Why does the Army not have as much pride as the Marines?

Nope, they are not Marines and they don't adapt and overcome like a Marine...with little budget...and old equipment...but the Marines always get the job done...

A Navy Corpsman (Ret)

When I'd been in for about a year and had two stripes and three ribbons I passed through an airport in North Carolina close to Camp LeJeune and a couple of shavetail enlistees engaged me in conversation while I was waiting for my wife to pick me up. They were absolutely in awe of my ribbons ( Nat. Defense, Marksman, and Outstanding Unit Award, as I recall ) and stated that they couldn't wait to get to Nam so they could kill some Cong and win the war. I was astounded but my wife who was from Pamlico County said that these were simply "the Marines". I never forgot their enthusiasm and hoped that they made it back home.

I think it has more to do with the draft as well. The inherent resentment of being drafted is drummed out of Marine recruits, not so much Army. So the gripe-culture is that much stronger in Army. How often do you hear, "It's a soldier's right to complain."? You never hear that from a Marine.

Unfortunately, that individual who signs to join the Army may little or no pride in themselves...we all bring our baggage from home.

Because they aren't Marines.

My basic training took a punk kid and made him a soldier! I was able to concentrate on AIT and become the soldier I needed to become

I think the basic reason is that the Marines have a much stronger sense of tradition. Their non-tactical uniforms haven't change much since before WWII. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Marine Divisions are still made up of the same regiments that fought the Japanese. Many of their support units (transport, supply, etc.) are still on the active rolls. The Corps doesn't putz around with their enlisted ranks, again few or no changes since WWII. I think you get my drift.
The Army on the other hand is in a constant state of flux. Units are constantly changing. Some go, others are converted from one branch to another (i.e. the 33rd Armored Regt (formally belonged to the 3rd Arm Div is now the 33rd Cavalry Regt. and is with the 101st Abn Div), still others are created new.
Since I retired in 1988, the Army's non-tactical uniform is about to go through its third iteration (Greens to Blues to Brown, (again)).
On the subject of enlisted ranks, I could write a book on the subject - the "Tech-ranks" of WWII, gone. The "Specialist" ranks come and except for Specialist (E-4), gone, Sergeant Major > Command Sgt. Maj > Sgt. Maj. of the Army. Oh, I mustn't forget the Warrant Officer ranks - they are now commissioned and have grown to 5 (WO 1 > MWO 5)
I understand the need to adjust and meet the requirements of changing missions and strategic challenges, but the Corps is able to adjust and meet those needs and keep its traditions. The Army would do well to learn from the Corps.

Mostly it comes down to personal pride. Like Gunney Boggs said, being over weight and UNSAT, it's up to the individual to stay squared away. A superior shouldn't have to tell you to do that. Individual pride leads to unit pride and branch pride. You don't have to be a Marine to be transformed. Transform yourself and you'll inspire others to follow.

I think all the comments so far are spot on. When I was in Special Operations, in the Army, the profesional expectations were high, like the Marines. When I was in regular army units I noticed a difference.

I often admired the Marine Corps for how well they instilled esprit de corps into their Marines. They not only consider each Marine to be special, as compared to other service members, but their culture compels each Marine to live up to a higher standard.

If you expect more from someone, and show them how to meet a higher standard, they will meet the expectation. In my observations, over 22 years of service, the Marines embody this.

Certain organizations in the Army do as well, specifically Special Forces, Special Operations, and Paratrooper units; but I find it impressive that the Marines do it for their entire Corps.

Back in my Basic Days (mid 50s) our unit were active Divisions. Mine was the 69th Inf Div at Ft Dix. My BCT unit was Battery B, 696 AAA Bm. Every Sat AM, the CO would give us a short history of the unit and Division during Commanders Time. When I got to my AIT unit in Ft Benning (Co A, 69th Engr Bn), again each Sat AM, Commanders Time we got a bit of the Units history. This carried onto my regular assigned unit for several years, until the Army started becoming just a "job." Pride in the Unit was installed from day one in the Army and went on for years. Now, everyone wants to get out of town on Friday Nights until Mon AM. Don't bother me with this mundane stuff. It's just a job. I dare say, the USMC doesn't have this attitude. Now, i've been out since 79 and attitudes have changed, so, this is my opinion.