Posted on Sep 6, 2015
Why does the Army not have as much pride as the Marines?
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I have worked with all the services frequently during my career. I see the ups and downs in each service. The Army seems to have the biggest attitude towards itself though. I would like to hear thoughts as to why Soldiers seems to talk bad or dislike the service that I love. Some may disagree this is true, but I do not think I am off base by stating this.
****FOLLOW UP QUESTION****
Do you think it is possible for the Army to ever show the universal pride in service that the USMC does?
****FOLLOW UP QUESTION****
Do you think it is possible for the Army to ever show the universal pride in service that the USMC does?
Army
Morale
Branch
Pride
Marine Corps
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 252
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I don't think it's a comparative lack of pride in so much as it's the way it's "focused."
In the Marine Corps, we are very focused at the "Corps level" when it comes to pride. Just being a Marine. We don't really have "Unit" or "Branch" pride in the same sense that the Army does. But Marines talk smack the same way the Army does. we have our "haters" but being a much smaller service, and being much more geographically isolated also limits that exposure greatly.
But back to the Army. I think the Army tends to be much more "diversive" when it comes to culture. Legs vs Airborne, Ranger vs Ranger Qualified, Cav vs whatever Cav goes against. Then you get into the Units themselves, each with their own DEEP history and traditions. And then Branches, which I really have a hard time wrapping my head around. All we really have is Ground vs Wing... and we still deploy as MAGTFs.
This is just an outsider looking in.
In the Marine Corps, we are very focused at the "Corps level" when it comes to pride. Just being a Marine. We don't really have "Unit" or "Branch" pride in the same sense that the Army does. But Marines talk smack the same way the Army does. we have our "haters" but being a much smaller service, and being much more geographically isolated also limits that exposure greatly.
But back to the Army. I think the Army tends to be much more "diversive" when it comes to culture. Legs vs Airborne, Ranger vs Ranger Qualified, Cav vs whatever Cav goes against. Then you get into the Units themselves, each with their own DEEP history and traditions. And then Branches, which I really have a hard time wrapping my head around. All we really have is Ground vs Wing... and we still deploy as MAGTFs.
This is just an outsider looking in.
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Sgt Paul Eck
As a prior service Marine that currently works with Army National Guard , I think that a lot has to do with the comparative lack of knowledge by many Army servicemembers about Army history. Ask virtually any Marine about the Battle of Belleau Wood or Tun Tavern and you'll learn more than you want. But I've found many Army Soldiers that don't even know the Army birthday - yet a lot will know the Marine Corps birthday through friends.
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Sgt Chris Cornejo
All military branches have special units where the soldiers are more dedicated and disciplined. Through out the wars since ww1 many men have laid down their lives for the greater cause from different branches of the military. I am an ex-Marine and feel grateful for all of our service men and women. The Marine Corp as a whole does have more continuity in the ranks aside from other branches, not comparing with other branches special operation units. I had a friend who went to the Army back in the early 80s. He was in a tank unit. I was in the Corp then. He was out in the field and according to him he punched a new 1st lieutenant. Maybe it was exaggerated or maybe it was true. If that happened in the Corp you could be in the brig or on your way out with a dishonorable discharge. One more story. When I was a lance corporal I got into an argument with a corporal over a baseball bet. The Gunny saw this and pulled me aside and said “ Who gave you permission to raise your voice at my corporal”. I do miss the those good old days. Rank has its privileges in the Corp.
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Sgt Chris Cornejo
That was a very good point. I am an ex-marine and you are correct. The Corp does put more enfaces in this area. I believe the national cemeteries are full of real heroes and it doesn’t matter what branch of the service they were in. I was discharged 36 years ago. Some brave men and women never have lived that long. I also have admiration for the brothers and sisters who have returned home maimed from all branches of the military. SGT (Join to see)
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Marine boot camp is a transformation process. It may seem superficial, but Marines are EXPECTED to project a certain image when wearing the uniform; their success is reflected in their individual evaluations throughout their careers. Does this universal expectation exist in the Army, or is it up to the individual or the unit? I remember seeing a group of loud, chubby young women in BDUs hanging out and thinking to myself they would look just as at home in the ghetto except for the uniform. The transformation (basic training), the organization's expectations, and the image that the service members project all have a part in the input (recruits) and output of a particular branch of service. Maybe the Army just doesn't expect enough, so it's left to the individual soldier--some of whom are superstars.
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A1C Alexa Cosson
It's called Esprit de Corps. It's pride in self, country, service. Anybody can have it. All should, regardless of the uniform! From an Airman, Semper Fi to my God, country and all who defend them!!
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LT Richard Mondak
When you complete The Crucible and earn the E-G-A, only then are you permitted to proclaim, "I am a United States Marine".
Nothing makes me prouder than to see a good Marine in uniform and nothing sadder than a Marine who discredits himself and the Corps. Semper Fi.
Nothing makes me prouder than to see a good Marine in uniform and nothing sadder than a Marine who discredits himself and the Corps. Semper Fi.
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SPC Brent Turner
Actually, you are not a Sailor just by joining the Navy and swearing in. Sailors are made in boot, just as Marines are. Our training is different, because our mission is different, but ask any old salt if someone who just joined the Navy yesterday is a Sailor, and the answer will be a resounding NO!
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We like to say we empower our Junior Enlisted, the USMC actually empowers theirs....why do we hold back the rank of CPL, while the USMC has it as a normal progression for them....are we scared to trust our subordinates? When is the last time you've trained with a Marine unit or been on a base, it is constant training - all day, whether combatives, weapons, shooting, more weapons......we have to remember what our task is, and when we get away from our mission which is to kill the enemy (not wearing fluffy socks)......
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