Posted on May 9, 2020
SGT Christopher Churilla
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I'm writing a story about a Marine who is no longer serving and I wanted to know how to properly describe his status. I know Marines like to say there is no such thing as an ex-Marine, so what would be the correct term? Would it be "Marine veteran" or something else?

Thanks to all of you jarheads--even if you did choose the wrong branch. ;)
Posted in these groups: B04bb539 MarinesWriting logo Writing26b6308 Creative Writing
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Responses: 1115
SFC Retention Operations Nco
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350
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I'm sure if they could read they would be very offended at being called ex-Marine lol
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Sgt Ed Allen
Sgt Ed Allen
7 mo
LCpl Mary Pullin - If you could walk on water, you'd be a Gunny or Warrant Officer.
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LCpl Mary Pullin
LCpl Mary Pullin
7 mo
I was married to a Funny (& daughter of a Mustang) - does THAT count?
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LCpl Mary Pullin
LCpl Mary Pullin
7 mo
D@MN AUTOCORRECT!!!
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Robert Jewkes
Robert Jewkes
4 mo
LCpl Mary Pullin - I thought it had to do with the Name Marine as follows:
My
Ass
Rides
In
Navy
Equipment.
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Sgt Earl Poindexter
254
254
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I’ll always answer only to Marine. Earned the title, carrying it to my grave.
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Linda Greer
Linda Greer
7 mo
Thank you for your service to our country, sir!
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Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna
Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna
6 mo
Boot Camp was NO joke as it is today!...
Been called Follower, Leader to start something good and Motivator because what I Learned and still in me...
Thank You Disciple, Team Spirit & Finish what is started!...
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SSgt Danny Radcliffe
SSgt Danny Radcliffe
4 mo
As well you should. We don't take an oath of de-enlistment. Once marine, or (insert branch), always.
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SSG Richard Bladl
SSG Richard Bladl
3 mo
All ex-military, Marines, Air Force, Army, Navy are referred to as veteran's. When asked about my status I always say VETERAN, U.S. Army. I am a soldier for life. Once discharge and no longer active or in-active duty you are a veteran. I would never call you a Marine, Air Man, Soldier or Seaman first.
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CW5 Jack Cardwell
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156
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The ones that joined the Army National Guard I called Soldier, that really got them going !
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Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna
Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna
5 mo
CPT (Join to see) - I was NOT SHOUTING...
That is my Marine Voice. Sorry I made you jump, it happens!
People usually say Marine...
Some just say, Vet.
Ass female I usually not address as Vet but think I am tagging along with my Marine Husband (also Veteran)
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SP5 Gerald Marcantel
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SPC Chris Ison
SPC Chris Ison
4 mo
Same. Drives me nuts when the marines in my guard unit claim to be " combat marines" from our deployment
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SPC Matt Ovaska
SPC Matt Ovaska
2 mo
CPT (Join to see) - What did you say
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