What do you 'respect' most about "sister services?"

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:16:32 -0500

As a 'splinter thread' from our conversation on "what confuses you most about sister services," it seems fair enough to open a related discussion focused on those service sibling traits that we respect the most; so, in your opinion what does another branch of the military do really well? What virtues, culture/traditions and/or common practices do you respect most of another military or uniformed service? Is there something that they just seem to get right or do exceptionally well? The idea here is to continue the inter-service discussion, share stories, ask questions, to learn for one another, and to converse with each other. This should be both an enlightening and fun conversation; so pull up a keyboard and let's get this thing started, thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads! 

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 17 at 2013 9:18 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:18:55 -0500

While I was a Marine, I spent quite a bit of time deployed at sea with the Navy. I respect the living heck out of them for basically living at work, 24/7, day in, day out, in the most cramped, miserable conditions imaginable. It makes Iraq and Afghanistan seem like country clubs in comparison.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Dec 17 at 2013 9:36 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:36:43 -0500

<p>Marines.  They are just crazy and have Esprit de Corps out the ying yang.  It takes a special kind to be a Marine.  I couldn't do it.  I respect those that can and do.</p>

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 17 at 2013 10:21 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:21:48 -0500

Oh, and Submariners! That level of misery is clearly not for everyone...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 5:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 17:20:13 -0500

During my two deployments in Afghanistan I shared space and duties with Air Force and Naval personnel. So I resect them for fighting the fight with me.

Response by 1stSgt Merwin Fuller made Dec 20 at 2013 5:25 PM

1stSgt Merwin Fuller — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 17:25:33 -0500

All services have something that they do Better or only have the ability to do that maybe your service doesn't so all services have there job to do protecting Our Country

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Dec 21 at 2013 2:55 PM

MAJ Joseph Parker — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 14:55:01 -0500

<p>Really respect the Air Force's quiet dedication to getting support to the soldier on the ground, whether the support is in the form of ordnance or supplies. </p><p><br></p><p>I've seen pilots fly halfway around the world to put hurt on the bad guys. Sometimes they laid it so close it knocked the wind out of me or I could feel the heat of their engines. I had a feeling some of those pilots would jump out and beat the bad guys over the head with the bombs if they had to. </p><p><br></p><p>On the supply side, they always got it to us, no matter how long it took or what screwed up location it was. There were a couple of times I was alone in places no sane person would be, but the fly guys never questioned they had to help or risk their butts. </p><p><br></p><p>Don't get me wrong: the USAF load masters broke their share of our equipment and once dropped my team way off target and into garbage dump on a night jump. However, when you been pounding around bad guy land by yourself for a couple weeks or been in an isolated assignment for months on end and that USAF cargo plane lands; its hard to keep the lump in your throat down as you see the sun glint off the American flag on the plane's tail.</p>

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 3:09 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 15:09:47 -0500

I have had the opportunity to work with the best communicators from all branches of service in garrison and forward who provided communications for General Mattis and current CENTCOM Commander General Austin, Air Force PJs in Afghanistan who did all our casualty evacuations and A-10's providing amazing fire support in Helmand Province, Navy EOD and Seabees in Iraq who supported our AO in west Al Anbar Province, and Army route clearance in Helmand Province, Afghanistan and the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment in Fallujah, Iraq. Everybody brings something unique to the fight and when combined, we rain ultimate destruction upon the enemy.

These are what I like and respect about the other branches of services...

Army - History, ground fighting capabilities, strength in numbers, multi cams

Navy - History, customs, traditions, naval guns, SEALs, SWCC, Seabees, Corpsman, Chaplains, and the Marine Corps support.

Air Force - A-10's, PJ's, technical expertise

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 4:52 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 16:52:51 -0500

How we communicate and interrelate among our service branches is of vital importance; so, here are just a few other ongoing discussions on similar subjects to keep us communicating, sharing, and learning together:

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 3:47 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 15:47:41 -0500

One of my greatest assignments I have had was in a JTF for a year. I really witnessed first hand the discipline Marines have, how the Air Force really takes care of their Airmen, and how much more respect a Chief Petty Officer gets than the average SFC in the Army. In all honesty, many of our sister services provided as much if not more to the fight. I gained a myriad of experience coming off that tour and am thankful for the people I met and served with. If given the opportunity I would jump on another joint assignment in a heartbeat. 

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Dec 22 at 2013 5:04 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 17:04:38 -0500

USMC - They hold fast on their traditions like I wish we did.

USN - No one can doubt the political power of a carrier group off shore

USAF - Very skilled at making things explode.. and then explode a few more times just to make sure.

USCG - Dude.. Key West as a PCS move?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 6:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 18:00:03 -0500

The Air Force has a standard of living and truly have their airmen's families as priority<div>The Marines have a strong bond and truly work well as a team, it doesn't matter the rank. Because they all wear the same uniform they are respected equally.</div>

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 23 at 2013 1:30 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 01:30:58 -0500

<p>I've only spent significant time with USMC, so I will point my comments in their direction:</p><p>1. The Marines have a sense of duty and honor unparalled by ANY other service.  </p><p>2. USMC has a well deserved reputation for ferocity unmatched elsewhere.</p><p>3. USMC doesn't need the latest and greatest. Give them beans, bullets, a stubby pencil and piece of paper, then stand back to be amazed.</p><p>4. Last I saw, USMC retention rate is somewhere in the 75-80% range.  That tells you something about the serious committment these people make in service of their country.  </p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 1:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 01:36:03 -0500

That each one does their Service/skill wonderfully. Whenever i get the opportunity to watch the AF, Marines, CG or Navy do "their" thing it is always a beautiful treat. The different thought processes are astounding.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 2:28 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 02:28:40 -0500

<div>Personally, I respect how the USMC conducts business. I like that they actually have a rank structure that is followed, and that they take such pride in being what they are: Marines. We see this in all of our branches of service, but seldom to the same degree and with the same level of outright enthusiasm. </div><div><br></div><div>I like that they adhere to actual military standards, and set the bar higher. Some criticize Marines for being too “Oorah” but we are in the military and in all honesty, could often use men/women with a little more enthusiastic hustle and a good sense of urgency. </div><div><br></div><div>I respect that the USMC is NOT designed for everyone, and that it does NOT pretend to be. They don’t put out recruiting commercials offering money for college or huge enlistment bonuses: they offer the pride of being a Marine, and with that the National and International respect that comes with that title. Their sense of heritage and tradition, warrior spirit, pride in service, selective nature, and public image has served them well. </div>

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Dec 23 at 2013 2:36 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 02:36:38 -0500

The Coast Guard is out there sailing when common sense and safety would probably recommend against it to save the lives of those that lack common sense.

The Navy, well they always treated us right on ship, and are generally pretty good people.

The Air Force they do have nice barracks, and they run it like a decent hotel (Learned that in November of 2000).

The Army well from being on here they're a pretty good bunch.

Response by SSG Matt Murphy made Dec 23 at 2013 7:56 PM

SSG Matt Murphy — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 19:56:22 -0500

All branches have specialized mission capabilities - together they form an unbeatable team.......the Air Force is easier living, period....until you die in combat. The Navy has a level of sacrifice (afloat) and a history of tradition that is the envy of all. The Army has breadth and depth of skills and expertise that run the gamut, and duty can be feast or famine depending on your MOS OR what you are thrown into. The Coast Guard: you have to go out, but you do not have to return, says it all. Having said that, the experience of being a Marine is like no other.......it's like the other service's Basic Training on steroids and is a 24X7 affair.....simple (equipment and garrison), effective, down to earth and a deadly force to be reckoned with.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 23 at 2013 8:06 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 20:06:35 -0500

<p>Sir I have allot of respect for the sister services.</p><p>I love all the Air Force aircrafts.</p><p>I love all the navy carriers and ships</p><p>I love the marine marches in Boot camp.</p><p>I admire the coast guard for what they do.</p><p>But I also love the Army chow. I miss it and if there is a cook here </p><p>I need to know how to make SOS.</p><p>So if you can kindly give me the ingredients I would appreciate it.</p><p><br></p>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 8:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 20:09:55 -0500

I respect the strict discipline and adherence to rules and the sense of pride from the Marines. Everytime I see them do D & C it sends chills down my spine because in my heart thats what I believe how ALL branches should conduct D & C. I went to my brother's graduation from boot camp at Parris Island and it reaffirmed my reasoning. Everytime I walked past a Marine, the greeting of the day was rendered. Even though they called me sir instead of SGT I still respected that. I dont see that very much in the Army today.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2013 8:34 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 20:34:09 -0500

I have a ton of respect for our sister services, we may mock each other, and throw each other under the bus for stupid things we hear about in the news, but it comes from a mutual respect we have for each other. The navy is our ride...without them...well we wouldn't be very amphibious. The Army...without them we wouldn't have to retake key terrain, and the Air-force provides us with the ability to...well we all know the air force is important. All kidding aside, every branch provides us with a key strength that would no one service could do by themselves.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 6:41 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 18:41:30 -0500

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jan 25 at 2014 6:51 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 18:51:57 -0500

I have always respected the Marine Corps. The Discipline that they show in everything they do just rubs off, along with their history. Also, my Father served in the Marines during the Vietnam War so maybe that is part of it too. (Besides he was assigned to Marine Barracks Washington, DC, after he came home from Vietnam and was assigned to the White House and Camp David Security details. He told me a few ghost stories of Camp David).

The Navy, I guess its because I got to Sleep on board the Battleship Massachusetts and getting to go on board the WWII Sub USS Lionfish. How they Handled those those ships and being in tight quarters under attack requires discipline, and guts if they are in the Silent Service. Besides, I had to relatives serve in the Navy during WWII. My Grandfather Served on board the USS Carmick which was one of the first ships in at Normandy. I lost a great Uncle in the Pacific, I do believe during the battle of Leyte Gulf.

As for the Army, well... Lets say John Waynes westerns where he was serving in the Army Calvary gave a romance to it. Even the Civil war Movie Horse Soldiers did it too. But other than that. Just like the Marines, the Army has a unique history that will do that.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 7:04 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 19:04:31 -0500

Having worked with Army and Marines during my deployment to Afghanistan I have a lot of respect for the ones who go outside that wire and face the reality of war. Complete respect to those who do their job knowing the risks and continue to do it anyways. I'm thankful that in the MC-12 program I'm able to work overhead those men and women and do what we can to make sure that at the end of the day they're coming back home.

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 7 at 2014 1:37 AM

SSgt George Brown — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 01:37:08 -0500

Marines have the best uniform!

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Feb 7 at 2014 1:43 AM

SSG Oliver Mathews — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 01:43:52 -0500

The Marines have to be my favorite outside of the Army. They came flying in pulling my convoy out of a bad day in Iraq. Dual sided ambush and they saved our rears... i will always respect the Marines

(sir i have to ask, if the other services are the sisters... does that make the army the older brother?)

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Feb 14 at 2014 10:17 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 22:17:39 -0500

Sir its been awhile since I placed anything in one of your thread.

Yesterday I was looking around and stumbled up to this.

Its about a Marine Corp SM whom Won the Medal of Honor.

He was a CPL at the time, Name: CPL Dakota Myer.

The 3 videos tell his story.

1. With the president of the United States receiving the Medal Of Honor

1. With 60 min in a personal interview

1. With a full marine ceremony a must see till the end.

The videos are long but worth seeing till the end.

I saw it fit to be placed here in your thread and made known here in RP.

This Marine did something that I myself saw as exceptional. There is something special about this Marine that should be also know, but I will leave that to those who see it to find out for themselves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shaiSBrS5GQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyB2s8gZwTg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mev2exb1C0g

CPL Dakota Meyer Receives Medal of Honor

CPL Dakota Meyer receives our military's highest honor for heroic actions in combat.

Response by MSgt Abram Martin made Feb 14 at 2014 11:02 PM

MSgt Abram Martin — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 23:02:33 -0500

Ive worked closely with the Army since Tech school over 30 years ago. I can truthfully say they aren't much different than the Air Force.

Any problem that one service has...ALL OF THEM HAVE!

Stupidity knows NO BOUNDARIES.

The Air Force is by far the youngest service. But those of us that KNOW our history, know to respect our Army brothers.

And believe me, TRUE respect is EARNED, not just ordered.

I was attached to V Corp HQ special troops battalion while deployed to Task Force Hawk, Tirana Albania. The Army was operating in knee deep mud, full battle gear and the mind set that goes along with that. Meanwhile my USAF brothers were on the other side of the airfield runway walking around on gravel walkways in PT gear...and clean for the most part.

While standing in line at the chow tent the soildier behind me sees my stripes..looks across the runway and sees the AF site. His next words to me are "i should have joined the Air Force"...(dead silence around us). My response to him "I did...and Im still right here with you!" (EVERYONE starting laughing).

I noticed after that day they saw us a little differently. Because we were right there with them, doing the SAME things With them, 24/7.

We earned their respect.

No one can talk to YOU about you like your brothers and sisters can. ;) HOOAH

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 9:49 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 21:49:02 -0500

I respect them all. Each service brings their particular skills to the fight.

I served in the Marine Corps from 1980 to 1984. The Marines have unparallellled loyalty, dedication, motivation, pride, respect, and if I was in a firefight I'd want the guys I served with in the 80's over anyone. To this day I still think about the qualities they ingrained into me and know my future successes have been largely due to the Corps making me a Marine!

I was in the ARNG when I was in school, my 2-year degree then 4-year degrees. There were some highly experienced folks that had 40+ years of technical expertise and they were a family. There was one guy that had fraudulently enlisted at 15, had gone through basic and learned the 8-inch gun, and during WWII he was caught. He was "yelled at" then allowed to stay in the Army because he was 18 then and they needed him. I met him when he was 61 years old. He was on the 8-inch gun firing battery at Ft Bragg when his battery hit a GI trash can at 18.5 clicks. I was impressed. He hit mandatory retirement after serving 47 years...shortly after he retired the 8-inch guns were retired from the NG. The NG has experience and skill, which at times, trumps youth and motivation.

For a while I was assigned to a US Navy medical unit from the ARNG. I worked with the 8404 Corpsmen on Cherry Point, NC. I recall one day when the Corpsmen were going to PT the next day and I asked the Chief if I could PT with them. His response was sharp and commanding when he told me that I was assigned to them, that meant I was them, and I darned well (cleaned up) will be there. These Corpsmen were the closest thing to the Marines I've ever seen. I loved the unit morale.

In 1998 I completed my BSN and asked the Army to commission me. They said they had their quota for that and the next year, and they were throwing 80% of the RNs out at 3 years...so I joined the AF Nurse Corps. I served with the USAF as an ICU RN, a Med Surg RN, and a Flight Nurse for 7 years. The AF had the best quality of life, treated each other as professionals, and rank was typically not something used unless necessary. The AF had some great leaders. The best part of the units I served was the senior leader's belief that your rater's success was based upon them making you a success; there was a great mentoring program in the AF and mentoring was common. Then the AF decided to have a draw down in 2005. I was given a lot of autonomy. At the rank of Capt as an RN I had far more autonomy then the next phase of my service...the Army.

In Jan of 2006 I transferred from the USAF into the Army's Nurse Corps. The Army is a large organization that has more opportunities than other services can provide. I've worked a few different areas and now I have approved retirement orders. The people in the Army are their greatest asset.

I started in the Corps and I will retire from the Army in 2015 (terminal leave as of Sep 2014). I have had the good fortune to serve in multiple services, both in the enlisted and commissioned ranks. Each service has its areas of excellent qualities. Each service has great people. I, for one, will cherish my time with each service that I have served with/in. I know they each have their forte as well as their unique culture. It's been a great adventure!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 27 at 2014 4:30 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:30:25 -0400

Without a doubt the Physical Fitness of the Marine Corps. The most pull ups I've ever seen done was by a Female Marine. I was a Navy 5K runner and built like a Cheetah but most Marines I knew were more physically fit than I was.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 28 at 2014 8:56 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 20:56:42 -0400

Simply put; everything

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 3:36 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 03:36:56 -0400

Here's an article about an interservice transfer Airman, as an interservice transfer officer, I don't necessarily concur on all counts... although, still an interesting conversation starter, read the full article here:
http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20140201/CAREERS02/302010004/

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made May 25 at 2014 3:49 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Sun, 25 May 2014 03:49:52 -0400

I love the Navy's SR NCO induction program. working in many Joint environments and with all the sister services on many occasions i can defiantly see the immediate effect it has of the quality on SR NCOs

Response by SPC Brendan Kearns made May 25 at 2014 4:50 AM

SPC Brendan Kearns — Sun, 25 May 2014 04:50:38 -0400

The marines esprit de corps and how seriously they take themselves.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 11:30 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 23:30:12 -0400

Here's a great discussion that you'll want to check out as well: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-best-thing-about-another-service?email_token=V1ZGaVpYTnZka3czWjFWUk5tMXlXR0U1U0dONU1IVm5WMnh3UVhKQ1QzTlBjVzVQVTJORU1rNWFkejB0TFdGYWJtbHdielJxUjI4eVR6RmFRVXB2TDBWV1pVRTlQUT09LS02M2E2OGEwNTUzODZmYTc2NTI0YTk5NjRhMWQ0NjUwOGRiYjA1NTYz&urlhash=216761&utm_campaign=Mandrill_emails&utm_medium=email&utm_source=RallyPoint#216761

What is the best thing about another service? | RallyPoint

I know we all have things we admire about 'other military branches' What comes to mind for yourself?

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 3:29 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 03:29:10 -0400

The Army has a great advancement system.

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Oct 5 at 2015 9:14 PM

Cpl Clinton Britt — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 21:14:40 -0400

We all love to kid each other. All jokes aside, I respect all of the branches. Living in a community that has retired and active a like, I have quite a few friends from all branches.

We all have our specialties.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Oct 10 at 2015 11:26 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 23:26:16 -0400

We are all volunteers.