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?
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 254
That's a good question, Discipline, much respect for how the history and respect is drilled into the Marines. I think I know more Marine corps history than Navy.
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I am probably not "qualified" to give valid feedback on this, but as an Instructor (for two years) with a local Young Marines "detachment" (some 50 years after my "summer vacation" at MCRD PISC) - and I should add that we did not fully follow the organization's guidelines for "basic training" - I think that there is a unique "culture" that the Marine Corps instills. It begins by a couple of seemingly minor things: "tearing down individuality" - that is, "over-sensitivity" or, on the other hand, "arrogance" - and building confidence and pride both in self and in the unit. Some of the "tricks" are learning a new language (Marines use a lot of "naval terms" such as "head", "deck", aye-aye (meaning "I understand and will comply" - a more meaningful term than "yes, sir"). There are a lot of other subtle parts of training that inculcate "recruits" with the Marine Corps culture. Marines generally know, innately, the difference between "leadership" and "management". And, at least 50-years ago, "every Marine is a rifleman". Ultimate, while everyone who has served in our armed forces - God love them all - bleeds, Marines' bleed "Marine Corps green" blood.
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I've always felt that the more strongly someone self-identifies with something is a reflection of how little they have outside of that identification. In all my dealings with Vets who're homeless, or addicts or jobless, etc, those that most strongly still self-identify with their military branch/service are those that have the least outside of it (and probably should have never left service!)
Though there's no one answer to your overly-broad question, I think this aspect has something to do with it as people who have so little with which to identify themselves as an individual search for that which gives them the strongest "communal" belonging, and the Marines (as well as the military in general) is very strong in that. It's a self-perpetuating principle.
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Though there's no one answer to your overly-broad question, I think this aspect has something to do with it as people who have so little with which to identify themselves as an individual search for that which gives them the strongest "communal" belonging, and the Marines (as well as the military in general) is very strong in that. It's a self-perpetuating principle.
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Serving with an Army combat unit in Vietnam in 1968-69, I witnessed hardly no difference on the battlefield when it came to be a disciplined being a Marine or Army guy. I fought with Marines being with us, and we made one helluva great team! I can honestly say that when I joined the Army just after high school and just turning 18, I was a skinny kid that had hardly any strong muscles in my arms and legs....I could have never passed the physical testing in the Marines in Basic training, so that's why I went into the Army. In the Army, I passed Basic Training with flying colors but I think it was a lot easier compared to taking Basic in the Marines...But war experience sure makes the best of yourself whether Army or Marines....God Bless all of our Armed Services!
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The USMC practices what the European militaries do - “Regimental Identity”. Different dress uniforms and unique accrutraments give them a better sense of pride. Even The Royal Green Jackets in England who are required to display a yellow ribbon as punishment for an act of regimental cowardice hundreds of years ago are taught a sense of pride in their unit’s colors and uniforms as they fight to have the yellow streamer removed
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I also think that part of the pride of Marines come from being elitist. They say up front that not everyone can do this. Only a few will make it. This is in a day where we don’t want anyone to feel left out. Each service branch has had to allow members into formerly elite units so others can feel good. The Marines have stuck to their guns and if you’re a Marine, you know you’ve passed the same standards as all those who went before you.
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The major difference between the USMC and Army is that the Army focuses on individual achievement, whereas the USMC focuses on being a part of a group. The USMC also cannot do anything without a camera crew and journalist attached to every platoon.
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GySgt Leo Rochon RETIRED
That camera crew thing has little to do with the Marines. I guess the Marines are expected to do fantastic things, and they just wanna be where those things happen.
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MSG Frank Kapaun
With all do respect Leo, the USMC has a habit of believing their own press just a little too much. They are good at what they do, amphibious landings and breaking things. Believing their own propaganda has bitten them in the ass on more than one occasion.
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Nope, they are not Marines...who adapt and overcome...with little budget and old equipment....but they STILL get the JOB DONE....
A Navy Corpsman (RET)
A Navy Corpsman (RET)
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