If being a Marine is so awesome, why is it that there are so many Marines that join the Army and Air Force?

Im going to answer your question with a short story.

Several years after my time in the Marine Infantry, I was considering doing something with Army National Guard. I was in Las Vegas at the time, and I went down to an ANG recruiting office. As soon as I walked into the door, eyeballing all of this ARMY stuff to see, I thought I might feel just a little awkward at first. Instead though, I felt a sense of familiarity I could not explain...it was not a bad thing, it was just rather unexpected.

I waited around for maybe 5-6 minutes, was greeted by an Army SSGT, we begin our usual discussion about my being a Prior Service Marine, etc. He then hollars to the SFG whom I guess was the Senior Man on post, and says rather empathically "Hey SFG, we got another live one here!" (It became somewhat obvious this was somewhat of a routine for them). The SFG comes out of his office and yells to all of the other recruiters "Hey its that time again, get up here!" I am then asked to stand up for a second, so I oblige. I am suddenly surrounded by 7 Army people all E5-E7, and the SFG calls out his makeshift commands: Gather around our brother. Remove your (ACU blouses). Ready...Post"

Each of the arms stuck out pointing in my direction had various USMC Tattoos on them.

I said Oh, well Whats' up my Brothers and Sister? (yes even she had a tattoo of similar description, albeit a bit smaller) Then everyone starts laughing, and it became clear to me that this was their collectively-speaking favorite thing to do during their routine work-week. I said "I thought I sensed something far too familiar when I came into that door."

The SSgt who I was originally seated with, says "What we have figured out is simply this:
When you want to learn to become a badass, as we all once did, go Corps. Later when you actually want to be better paid for who you are and what you do, go ANG."

I did not ultimately go ANG, as I was trying to match up a job-skill Id have interest in with what the ANG needs were for that State (in this case, Nevada). Seemed at the time most of the options were either MPs, or Motor-T Diesel Mechanics.

But I thought this experience with that particular ANG Recruiting Office...was hysterical. =)

Better pay, benefits and treatment. Easier life. And you still get to call yourself a Marine.

Although not a Marine, I have a known reason. Marines are few and far between. Their MOSs are spread out and limited. Often times they get off active duty and move to some place due to a civilian opportunity then want to be a part of the reserves. If you are stuck in Hartford CT or some other place and all you have is Army and Air around, then that is your only option.