What do you do when people degrade you for the choice you have made?

2019-02-07T09:30:05-05:00

People in school are always laughing at me for joining the army because " It's way too easy and the Marines are better". They always say that the army is dumb and useless. I've even had people say that joining the army is pretty much joining the air force because of how easy it is . It's really starting to bother me now

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 9:59 AM

2019-02-07T09:59:23-05:00

The best response is no response and don't let them know they are getting under your skin. That or you can look at them and tell them your are trying to better yourself and make sure you have a good life then ask them what they are doing to better their life. People don't like having things turned around on them. Just tell them Yeah I joined the Army and I'm proud of it. What have you done?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 10:21 AM

2019-02-07T10:21:22-05:00

Let them say what they want to say, you do what you want to do. You want to be in the Army, then be in the Army. Those folks that are talking smack, if they haven't served then tell them to ruck up or shut up. Because...if they haven't served (or have no intentions of serving) then their statements and opinions mean two things: Jack and Sh!t and Jack left town. Also, I would say to stop associating with those negative folks. And even if they have served, it's still THEIR opinion and it's still YOUR life. YOU DO YOU.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Feb 7 at 2019 10:26 AM

2019-02-07T10:26:58-05:00

How many of those same people have put their hand up? Put up or shut up. Let them flap their gums, their opinions have no effect on your life.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 10:28 AM

2019-02-07T10:28:39-05:00

When they say "the Marines are better" turn to then with a surprised look and say "Congrats! I had no idea you were joining the Marines!"

You will discover, the hard way, that people who try to drag you down are doing so because you are moving forward and they are not. At this point you will have to trust me on this fact. Realize the best response is NO response to naysayers. The best response is ACTIVITY. Show them your tail lights, leave them in your dust, keep moving forward.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 7 at 2019 10:39 AM

2019-02-07T10:39:14-05:00

Did any of these morons actually serve? If they aren't Marines, then they don't have a concept of how hard either are to get through. My response would be, "let's go down to the recruiter and see if you can get in the door". Statistics say that 31% of 17/24 years olds can't pass the body fat standard to enlist, 10% have criminal records that exclude them., 30% can't join because of drug use and at least 25% of those that get past that point can't score high enough on the ASVAB to qualify for a job. So you are going to have a job that allows you to advance, provides housing, insurance and educational benefits, and allows you to function as an adult in the real world. The pay isn't bad when you consider that it's mostly spending money if you are smart. F**k them.
How many of those trying to pull your string are still living with mommy and daddy. If they are, tell them to come back when they pull mommy's titty out of their mouth.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 7 at 2019 10:41 AM

2019-02-07T10:41:09-05:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member WTF do they know? Did they do a stint in MARSOC and come back to the 11h grade? Why does it matter? Seems like they're on you because it gets to you. Ignore it and drive on. When you are a Cav Scout and they are flipping burgers see who is right. All those comments come from people who have not walked the walk and have no clue.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Feb 7 at 2019 10:55 AM

2019-02-07T10:55:10-05:00

My answer would be...well I guess the Marines are still looking for a few good men...when are going to join? And about the Air Force...have they been in and done time in AF SPec Ops or deployed downrange with Combat Airmen building bare bases in remote locations. If not just tell them you are welcome.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 7 at 2019 11:12 AM

2019-02-07T11:12:22-05:00

The Army's a fine choice, hell if it weren't I wouldn't have stayed 30 years. There will always be some rivalry between services it's called esprirt de corps, pride in service. Be proud of your choice and don't let them get you down.
The friends you will make in the service will in some instances be closer than a brother or sister and the folks in school will be a pleasant but distant memory once you train, deploy and work with your team.
Good friends build you up and help you achieve your goals, just smile at them and give them an "Army strong baby!".

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 11:28 AM

2019-02-07T11:28:53-05:00

Don't let it bother you, PVT DaSilva. Those that berate you for joining the Army never served themselves. Until they take the same oath you and I did and put themselves to the hazards, their opinions of your service and your branch are irrelevant.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Feb 7 at 2019 11:35 AM

2019-02-07T11:35:31-05:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member Having served in two different branches,all branches are different. That doesn't make one better than another.Ignore the naysayers and go your own way.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Feb 7 at 2019 12:28 PM

2019-02-07T12:28:48-05:00

I can assure that the Air Force is not easy, nor is the Army. I know its hard to think this way, but High School kids have absolutely no idea what any of these services do or provide. You might do less push-ups in the Air Force, but you do a hell of a lot more mathematics and brain exercise. Likewise, you might run less in the Army, but there are many, many other things you will do more of. I guess you have to ask yourself what you want to do, what you enjoy. Nobody looks back at their military career and says, "Wow, I did way more push-ups than those Army guys!"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 12:45 PM

2019-02-07T12:45:52-05:00

You've gotten some good answers so far. I'll add that I was in the Marines prior to being in the Army so I can speak to both. The Marine Corps is awesome, but hardest training I've had in my career has been in the Army. That's not to say that there isn't hard (or harder) training in the Marines but if they think the Army is a walk in the park, they're idiots. As far as the Army being useless, they're idiots. If we got rid of the Army, the Marines would have to grow exponentially to cover down on everything the Army does. Hence they would then become "the Army". As far as them comparing the Army to the Air Force, they're idiots. The Army and the Air Force have completely different missions. So basically you should ignore them because they're idiots.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 1:04 PM

2019-02-07T13:04:02-05:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member Ignore idiots. If they have not served, they have no idea what the Army or any branch is like. Welcome to RallyPoint, and please keep us posted.

Response by PFC Rich Fly made Feb 7 at 2019 1:32 PM

2019-02-07T13:32:21-05:00

While I certainly don't have nearly the tenure as many of the folks who are responding to you here, I will say that my short time in service had nothing but a positive impact on my life.

Each branch has its positives and negatives. I've known Marines who did nothing but ride a desk and I've known Airmen who were former Teams members and wanted a new challenge, so they changed from Navy to USAF and went through Combat Controller School.

As much crap as each branch gives another, we are one big family...you will soon have the honor of seeing that first hand.

I never had the privilege of being deployed, nor was I able to finish out my first enlistment, but I am still treated as one of the "family" by many, which makes me proud to have joined. It is a spectacular feeling of belonging and I am excited for you to become a member.

Remember, every privilege that your classmates have is due to the actions of each member of the armed forces - that includes Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, etc.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Feb 7 at 2019 1:41 PM

2019-02-07T13:41:18-05:00

Having been both Army & Air Force, tell them that when the Marines found out that you could read and write, they sent you to the Army...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 7 at 2019 1:57 PM

2019-02-07T13:57:44-05:00

You have made a decision that you can be proud of. Ignore the haters. Every service has its merits, and none are negative. Most US citizens do not know what it means to serve. I have served and fight as have many or most, I will say that I have served with all Branches and was impressed by all. Anyone who would degrade any service outside of lite headed joking between member should be ashamed of themselves. All services, Army, Marines, Navy, AirFirce and the Coast Guard have lost service member to the cause, duty, honor, country. Ignore them as they are not worthy. Thank you greatly for taking up the mantle!!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 2:38 PM

2019-02-07T14:38:31-05:00

You need to learn to shake off people's comments. If those comments are really starting to bother you, you'll likely find a great deal of things are going to bother you in the Army.
One service isn't better than another, but members and Veterans are better than everyone who isn't.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Feb 7 at 2019 2:43 PM

2019-02-07T14:43:00-05:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member - Don't let them get to you. Just remind them, while they are paying off their students' loans, Uncle Sam will be paying you to go to school. While they are talking about traveling to places and doing things; you'll be sending them selfies from those place. Unless they have worn the green suit, pay them no mind. They have no idea what they are talking about.

Let me follow up with a quick story. I decided to join the Army in the summer between Junior and Senior year in High School. I was a small kid, all of 5' 9" and maybe 115 lbs. I was your typical band nerd. The school did this thing every year where the seniors had to put in the yearbook what they were going to do or planning to do. Most of the kids in grade put they were going to local college or taking a year off before starting school. Five of us put that we were joining or already joined the military. When people saw my name, a lot of them laughed including some teachers. In fact, I had one teacher that stood in front of me and told me point blank that I was going to fail the Army because, in his long 3-year career in the Army National Guard or whatever, he never saw someone like me make me through. I took that comment and fed off it. When I was getting my butt handed to me in basic training, those words echoed in my head. While I was doing push-ups in the middle of the Georgia summer while at Fort Gordon; those words echoed in my head. And I was entered combat, scared out of my mind, those words echoed in my head. A few years after leaving that school, I had the chance to go back. The school invited me back for a Veterans Day event. So I did something I rarely did in my 8.5 years of service. I put on my Dress Blues, slapped on ribbons on my chest, and walked into that school. Prior to the event, I asked if I could walk around the school. They said sure and I quickly found myself outside that teacher's room who just a few years ago said I would fail. I peeked in the window, saw him sitting at this desk while kids took a test, we made eye contact and I simply waved. I could see in his eyes that he was surprised. He went to stand up but my jerk side of me came out a little and I decided to walk away. I had nothing to say to him. Standing there, in the hallway in my uniform with my awards upon my chest, all words were already said. I never saw him again after that but for the rest of my time in the military and even now in my civilian life his words still echo in my head. They push me to do better. To be a better man, to be a better father, a better husband, and a better IT professional.

Don't let people hold you back. Go and kick ass and show them they were wrong.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Feb 7 at 2019 3:01 PM

2019-02-07T15:01:06-05:00

Ignore the people in your school, and have confidence in your decision. Their opinion means nothing, especially if they have never served. Make your decisions based on what you want, not based on what they say. I've known thousands of people who have had wonderful experiences in the Army, and have since moved on to do great things outside of the military.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 7 at 2019 3:04 PM

2019-02-07T15:04:36-05:00

Don't even bother with those people because unless they've been there, they have no idea what they're talking about. It's rare, but whenever I've encoutered that kind of attitute, I've always just gave them the "alright dude" eye roll and moved on. I know why I joined and it was really none of their business. I'm sure you have your reasons too and they obviously won't understand.

P.S. if it's a former Marine making fun of you for joining the Army then get used to it. Inter-service rivalry is fun and tradition so don't take it personally. You'll have plenty of Marines, Airmen, Coasties and Sailors to make fun of when you finish Basic.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 3:56 PM

2019-02-07T15:56:53-05:00

Don’t worry about what they say, they’re only jealous of you because either they want to join but can’t or they’re too scared to. It shouldn’t matter what anyone else says about it because in the end, they aren’t the ones giving you a paycheck

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 7 at 2019 5:06 PM

2019-02-07T17:06:44-05:00

Tell them they’re right in fact it’s so easy only about 1% of the of age population is even eligible to join and I’m betting none of those telling you your choices are poor have signed up for any branch, never mind already excepted.

If they’re in capable of funny challenge in the United States Army I’ll take pets it’s got nothing to do with the army and everything to do with them

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 6:05 PM

2019-02-07T18:05:41-05:00

I was not a 19-series, but I spent some of my Regular Army time in 3d ACR (which is now 3d CR). The MOS you have selected will involve responsibility for closing with, and destroying the enemy in complex terrain. It will involve other things as well, but that will be an important part of it. Most jobs in the military, in every service, including the Marine Corps, do _not_ have that as a significant component (and in many of those jobs it isn't a component of the job at all).

The USMC has been doing a great job of marketing for the purpose of recruiting and securing political support as a hedge against bureaucrats and politicians that occasionally float ideas about merging it into the Army. A result of that marketing is that a mystique has been created about the Marine Corps. The Army has not done that. The Army has, in past decades, sold itself as a career-stepping stone for young adults and a ticket to college via GI Bill and Army College Fund. Only in the past few years have I seen media from the Army that emphasizes a image of the Soldier as a warrior. So the two services have very different images in the public eye.

But, if you want a job that is not easy. You can definitely find that in the U.S. Army. You can find _important_ jobs that are difficult. And the kind of person who _wants_ an _important_, _difficult_ job IS EXACTLY WHO WE NEED IN OUR ARMY.

What we don't need in the Army, is some people I can think of - "I was going to join the <enter service or prestigious MOS/field here> but...<enter laughably/sadly bad excuse for not actually, you know, doing that or even attempting that>. But yeah, man, I ah, hang out with a lot of operators at my cross-fit class." That - in my opinion as a former Soldier and a current taxpayer - NOT SO MUCH. There's a rewarding, (easy), civilian career in corporate America for that person.

Your chosen MOS is (I shall now draw fire from 19Ds) sort of the Armor/Cav's world version of the Infantry. The U.S. Army has lots and lots of Infantry (which is 11-series) and also has Field Artillery (13-series, to include Forward Observers, 13F, who frequently accompany the Infantry). It has Engineers of all kinds - even most Engineers don't know how many kinds of Engineers - including Combat Engineers (12B) which accompany the Infantry. It has Armor (19K or used to be (some of these designations may have changed). That ain't the Air Force. That's an Army. Land warfare. Seeking contact with the enemy and destroying him in detail.

Now, the USMC, the US Navy, the US Air Force, and the Coast Guard all have their own difficult, important jobs. Awesome Americans that are looking to join (which is what makes them awesome) should look for the job that they find interesting and that through which they wish to contribute, and they should go for it. Do it.

Engineer school motto: Essayons (French for "let us try")

For the rest of your life you will meet people who never did.

Be glad you're not them.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 6:48 PM

2019-02-07T18:48:53-05:00

Lol how would you or anyone else in your school know how easy it is?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 7 at 2019 7:22 PM

2019-02-07T19:22:58-05:00

If they have never served in the Army, their degrading comments are not qualified. Tell them how the army has changed the world.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Feb 7 at 2019 9:25 PM

2019-02-07T21:25:41-05:00

Sticks and stones...
Move forward doing what you think is best for you. Those puke faces have no clue what it takes to be a part of the greatest miilitary this planet has ever seen. It takes brains to hold that title.
Get in there and become a General.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 1:09 AM

2019-02-08T01:09:58-05:00

If you were a ball player and made it to a college team, these arm chair quarterbacks would be telling you how you suck because you aren't pro in their favorite league. They will stay at home talking crap and not making the cut while you're succeeding. Remember Teddy Roosevelt :

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 5:36 AM

2019-02-08T05:36:52-05:00

The dogs will always bark, the train moves out without them. It's time to let go of the inconsequential ignorant people of your youth. Most of them will never understand anything outside their home towns… you will. Good luck in beginning your new adventure!!! Enjoy every minute of it. OK, you may be buffing floors for a while. :)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 8:25 AM

2019-02-08T08:25:03-05:00

Solid advice given. Remember your Army values and live by them. If they aren't currently serving just ignored them. I had some people give me crap at work once in a meeting about being in the Guard Vs AD... I just laughed and asked them how morning formation was? You are part of less then 2% of people that have what it takes to serve this great nation. I don't care if your a cook in the Navy or SF in the Army, we are all brothers and sister,screw the haters.

FYI... 19D is no joke as far as training goes...when I was a 19d OSUT and training was a killer!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 12:26 PM

2019-02-08T12:26:42-05:00

The people saying that the army is easy are too scared to try it themselves. Don’t let it bother you

Response by SPC David Roberts made Feb 8 at 2019 1:37 PM

2019-02-08T13:37:42-05:00

I'm former Army and based on my father's service in the Marines and my many Marine and Navy friends, I would say that the Army is a professional organization that gets things done with a minimum of BS and you should be proud of your service there.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2019 1:16 AM

2019-02-11T01:16:45-05:00

As an Army Reserve Retired Chaplain, I say ignore the rhetoric. Be proud that you are making a difference.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2019 8:19 PM

2019-02-18T20:19:14-05:00

One thing you have to understand as a soldier, there will always be people who don't like your choice, and they are free to express that opinion because of people like you.
If others opinions of you upset you, then life will be hard for you.
People can talk all they want about the marines. Fact is, they are good at what they do, so you have a responsibility to be every bit as good, if not better at what YOU do.
It's ok to have a chip on your shoulder...but at the end of the day, the marines will get attention you don't because they are loud and proud. They can be loud, we can be professionals at our job. Let others talk about who's better, you just go and be better...
That's how I always look at it.

Response by SFC Chris Horvath made Feb 19 at 2019 2:17 PM

2019-02-19T14:17:33-05:00

I don’t say much besides “whatever you say hero, your the badass” and I walk away or tell them to get away from me. Most that want to try and ego check need it to get through their day. So to hell with them. Does not affect me.

Response by SGT Nickolas Ortiz made Feb 21 at 2019 4:58 PM

2019-02-21T16:58:18-05:00

The main question is, why do you care what they say? Do they pay your bills? Do they take care of you? Do they always have your best interest in mind? Inter-Service rivalry is common. But at the end of the day, we are ALL American Service members. We fight among ourselves, but fight as one against the enemy. Do what you know is best. My time in the US Army was the best thing that happened to me... I am a success now because of my eight years in service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2019 7:49 AM

2019-02-23T07:49:18-05:00

Guess what. They DO NOT KNOW what they are talking about. If you had a serious sports injury and a doctor who specializes in sports medicine gave you advice and a real estate agent gave you conflicting advice, who would you listen to? The person who actually has the appropriate experience of course!

Those kids at school don't have ANY experience in the military so ignore them. If they call themselves your friends certainly aren't real friends if they are giving you a hard time about this decision. They should be supporting you, but guess what. You got Rally Point here for you! We'll tell you like it is because we actually care about your career. You're going to be one of us and we already have a vested interest in you because one day soon you'll be in the force and our lives will literally depend on each other's.

There's nothing wrong with whichever branch someone picks to serve. Sure, there is an ongoing rivalry that exists between us, but at the end of the day we all wear Old Glory on our right shoulder and are willing to give our lives if need be for the USA.

Response by SGT Donald Bennett made Feb 23 at 2019 11:30 PM

2019-02-23T23:30:26-05:00

Your journey is YOUR journey. Those people will not matter in your life.... I promise you that

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2019 1:37 AM

2019-03-14T01:37:44-04:00

Let me tell you something about Marines AKA jarheads when I was in they were on post with us. And all I can say is we trained with full Ruck sacks all day long. They just had pistol belt with canteen

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 8:59 PM

2019-03-27T20:59:28-04:00

I went through the same Bowl when I was at Knox in 81 and it's not true we had Marines on our base also that we're going through there basic and AIT as far as I know. Everyday we went out with full Ruck and all we ever seen them have was there lbe ( load-bearing equipment) pistol Bell first aid kit.

Response by SSG Uriel Arellano made Mar 28 at 2019 7:33 PM

2019-03-28T19:33:55-04:00

If some asks me why I joined the Army and not the Marines, I just tell them I was too smart for the Marines.

Response by SGT Walter Drumm made Jul 9 at 2019 2:12 PM

2019-07-09T14:12:54-04:00

Unless they're standing to and swearing in next to you their opinions mean precisely Jack and shit IMO, and Jack ain't taking calls right now.
Those with the least to contribute usually have the most to say.

Response by SPC Erik Krauss made Aug 12 at 2019 10:25 PM

2019-08-12T22:25:07-04:00

When the shit hits the fan we’re all on the same team. Sounds like your friends are in the rear with gear and always be.

Response by SSG Robert Clark made Aug 22 at 2019 11:29 AM

2019-08-22T11:29:13-04:00

Having many friends that are former USMC and having trained and trained with, many Marines I can tell you, neither is a cake walk. The Marines that attended Airborne School with me all did the same exact training as I, and had the same fall-out rate as the rest of the services. The Marines that went to RANGER school with me did the exact same training as I and had the same fall-out rate as the rest of the services. The Marines that went to SCUBA school with me did the exact same training as I and had the same fall-out rate as the rest of the services, (well, maybe not the PJ's, they took a real beating at SFUWO). Just do your training to the best of your ability, never give up, and never give in. Oh yeah, ignore the spineless riff-raff that refuses to serve as they know not what they say.

Response by SPC Alexander Bendyna III made Apr 10 at 2021 12:04 AM

2021-04-10T00:04:28-04:00

I wouldn't worry about it. I've been told by an old LTC that Marine infantry units are 10% larger than thier Army counterparts because they expect to take 10% more casualties. So if they want to be a part of that, more power to them. I was a CAV Scout in the Army for 8 years and the things I did, saw, and experienced... well lets just say most Marines can't hold a candle to it.