? I hear this all the time.....just curious to what mess you are referring to? I am a proud Marine and would not trade that title for anything, that being said, I am also a proud Soldier and proud of the Soldiers I have served with and continue to serve with today.
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Why is this even a question?! Once a Marine always a Marine. Period, no ands, ifs, or buts. Marriage is a totally different thing. The name is given/accepted in marriage it is not earned. I was active Marines, I'm now reserve Army. In my heart, in my mind, in all I do I am still and will always be a Marine. I take it with me whenever, wherever, and everywhere I go. Exercise the same values and traits in civilian and military lives. Being a Marine is what puts us head and shoulders above everyone else. Arriving early, work hard, mission focused, while others are straggling in, slacking, and lackadaisical. In my civilian jobs I've been received bonuses and promotions much quicker than others. If you wanna be a loser Jody, go ahead and give it up, but for me no matter where I go, what I di, or my job title, I will always be a Marine. When I die, I'll be guarding the streets of Heaven along side Chesty!
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The only reason this question has context is because being a soldier in the United States Army is perceived as no big deal, even by soldiers in the United States Army.
Walt
Walt
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SSgt Jim Rooth
Sad but true. Travel down any highway. Count the number of vehicles that have some type of sticker touting a branch of service. I would almost guarantee over 50% would be something to do with the Corps. Then compare the numeric size of all the different branches. Marine pride is more than a name...
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SGT Matthew Einsla
As a soldier that served almost 10 years, I somewhat disagree. And maybe it's confirmation bias but I still live near an Army post and I see Army stickers all over the place. Rare to see any Marine ones but I imagine I'd have to be near a base where Marines and former Marines are located to see that.
There's also an element of pride that Marines tend to misunderstand. The Army is more unit-oriented. And while there may not be as much pride for big Army, the pride resides mostly at the unit level. I was stationed at 101st for the latter part of my career and there was a huge amount of pride for the Screaming Eagles and the mantra "Rendezvous with Victory". There's a reason we wear our unit's insignia on all of our uniforms. This is what other services, particularly the Marine Corps tend to miss, but I imagine you'd have to serve in the Army to fully get this.
There's also an element of pride that Marines tend to misunderstand. The Army is more unit-oriented. And while there may not be as much pride for big Army, the pride resides mostly at the unit level. I was stationed at 101st for the latter part of my career and there was a huge amount of pride for the Screaming Eagles and the mantra "Rendezvous with Victory". There's a reason we wear our unit's insignia on all of our uniforms. This is what other services, particularly the Marine Corps tend to miss, but I imagine you'd have to serve in the Army to fully get this.
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Once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine!! Regardless! Just look at former Marines that join another branch after serving the Corps honorably as being Marines on vacation.....nothing wrong with that. Oorah!!
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