Do you consider the term jarhead and other names for the different branches of service offensive?

2016-06-18T01:39:47-04:00

I have a couple of friends who are Marines (They are both out but I know 'Once a Marine always a Marine') and I've jokingly called them jarheads and they've made fun of the Army. I'd never call someone I just met a jarhead unless they absolutely knew I was joking. I guess what I'm getting at is, do you think interservice rivalry can sometimes come off as 'offensive'' even if it's meant jokingly?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 1:42 AM

2016-06-18T01:42:24-04:00

I'm a jarhead and I am not offended!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jun 18 at 2016 1:42 AM

2016-06-18T01:42:25-04:00

No servicemember worth their salt will ever get upset at another SM's making fun of their service. It's sibling rivalry. It's prevalent. It's healthy. I know for a fact I can (and have, in fact) call Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS or Capt Mark Strobl Jarheads, and they won't take offense, and they'll give as good as they get, by calling me a squid, or their cabbie, or ask me how many couples come up after a sub cruise, or whatever. If someone is getting offended by that, they're being a princess, and don't DESERVE the moniker.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 1:59 AM

2016-06-18T01:59:07-04:00

PFC Justin Gkuspie I have no problem being called a Jarhead by fellow veteran friends. I will respond in kind, depending on their branch. This is normal back and forth harmless fun among friends. I would not joke around like this until I get to know someone.

Response by SPC Darren Koele made Jun 18 at 2016 2:17 AM

2016-06-18T02:17:35-04:00

I work with a Marine and frequently call him jarhead (or sometimes the mockingly, Jughead). He's cool with it because he knows I have the utmost respect for anyone who served with honor regardless of branch. I haven't met a Marine yet that gets offended by the term, but I guess it's possible there could be a few out there.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 18 at 2016 2:54 AM

2016-06-18T02:54:11-04:00

No, it is all in fun. I had a Marine Gunny ask me which branch I had served in. When I said "Air Force", he looked at his feet and said "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know". I thought it was a great remark.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jun 18 at 2016 3:33 AM

2016-06-18T03:33:22-04:00

Though I've never called a Marine a Jarhead before, inter-service rivalry and name calling is in good fun. I seriously doubt anyone who served in a different branch would be offended by the name calling PFC Justin Gkuspie.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 18 at 2016 4:37 AM

2016-06-18T04:37:45-04:00

No I wear the title "Typical Old Jarhead" as a badge of honor that I earned the hard way, I worked for it for 8 years. We used to call each other "Jarhead" when I served and members of the Marines Airborne "Trooper"..and the 1st Recon "Super Grunts".

When I attended the ASA school at Fort Devens all of the Army students and instructors called me "Gyrene"..& at the NSA school at Charleston SC all of the Navy students and instructors called me "Marine"...which was interesting to see a different nickname by the Army and Navy.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 4:40 AM

2016-06-18T04:40:42-04:00

I only find it offensive when those who have never served use them. Family members can pick on each other, but don't you dare pick on someone in the family if you are not in the family!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 18 at 2016 6:59 AM

2016-06-18T06:59:46-04:00

Have a friend and old neighbor that was a Marine and we harass each other every now and then.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 8:32 AM

2016-06-18T08:32:01-04:00

Sure, terms meant inoffessively can be misinterpreted on a bad day. What used to bother me was logistics professionals calling themselves "Log-Toads" in a manner where they actually seemed to be self derogotory!

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Jun 18 at 2016 9:28 AM

2016-06-18T09:28:06-04:00

It's like a sibling rivalry, all in good fun. Squids and Jarheads have been going at it since 1775.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 9:34 AM

2016-06-18T09:34:26-04:00

It is difficult to hurt a Marine's feeling. Save me from the day when we can't pick on our fellow warriors. Just be sure to pick on puddle pirates, squids, and the chair force equally... ;)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 18 at 2016 10:07 AM

2016-06-18T10:07:29-04:00

I'm a Squid. I retired as a Squid.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jun 18 at 2016 10:29 AM

2016-06-18T10:29:11-04:00

My POV is that as a former service member, I have earned the right to address a fellow service member or veteran as a Squid, Jarhead, Wing Nut, Dog Face or Coaster. If you are not a veteran or service member you will be called to task on it. I have always looked upon it a type of friendly rivalry.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 18 at 2016 12:03 PM

2016-06-18T12:03:48-04:00

PFC Justin Gkuspie - I fine with the various nicknames. However, any term of endearment had best fly our of a fellow service-member's (or Veteran's) pie hole. Civilians haven't earned the right to get chippy with any of us... unless, maybe, it's a military mom.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-06-18T12:06:08-04:00

Hey, as an airman I objected to "airhead"

Oh wait that was my boss talking.

Response by SPC Tony Bucaro made Jun 18 at 2016 1:48 PM

2016-06-18T13:48:36-04:00

I find it funny when it's between service members and veterans. But when it comes from someone who has never served, then it is offensive! They don't have the right to use terms like "Jar Head" or "Fly Boy" when they never walked a day in their shoes!!

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-06-18T16:19:17-04:00

You should take pride in your service's nick-names. Hell, Sailors have been called Squids for quite some time. Though, if you're serving Big Blue, you might be called a "Squishy" but, that isn't heard as often. I still take pride in the names. I love tradition; it's too bad Big Navy is doing away with it. The military was never meant to be politically correct, but it seems that's the way we are headed.

Response by LCpl James Robertson made Jun 18 at 2016 8:27 PM

2016-06-18T20:27:49-04:00

Jarhead is never offensive to me Look at our cover and what do you see really.

Response by MGySgt Christopher Holley made Jun 21 at 2016 7:24 AM

2016-06-21T07:24:59-04:00

No, I do not find it offensive if I am friends with the individual. When I call my buddy "Ain't Ready to Be A Marine Yet" - for Army. He was in Delta, Ranger and a hell of a soldier. He has my deepest respect, but sill I banter with him as he does with me..... And BTW I am a old Jarhead.

Response by Cpl Adam Rooney made Jun 21 at 2016 8:32 AM

2016-06-21T08:32:52-04:00

They can call me any of those just like by buddies who are active army would call me nasty girl when I got out of the corps and went to the guard I think the problem is that sensitivity is being forced too much on the military

Response by LCpl Justin Follmer made Jun 21 at 2016 8:34 AM

2016-06-21T08:34:18-04:00

There's no such thing as "offensive" in the armed services. We all left that crap at the door prior to repeating the oath of enlistment.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jun 21 at 2016 8:50 AM

2016-06-21T08:50:16-04:00

I myself, don't consider "Jarhead" an offensive term, but I might be the odd one out in this. I came from, as my mother would say, "a Mixed Marriage" where Dad was a Marine, and Mom was Navy. They had more arguments on that, than they ever did about race or religion in their entire 60 years together.
I've always felt it was a singular term created by Marines, who were commenting on the USMC cover that is starched and stiff, as if its 'screwed on'. It is one of those things that might be a source of humor to others, but to us, its a badge of honor, because we EARNED the privledge of making fun of ourselves.

Response by LCpl Paul Messer made Jun 21 at 2016 9:31 AM

2016-06-21T09:31:22-04:00

I always liked it, so it was never offensive to me.

Response by Sgt Mario Soberal made Jun 21 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-06-21T09:53:53-04:00

I from the Jarhead Clan. Only a Jarhead has the right to call me that. And my personal friends. You earn that title and only Jarhead's know what that means.....

Response by CWO3 Sharon Spangler made Jun 21 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-06-21T09:55:16-04:00

So the story goes that during World War II sailors began referring to Marines as Jarheads. Presumably the high collar on the Marine Dress Blues uniform made a Marine's head look like it was sticking out of the top of a Mason jar. Also the Marines on the ships were tall and would hit their heads on the beam if they weren't careful- hence "jarring their head" or jarhead for short. Both scenarios seem to make I sense.

I have never taken offense to being called a jarhead- There are far worse things to be called.

Semper Fi!

Response by Cpl Patrick Seiler, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC®, CRPS®, AIF® made Jun 21 at 2016 10:07 AM

2016-06-21T10:07:29-04:00

I call Marines Jarheads all the time even if I just met them. Maybe because I am one.
if they responded negatively my next name would be dickhead.
I would not care if a army guy called me a jarhead

Response by SSgt Robert Dant made Jun 21 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-06-21T10:26:46-04:00

We have never met but you can call me a Jarhead and I will thank you for it - badge of honor.

I have met veterans and call them by their nick names and always thank Navy veterans for the rides.

It has never let me down and like myself - most carry the badge of honoring for serving and like it.

I think if it goes deeper than that - then it is harmful.

Response by GySgt Jerry Austin made Jun 21 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-06-21T10:32:22-04:00

As a retired Gunny, I would never take offense of that term, as really at least to me is a term of endearment from all my brothers/sisters in arms. However, with that said, I probably would be offended if it was used by someone who has never dawned a military uniform (earned it). We joke around about the various terms, knowing we all have stood up to defend our country by serving in the military, so its no big deal to hear it from Family, as Maj Erik Tisher so well stated: "Family members can pick on each other, but don't you dare pick on someone in the family if your not in the family!"

Response by LCpl Sam Epaloose jr made Jun 21 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-06-21T11:05:03-04:00

I am still called a Jarhead even after being out since 81. Its out of respect they say it!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 11:06 AM

2016-06-21T11:06:09-04:00

Jar heads don't get offended

Response by Capt James Emmitt made Jun 21 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-06-21T11:09:10-04:00

The more offensive the better, but it must have wit and class.

Response by SSG Delanda Hunt made Jun 21 at 2016 11:39 AM

2016-06-21T11:39:24-04:00

No, If you are so thin skinned you should have join the Girl Scouts or the Air Force. : )

Response by Sgt Al Thompson made Jun 21 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-06-21T12:33:06-04:00

Depends a lot on the speaker. However there are very few Marines that are that thin skinned. The only time I was offended by the use of the term was the title of the garbage movie they made with the sole purpose of demeaning the Marine Corps. Of course, they failed.

Response by LCpl Domingo Ariza made Jun 21 at 2016 12:37 PM

2016-06-21T12:37:55-04:00

I think the only person that would find the jocularity between branches offensive is one that never served, or an ultra sensitive person of the new military. The term jar-head, squid, crash-dummy are nothing more then one SERVICE PERSON hacking on another like two brothers in an awesome family.

Response by LCpl Chad Parson made Jun 21 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-06-21T12:41:42-04:00

Some folks take themselves too seriously and can't handle the truth. Lol. ARMY = Aren't Ready (to be) Marines Yet; NAVY = Never Again Volunteer Yourself; MARINE = Muscles Are Required, Intelligence Not Essential OR My Ass Rides In Navy Equipment; Air Force = Air Farce. Lol.

The truth is that we all have our mission specialities and we all do a bang up job executing our respective missions, and I am very thankful for the diversity of force and mission capability the U.S. Military encompasses. Like no other. Semper Fi.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Jun 21 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-06-21T13:00:59-04:00

It depends entirely on who says it, when, and in what context. Other Marines can call me a jarhead anytime they like, but anyone outside our Fraternity better know what they're doing. Personnel from other branches who are friends may get called "Squid", "Doggie" or "Zoomie", but I'd never approach a stranger wearing a Navy cap and greet him/her as such. In much the same way as racial slurs are not an insult when given by a friend, so are slang terms for our Military.

Response by Sgt Jerry Genesio made Jun 21 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-06-21T13:50:43-04:00

I was a Jarhead for six years and believe I earned the title. It's unique and projects a strong military image. I have always believed those who called me Jarhead who served in other branches as well as those who never served at all were doing it respectfully and in some instances perhaps even a bit enviously.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 2:13 PM

2016-06-21T14:13:16-04:00

Absolutely not. It is no Marines business or right to be offended. We take pride in our history, as everyone knows, so it is a part of something bigger than individuals themselves in today's Corps. The same goes for Devil Dogs, leathernecks, and any other name you have heard. The only exception I would agree with is the comment from Major Erik Tisher, who commented on this post. He made good points.

Response by Pvt Kenneth Mayberry made Jun 21 at 2016 2:26 PM

2016-06-21T14:26:35-04:00

If you know the person really well then it is ok to use the service nicknames with them.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 2:56 PM

2016-06-21T14:56:43-04:00

Only a non-Marine would think calling a Marine a Jarhead as a pejorative. As a matter of fact, I don't know of a name we haven't earned and rightfully and willingly adopted with honor. Not like F'in doggy, or squid/swabbie or wing wiper which said in mixed company, could lead to very "spirited" discussions as I have observed numerous times while in the service.

Response by GySgt Chuck Truitt made Jun 21 at 2016 4:10 PM

2016-06-21T16:10:31-04:00

It depends entirely on who says it, and the circumstance, but for the most part no it is not offensive.

Response by LtCol James L. Owens made Jun 21 at 2016 4:12 PM

2016-06-21T16:12:26-04:00

I always considered an honor. It only applies to Marines.

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Jun 21 at 2016 4:54 PM

2016-06-21T16:54:06-04:00

I think that it's a term of good natured ribbing among those who know each other. My marine friends(all retired ) call me "Bus Driver"(USAF) and "Beer Bitch" and I know that they just like to needle me. They would defend me in a heartbeat and that's the nature of friendship. However I would never call a former or current marine I do not know "Jar Head". It's a right you earn through friendship. IMHO.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 4:57 PM

2016-06-21T16:57:31-04:00

if you feel offended you're wrong, we are in the business of killing the enemy. plain and simple

Response by PO3 Tom Lewis made Jun 21 at 2016 5:05 PM

2016-06-21T17:05:44-04:00

Bubble head is submarine sailor I love it.

Response by Maj Walt Stachowicz made Jun 21 at 2016 5:21 PM

2016-06-21T17:21:35-04:00

Anyone who takes offense is too thin skinned to be in the Military. The bar fights that have ensued after some of this friendly bantering were merely demonstrations of the particular service's hand-to-hand combat training regimens.

Response by SGT Mary G. made Jun 21 at 2016 6:01 PM

2016-06-21T18:01:01-04:00

Nah. And remember we all were/are GIs . . . Goverment Issue/General Issue.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 6:09 PM

2016-06-21T18:09:58-04:00

If a Marine is offended by the term Jarhead, are they really a Marine?

Response by Cpl Michael Burns made Jun 21 at 2016 6:11 PM

2016-06-21T18:11:22-04:00

I mean to some people the term jarhead may be offensive. Really Marines should shoulder that title with pride. Its just another name. Just a few letters formed into a word. We are Marines, we've dealt with alot worse. There are however alot of Marines that get a serious case of butthurt. It is what it is. If someone takes offense tell them you were just messing with them. No harm no foul. People in all branches take things too serious. As a proud Marine, after i joined the air guard. I noticed alot of what they say about the air force was true. Every now and then ill mess with the air force guys when they say they deployed and ask them which hotel they stayed at. Serious butthurt can come from all angles though. I had another Marine giving me a hard time because he had a unconventional loyalty to them as well as the airman himself. I told him i was just giving him a hard time and to suck it up. Ive been called ignorant for jokes by a bunch of butthurt individuals. I dont get too savage in jokes. Im pretty reasonable. Ill dish out only what i am willing to recieve. You joined the military, not your mothers book club. There is name calling in the military. Feelings can get hurt in the military. You signed the papers. You want to be a big boy or girl, than act like one. There has not been one single casualty from words.

Response by Sgt O.R. (Rick) Davis made Jun 21 at 2016 6:14 PM

2016-06-21T18:14:57-04:00

I put over 7 yrs. in the Corp's, and you can call me anything you want 'cept late for Dinner !

Response by Cpl Rodger Clemons made Jun 21 at 2016 6:20 PM

2016-06-21T18:20:36-04:00

Playing golf wih a Major in the Army once, he asked me what branch I was with, (a military base golf course), I told him I was a Marine. He say, "Well you can always tell a Marine.......You just can't tell them much"). We both had a good laugh over it. Now, had that remark been made by a civilian, I probably would have taken offense.

Response by Pvt Jeff Crawford made Jun 21 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-06-21T18:39:09-04:00

Any and all surnames that Marines have collected along the way,are to me, a badge of honor.

Response by LCpl Kevin Perry made Jun 21 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-06-21T18:39:50-04:00

In response to the above question, I take no offense to being called a Jarhead...by people the know me or have served, all others should show a little more respect as far as I am concerned, I will accept an oohh rah or a semper Fi brother, but thats about all I will tolerate.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 6:52 PM

2016-06-21T18:52:40-04:00

Yes, sometimes other service members do take advantage of a good thing. But, as a good jester when said. Hey Once a Leather Neck, Jar Head or Marine, we know well enough what you meant by that. Semper Fidelis MAC. James

Response by Sgt Hard Philips made Jun 21 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-06-21T21:43:07-04:00

When used by civilians it could be considered derogatory, but it is used often among Marines.
The term originates from the "high and tight" haircut that many Marines have, which makes their head look like a jar with early handles. Just like the leathernecks uniforms protected against saber slashes, so too does that haircut protect from lice. Both titles earned by getting thru bootcamp wherein one of the recruits in my platoon from wayback in the Ozarks who had never seen a toothbrush in his life and had lice jumping off his head in the first group shower after the shave; guy also had a problem with "left, right, left..." when marching and the D.I.'s used to really ride him until we got to Edson range and he shot an expert 250 {i.e., never missed a shot} and from then on he was everybody's favorite guy!
"Oorah jarhead, semper fi!"

Response by Cpl John M Dutrow made Jun 21 at 2016 10:30 PM

2016-06-21T22:30:20-04:00

Response by Cpl John Mathews made Jun 21 at 2016 10:42 PM

2016-06-21T22:42:01-04:00

Doesn't offend me unless the tone is indicating scorn or derision. I think we Marines are hardest on sailors, except Corpsmen.

Response by LCpl Randall Mellott made Jun 21 at 2016 11:38 PM

2016-06-21T23:38:26-04:00

Does that mean I shouldn't be still calling Navy guys and gals "squids" anymore????

Response by Cpl Antonio Martinez made Jun 22 at 2016 1:21 AM

2016-06-22T01:21:56-04:00

No way! Jarhead, Leatherneck, Devildog, and all the other ones that Im not mentioning were names I earned!
Now on the other hand, I did my time with the doggies also (in the army) and it didnt feel too great when jarheads would refer to us as "doggies" but just like other veterans & active duty folks have mentioned...it was all within the family so you kinda took it in stride.
When I was at Lackland AFB for K-9 school, I was part of a small Marine detachment and I remember our company gunny referring to airmen as "zoomies" ha ha I bet they didnt like that name at all.

Response by Cpl Ronald Enders made Jun 22 at 2016 2:01 AM

2016-06-22T02:01:37-04:00

If a man or woman has served in our military, and use such terms, it is acceptable. It is a right of passage, and when used by present/former military personnel, it is a bond.

Response by Capt James Kerins made Jun 22 at 2016 4:54 AM

2016-06-22T04:54:20-04:00

Most Folks have no idea where the term comes from. I would say most think it means we have no brains and our brains are in a laboratory jar somewhere and thus we have no intelligence . The term comes from Marines in the early days on ships and they were much taller and many times they jarred their heads.

Response by Sgt Thomas Greer made Jun 22 at 2016 7:10 AM

2016-06-22T07:10:01-04:00

Not personally. I understand others may feel differently. I would not use the jargon with someone I'm not familiar with.

Response by SrA Calvin Osterhoudt made Jun 22 at 2016 7:37 AM

2016-06-22T07:37:39-04:00

In my Eyes, The only people that can use slang(Jarhead, Grunt, ground pounder, swabbie, squid, zoomie, flyboy) to describe a US Military branch are those that have served with Honor. Anyone else who uses those and other slang terms, I take offense to. I tell them, "Unless you have served with Honor in any military branch, DO NOT ADDRESS ANYONE WHO HAS SERVED BY ANY TERM OTHER THAN Marine, Sailor, Soldier, or Airman, or Coast guardsman."

Response by CPO Bryan B. made Jun 22 at 2016 8:16 AM

2016-06-22T08:16:27-04:00

Good natured inter-service "name calling" is fine, but a civilian hasn't earned that right. One of my favorite things to do when I would get a patient in the back of my ambulance and found out they were a vet would be to give them a little dig, my favorite being, "Air Force? They wouldn't let you into the really military?"

Response by MSgt Bill Loveli made Jun 22 at 2016 8:22 AM

2016-06-22T08:22:16-04:00

I don't know about other services but for Marines the term "jar head" is historicaly appropriate, going back to a uniform cover that was high with a flat crown.
No offence,
Also try: gyrene, sea going bellhop

Also

Response by Maj Ken Brown made Jun 22 at 2016 8:41 AM

2016-06-22T08:41:26-04:00

Why would I mind being called Jarhead by a friend who doesn't mean it in a derisive manner? I don't mind being called Jarhead by another Marine either. This is why I can identify with black folks who object to being referred to by the so-called n-word by non-blacks or when the word is used in a derisive manner.

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made Jun 22 at 2016 10:02 AM

2016-06-22T10:02:47-04:00

If it's another service member, I consider it along the lines of calling your brother a knucke-head. It's meant in fun and I still call Navy folk "Squids", Air Force people "Zoomies" and Army types "Dog face". I have been both USMC and Army so it never bothers me.
When a civilian says it, you can tell and it just comes off as a punk.

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made Jun 22 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-06-22T10:11:11-04:00

I think the inter-service rivalry is great. My brother Trent Klug, called me Wingnut for years. I just chalked it up to not being able to say Air Force correctly.

For those that don't know, my brother served one tour with the Marine Detachment on the USS Ranger. Then went on to be with the 7th ID, out of Fort Ord. Got out, joined the National Guard, who did the only thing they could with a man who had both sides of his brain removed. They made him an officer. (Don't let him know I am proud to call that Lt Col, brother and "Sir")

Response by Cpl Vic Eizenga made Jun 22 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-06-22T10:11:17-04:00

To me it was never offensive how else do we keep our helmets on? Just one Jarheads opinion!

Response by PO3 William Garner made Jun 22 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-06-22T10:12:21-04:00

Response by SFC Robert Bower made Jun 22 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-06-22T10:17:59-04:00

No, it's a tradition!

Response by 2ndLt Fulton Recepcion made Jun 22 at 2016 11:39 AM

2016-06-22T11:39:28-04:00

Not at all! I'm a Jarhead!

Response by LCpl Phillip Anderson made Jun 22 at 2016 2:04 PM

2016-06-22T14:04:56-04:00

Between service members it's OK. But if some Jody in the 1st cover div tries instant knife hands and a Gen Mathias throat punch

Response by Cpl Paul Loftis made Jun 22 at 2016 3:56 PM

2016-06-22T15:56:06-04:00

I personally do not find it offensive at all, we all give each other crap in good humor but we all know each branch has a part to play and I believe anyone that has served has pride in which ever branch they served in

Response by Cpl John Zamzow made Jun 22 at 2016 5:36 PM

2016-06-22T17:36:50-04:00

Nope, not at all. If it offends, then step aside and get your big boy pants on.

Response by LCpl Ross "Greg" Oliver made Jun 22 at 2016 5:58 PM

2016-06-22T17:58:49-04:00

We Marines consider the names Jarhead, Grunt, Devildog and Leatherneak with the same pride and esteem as Marine, whoever it comes from. "No offense." "None taken."

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jun 22 at 2016 10:59 PM

2016-06-22T22:59:18-04:00

No it been around a long time even my dad said it was there back in 1945 and beyond.

Response by LCpl Tad Cunningham made Jun 23 at 2016 1:13 AM

2016-06-23T01:13:27-04:00

Jarhead (Marines), squid (Navy), lazy (Army) that covers all the branches that matter.

Response by Cpl Don "GUNNY" Miller made Jun 23 at 2016 2:59 PM

2016-06-23T14:59:49-04:00

Yes we are Jarheads, Leather Necks, Devil Dogs, and some think we are crazy MotherF*****s, bottom line is we are Marines and not ashamed of any of them! Semper Fi

Response by SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer made Jun 23 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-06-23T17:08:44-04:00

No, of course not. Those are nicknames that have been around for many years and are not offensive at all. If someone in the military thinks those names are offensive, they probably do not know their history and should not be in the military. Just my 2 cents.

Response by Sgt Frank Jackson made Jun 24 at 2016 12:56 PM

2016-06-24T12:56:17-04:00

I take as a term of respect and endearment when a fellow Marine or vet (regardless of branch) calls me one. Now of course they should in turn look for one to come back, just as respectful and endearing. LOL

Response by Sgt Joseph Baker made Jun 27 at 2016 9:13 PM

2016-06-27T21:13:43-04:00

Marines generally have thick skin and have taken to using the term themselves. Not nearly as offensive as a comment a fellow Marine made to me when I revealed that my son was at Ft. Jackson for his basic-training-lite with the Army. He says, "You go around telling people that? I'd rather tell them my son was in California making animal porn than tell them he is in the Army!" I challenge anyone to top that one...

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jun 28 at 2016 10:16 AM

2016-06-28T10:16:01-04:00

The more you rail against a nickname, the more likely you are to hear it.

Walt

Response by Anita Rymer made Jul 7 at 2016 2:45 PM

2016-07-07T14:45:14-04:00

I do not think it is offensive. My husband is a former Marine and is very proud of his service as am I. Sadly our pc culture has everyone being offended of one thing or another. I am Irish and I can't even make fun of myslef anymore.

Response by Cpl Bill Bushman made Jul 11 at 2016 11:45 AM

2016-07-11T11:45:29-04:00

It's a friendly jab between armed forces, as long as when the bs hits the fan they have my back

Response by Cpl Rene Hernandez made Jul 19 at 2016 9:28 PM

2016-07-19T21:28:20-04:00

Response by SMSgt Clayton Cortinas made Sep 14 at 2016 9:56 PM

2016-09-14T21:56:32-04:00

You know, the other guys can say what the want abut the Air Force. HOWEVER---Every time they get their butts in a sling there's nothing prettier to them than the sight of a flock of F-16s or an AC-130 gun ship coming to their rescue! Not to mention the AF's aeromedical evacuation system. The thing to remember is to keep good humor and comradeship with the various nicknames be they "jar heads"(Marines),grunts (Army), Squids (Navy), or "Zoomies" (Air Force). We are all brothers/sisters in arms and wor to the foe who takes us on!!!

Response by LCpl Domingo Ariza made Mar 16 at 2017 12:18 AM

2017-03-16T00:18:51-04:00

tradition and jocularity especially no problem coming from a service member. Could be insulting coming from a civilian with no ties to the military.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2017 4:58 AM

2017-04-23T04:58:21-04:00

Nobody mentioned the term "Chairforce." Im like the majority here, if you're a civie and have never served then you have no place to make fun of the services. Other than that it doesn't bother me at all.

Response by CPL Kyle Hughes made Apr 23 at 2017 4:40 PM

2017-04-23T16:40:13-04:00

Inter service rivals are great for morale I'd stick up for any branch if a civilian tried to clown on them in a heart beat.
I get ragged on from former marine and seamen(lol) all the time and I rag them right back . But it's all done in good fun and respect.
It's part of the brotherhood/sisterhood of military fraternity

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Apr 24 at 2017 5:32 AM

2017-04-24T05:32:22-04:00

I have noticed that some of the youngsters do not like the "jarhead" monicker. Not sure why or what is behind it. I think it is hilarious that some Marines still think calling an Army Infantryman a Dog is an insult. I think that went out as a insult like four or five decades ago.....ha-ha.

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 24 at 2017 7:05 AM

2017-04-24T07:05:53-04:00

I always thought the nicknames were compliments, no matter who used them. Marines don't have anything to be embarrassed about. Its not like we are/were in the Air Force ;) [OH COME ON! you had to know I was gonna do it.]

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Apr 24 at 2017 11:16 PM

2017-04-24T23:16:58-04:00

Not when a fellow GI is using those terms. We've earned that right. Civilians... Not so much

Response by SCPO William Akin made Apr 26 at 2017 11:28 AM

2017-04-26T11:28:04-04:00

Depends on the tone of voice, and the expression on the commenters face...
At 70++++ years of age I've pretty much ceased to give a rats ass myself..

Response by Cpl Francis Meech made Apr 26 at 2017 11:59 AM

2017-04-26T11:59:53-04:00

It never bothered me or my dad.

Response by LCpl Carl Harrelson made Apr 26 at 2017 12:20 PM

2017-04-26T12:20:54-04:00

While I served on the MarDet on the U.S.S. Midway... I had a squid friend of mine once tell me the word Marine is an acronym.... Standing for Muscles Are Required Intelligence Not Expected... I was laughing so hard, I could not beat his ass for it. Now, I have a good friend who is (get this) Retired Coast Guard, he and I bust each others balls constantly. And I agree, we are all family. We have the right to bust each others chops...

Response by Cpl Ken Cooper made Apr 26 at 2017 12:39 PM

2017-04-26T12:39:46-04:00

Jarhead is a derogatory term. It's the same as a white person calling a black person a n****r. However, if you are what you call someone else, then it's meaning isn't quite the same.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Apr 26 at 2017 12:49 PM

2017-04-26T12:49:58-04:00

I like to remind them that submarines are a myth. After all, there is nothing lower than a Marine! ba dum bum, tish! But I'd never accept that from a civilian!

Response by SGT Eric Hawkins made Apr 26 at 2017 12:58 PM

2017-04-26T12:58:26-04:00

What does it matter if it comes off as offensive? That's why it's called rivalry. If you get a little stressed because some jarhead calls you a name...how are you gonna react to combat?

Response by PVT Andrew Burd made Apr 26 at 2017 1:19 PM

2017-04-26T13:19:43-04:00

call me anything but late for dinner... I was Army, so admittedly I'm a little fond of the term "knucklehead"

Response by GySgt Michael Chapman made Apr 26 at 2017 2:05 PM

2017-04-26T14:05:44-04:00

Interservice rivalries are, in my opinion, an important part of the camaraderie of the branches. 99% of Marines won't care if you call the jarhead as long as you're not clearly trying to be a jerk. Just don't call the 'Sarge' Marines really don't like that.

Response by SPC John Decker made Apr 26 at 2017 2:19 PM

2017-04-26T14:19:09-04:00

Any term you might come up with has probably existed for a long time. When joining the military, regardless of branch, you need to be prepared. Anyone taking offense should not be allowed to wear the uniform.

Response by LCpl Ferdinand Hughes made Apr 26 at 2017 2:25 PM

2017-04-26T14:25:34-04:00

Its all in fun. I work with the Navy and surrounded by former Navy in the personnel detachment. I get the occasional Jarhead and Gyrene comments. The best remark so far is don't mess with him or at least let him have his morning dose of crayons before talking to him, he's grouchy when he hasn't eaten.

Response by PO1 Shannon Drosdak made Apr 26 at 2017 2:27 PM

2017-04-26T14:27:40-04:00

I've always seen it as a term of endearment. However if you've never served and speak the words like Jar Head, ground pounder, puddle jumper, fly boy or squid I will absolutely get offended.
If these offend an active duty service member i'd assume they've never had sand I their boots or salt in their eyes.

Response by Sgt George Lawrence made Apr 26 at 2017 4:07 PM

2017-04-26T16:07:52-04:00

I can never remember any of my fellow Marines referring to any other Marine as a "jarhead". It was either simply his last name, or rank and last name, or things such as "the Colonel", "Gunny", "Top", etc., and of course the frequent use of "A*s H*le", or "Sh*t-he*d" and even the occasional "Sh*t-B*rd".

Response by SPC Rob Lewis made Apr 26 at 2017 4:16 PM

2017-04-26T16:16:39-04:00

Having a brother who was a Army paratrooper, national guardsmen and then a US Marine (Myself a former US Army MP and paratrooper). I use the term with love.

Response by MSgt Chandos Clapper made Apr 26 at 2017 5:21 PM

2017-04-26T17:21:05-04:00

No offense taken by this fly boy, wing nut, or chair force vet! I call Marines devil dogs and jar heads, Seaman rust pickers and squids, Coast Guard puddle jumpers and. Army grunts. It's a brother hood that only us vets understand.

Response by Cpl Tim Kreger made Apr 26 at 2017 6:44 PM

2017-04-26T18:44:39-04:00

I served proudly, you can call me jarhead, leatherneck, or asshole...I was and always will be a proud Marine!

Response by SGT Darryl Dunlap made Apr 26 at 2017 7:09 PM

2017-04-26T19:09:45-04:00

As a former Army guy, that has 2 sons that served Army, 1 son that served Marines, another son that is getting ready to leave for the Navy, a son-in-law that was a Marine, and a brother that was Air Force, it gets pretty interesting around our family. We all kid each other equally, call each other endearing names and joke. But we stick together as having all served. I am proud of my Grunt sons, Jarhead sons, my squid son, my chair-force brother and anyone that served.
I think anyone that hasn't served, has to be taken in context. Some are well meaning and don't deserve to be beat down for using monikers to identify us, but sometimes, the person might not be well meaning. That's when we should just walk away, because they just won't understand and don't deserve our time. Keep your chins high, know you are among a special brotherhood, and be proud.

Response by Sgt Joshua Seavey made Apr 26 at 2017 9:04 PM

2017-04-26T21:04:36-04:00

Only if the two of you don't like each other, but the Marine has more shit talking rights due to branch

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Apr 26 at 2017 9:38 PM

2017-04-26T21:38:51-04:00

My family has a long tradition of military service. Both of my grandfathers served in the US Army and Royal Army. My Dad, brother and myself all served in the Air Force. I've been called Airedale, Wing Wiper and other derogatory terms. But, if it comes from another military member, no matter what service, I took it in the spirit intended. Civilians make it an insult. Inter service rivalry will always be part and parcel of military service. So to my brother's in arms...Grunts, Jarheads, and Squids, you have my undying respect. But I will still throw out the friendly insult now and again.

God Bless You all!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 2:24 PM

2017-04-27T14:24:53-04:00

Marines do not care (always a few exceptions). throw a derogatory name at them and most will embrace it, that's how all the current nicknames originated; Jarhead, Gyrene, Leather, Leatherneck, Tuffelhunden, Devil Dog, Pogue, Grunt, Knuckle Dragger, etc...

Response by PO3 Frank McCain made Apr 27 at 2017 2:32 PM

2017-04-27T14:32:42-04:00

It like any other thing is a word it depends on how you use the term and if they have the same leeway to say the same thing back as in squid. Bot bothered by it but marines are devil dogs they earned that.

Response by SSgt Todd Garwood made Apr 27 at 2017 4:43 PM

2017-04-27T16:43:41-04:00

No I don't care what we are called.It doesn't bother me as long as I know my MOS and that I am a Marine.

Response by Sgt John Koliha made Apr 27 at 2017 6:21 PM

2017-04-27T18:21:11-04:00

When my father-in-law started in on me from the first moment, I exercised the respect I was trained that he was due, and smiled. He was a WWII Minesweeper Officer. When his youngest son, a non-service member started in I gritted my teeth for a time until I finally decided ENOUGH. Took him aside and told him hadn't earned the right to rag my ass. Shut him up, and because he couldn't understand why it was OK for his dad but not him, he hasn't had a lot to say to me since. Broke my heart.

Response by LCpl Mike Stanley made Apr 27 at 2017 9:47 PM

2017-04-27T21:47:42-04:00

Yes depending on the situation and people involved ....

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 27 at 2017 11:14 PM

2017-04-27T23:14:23-04:00

No, why?

Response by PFC David Bier made Apr 28 at 2017 2:43 PM

2017-04-28T14:43:39-04:00

Veterans kid each other about their respective branches all the time. When I meet a Navy vet, I usually tell them, "On behalf of Marines everywhere, Thanks for the ride." It usually gets a chuckle. As far as the nicknames, I usually don't use derogatory nicknames unless I know the person....then the gloves are off... ;)

Response by PO2 Loren Gilmore made Jul 25 at 2017 6:39 PM

2017-07-25T18:39:03-04:00

I grew up as the oldest son to a career Army soldier. When old enough and graduated High School I enlisted in the Navy because I was tired of seeing that green uniform everywhere I went. So my first week in Hospital Corpsman A school in San Diego I was told that every fifth class that graduates takes the short bus ride to Pendleton to become Field Corpsmen with the Marines. Damned if we were not that fifth class. So I have heard them all, Squid, Pecker Checker but the one I respect the most is Doc spoken by my Marines. I think that there will always be name calling in the service but it is more tolerable coming from ones that served then from those that have never stood up and taken the oath with their right hand in the air. Keep the rivalry going guys and gals. Doc Gilly.

Response by Sgt John Garrett made May 10 at 2018 4:13 PM

2018-05-10T16:13:52-04:00

The term Jarhead has never offended me no matter who used it.

Response by SSG Lawrence Crow made May 10 at 2018 6:58 PM

2018-05-10T18:58:26-04:00

I had a retired Gunny tell me, "You can always tell a Marine, you just can't tell 'em much!" I share that with every Jarhead I meet. Most remind me that ARMY stands for Ain't Ready to be a Marine Yet. All in fun.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 8:09 PM

2018-05-10T20:09:54-04:00

I try not to use the term Jarhead to describe a Marine. I believe crayon eater to be more accurate.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 8:48 PM

2018-05-10T20:48:18-04:00

It's supposed to be abrasive, but not demeaning.
Being a doc, I've been protected by devil dogs like I was their kin, but we call each other all sorts of 3 and 4 letter words.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 8:54 PM

2018-05-10T20:54:33-04:00

Just don't call me late for dinner or call me a Wog (pollywog). Leatherneck & Shellback and proud of it. When my Dad was still living he called me jarhead. I called him Doggie because he was Army Infantry SGT, WWI/Korea. He often referred to his time in Army as being cannon fodder.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made May 10 at 2018 9:08 PM

2018-05-10T21:08:19-04:00

Since only Marines are called jarheads......I wear the term as a badge of honor. Lot of back and forth goes on between the branches of service.......and we all give as good as we get. I asked a coworker once if he was in the military, and he said yes. I asked what branch, and he said Air Force. I thought you said you were in the military, I told him. You must have been a jarhead, he responded. We had a lot of fun with the back and forth on that for years. Truth is......I have a lot of respect for anyone that took the oath to serve our country, regardless of which branch they chose to do it in. Except for the Navy, of course......hate those squids! (Just jerking the chains of my Navy friends......actually like those guys......at least, most of them)

Response by SSgt Keary Everitt made May 10 at 2018 9:16 PM

2018-05-10T21:16:01-04:00

Joking offense is the best type of flattery.

Response by Cpl Gabriel F. made May 10 at 2018 9:17 PM

2018-05-10T21:17:16-04:00

No as already mentioned all in the military family. Marines and sailors were always using slang names in reference to each other. Much slang of other services started in Parris Island with more cussing and vulgariety than previously thought possible. Aboard ship the sea, air, land types were questioned, how long can you balance a ball on your chin anyway ? Then there were the seal sounds and clapping hands. Deck ape, squid, paint chipper, anchor clanker, pixie cup referred to the head gear. Navy gave it right back to the grunts on their vessel with a colorful cussing. Lining up for ship chow the ice cream machine would break.
Recent events made BAM a bad reference. Fifty plus years ago it was used not in a derogatory manner. Just a nickname term of endearment for the WM.
The U.S. Air Force always treated a Marine well. They did not care for Marines off the flight line with weapons. In a uniform with no chevrons got me into a U.S. Air Force Officers Club Hickam Transport across the the base provided by a U.S. Air Force Police butter bar lieutenant. Air dale, wing wipper and odd references to being civilians were still used. No better chow or base services than U.S. Air Force.
Doggie, dog face, ice cream soldier, ricky ranger and SF were not spared. U.S. Army chow better than Marine.
Coast Guard then under the Deparment of Transportation. Duck ass navy, knee deep navy and those guys lived on a yatch. All in the family.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 12:45 AM

2018-05-11T00:45:49-04:00

When I say Jarhead, I mean it as a term of endearment. I love my Marine friends.

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made May 11 at 2018 1:43 AM

2018-05-11T01:43:01-04:00

If they were offensive or demeaning to the individual forces, force leaders would have done away with them years ago.

Response by SMSgt Dan Johnson made May 11 at 2018 1:56 AM

2018-05-11T01:56:19-04:00

Only thing I’ve ever seen piss off a Marine is calling them an “ex-Marine.” Now go eat some crayons. E8 Retired.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 7:58 AM

2018-05-11T07:58:02-04:00

Nope. I've been called "Squid", "Swabbie" and more inventive terms...each carried with pride. Now, one has to remember that "intonation" and "inflection" mean an awful lot, and it's sometimes very unwise to call the beefy Marine hitting on your date at the bar a "Jarhead" if you're not prepared to back it up :)

Response by CWO2 Bill Kerr made May 11 at 2018 8:12 AM

2018-05-11T08:12:29-04:00

I don’t consider it all offensive from another service member. It’s all in gist, it builds comraderie. You pick on your siblings. Anyone else does you’re ready to throw down. We’re brothers and sisters in the same fight.

Response by PO1 Robert Whitcomb made May 11 at 2018 9:25 AM

2018-05-11T09:25:45-04:00

Although I have had bad reactions from trying to joke with other SMs, most of them take it good naturally. Feels goods to connect again after so many years retired.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made May 11 at 2018 9:37 AM

2018-05-11T09:37:01-04:00

I have ribbed other branch's of service as they have ribbed me. I have had the honor of training other branch's in my carriers and have always felt we are one. Thank god America still have those who are willing to go above and beyond to keep the USA safe and free. Thank you all.

Response by LCpl John Lewis made May 11 at 2018 9:51 AM

2018-05-11T09:51:12-04:00

I am a big pot stirrer ,lol,but only with people who know me, and can take it

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made May 11 at 2018 10:27 AM

2018-05-11T10:27:02-04:00

Interservice banter is always necessary! It is a professional rivalry amongst brothers and sisters and bonds the services during the utmost difficult time periods.

Response by PO2 Charlene Basden made May 11 at 2018 11:09 AM

2018-05-11T11:09:10-04:00

I highly doubt a jarhead would take offense like a snowflake. Now, the Air Force is a different storey

Response by LTC Tim Ellis made May 11 at 2018 11:09 AM

2018-05-11T11:09:28-04:00

I wasn't offended when a Marine referred to us as Dogface Soldiers

Response by LCpl Adam Leonard made May 11 at 2018 11:20 AM

2018-05-11T11:20:13-04:00

I forgive you, we can't all be Marines!

Response by LCpl Adam Leonard made May 11 at 2018 11:20 AM

2018-05-11T11:20:50-04:00

I forgive you, we can't all be Marines!

Response by SCPO Kelly Jernigan made May 11 at 2018 12:20 PM

2018-05-11T12:20:06-04:00

Not at all. They are Terms of Endearment from our fellow brothers and sisters and are given and returned with humor and no ill will intended. Now, coming from the other 99% who have never served....

Response by COL William Oseles made May 11 at 2018 2:46 PM

2018-05-11T14:46:01-04:00

Uncle Sam's Misguided Children are sensitive at times.

Response by PFC Charles Sanders made May 11 at 2018 4:45 PM

2018-05-11T16:45:35-04:00

It depends on how it’s said, like many other things.

Response by Cpl Mike Causey made May 11 at 2018 6:35 PM

2018-05-11T18:35:15-04:00

It doesn’t bother me. I have a buddy at work who was in the Navy, and I tell him to leave my crayons alone. They’re only for me to eat.

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made May 11 at 2018 6:46 PM

2018-05-11T18:46:24-04:00

Gotta admire the Sea Going Bell Hops. :) My father served 21 years in the Army he had a Nephew in the Marines. I think I must have learned every Marine Insult in the book, but, again it wasn't an Insult just good natured inner service rivalry.

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made May 11 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-05-11T18:51:17-04:00

My Daughter was dating an Airforce guy. I taught her the "Junior Birdman Song" Told her Airforce guys loved it. :)

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 11 at 2018 7:00 PM

2018-05-11T19:00:13-04:00

No, it is in fun and most do not mind

Response by PO3 Scot Fahey made May 11 at 2018 8:24 PM

2018-05-11T20:24:21-04:00

USN /CTM myself, but Joint Service operations often you work with other government agencies, pulling the same load. I have no doubt USMC pulls the load and then some when requested

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made May 11 at 2018 8:47 PM

2018-05-11T20:47:14-04:00

Only other individuals who have served on the military fully understand the sacrifices made by others who have served. I don't generally use terms like that, but will make fun of another branch only with those who know of my service. That understanding of service is critical to understanding that love that lies at the core of the jab.

Response by 1SG Larry Taggart made May 11 at 2018 9:05 PM

2018-05-11T21:05:34-04:00

The Notion that someone might get offended. Is Crap. Some times people need to be offended. Stop with this Barney love.

Response by SSG Will Phillips made May 11 at 2018 11:15 PM

2018-05-11T23:15:55-04:00

Hey ... As long as said "Jar Head / Leather Neck" understands it is meant as a term of endearment, other wise...

Response by PO2 Brian Buck made May 12 at 2018 7:25 AM

2018-05-12T07:25:07-04:00

I’ve found that those that take offense at good natured ribbing never really served with their heart. I grew up as the son of a man who split 22 years between the Navy and Air Force. I myself was Navy and a brother was Air Force. I have (had) 4 uncles serve in WWII as Marines. Family reunions were always a gas.

Response by LCpl Robert Fott made May 12 at 2018 9:24 AM

2018-05-12T09:24:40-04:00

Personally I take the terms jarhead and leatherneck as badges of honor that I earned. Semper Fi

Response by PO2 Hauke Powers made May 12 at 2018 9:46 AM

2018-05-12T09:46:15-04:00

Having known MANY Marines personally, I would NEVER use ANY of the so-called names on them...These Marines take supreme pride of their title and the heritage of BEING a UNITED STATES MARINE...They always respected my rank and station as a sailor and fellow serviceman. I never even joked with them about the terms...we DID discuss the historic base of the terms..what they meant, where they came from, from what theater of time and war...things like that....but to CALL them those "nick names".....NEVER...EVER...EVER...My respect and pride of Marines goes to a personal level as well...Had family members who were Marines, now deceased...and I have friends who a retired Marines...still...until death...ALWAYS A MARINE....SEMPER FIDELIS !!!!

Response by SSG Bob DeWitt made May 12 at 2018 10:05 AM

2018-05-12T10:05:22-04:00

I think inter-service rivalry is the duty of everyone who has served. To this day I call my 80 year old Dad a Puddle Pirate!

Response by SSgt Mike Finch made May 12 at 2018 4:15 PM

2018-05-12T16:15:55-04:00

I woulda joined the Marines but my parents were married.

It really depends on the setting. Do they KNOW you are a fellow service member? Do they KNOW you mean it in jest?

It's funny. I was stationed at Myrtle Beach AFB. We had "guests" from all services. We'd give them quite a ribbing on base but we'd often go party off-base together. We could give them crap but they were our "brothers in arms" against anyone else.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 4:39 PM

2018-05-12T16:39:06-04:00

Jarhead, Doggie, Swabbie, Zoomie, Coastie......did I forget anyone? Since I was a Marine and Soldier, just don't call me one of the others!

Response by SP5 Tom Coppersmith made May 12 at 2018 8:36 PM

2018-05-12T20:36:17-04:00

It's part of the game.. we pick on each other, but God help anyone that gets in the middle

Response by SFC Jimmy Williams made May 12 at 2018 11:31 PM

2018-05-12T23:31:44-04:00

I like give my condolences to navy and Air Force for not qualifying for military service. For my marine friends I tell them it's ok that they were not up to army standards. But, seriously, I enjoy bantering with others who served. Vets share a heritage and belong to a family that few understand who have not served. But there are others who get it. First responders, for example. My brother was not in the military, but he has been in law enforcement for over 40 years. So, I don't mind it when he kids me about sucking on the government tit every month when I get my army retirement check. I get my doughnut jokes in. With Memorial Day coming this month, lets all remember those who served, but are not here to enjoy the interservice rivalries.

Response by LCDR Tim McKenzie made May 13 at 2018 12:46 AM

2018-05-13T00:46:55-04:00

I remember the old recruiting commercial that said, “The Marines are looking for a few good men.” I used to add....”because that’s all they got.” I love the Corp, and will continue to break balls. The Navy has to deal with all the fat/gay jokes from Army dogs.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 3:04 AM

2018-05-13T03:04:06-04:00

Do not give a sh t what you call me ,? As long as you do not look like a crayon,, I will melt you!!!!!!!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 3:31 AM

2018-05-13T03:31:29-04:00

In my time in the service of my country I served almost all branches. Started in the Marines and ending with the Air Force. We all are willing to give our lives for our country. We are family and will always be. We are the 2%'ers and are bounded for life. We can joke on ourselves but if your not part of this family tread lightly with your jokes. Just saying.....

Response by LCpl Aaron Freeman made May 13 at 2018 4:29 AM

2018-05-13T04:29:35-04:00

I don't... it's a term of endearment with us Marines! We're a cut above, and we know this! You can be in the Army or Navy... but, you ARE A MARINE!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 7:24 AM

2018-05-13T07:24:53-04:00

Not in between services. We make fun on each other but we defend our own.

Response by SSG Curtis Mcneill made May 13 at 2018 8:04 AM

2018-05-13T08:04:26-04:00

Just fun the military branches

Response by Cpl Andrew Tucker made May 13 at 2018 9:02 AM

2018-05-13T09:02:00-04:00

Umm.... Marines would never get butthurt over someone calling us a Jarhead, because we aren't pussies.

Response by A1C William Jodeit made May 13 at 2018 9:13 AM

2018-05-13T09:13:42-04:00

When a non-veteran makes ogf color remarks about my service in the Air Force or when my AF servoce os denigrated to mean I made no contribition are two sore spots. I can have fun with service members who understand that regardless of MOS or branch we all wrote out that blank check.

Response by SGT Thom Knott made May 13 at 2018 11:11 AM

2018-05-13T11:11:52-04:00

If they get offended, they wouldn't be much of a marine.

Response by SFC David Fullmer made May 13 at 2018 11:52 AM

2018-05-13T11:52:07-04:00

In my experience jarheads are usually more offended when called a former Marine or part of the Navy.

Response by 1SG Mark Reed made May 13 at 2018 12:01 PM

2018-05-13T12:01:06-04:00

Being retired from the Army I have zero problems using the term, it shows respect to a brother service:
So, during World War II sailors began referring to Marines as Jarheads. Presumably the high collar on the Marine Dress Blues uniform made a Marine's head look like it was sticking out of the top of a Mason jar. Marines were not insulted. Instead, they embraced the new moniker as a term of utmost respect.

Response by SSG Darryl Cullum made May 13 at 2018 1:49 PM

2018-05-13T13:49:47-04:00

I know that all military vets and active duty share a common bond, marines are a lil different and don't take kindly to those who call them names that are NOT in our part of the TEAM. Most ignore out but many REALLY get pissed at outsiders. You must earn the RIGHT to call them or any servicemen jarhead, leatherneck, bushbunny, fly boy, shell back, or any number of names, rightfully so.

Response by SSG Darryl Cullum made May 13 at 2018 1:51 PM

2018-05-13T13:51:07-04:00

All fun n games of your a vet or active duty. Most times.

Response by PO2 Killashandra Leigh made May 13 at 2018 2:52 PM

2018-05-13T14:52:44-04:00

Rivalry between service branches has been around practically forever, and any of us that would be offended by it, need thicker hides. I grew up in and around the military, and some of my fondest memories growing up are of listening to my dad (Navy), and my uncles (Army and Marine Corps), "insult" one another. Heck, even within the same service you have rivalries. Submariners are called "Bubbleheads", Surface Sailors are "Skimmer Pukes", Aviation rates are "Airdales". Folks who served in board Carriers are "Bird Farmers", and the list goes on and on. None of it is meant to be offensive.

Response by PFC Jack Jones made May 13 at 2018 2:55 PM

2018-05-13T14:55:01-04:00

It a term of endearment when used amongst veterans. I served in the 82nd Airborne but many of my friends served in the Marines. Just as someone stated above, I call them Jarhead and they call me a Leg, but no matter where my friends served and who they served with, they are family and I know they’ve got my six just as I have theirs. But to go as far as saying it “offensive”, I think is a little much. If you served, your skin should be thick enough to handle it. That is unless you served in the Air Force or Navy. Haha. See what I did there? Army guy making fun of the squids and chair force? To everyone, thank you for your service. Airborne All the Way!

Response by SPC Erin Myatt made May 13 at 2018 3:32 PM

2018-05-13T15:32:16-04:00

My ex husband was a marine and I was in the army. We all talk bs to each other. As far as anyone who hasn’t served a day in their life, I’d be offended but wouldn’t get overly butt hurt over it haha

Response by HN Kurt Hines made May 13 at 2018 3:44 PM

2018-05-13T15:44:16-04:00

There is the old rule "smile when you say that". The UCMJ included charges of "provoking speech and gestures" for a reason.

Response by CSM Steve Ridenour made May 13 at 2018 4:23 PM

2018-05-13T16:23:00-04:00

As a former Marine it doesn’t bother me at all. Yep I changed services and retired from the Army. Devil Dog

Response by 2LT Gerald Dominy made May 13 at 2018 5:01 PM

2018-05-13T17:01:39-04:00

I highly respect the marines. and when the SHTF I am enlisting with the nearest one I can find follow his orders. given the character I have seen displayed in 3 of the branches I have served..i regret not going into the marines.. all this being said..i think their right, interactive rivalries. sibling classmate ribbing. if you ever had a drill instructor and lived out of a foot locker , we were members of the same fraternity. attended school in the same place. I served during the Grenada campaign, I saw the debacle with communications between branches. I was I say then, went on to serve yearly res. in signal corps, saw the results and improvements as a result of Grenada. then went on to return to avionics and ground radio in Tn army national guard for 6 more years. and two stints in officers candidate school. I gravitate to other services members in my units then..they all had certian skills and abilities afforded them by their branches. civilians just don't get it..they often are consumed by petty high school mentalities towards others and subvert or sabotage others careers and refuse to work with others. act like brats..or our word was INDIVIDUALS. I have worked with veterans I did not get along with. and worked well together despite the friction. what gets me has been the weekend warriors. guardsmen. not as petty as civillians. but just as much primadonnas. backstabbing and manipulations and politicking just like civilians. yet seem entitled. only prior enlisted generally have been good of this attitudes. So from time to time I get a troll or punk in my face or on a keyboard giving me grief. I shut them down with this fact.. when you sign on the dotted line and raise you hand to swear the oath to write that blank check UP TO And INCLUDING YOUR LIFE. When you are prepared to PAY THE EXPENSE OF FREEDOM. Dont lecture me , get back with me after you have.

Response by 2LT Gerald Dominy made May 13 at 2018 5:04 PM

2018-05-13T17:04:01-04:00

sorry. bad text. fubar cell dictionary

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made May 13 at 2018 5:11 PM

2018-05-13T17:11:30-04:00

Good natured kidding with members of other services has been around forever, and will probably continue. Nothing wrong with it. It is inappropriate for non veterans to engage in this behavior however.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 5:51 PM

2018-05-13T17:51:10-04:00

No we know it all in fun as long as your military

Response by SSG Armand Caron made May 13 at 2018 5:53 PM

2018-05-13T17:53:51-04:00

I usually would ask a Marine friend of mine about what it was like being in the Naval Infantry!!! :-D And he didn't kill me, he was one big sumbitch.

Response by SrA Kevin Piatek made May 13 at 2018 6:20 PM

2018-05-13T18:20:16-04:00

As has already been said when one service members says it to another there is no issue all military are family. And all families joke with each other.

Response by TSgt R T made May 13 at 2018 7:27 PM

2018-05-13T19:27:46-04:00

I'm in VFW, Legion, and Patriot Guard. It seems some Marine Veterans totally despise the USAF. Just totally can't comprehend their attitude and thinking.

Response by MSG Mark Szyman made May 13 at 2018 8:59 PM

2018-05-13T20:59:00-04:00

Nope and neither do most Marines I know.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 9:15 PM

2018-05-13T21:15:36-04:00

We turn insult into compliment. It’s part of our twisted since of humor.

Response by SFC Carl Penrod made May 13 at 2018 10:32 PM

2018-05-13T22:32:13-04:00

I’ve served with all the branches of service. Anyone that takes offense at good natured ribbing among the services doesn’t need to be there. We are all comrades in arms and all are important in the defense of our country. So call me a Doggie.....I earned it!

Response by SSG Paul's Page made May 14 at 2018 12:13 AM

2018-05-14T00:13:49-04:00

We can flip shit all day at each other but don't even start shit and never have served. You might find urself in a heap of trouble from several different branches at once.

Response by SGT Richard Barcus made May 14 at 2018 8:57 AM

2018-05-14T08:57:24-04:00

I would never take offense to it unless it came from a flag burning left.

Response by 1SG Leon Espe made May 14 at 2018 10:36 AM

2018-05-14T10:36:56-04:00

Every time I have used the term "Jarhead" it was meant as a compliment because of their high and tight haircuts (I have cut mine the same way (flat top) for the last 70 years since I enlisted in 1948.) Just like other services call Army troops. Groundpounders, Straight legs, Dogfaces and so on we call Air Force Troops Flyboys and Sailors Gobs and Marines were "sometimes" called Bellhops because of their brightly colored uniform. When I was in the Army The Women's Army Corps was jokingly called "Crack Troops". I married a WAC. All of the above were descriptive and not meant as insults. I have fought along side of Marines at the Battle of Chosen and have the highest regard for the Corps. I have worked along side of Air Force Personnel and respect their crisp efficiency. I have experienced Navy personnel's generosity when the LST we left North Korea on in Dec 24th 1950 gave up their Christmas Dinner to us Dogfaces on Christmas Day 1950. I have also worked and fought along side of English Troops (Old Father's Brigade whose members were all over 40 years old) in the Korean War, along side of Canadians (Princes Pat Regiment in Korea, Canuks), Australians (Ausies), South Korean Troops (Gooks, ROKS, and KATUSAS), in Korea AND Vietnam. I have sincere respect for them all.

Response by SGT David Nicholas made May 14 at 2018 10:54 AM

2018-05-14T10:54:04-04:00

There is a bond between all of us who served and even though we pick on each other's branch or MOS, the bottom line is we ALL serve the United States of America and will Always back each other up!

Response by Maj Daniel Rubadue made May 14 at 2018 11:49 AM

2018-05-14T11:49:12-04:00

If you served, fine with me. USMC mustang sends his regards

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2018 12:46 PM

2018-05-14T12:46:23-04:00

If I DIDN'T make fun of fellow SM, I wouldn't be able stay in. That's what makes it all bearable.

Response by CSM John Pepper made May 14 at 2018 5:33 PM

2018-05-14T17:33:40-04:00

Respecr is earned not given, as is your privilege of inter-service rivalry. Discretion is the better part of valor.

Response by PO3 Terence Snyder made May 14 at 2018 6:16 PM

2018-05-14T18:16:37-04:00

Jar head,grunt,squid,zoomies,coasters to me means that we’ve all been there and is a sign of respect I’m just a 70 year old squid and Proud of it.

Response by SSG Randy Brandt made May 14 at 2018 6:33 PM

2018-05-14T18:33:01-04:00

To me it's all good clean fun. We are all brothers in arms fighting for the same side. Sometimes side by side.

Response by Cpl John Devlin made May 14 at 2018 7:09 PM

2018-05-14T19:09:07-04:00

Response by SFC Phillip Allen made May 14 at 2018 7:21 PM

2018-05-14T19:21:49-04:00

Get over it. It’s a common service rivalry thing, and anyone who takes offense is way too sensitive. Air Force are Chairborn rangers, and Navy are squids or wave humpers, Coast Guard are Navy baby brothers, Army are dog faces, etc... don’t be so thin skinned, only a real douchebag denigrates someone else willing to serve and sacrifice for their country

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2018 8:21 PM

2018-05-14T20:21:58-04:00

Coming from a brother or sister that have walked the walk, no. From Joe the rag man that never did sign up, yeah. I'm not gonna correct them or chase them down but if you haven't served then you have not earned the right. Only exception is immediate family of a service members and even then it should be someone they know in my opinion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2018 9:09 PM

2018-05-14T21:09:49-04:00

It's all done in the name of fun. Unless you never served. I used to hang out with a salty old retired Gunny from the Marines. I'm Army Reserve, and man would we go rounds. Lol. Looking back at it, we were like family. He was like my 2nd dad. He helped me when times were rough for me. That's something you never see in the civilian world. I was a complete stranger oblivious to his background, but he treated me like family from day one. So to me, non military folk can't hang with us because, face it, we are the 1%. Lol.

Response by 2ndLt Scott Gifford made May 14 at 2018 10:42 PM

2018-05-14T22:42:16-04:00

It’s all in fun however you can sense when someone is going overboard.

Response by SSG David Burgers made May 14 at 2018 11:37 PM

2018-05-14T23:37:36-04:00

I worked with an Airforce veteran. We worked together for several years and I considered her a friend. As an Army veteran I gave her crap about the para-military. She later filed harassment charges. I was stunned.

Response by Cpl Rick Logan made May 15 at 2018 12:48 AM

2018-05-15T00:48:48-04:00

The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!!

Eleanor Roosevelt

Response by SPC Brian Casario made May 15 at 2018 12:48 AM

2018-05-15T00:48:51-04:00

Crayon jokes are always the best when my Marine friends are stressing about something. One think I learned when in the army was that if someone didn't like you, they wouldn't be giving you wise remarks.

Response by PO1 Nathan Murphy made May 15 at 2018 3:01 AM

2018-05-15T03:01:30-04:00

I'm a proud squid... That's just how I feel..

Response by CPL Jeff Tappan made May 15 at 2018 5:23 AM

2018-05-15T05:23:49-04:00

Never used ' jarhead ' , even around Marines I'd known. Called a brother a ' squid ' , but he'd been an AB on the Nimitz years ago. Just never thought much of name calling.

Response by SPC Mike Gruben made May 15 at 2018 8:01 AM

2018-05-15T08:01:54-04:00

The competition between the branches is what keeps everyone training harder to be the best. It takes all branches to be successful in combat and when the boots hit the ground the only patch that matters is the american flag. We all have each others 6

Response by Cpl Ralph Clark made May 15 at 2018 8:45 AM

2018-05-15T08:45:05-04:00

I believe Marines have enough self confidence in themselves to not be offended by anything said to them by any other service. We give as much as we get!!!!!!!

Response by PO1 Anthony Fuller made May 15 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-05-15T11:39:42-04:00

It is funny, I only get annoyed when some chest thumper hears I was in the Navy and wants to give me the 10min speech on how much harder life was for him in Iraq or Afghanistan... I let them go for a while before I tell them I was a Corpsman attached to the Marines and did first two of 5 Iraq tours with the Infantry....

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made May 15 at 2018 12:31 PM

2018-05-15T12:31:02-04:00

From ANY service member, I take it for what it is. A joke. And I give it right back. As military members and veterans, we have EARNED the privilege of insulting our brothers in arms. Civilians, who have never served, just insult us with those terms.

Thank You to ALL my brothers and sisters of the US Military. You all are awesome. For Squids, Grunts , Jarheads, Coasters, and Wingwipers! Lol. Friendly jibe at all branches.

Response by SFC John McDonald made May 15 at 2018 2:40 PM

2018-05-15T14:40:51-04:00

I have no issue with the crayon eaters, paramilitary (airforce) squiddies of coasties talking shit, and calling me a crunchie... but some fat ass calls a crayon eater just that.. the devil dog will have to hold me back....

Response by Matt Moon made May 15 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-05-15T14:51:38-04:00

Not really Jarhead is an official name for a Marine. I wouldn't call anybody that unless i physical knew them in a jokeing way . By calling a Marine a Jarhead they don't know if your jokeing our your trying to make fun of them and be a smart ass it's best to just avoid calling them that some find it quite offensive.

Response by SGM Van Seagraves made May 15 at 2018 4:51 PM

2018-05-15T16:51:28-04:00

Unless you wore the uniform, you have not earned the right to call anyone a name other that that of soldier, sailor, airman or Marine. 26 years and I would only chive other service members if I knew them and was prepared to receive return fire..

Response by PO2 Carl Smith made May 15 at 2018 5:26 PM

2018-05-15T17:26:16-04:00

Only when those that have never served feel they have the right to use the term. But then again, I have issues with self entitled civilians the don't know the difference between their head or their ass.

Response by SGT David Mach made May 15 at 2018 7:17 PM

2018-05-15T19:17:48-04:00

Brother hood of military

Response by SGT Aric Lier made May 15 at 2018 7:57 PM

2018-05-15T19:57:27-04:00

im guessing you are a pog.... its ok you're still better than crayon eating jarhead.... you are now doubting your valor as you reminisce as to whether it was appropriate...... so I will say to you stfu stand up and be proud yes you can insult as they will insult you..... just like I will call out pogs and dirty nasty legs

Response by PO1 Barbara Matthews made May 15 at 2018 8:00 PM

2018-05-15T20:00:24-04:00

I have used the term "Jarhead" before. I meant it lovingly. I was a Corpsman in the Navy, and never met a Marine who didn't take good care of their "doc". And doc would always be ready to patch up a Marine, with plenty of Motrin.

There is a special bond between Corpsmen and Marines. I never got to go green side but I still treated many Marines that were on base. I even did a tour at Camp LeJeune. Talk about toughing it out and then. I was a single female Corpsman at Camp LeJeune in 1992. I never had to buy my own drink in or off base ever. Anyways I digress.

In spite if it all all services poke fun at each other. Maybe not in the kinder more sensitive environment service members are more offended. Not sure when I served.

Response by SPC Michael Terek made May 15 at 2018 9:13 PM

2018-05-15T21:13:24-04:00

You know what I hate most about the goddamn Marines?!?! It's the fact that I can't piss them off, no matter how hard I try!!! Whenever I meet a Marine, I ALWAYS have a derogatory remark of some sort. But, they always assume (correctly) that I am Army, and laugh it off. Usually with a remark something like "even the Army has heroes" . I have made it my life's goal to piss off a Marine, but so far I have failed.

On the plus side, I love the look on civilians faces when I publicly make fun of the goddam Marines !!!

Response by SSG Jeff Gerfen made May 15 at 2018 9:40 PM

2018-05-15T21:40:33-04:00

No, I’ve spent 20 years in the military in two different branches. In Hondorus, I worked with all branches, in Desert Storm I worked with all branches. I now work with other retirees, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Army, they make fun of me and I make fun of them. Inter service rivalry Is fine and has always been there and will always be there, as long as you don’t go overboard. But if I hear of somebody making fun of another service member from another branch and the person doing the fun as never been in the military I’ve got that service members back. We must stick together and most of us will not abide in someone who never served, giving another service member a hard time.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2018 9:40 PM

2018-05-15T21:40:39-04:00

It’s all in good-natured and competitive rivalry. When it counts, we are all shoulder to shoulder putting rounds downrange on the enemy.

Response by SPC Joe Weddington made May 15 at 2018 10:25 PM

2018-05-15T22:25:34-04:00

Part of what you sign on for. We are all family and it's all in good fun. Outsiders, they haven't earned the right.

Response by SGT William Boyd made May 15 at 2018 11:27 PM

2018-05-15T23:27:57-04:00

I am old Army and like the Army marines are a proud unite, every branch is proud, we always joke at each other, but trust me we all have each others back always

Response by Sgt George Kovach made May 16 at 2018 5:33 AM

2018-05-16T05:33:28-04:00

i never once nor ever will take offense, my brother was Army. Semper fi.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 7:21 AM

2018-05-16T07:21:55-04:00

I think that interservice rivalry is like the younger brother calling his older brother a mix of personally compiled insults, ending with the older brother laughing them off-- essential for any happy yet dysfunctional family. Civilians, however, are for the most part clueless how these terms of affection were coined and may end up on the pejorative end of the poking stick.

Response by PO2 Loren Gilmore made May 16 at 2018 7:43 AM

2018-05-16T07:43:10-04:00

I served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman with the Marines mostly and had gotten more respect from my Marines then I ever did from some of the sailors I served with. Yes I heard them all and not offended by any of them. It's when civilians try to join in on the name calling that gets them in trouble. You earn the name Doc, it isn't a given and believe me you will always have your back and butt protected by the Marine men and women that you serve with. Thanks, Doc Gilly. =)

Response by Sgt Mike Jacobi made May 16 at 2018 8:33 AM

2018-05-16T08:33:34-04:00

it gets old after awhile but it’s acceptable in limited quantities from friends who are also good friends.

Response by Sgt Van Livingston made May 16 at 2018 9:23 AM

2018-05-16T09:23:07-04:00

I make a lot of jokes about the marines, a lot of them are from my dad who was a WWII army vet, I was also army but I know a bunch of marines and they make jokes with me and no one takes offense. If it offends you, grow up.

Response by TSgt David Desmarais made May 16 at 2018 9:25 AM

2018-05-16T09:25:24-04:00

Not at all offensive, its part of the historical camaraderie and friendly rivalry between services. however it today's "sensitive" world, who knows....

Response by Maj David Kraklow made May 16 at 2018 9:28 AM

2018-05-16T09:28:05-04:00

Not at all. We take jabs at each other all the time. It’s all in good fun, nothing personal at all.

Response by PO1 TheBee Ef A made May 16 at 2018 9:38 AM

2018-05-16T09:38:38-04:00

I think the most important part is the tone. And it helps if you are Navy. It's kind of a given that the Navy is allowed to harass the Marines because it seems it'll always be considered friendly banter.

Response by SPC Stan LaCount made May 16 at 2018 9:47 AM

2018-05-16T09:47:25-04:00

Dog face or Jarhead we all served together and respect one another.

Response by 1SG Ralph Hazlett made May 16 at 2018 10:15 AM

2018-05-16T10:15:26-04:00

After I retired from the Army. I got a new neighbor. He is a retired Marine. When we met for the first time he told me he was a retired Marine and I said I was retired Army. He said "Well, I won't hold that against you, and I said likewise". We have become Good Friends & Neighbors since day one !!

Response by SFC Matt Lowe made May 16 at 2018 11:22 AM

2018-05-16T11:22:03-04:00

SM’s and vets of all the branch was can certainly swap barbs at each other, but be advised insulting the wrong individual at the wrong time can be hazardous.

Response by CWO2 Tim Brandewie made May 16 at 2018 12:15 PM

2018-05-16T12:15:08-04:00

Squids, Jarheads, Chair Force.. All in fun for Service Members. Just remember: Friends don't let their Army Buddies eat the big breath mints in the urinals... Nothin but Love! Haha

Response by SPC William Jackson made May 16 at 2018 12:19 PM

2018-05-16T12:19:47-04:00

Among SM, and Veterans I consider it like being sibling rivalry. We always pick on each other, but dare be on the outside of the family trying to but in.

Response by 1SG Bruce Liscombe made May 16 at 2018 12:26 PM

2018-05-16T12:26:38-04:00

The only thing that offends me is when someone who didn't have what it takes to serve says something about one of the branches of the service

Response by SSG Al V made May 16 at 2018 12:34 PM

2018-05-16T12:34:09-04:00

The only thing about it is we have given our sibling services cool names like "jarhead", "squid", or "zoomie" but you guys call us something lame like "grunt"

Response by Sgt Fred McMillan made May 16 at 2018 12:43 PM

2018-05-16T12:43:30-04:00

When people ask me if I severed, I ask does the Air Force count..

Response by SGT James McDougal made May 16 at 2018 12:52 PM

2018-05-16T12:52:38-04:00

Like it has been said it's like sibling rivalry, whenever I meet a marine usually my first remark is oh a jarhead and I have never had a marine take offense to that. I have the utmost respect for the Marines as I do for all other branches hell being stationed on an airborne base they called me a leg and it's all in fun. People who haven't served wouldn't and don't understand.

Response by PFC Derek Warren made May 16 at 2018 1:30 PM

2018-05-16T13:30:04-04:00

What's up with the term snowflake? With the rise of social media and press coverage of the Iraq war. It gives the impression that it was the greatest conflict this country has ever waged. Not to discredit the service of those who participated, but the whole sniper count & the temperature of that region, & so on. I'm pretty sure this is the source of the snowflake talk. Have you ever heard of the battle of the bulge, or does the frozen chosin? Consider an enemy with air support, armor, artillery, and a navy. Snowflake makes no sense to me.

Response by SFC Patrick Griffin made May 16 at 2018 1:43 PM

2018-05-16T13:43:48-04:00

Squid is a Semen, zoomie is air force

Response by MSgt Hichiel Rivera made May 16 at 2018 1:47 PM

2018-05-16T13:47:06-04:00

Jarhead it’s not offensive for the Marines, it’s in fact history. So, during World War II sailors began referring to Marines as Jarheads. Presumably the high collar on the Marine Dress Blues uniform made a Marine's head look like it was sticking out of the top of a Mason jar. Marines were not insulted. Instead, they embraced the new moniker as a term of utmost respect.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 1:48 PM

2018-05-16T13:48:39-04:00

What panty-waste is being offended by this?

Response by SFC Patrick Griffin made May 16 at 2018 1:50 PM

2018-05-16T13:50:47-04:00

We all did, what others wouldn’t do

Response by PO1 Keith Baldwin made May 16 at 2018 2:09 PM

2018-05-16T14:09:59-04:00

I where a hat that say The Best Marine is a Submarine to pick on the marines but it is all in fun and they know not many marines would do sub duty they tell me.

Response by LCpl Edward Hofer made May 16 at 2018 3:11 PM

2018-05-16T15:11:34-04:00

Under no circumstances will you ever call a marine a soldier that is the most offencive thing you could call one of us we absolutely hate it and we'll fight over it

Response by SSgt Donnie Allen made May 16 at 2018 3:36 PM

2018-05-16T15:36:21-04:00

I was AF. I don’t get offended at any names I’m called by another Vet - it’s all in fun. Most everyone thinks their branch was the best - it’s a pride thing. In the end 99% of us respect all veterans. If I got my nipples in a twist every time someone said “chairforce, flyboy or desk jockey” they’d be bruised all the time! Just sayin.

Response by SSG Daniel Brewster made May 16 at 2018 3:58 PM

2018-05-16T15:58:10-04:00

I’ve got some jarhead friends and don’t think they get upset when I say Happy Birthday to all my jarhead friends on the birthday of the Marine Corps. But I can tell you that my army friends didn’t think it was funny when I recently made a comment about Special Forces. Happened to be at an event at West Point and they had those government busses we’ve all seen. And then they had a short one. I just had to quip that was for Special Forces with an emphasis on Special. Um, don’t think I be invited back to West Point any time soon... lol.

Response by PO1 J.b. Hager made May 16 at 2018 4:20 PM

2018-05-16T16:20:00-04:00

We give the Marines a hard time but We Seabees know we will always be right beside them we it’s necessary.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 4:21 PM

2018-05-16T16:21:04-04:00

I take offense to being called a squid....I am a bobblehead, get it right!!!! In all seriousness though, if you served, bring it on. If not, then you havent earned the right to call me squat. Even within the Navy, we have our own nicknames for each other, and we proudly carry those monickers. Whether it is "surface puke", "nuke", "nuke waste", "snipe", and many others, some not so PC. Puddle jumpers, chair force, jarhead, grunt, etc. are fine so long you had the balls to serve yourself.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 4:41 PM

2018-05-16T16:41:27-04:00

All three of my sister married jarheads.... and I never let them forget it either...

Response by Cpl Tim McCue made May 16 at 2018 4:56 PM

2018-05-16T16:56:17-04:00

No one in the military is a snowflake. Its all in good fun. And EVERYONE knows the Marines rule the roost!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 5:04 PM

2018-05-16T17:04:19-04:00

I actually guffawed at this question. If it's used by someone NOT in any branch of the military, then yes, I guess so. If you're a 'Jarhead' or in the 'Chair Force ' or any other unnamed military branch and you're this easily offended, maybe war isn't going to be your profession. Suck it up princess, your military brothers and sisters talk a lot more shit than any civilian can or will.

Response by SPC Dawn Appelberg (Johnson) made May 16 at 2018 5:07 PM

2018-05-16T17:07:52-04:00

I am too old and have too much to actually accomplish to get offended over nicknames....more important things to waste my emotion on.

Response by PV2 Paul Fry made May 16 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-05-16T17:08:12-04:00

Not If is service to service. Civilian not so much

Response by GySgt Tim Taylor made May 16 at 2018 5:25 PM

2018-05-16T17:25:57-04:00

After retiring from active duty in the Marine Corps I eventually became an Occupational Therapist and helped patients who were injured return to normal function.

I often asked them if they had served in the military, and when one would answer, "Yes, Air Force.", I would interrupt and say, "I'm sorry, but I said "Military".

Most of them would chuckle and nod their heads.

Response by SSG Timothy Bohannon made May 16 at 2018 5:27 PM

2018-05-16T17:27:07-04:00

Whenever I meet someone who tells me they were Air Force, I always say "well, that's LIKE the military". Of course I always make sure they know I'm joking and have respect.

Response by MAJ Daniel Flynn made May 16 at 2018 5:28 PM

2018-05-16T17:28:47-04:00

Good soldiers and marines have a sense of humor to take the edge off. Meanwhile, the umbrella controversy continues.

Response by GySgt Tim Taylor made May 16 at 2018 5:31 PM

2018-05-16T17:31:15-04:00

Oh, and if they said "Yes, Army.", I would lean in close to them and say slowly and cheerfully, "Ohhhh, I see. What..did..you..doooo?"

Response by SPC Russel Brock made May 16 at 2018 5:33 PM

2018-05-16T17:33:28-04:00

As one poster wrote......We're all family

Response by SGT Greg Miller made May 16 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-05-16T17:36:38-04:00

Agreed with all above

Response by Cpl Lloyd Dubois made May 16 at 2018 5:45 PM

2018-05-16T17:45:10-04:00

I dont think any Marine would get offended by being called a jarhead. It is normal. I think it is no diff than devil dog or leatherneck.

Response by PO1 Bill Adams made May 16 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-05-16T17:49:00-04:00

I generally refer to Marines as Devil Dog. It's safer.

Response by SGT Charles Aspinall made May 16 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-05-16T17:49:05-04:00

Go to any VFW or American Legion Hall the various service branches will rib one another. Let someone who's never served pick a fight with them and you'll find out what joint service operations really means.

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made May 16 at 2018 5:51 PM

2018-05-16T17:51:12-04:00

We all give each other hell until a civilian pipes up, then we’re a joint task force!

Response by MSgt Andrew Ortega made May 16 at 2018 6:02 PM

2018-05-16T18:02:14-04:00

I serviced in the Marine Corp and also in the Army. I joke with all services and I take the ribbing when it is not demeaning

Response by SSgt Don Morris made May 16 at 2018 6:03 PM

2018-05-16T18:03:08-04:00

I was stationed at MacDill AFB 68-71. We had all branches on our base due to us being the HQ (at the time) for U.S. Strike Command. There was always that rivalry going on, but I can never recall a time that we were ever disrespectful of one-an-other. It was just in good fun, but we all knew we were there for each other when the poo hit the fan..

Response by Cpl Billy Ashworth made May 16 at 2018 6:04 PM

2018-05-16T18:04:09-04:00

I am a Marine Veteran and I have been called Jarhead a lot of times I do slot of walking where I walk there a lot of people who ride their bikes by me and call me that I just raise my hand and say thank you it doesn't bother me at all

Response by Cpl Billy Ashworth made May 16 at 2018 6:07 PM

2018-05-16T18:07:37-04:00

Two of the bike riders were Marine Veterans they were wearing Marine Corps bike shirts

Response by MSgt Dickerson MacLeod made May 16 at 2018 6:09 PM

2018-05-16T18:09:54-04:00

It’s all good natured fun and teasing. I would never consider saying anything mean or demeaning to a fellow service member.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 6:23 PM

2018-05-16T18:23:48-04:00

I think it’s all fun and games and if someone gets offended you can definitely tell they are probably not veterans. The main thing we can agree on is that the Coast Guard isn’t a branch and the Air Force is trying too hard to be the Army.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 6:52 PM

2018-05-16T18:52:11-04:00

they do not go far enough back my MOS was 153.06 TAB survey with a German language specialty .

Response by CMSgt George Roof made May 16 at 2018 6:56 PM

2018-05-16T18:56:04-04:00

The Major nailed it. I'm a "Wingnut" to my intraservice buddies but we are family. Don't be an outsider and insult my family.

Response by MSgt Jerry Roth made May 16 at 2018 7:18 PM

2018-05-16T19:18:38-04:00

Only another service can talk shit about another service that’s the way it is

Response by SPC Jose Carde made May 16 at 2018 7:21 PM

2018-05-16T19:21:34-04:00

If you can't take it, don't dish it out. Some of the best memories of my service years were fighting in bar fights with other service members from different branch. Air Force with their hand in their pockets, Marine jarheads, Navy squids, Coast Guard fishies and Army whores! We are all brothers in arms.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 7:58 PM

2018-05-16T19:58:07-04:00

Heres my take. Let me preface by saying I am Army and have been for 26 years. Inter-service rivalry is just that. Inter-service and is meant to be offensive. Thing is ONLY service members and past service members have that right. If you havnt served, you have no team in this rivalry.

Response by SGT Nick Graham made May 16 at 2018 8:21 PM

2018-05-16T20:21:08-04:00

Yep Like You said if you don’t know them I have many a Devil Dog Friends We kid around all the time
If they are with friends we tell them that we joke around all the time On my part I mean no disrespect to the Corps I Love My Brothers At Arms Semper Fi My Brothers And Sisters

Response by PO2 Rich Pratt made May 16 at 2018 8:21 PM

2018-05-16T20:21:40-04:00

I would never call a marine Jarhead, I call them cargo. And I usually talk r e a l l y s l o w w h e n I d o.

Response by SSgt Jeffrey Andrews made May 16 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-05-16T20:45:01-04:00

I've been called it by many friends in the Service. All four branches worked together in my MOS. Use to tell my brothers in the Navy "Yes the Marines are a Department of the Navy, The Mens Department" They took it in stride with their own comebacks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-05-16T20:45:27-04:00

Only If They Served

Response by SPC Paul Robinson made May 16 at 2018 9:26 PM

2018-05-16T21:26:50-04:00

It all depends who you're talking to. We all have different thresholds of abuse, funny or not

Response by Sgt Tina Hayes made May 16 at 2018 9:55 PM

2018-05-16T21:55:18-04:00

Most of us are not offended being called a Jarhead. HOWEVER - all bets are off when they call us 'Soldier.' If someone calles me a Soldier - I correct them by saying 'I am a Marine - not a Soldier.' What's worse than being called a Soldier? When they ask, "What's the difference?"
D'OH!

Response by Cpl Will Labrosse made May 16 at 2018 10:06 PM

2018-05-16T22:06:38-04:00

I agree you served just expect to be harassed back! A.r.m.y ain't ready marines yet

Response by PV2 Tj Salka made May 16 at 2018 10:15 PM

2018-05-16T22:15:13-04:00

Jarheads have feelings? I only thought they felt joy when they got a new box of crayons...

Response by CW5 Randall Hirsch made May 16 at 2018 10:18 PM

2018-05-16T22:18:28-04:00

Well let me say this I am a Marine, my younger brother was an Army MP sentry dog handler and my youngest brother was in submarines in the Navy oh and wait our dad was career Air Force. My wife was air force too. So do you think we have fun at times. The 3 of us all retired out of the Army National Guard combined the 3 of us have 100 years military ssrvice.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 10:19 PM

2018-05-16T22:19:42-04:00

Who cares if it is offensive or not. Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors just need to have a little backbone.

Response by 1SG Skip Pettit made May 16 at 2018 10:42 PM

2018-05-16T22:42:27-04:00

As a former US Army MSG/E-8/First Sergeant I see no harm in inter service bantering--but that said, I agree with Major--only with those who EARNED the right to because of their proven service. Skip

Response by CPL Rudy Sagan made May 16 at 2018 10:48 PM

2018-05-16T22:48:40-04:00

When I was in the army, I was in a position to associate with members of all branches of the military. Names like Jarhead, Tar Heel, ground pounder, and etc were totally acceptable. No offense was taken because it was expected

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 11:01 PM

2018-05-16T23:01:40-04:00

There was a meme floating around that summed it up.

We fight together. We make fun of each other. But don't you dare do it if you aren't one of us.

I call my Navy buddy a Squid all the time. But wow be the person that calls him that around me without having served.

You earn the right to make fun of the other branches. By having served in one.

Even those dirty Coasties . . .

Response by 1SG Dan Nichols made May 16 at 2018 11:35 PM

2018-05-16T23:35:01-04:00

I am retired Army and unfortunately I had a Marine Father in Law and Have a marine adopted son and future son in law. I also have many friends who are Marines. You know having that many Marines around is why I’m a 1SG. someone’s got to raise them. Rivalry is a good thing. Doesn’t matter the branch. Pick on one of my warriors and your not one I’ll show you what “Army training” is like. Go ahead get on the wrong side of Top slackers

Response by 1SG Dan Nichols made May 16 at 2018 11:36 PM

2018-05-16T23:36:41-04:00

Forgot the LOL after unfortunately

Response by Cpl Bryon Larson made May 16 at 2018 11:40 PM

2018-05-16T23:40:22-04:00

I give everyone that’s not a marine a hard time as soon as I meet them but I also thank them for at least for serving not everybody can be marines.

Response by SFC Craig Mcdonald made May 17 at 2018 12:44 AM

2018-05-17T00:44:47-04:00

I find it funny a devil dog gets offended. Only thing I find offensive is chicken shit civilians making fun of the military are speaking on foreign policy thay know nothing about

Response by SP5 Alexander M. Sanchez made May 17 at 2018 12:55 AM

2018-05-17T00:55:05-04:00

THIS IS CRAZY, I WAS E -5 INFANTRY SERGEANT. I USED TO BE A SPECIALIST E - 4. I LEFT THAT BEHIND. I HAD COMMENTED FOR ADMIN TO FIX IT. TOO HARD MAYBE. I WAS A COMPANY CLERK TOO, ONCE UPON A TIME. OUR COMPANY GOT BEST COMPANY IN BATTALION RIBBON, ON THE GUIDEON THAT I CARRIED WHEN ON COMPANY BUSINESS, FORMATIONS, PT, PARADES. ALL ADMINISTRATION WAS IN ORDER. TWO EX DRILL SGTS. THE CAPTAIN AND FIRST SERGEANT. THEY HAD THEIR ACT TOGETHER. OH YEAH THEY PUSHED MY CAREER TO SOLDIER OF THE YEAR FOR ALL OF TWO COMBAT BRIGADES AND NUMBER TWO OF 7TH INFANTRY DIVISION, 1982. THE YEAR OF THE TIGER AND OF BECOMING SGT. SANCHEZ AND SOLDIER OF THE YEAR, BY RIGHTS OF COMPETITION. OOOH ! .... YEAH !
( 11 BRAVO - ON THE MOVE !! )
TO BE THE MAN, YOU HAVE TO BE THE MAN. OH YEAH !!

Response by FN Bill Dailey made May 17 at 2018 12:57 AM

2018-05-17T00:57:51-04:00

All the gay sub sailer jokes get real old to

Response by SP5 Alexander M. Sanchez made May 17 at 2018 1:10 AM

2018-05-17T01:10:48-04:00

I'M A RETIRED BOXER. SO IF YOU'RE IN MY FACE, YOU FIGURE IT OUT. BEST OF LUCK TRYING MY PATIENCE. HA HA HA. GO AHEAD TRY IT I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU TO SCREW WITH MY SPACE. I AM SURROUNDED WITH MY PACK EVERYWHERE I GO. I CAN CONTROL MYSELF, BUT I CAN'T CONTROL MY PACK. THEY LOVE TO FIGHT, BUT A WORD FROM ME AND I CAN BRING ORDER TO ANY SITUATION, I'M A BOXING INFANTRY SERGEANT. TRY GETTING ON MY NERVES. DAM RIGHT I HAVE AN ATTITUDE. I DON'T TAKE ANY CRAP FROM ANY SERVICES OR CIVILIANS. YEAH THE EQUALIZER MAKES SHIT HEADS BACK DOWN. I FOUGHT TOO MUCH ALREADY, I DO WALK AWAY BECAUSE OF MY FAMILY. IN EMERGENCIES I CANNOT BE STOPPED. THINK ABOUT IT BEFORE SCREWING AROUND, I WILL JUST STOMP YOU TILL I GET TIRED. SOME WILL BEAT THE LIGHTS OUT OF YOU FOREVER. GOOD LUCK ON TRYING THE NERVES OF AN INFANTRY SERGEANT. A REAL GOOD ONE KNOWS HOW TO KICK BUT, WHEN DUTY CALLS. AND IT WILL CALL AND IT WILL BE NEEDED. TO KICK SOME ASS OR TO NOT, DEPENDS ON THE SITUATION TOO. PICK YOUR BATTLES TO WIN YOUR BATTLES. VICTORY FAVORS THE FOOLISHLY BOLD.

Response by MSgt Jim Colyer made May 17 at 2018 1:51 AM

2018-05-17T01:51:58-04:00

If you've never served, be thankful to those who have. We who refer to each other as brother/sister are family. Outsiders don't mess with family.

Response by PV2 Henry Bohn made May 17 at 2018 2:46 AM

2018-05-17T02:46:15-04:00

I have quit a few “Jarhead” friends, heck I’ve even got a few “Ground Pounders” as friends.
2/5 ADA 2AD

Response by PO2 Michael Kinsel made May 17 at 2018 2:52 AM

2018-05-17T02:52:13-04:00

Funny this was even brought up. The rivalry between service members are alive and well, even way after you retire or discharge. Heck, I was Navy, just interviewed for a job with 9 of the Air Force's finest (I'm not sure what that is though... Lol) and even in a serious professional interview, all 9 took pot shots at the Navy. Now, if someone you don't know call a you a jarhead, a squid, etc.., I know it bugs me. They haven't earned the right. But another that has served... Its open season. I have a lot of respect for the Marine's... But I can lay some cheap about them too.

Response by SGT Patrick Oxford made May 17 at 2018 5:14 AM

2018-05-17T05:14:33-04:00

I have called my son and grandsons jar heads and seagoing bell hops. My ex-wife, daughter and her husband were squids. I also call all of them legs. It really is a show of respect.

Response by SGT Patrick Oxford made May 17 at 2018 5:31 AM

2018-05-17T05:31:33-04:00

I have a supervisor that l tell, "I hear that in the Marines that they separate the men from the boys......with crow bars".

Response by LtCol Larry Jellison made May 17 at 2018 6:10 AM

2018-05-17T06:10:04-04:00

Difference between Marine PFC and army 2nd lt...Marine PFC has been promoted once.

Response by CPO Larry Bordenkecher made May 17 at 2018 6:56 AM

2018-05-17T06:56:38-04:00

As long as it comes from another vet it's all good.

Response by MAJ Thomas Amsler made May 17 at 2018 8:00 AM

2018-05-17T08:00:27-04:00

I'm a former Marine, and I also served as an Army physician. I catch crap from ALL my friends- who are all prior service, or still active duty. I agree with Major Tisher, but I don't worry about comments being "offensive"- I figure that the people that make them are a bunch of jealous pussies.

Response by Sgt Jon Sanders made May 17 at 2018 8:11 AM

2018-05-17T08:11:32-04:00

Depends on the person. Marine to Marine it's fine. Army okay but if a civie calls me that I get pissed. They don't rate it. I had a boss call it Sally marine corps. Almost punched him in the face. Needless to say I stopped working there.

Response by SPC Ben Harris made May 17 at 2018 8:25 AM

2018-05-17T08:25:51-04:00

Everyone knows a Marine is a Jarhead. But they got my back like I have there's in the end. That's all that matters. If I need big time support I call in the fly boys and the job gets done.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 17 at 2018 8:54 AM

2018-05-17T08:54:36-04:00

Hell, no! its simple sibling rivalry and poking fun. That being said, I wouldn't go up to just anyone and start poking the bull dog unless I knew them. That could be taken in the wrong way if they don't know you and you're in civies or such. I was a Signal Officer and Our chief of police flew Cobras. He calls me "Cable Boy" and I call him "Rotor Head." Its all in fun!

Response by SFC David Minshew made May 17 at 2018 9:08 AM

2018-05-17T09:08:28-04:00

I was in the Marines in 80’s, I don’t remember us being a bunch of sensitive lillte pussies that would get offended by anyone calling us jarheads. Looks like the Marines have turned into snowflakes!! Semper Crybabies!!

Response by PO2 Bill Harber made May 17 at 2018 9:17 AM

2018-05-17T09:17:37-04:00

When I was in the Navy, I called a Marine "jarhead" and he got mad and asked me if I wanted to try to take the lid off.

Response by PO2 Bill Harber made May 17 at 2018 9:19 AM

2018-05-17T09:19:28-04:00

After I was a civilian, I worked with a formerly active marine, and we got along really well even though he called me "squid" and I called him "jarhead" and "gyrene" .

Response by MAJ William Barringer made May 17 at 2018 9:42 AM

2018-05-17T09:42:31-04:00

Have we not also fought to keep PC out of our ranks? A sense of humor is essential. I don’t care if “they” don’t understand. Numerous Viet Nam POWs credited their own or their fellow POWs’ sense of humor for their survival. This is also reflected in Victor Frankl’s book Man’s Search For Meaning.

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made May 17 at 2018 9:58 AM

2018-05-17T09:58:42-04:00

i never get but hurt when someone ibjust meet call me a jarhead. 4 years in a infantry unit gave me some thick skin.

however i found airforce and nasty guard tend to get the most offended.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 10:05 AM

2018-05-17T10:05:55-04:00

It's sibling rivalry, done in fun and in theend we all know that it takes all of us to do the job (even the Air Force!). Civilians do it sometimes, I think, because they heard it and they just want to emulate and be a part of the fun. Some so it just to bee spiteful or hateful. I can generally tell the difference in them and in either case just treat them like a mentally ill half cousin who you know just won't get better and doesn't understand.

Response by PFC Mark Gwilt made May 17 at 2018 10:09 AM

2018-05-17T10:09:03-04:00

I think sometimes it definitely can. I have a long time friend who is an Army vet and we tease and joke with each other all the time. Same with my nephew who is currently serving in the Army. If you just met someone though it's totally different because you don't know their story.

Response by Cynthia Johnson made May 17 at 2018 10:26 AM

2018-05-17T10:26:12-04:00

It is only when family or other service members do it my oldest son a marine vet always calls his little brother a current marine his boot.

Response by SGT Donald Goings made May 17 at 2018 10:26 AM

2018-05-17T10:26:55-04:00

Haha no. My brother and his 2 best friends are Marines, my dad and i were Army. Should have seen the crap we put each other through the week of my brothers weeding.

Response by MSgt Gary Petersen made May 17 at 2018 10:36 AM

2018-05-17T10:36:28-04:00

Not at all back in the old days.

Response by CPO Joe Radich made May 17 at 2018 10:44 AM

2018-05-17T10:44:14-04:00

As long as isn’t a civilian saying it

Response by CPO Jeff Branum made May 17 at 2018 11:07 AM

2018-05-17T11:07:26-04:00

We all make fun of the other branches but it’s all done in fun. At the end of the day we are all on the same team! However, if a civilian that has never served uses these terms in a derogatory manner then I would say consider the source. Don’t let people that have absolutely no insight of the military bother you.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-05-17T11:26:52-04:00

It had better not be offensive to anyone! We are warriors, not millennials!

Response by GySgt Lawrence Watson made May 17 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-05-17T11:39:11-04:00

I do not. I'm proud to be called Jar Head , Devil Dog or Leather Neck. Just do call me late to dinner.

Response by SPC David Willett made May 17 at 2018 11:42 AM

2018-05-17T11:42:27-04:00

I would say unless you know the Marine on a personal level not on the first time saying Jarhead. How would we Army vets feel if a Marine called us a Dogface on first greeting.

Response by CPT Wes Marsh made May 17 at 2018 11:57 AM

2018-05-17T11:57:44-04:00

As with most things, you need to know your audience.

Response by SPC James Niedenthal made May 17 at 2018 12:04 PM

2018-05-17T12:04:53-04:00

Half the fun of being in the service is ragging on people in other branches of service. If you are easily offended by being called a Jarhead, grunt,squid or chair force than you probably shouldn't be in the service. We have done this amongst ourselves for as long as the different services have been around. When done amongst ourselves it is fine but a different story when someone who as never served uses these terms

Response by SPC Fred Saindon made May 17 at 2018 12:18 PM

2018-05-17T12:18:50-04:00

I have had to explain to people we are allowed to be derogatory to each other. I expect to get called grunt when I meet another service member. No offense taken none meant.

Response by SFC Pete Meyer made May 17 at 2018 12:19 PM

2018-05-17T12:19:39-04:00

Offensive??? The military sure has changed since I was in, and I retired in 2011. I would have to say by even asking that question about being offensive, what a bunch of pussies.. your damn right! It’s supposed to be offensive.. that’s what made it fun!! But back then each branch knew we are on the same team.. but we still fought! Today it seems balls have been cut off and spins removered all for PC... good luck with that crap if and when we actually fight a adversary like China or Russia. They don’t care about feelings..

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made May 17 at 2018 12:27 PM

2018-05-17T12:27:13-04:00

After 6 years in the Joint Community and wearing a lot of Purple. The Joking/not Joking thing is pretty obvious and the joking side is pretty much expected. As in many Military groupings, if you aren't getting a little jocular verbiage tossed your way, you're probably not seen as part of the team. Let me put this keyboard down now, my crayons getting warm...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 12:42 PM

2018-05-17T12:42:45-04:00

PFC Justin Gkuspie it all depends on who hears it and their interpretation. Even if the person you are referring to finds it funny you can always have someone overhear you calling someone else a leg and they are offended, then it's offensive. So it is important to know your audience and those around you before you say anything.

Response by SSgt B Davis made May 17 at 2018 12:42 PM

2018-05-17T12:42:59-04:00

Jar head, Squid, Zoomie...I got nothing for the Army. It's all fun.
A- ain't
R-ready to be a
M- Marine
Y- yet

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 1:02 PM

2018-05-17T13:02:27-04:00

I agree that as long as the joker is a current/former service member that we all know it is in good fun. I mean, if we got offended when other branches make fun of us then there wouldn’t even be a Coast Guard.

Response by SPC Mark James made May 17 at 2018 1:09 PM

2018-05-17T13:09:17-04:00

Hey, it's AWESOME, let me repeat, Its AWESOME!!! One of my best friends is a JARHEAD & we go @ it Everyday, The rivalry between branches of service are SPEACIAL & anyone who doesn't understand/get it, JUST DOESN'T GET IT, YOU HAVE HAD TO PUT THAT HAND UP IN THE AIR & SWEAR THAT PATH TO UNDERSTAND!!! WHOOOOAHHHHH!!!!!

Response by SGT Anthony Shore made May 17 at 2018 1:17 PM

2018-05-17T13:17:20-04:00

I agree, if you have never served, you wont undrstand and have no right to use such terms. It also helps to know your audience and also how the terms were used in context. Civilians will tend to use them in a derogatory way because a family member was a member of X branch and they feel loyalty to their family member and to that branch by association. They do not understand the "sibling" rivalry aspect and feel that since they have heard their family member use such terms that it is ok for them as well.

Response by TSgt Don Mott made May 17 at 2018 1:29 PM

2018-05-17T13:29:13-04:00

If you are that sensitive then what the hell are you doing in the Services? Our job is ultimately to wage war. (You know...kill people)
So personally I could give a rat's behind if it hurts your feelings!!!

Response by SSG Brian Dean made May 17 at 2018 1:50 PM

2018-05-17T13:50:39-04:00

As with most things, it's not what ya say but how ya say it.

Response by SGT Greg Davies made May 17 at 2018 1:55 PM

2018-05-17T13:55:59-04:00

You earned the name. Embrace it.

Response by Sgt Leon Williams made May 17 at 2018 2:03 PM

2018-05-17T14:03:02-04:00

I cannot understand why a Marine would get offended by "jarhead". We were called that in boot camp, called that as a nickname for many years afterwards. The Navy has many nicknames as well as any other service. If you cannot handle it then either go back to boot camp/basic training or switch services. 'retraining is probably the best idea. Get past the ego and live up to the name that all of the services work so hard to maintain...."PROUD AMERICAN SERVICEMEMBERS"!!! God bless all of you for service.

Response by SSgt Carter Floyd made May 17 at 2018 2:17 PM

2018-05-17T14:17:14-04:00

I've never taken offense when my Jarhead, Squid, and Ground Pounder friends I'mply that I was never in the military, I was just in the Air Force. HA!

Response by GySgt Tom Prince made May 17 at 2018 2:24 PM

2018-05-17T14:24:08-04:00

Nah...they shoot at all of us...but you better be smiling when you say it.

Response by SSG Tony Basa made May 17 at 2018 2:37 PM

2018-05-17T14:37:01-04:00

My brother was in the Air Force and when my son (Army) and myself get together we tell my brother he was in the Chair Force and he gives it back. All in fun.

Response by SPC Jeff Bailey made May 17 at 2018 2:47 PM

2018-05-17T14:47:44-04:00

Mabe ? Like when a marine stopped me coming out of the latrine.and told me . The marines taught us to wash our hands after taking a leak . I told him army taught us not to piss on our hands ! He didn’t look amused . Lmao

Response by CPL Steve Glass made May 17 at 2018 2:56 PM

2018-05-17T14:56:43-04:00

Uncle Fred (by marriage) who spent 24 years in the Navy was disappointed when his granddaughter joined the Marines. Aunt Marie his wife said Look on the bright side Fred at least it is a department of the Navy and I just couldn’t resist I said yea Fred it is a department of the Navy....The Men’s Department. I was never invited for thanksgiving dinner again.

Response by PFC Josiah Schmid made May 17 at 2018 3:06 PM

2018-05-17T15:06:38-04:00

No, only when non-military people and I and ex marines in unit don't mind when I called marines "crayon eaters" other crayon jokes. Sometimes they'll laugh with me

Response by PV2 Carlos Molano made May 17 at 2018 3:53 PM

2018-05-17T15:53:22-04:00

I have friends and family that .are marines.they served and I served I respect them and call them what I want to call them , they In turn see it my way , and return the busting , but we always remember we are brothers in arms no matter what service.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 4:48 PM

2018-05-17T16:48:22-04:00

I am a proud marine, I have served in the army as well. But the title marine is one you can't shake. And really who wants to? Every branch of every service has things they say about other members. I have been called jarhead doesn't bother me a bit. I have called sailors squids. I have been accused of eating crayons, I don't know where that came from. I make fun of the Air force. But I have noticed that every one has a rite of passage they go thru.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 5:01 PM

2018-05-17T17:01:57-04:00

It's a term of affection and comrodory when said by other veterans. Not by some slacker!

Response by Sgt Bud Shelton made May 17 at 2018 5:03 PM

2018-05-17T17:03:54-04:00

Proud to be a Jarhead!!!

Response by 1SG John Maupin made May 17 at 2018 5:12 PM

2018-05-17T17:12:36-04:00

24 years Army, now I work GS for the Chair Force. The Airmen love it. It’s all good fun.

Response by TSgt Sean LaPlante made May 17 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-05-17T17:36:55-04:00

I’ve always preferred “Leatherneck” for a Marine. At least it has a historical reference.

Response by PFC Tim Arnett made May 17 at 2018 5:42 PM

2018-05-17T17:42:26-04:00

When we were in the Army, the only time I ever heard any negative comments about Marines was regarding how an individual Marine would mess up, like the Marine embassy guard in Russia who traded sex for information. We also joked about how we gave all the Army 175mm cannons to the Marines. My Son is a Marine and now I am proud of him. I still believe that the Army Rangers are badass, although Marines and Navy Seals try to push themselves as the elite. Can I say, Just kidding? Just joking? I loved my position as Number 1 man on the 155mm M109A1 and spending time with brothers from around the United States, Samoa, Puerto Rico, and and the boroughs of New York.

.

Response by SPC Gary Welch made May 17 at 2018 6:13 PM

2018-05-17T18:13:59-04:00

Just like in the army we would call tankers data(dumb ass tankers) and they would call the infantry crunches because that was the sound we make when they run us over

Response by LCpl James Cotten Jr. made May 17 at 2018 6:18 PM

2018-05-17T18:18:25-04:00

I think that the term Jarhead should only be used by a fellow Marine. Yes I think depending on how another branch says something can come across as offensive. But I also think that interservice rivalry is and always will be part of the whole big picture. We give each other a hard time but we know that we all on the same side and will have each other’s back when needed.

Response by LCpl James Cotten Jr. made May 17 at 2018 6:21 PM

2018-05-17T18:21:11-04:00

But I also do not have a problem with the Navy. They were always will to give us a ride when we needed it.

Response by Sgt Wayne Garmon made May 17 at 2018 6:27 PM

2018-05-17T18:27:23-04:00

It’s all fun, except the Airforce.
But ALWAYS call a Navy Corpsman. Especially if he was in Combat.

Response by Sgt Wayne Garmon made May 17 at 2018 6:34 PM

2018-05-17T18:34:43-04:00

DOC!!!

Response by Sgt William Margeson made May 17 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-05-17T18:39:52-04:00

Jar Head, Leatherneck, are fine. Neither is an insult.

Response by PFC Thomas Napier made May 17 at 2018 6:42 PM

2018-05-17T18:42:41-04:00

I have two uncles are marines , plus other family members who have served across all branches . my rule of thumb is to give as good as you get but only jokingly . and if someone's feelings seem hurt remind them butthurt statements can be found on form flow .

Response by PO2 Ernest Lozano made May 17 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-05-17T18:51:29-04:00

I have friends who are Marines. I call them amphibians. They call me squid lol.

Response by Sgt Robert Westlake made May 17 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-05-17T18:51:30-04:00

It’s all good from active or separated service, it’s part of the my branch is better than your branch. It’s only negative if it’s done as an insult. We are all family in the service and I will always have your six if you serve or have served. Semper Fi

Response by LCpl Chris Kapper made May 17 at 2018 6:54 PM

2018-05-17T18:54:01-04:00

I'm an old jar head myself, never took offense never will. It's a badge of honor, like Devil dog. No harm no foul.

Response by Sgt Jonathon Laudig made May 17 at 2018 6:57 PM

2018-05-17T18:57:01-04:00

As a Leatherneck I don't take offense, because these terms are a sign of respect. The other shall we say branches wish they had cool monikers like Devil Dog and Jar Head.

Response by CPL George Detor made May 17 at 2018 7:22 PM

2018-05-17T19:22:25-04:00

SPC George Detor. I was never a CPL.

Response by PVT Rich Burns made May 17 at 2018 7:49 PM

2018-05-17T19:49:11-04:00

It like any family, we put tje "FUN" in Disfunctional.

Response by SFC Mark Dove made May 17 at 2018 7:57 PM

2018-05-17T19:57:22-04:00

Are you sure you were a marine...you don't look that stupid. You sure youRe air force...you look too skinny

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 8:18 PM

2018-05-17T20:18:14-04:00

My oldest brother's a marine, I was an m. p. In the army. I call him jar head he calls me mop pusher

Response by GySgt Lee Smart made May 17 at 2018 8:51 PM

2018-05-17T20:51:03-04:00

It only pisses me off when it's used in a derogatory way......especially by someone who has never served our country.

Response by CPT Michael Topalian made May 17 at 2018 9:10 PM

2018-05-17T21:10:04-04:00

I was Army. I only pick on marines I know personally. Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children deserve our respect

Response by Cpl Jim Orozco made May 17 at 2018 9:10 PM

2018-05-17T21:10:27-04:00

Not at all! We're all brothers & sisters. If you can't handle a little ribbing maybe the military is not for you!

Response by SGT Steven Eberly made May 17 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-05-17T21:25:04-04:00

Each branch of military have they own name. It not offensive for veteran to say it or any military personnel. But an civilian doesn't understand why. Each branch have a special name for other branches. The Marine earn the name leatherneck.

Response by Sgt Reynaldo Gonzales made May 17 at 2018 9:26 PM

2018-05-17T21:26:50-04:00

I am not offended by any of those terms when it comes from those who have served in any branch of the military.

Response by PFC Dave Bilyeu made May 17 at 2018 9:30 PM

2018-05-17T21:30:11-04:00

Grunt all the way. Otherwise known as doc.

Response by MSgt Dale Johnson made May 17 at 2018 9:31 PM

2018-05-17T21:31:01-04:00

I agree with most that someone who has not served does not have the right to use any of those terms with one exception. Any Service Member's Momma or Wife has the right to call them what ever the proper derogatory term for that service they want. Mothers and Wives have to go through emotional hell, especially while their service member is stationed in any foreign land. I saw first hand what the stress did to my Mother while my brother was in Vietnam and I am sure that my time in SE Asia was just as hard on her even though I was not in country (served in Thailand).

My Mom called my brother a Leatherneck and Jarhead and called me a Flyboy on more than one occasion. They may not have the privilege to call any Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine by the slang we use with each other but to their own they are family just like members of the other branches.

Response by CSM Don Johnson made May 17 at 2018 9:42 PM

2018-05-17T21:42:06-04:00

As a retired Army command sergeant major, I don’t take offense to certain names associated with me being in the military as long as the person saying it is a veteran. Names like grunt, ground pounder, gravel cruncher, jar head, swabbie, etc go with being in the military. I have always been kidded a lot and I have also kidded members of the other branches of the military. I love it all!!!!

Response by PO1 Dave Bowles made May 17 at 2018 9:43 PM

2018-05-17T21:43:42-04:00

Devil Dogs forever. Semper Fi.

Response by SPC Kenneth Staley made May 17 at 2018 9:43 PM

2018-05-17T21:43:55-04:00

I guess if your a pansy ass marine it might.

Response by PO2 Ray McClelland made May 17 at 2018 9:45 PM

2018-05-17T21:45:31-04:00

I work in an Alzheimer’s/Dementia unit. One of the guys that lives there is a Korean War Vet that was transported there on a Navy ship. When he found out that I was in the Navy, he told me that he was on a navy ship and had to “chip and paint because we were to lazy to do it.”

My response...”Now Joe, you see these hands and face...I can’t get calleses on them, I have to look pretty for the ladies on Liberty.”

Joe just laughed and said “you funny SOB.”

Response by SSgt Tony Tobar made May 17 at 2018 9:50 PM

2018-05-17T21:50:12-04:00

Just like when a Sailor has to try to make her point of the Marine Corps being a Department of the Navy, yes, yes it is "THE MEN'S DEPARTMENT!!!"

Response by LTC Ernie Banner made May 17 at 2018 9:50 PM

2018-05-17T21:50:21-04:00

These types of comments about service rivalry can help people in general better understand military life. I feel sorry for those who have never worn the uniform.

Response by SPC Whittney Bierilo made May 17 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-05-17T22:07:02-04:00

My group of friends back home is made up of all different branches, and we knock on each other all the time. It’s all in good fun, and none of us get offended.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 10:13 PM

2018-05-17T22:13:26-04:00

At no point have I ever been offended by being called a jarhead. Why? Because why waste my time being offended by a nickname the Marines earned. Jarhead, devil dog, Tuefelhunden all nicknames that refer to our past as Marines. Even though now I wear a uniform that says U.S. Army on the name tape, once a Marine always a Marine... YAT YAS

Response by SGT Eric Deyo made May 17 at 2018 11:19 PM

2018-05-17T23:19:05-04:00

In 3rd CAR back in the days when you had DATs (Dumb-Ass Tankers) and Scouts in the same platoon, you had the same thing happen. Scouts gave shit to tankers and vice versa, but if another platoon gave your tankers a hard time, you rallied to the defence of your own. I agree that interservice rivalries are a good thing, as long as you served. Civilians talking smack anout a fellow veteran/active server, I'll back um up... even the Jarheads, Squids and Chair Force.

Response by SPC Kari Grove Wright made May 17 at 2018 11:27 PM

2018-05-17T23:27:53-04:00

I laugh and say you might not like the army, but i bet you were nice to finance!

Response by SPC Steven Carroll made May 17 at 2018 11:32 PM

2018-05-17T23:32:26-04:00

No but only when the other services use it . When a civilian use’s them not cool

Response by SSgt Manuel Sawyer made May 18 at 2018 12:01 AM

2018-05-18T00:01:58-04:00

After we have fun when shit hits fan we have each others back. Off duty we are all fair game lol

Response by PO1 Robert Chandler made May 18 at 2018 12:54 AM

2018-05-18T00:54:21-04:00

I don't take offense at all, when it is one of our own. As others have said, it's all in the family, and brothers [and sisters] will pick on each other all the time. I don't like the idea of someone who hasn't served saying it; they've not earned the right. If they want to make the comment, stand the Watch.

Response by TSgt Steve Wheeler made May 18 at 2018 1:18 AM

2018-05-18T01:18:44-04:00

Negative. Always in good fun. That said, be smart about it. If you are the only fly boy in a crowd of jarheads, I'd wait till some more of the USAF buddies make the scene. Let's see......USAF pay comes from USAF funding. US Army-USA, Coast Guard-USCG, US NAVY-USN, Marines? Have no funds, the US Navy pays their salary!

Response by SFC Adam Freels made May 18 at 2018 1:49 AM

2018-05-18T01:49:01-04:00

I was assigned to joint task force in Alaska and it was a great experience working with all branches. There was a lot of name calling and joking around but never had any problems. We are all brothers and sister.

Response by PO3 G S made May 18 at 2018 2:18 AM

2018-05-18T02:18:24-04:00

Heck, two of my best buddies are former Marines. I call them jar heads all the time and they call me a squid, I’m former navy. We don’t think a damn thing about it. All three of us served in-country Vietnam and are like brothers.

Response by LCpl Jamie Fuller made May 18 at 2018 5:51 AM

2018-05-18T05:51:54-04:00

Marine's tend to get the most butthurt. However, calling a Marine a Jarhead is the same as calling him a Marine.

Response by SFC John Chase made May 18 at 2018 6:52 AM

2018-05-18T06:52:26-04:00

When you serve in the military, no matter what branch, they’ll always be a rivalry. That’s the nature of the beast. I have good friends in all the branches and we will banter back and forth about our branch being the best. I take and I give it and we all laugh because that’s who we are. After all, we are all brothers and sisters in the military and we’ll defend them all.

Response by SSG Carmelo Rodriguez made May 18 at 2018 7:22 AM

2018-05-18T07:22:58-04:00

If I am a veteran which I am, United States Army. I would call any marine I meet by any name that is used to describe them in respectful inter service rivalry. I once met Jack Lucas and a few other USMC Medal of honor recipient for the battle of Iwo Jima. My pastor was a very good friend of Jack Lucas and the men. I was Humbled to be in the presence of these three Metal of honor recipients. As I should Jack Lucas hand He smiles at me and says well how are you doing young Marine? I responded Marine, I was never a Marine. Jack Lucas responded not a marine then what were you? I probably with my chest out state it I was united states army! Jack Lucas grip my hand tighter and stated ARMY! Then proceeded to state army Means you Aint Really Marine Yet! As we looked at each other laughing, I gripped Jack Lucas hand tightly and stated jacked Lucas let me remind you your ID says department of the Navy! Jack Lucas laughed aloud pulled me in and gave me a big bear hug and stated I like you were going to make you an honorary marine tonight. I spent the rest of them afternoon in the glory of those men. I was honored and knighted As Jack had said an honorary marine. That was over 20 years ago in Wichita falls Texas at the holiday inn, every year in February they still have the Iwo Jima veterans reunion they are very few now if any. I think God for the opportunity to listed in the presence of The metal of honor recipients that we will Jima, Paul tidbits and they’re surviving crew of the Enola Gay, the survivors of the USS Indianapolis, and the first female loss of the United States. Not everyone can see they have that opportunity. So when I meet a marine I respect fully informed him that I have an I can talk shit to the corps card and all the pictures to back it up.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made May 18 at 2018 7:29 AM

2018-05-18T07:29:23-04:00

I've found it's best to just leave it alone. Some guys are OK with it, some aren't. Some guys are one-way. They can dish it out, but when you come back on them, they get angry. The thing that gets up my nose is family members that figure just because they've got a son, brother, sister or whoever in the Corps, they can unload on all the other branches. Unless you've been in too, just STFU.

Response by MAJ Douglas Dopp made May 18 at 2018 8:00 AM

2018-05-18T08:00:37-04:00

The common thread that bonds is regardless of service each has taken an oath to preserve and protect the Constitution at all costs to include loss of life. Each will protect the other regardless of uniform & as Army I can say Marines dress better with exception of Old Guard
And there is the difference. Marines guard embassies. Army guards the Unknown - who may just be Marine. Only God knows.

Response by CPL Kenneth Hoffman made May 18 at 2018 8:26 AM

2018-05-18T08:26:49-04:00

I got a nickname for every branch of the service, my parents and I all served in different branches and we kid around often..." anchor clanker" " flyboy/ girl" " ground pounder" is often heard...I don't think any one should take offense

Response by SSG Ronald Lindsey made May 18 at 2018 8:32 AM

2018-05-18T08:32:13-04:00

Nope doesn't bug me at all and I will Always be a proud dumb ass tanker

Response by SCPO Dwight Hazard made May 18 at 2018 8:35 AM

2018-05-18T08:35:25-04:00

We who serve in the armed forces of the best country in the world are tough enough to put up with a little ribbing. If I had a dollar for every time I have been called a swab jockey, squid, etc. I would be a billionaire ❗️

Response by CMSgt Robert A. Mehaffey made May 18 at 2018 8:41 AM

2018-05-18T08:41:41-04:00

I've never kwn a marine to be offended by "Jarhead." They view it as a compliment, and so do I. Have been called "Busdriver, Flyboy" and a variety of others. Never offended. All branches were/are/will be BROTHERS IN ARMS! GOd Bless America!

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 8:59 AM

2018-05-18T08:59:19-04:00

If u are in the military and u get offended then u sont belong in the military I dont find it offensive at all I find it even funnier when civilians say that we arenr smart enough to go to college so we join the military

Response by SPC Larry Barnette made May 18 at 2018 10:11 AM

2018-05-18T10:11:54-04:00

Just don't call them "Soldier"!

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made May 18 at 2018 10:51 AM

2018-05-18T10:51:10-04:00

No ! It's a badge of honor in the Corps.

Response by MSgt Terry RaZor made May 18 at 2018 11:24 AM

2018-05-18T11:24:07-04:00

Depends on presentation and intent.

Response by LtCol Stan Hendrickson made May 18 at 2018 11:32 AM

2018-05-18T11:32:37-04:00

Inter service rivalry is as old as the services themselves...if you have never served you make snide comments at your own peril!

Response by LCpl Andrew Watson made May 18 at 2018 12:44 PM

2018-05-18T12:44:29-04:00

To me being called a Jarhead was never a insult. I wore the title with pride!

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 18 at 2018 1:33 PM

2018-05-18T13:33:41-04:00

At times s’body be having a butt-hurt day over s’thing and s’body uses the jarhead label and the person it was aimed at may be offended...

Response by CPL Gregory Witham made May 18 at 2018 2:37 PM

2018-05-18T14:37:18-04:00

screw them? has the whole world lost their minds and the ability to laugh at themselves?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 2:37 PM

2018-05-18T14:37:34-04:00

It's a compliment

Response by GySgt Lawrence Clark made May 18 at 2018 2:44 PM

2018-05-18T14:44:32-04:00

When I was a Marine from 68-74, one of our sarcastic and derisive names we referred to was calling our branch "the Crotch." But wouldn't tolerate any one else calling the Marine Corps "the Crotch" Oh well!!

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made May 18 at 2018 2:47 PM

2018-05-18T14:47:17-04:00

Not at all. In Artillery, the term Redleg is part of our heritage. A Redleg is who we aspired to be going through training and we are proud when terms like these are used in reference to ourselves.

Response by LCpl Jesse Patterson made May 18 at 2018 2:49 PM

2018-05-18T14:49:27-04:00

It depends on what the circumstances are really. My brother was in the Navy at the same time I was in, when we came home on leave we would rag the shit out of each other. His favorite joke to me was haha the Marines are a department of the Navy, to which the correct response is yes it is a department of the Navy,.. the men's department.

Response by SFC Chris Holloman made May 18 at 2018 3:00 PM

2018-05-18T15:00:05-04:00

Family is family crazy cousins and all. That's for us to say. But not some sheep dip off the street.

Response by CPL Aaron Mixon made May 18 at 2018 3:28 PM

2018-05-18T15:28:14-04:00

I would have to agree it creats a bond with other services to be competitive, and represent. All 3 deployments I had were witg Marines and showed them respect as they showed me respect. We would sit around and joke about the monicers that the services stood for i.e. Army (Ain't Ready for Marines Yet) and never took it as offensive they called me their Hooah and I called them my jareads.

Response by Sgt Mark Bock made May 18 at 2018 3:50 PM

2018-05-18T15:50:43-04:00

Offensive? It’s an accepted term to me. Jarhead, leatherneck, bugeater/snake-eater/crayon-eater, devil dog, whatever. I don’t care if you served or not...

Response by LCpl Thomas Cazee made May 18 at 2018 4:07 PM

2018-05-18T16:07:32-04:00

Vets and Active Duty regardless of branch of service can poke fun at one another all day long. It’s when the uninitiated do it that grinds my gears...

Response by GySgt Thomas Beran made May 18 at 2018 4:25 PM

2018-05-18T16:25:41-04:00

It all depends on context.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-05-18T17:06:28-04:00

I don't get offended by any of that jargon when geared at myself or my brothers and sisters in arms. I don't get offended even if civilians use those terms on us. I do get offended when those who have never served usurp those names and titles for use on others who never served. Everything else is fun and games though some can unfortunately take it too serious at times.

Response by 2LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 5:22 PM

2018-05-18T17:22:23-04:00

No way, all in good fun. Any Jarheads who get mad at the term are really just upset they couldn’t pass the test to get into the Chairforce. Anyone know of any name s or stereotypes about the Army? Aside from Marines giving me a hard time for not being a Marine, I don’t think I have heard anything.

Response by PV2 Mark Zehner made May 18 at 2018 5:34 PM

2018-05-18T17:34:15-04:00

No because we all know the Army is best

Response by TSgt Robert Danley made May 18 at 2018 5:47 PM

2018-05-18T17:47:41-04:00

Actually my favorite thing to call a Marine, and I think they do like it, is "Devil Dog".

Response by GySgt Bill McManus made May 18 at 2018 5:53 PM

2018-05-18T17:53:47-04:00

No problem with this as long as it comes from someone who served

Response by CPO Jim Krenek made May 18 at 2018 5:53 PM

2018-05-18T17:53:51-04:00

No not at all, the is why we are the greatest armed forces in the world

Response by SFC Rob Moore made May 18 at 2018 6:14 PM

2018-05-18T18:14:19-04:00

Nope.

Response by SrA Zo Evans Sr made May 18 at 2018 6:22 PM

2018-05-18T18:22:05-04:00

I’m an Air Force Veteran. Most of my friends were Marines , Soldiers, and Sailors... that being said, we all had thick skin and did give a rats ass if anyone of of talked shit about each other’s branch, but any non military person try it was in for a world of hurt...

Response by MAJ Peter Eldridge made May 18 at 2018 6:52 PM

2018-05-18T18:52:38-04:00

No! It is a term of one military vet to another service member who shares the same oath as I have taken. I further expect to be teased back. God bless our troops and our nation.

Response by SFC Raymond Morales made May 18 at 2018 7:28 PM

2018-05-18T19:28:06-04:00

It just goes with the territory, everyone has a label

Response by PO1 Butch Martin made May 18 at 2018 7:32 PM

2018-05-18T19:32:55-04:00

Absolute not. Jarheads, Squids, Wingnuts, Mud ducks, Muzzle pumpers,,, they are badges of respect between brothers and sisters who have "held the line" somewhere, sometime. Only when a non-vet chimes in do they get the tongue beating to STFU.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Holt made May 18 at 2018 7:33 PM

2018-05-18T19:33:27-04:00

Yes it can be taken offensively,but usually it's taken jokingly kind of a harsh joke but a joke.

Response by SGT Lillian Ramirez made May 18 at 2018 7:36 PM

2018-05-18T19:36:05-04:00

Is all good. When we are all brothers and sisters in arms...HOORAH!

Response by PO3 Jake Lucid made May 18 at 2018 8:20 PM

2018-05-18T20:20:22-04:00

I dont take any offense to being called a puddle pirate. Its a service term of endearment.

Response by CPO Michael Lane made May 18 at 2018 8:36 PM

2018-05-18T20:36:30-04:00

In order to communicate across the board here let me say this. Many of us have served at a Joint Command and communications can be lacking between the Four Braches; let me explain. If you were to tell the Four Branches to secure a building, this is what you would get. The Navy would turn off the lights and lock all the doors; the Marines would lead an assault on the building with suppressive fire and close hand to hand combat; the Army would occupy, set up a perimeter and allow no unauthorized entry; the Air force, well they would take out a three year lease with an option to buy!!!
I hope by this style of communication, one can figure out if I think it is "Offensive to jack Around with my Brothers and Sisters of the different Branches of Service"!!! Mahalo to all who have served, are serving and for those waiting to enter and serve!!!

Response by Sgt Jon Sutter made May 18 at 2018 8:39 PM

2018-05-18T20:39:29-04:00

I don't think any nicknames are offensive. If you do, you need to get a life.

Response by PO1 Joe Downey made May 18 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-05-18T20:45:17-04:00

I was at a customers business on Wednesday and he kept on talking about one of his clients who was a seabee and kept saying about the squid and kept referring to him in that way. Got me teed off for this guy never served. Had he served it would of been cool

Response by 1SG Michael Wilson made May 18 at 2018 9:45 PM

2018-05-18T21:45:30-04:00

If we can't run each other, who can? You have to keep your sense of humor in this business.

Response by SGT George Smith made May 18 at 2018 10:00 PM

2018-05-18T22:00:51-04:00

Only use these various terms with others and you have earned the righ by serving this country. A bunch of wundedservic s can ease each other but if a outsider does it thee will be hell to pay.

Response by SPC Robert Aiken made May 18 at 2018 10:15 PM

2018-05-18T22:15:37-04:00

No its not. I have family and friends in other branches, we're always dogging each other out. My dad's a Marine and I still call him an old Jarhead.

Response by SPC Nick Brewster made May 18 at 2018 10:20 PM

2018-05-18T22:20:26-04:00

I have friends in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. I love em all, would die for em all, but they're all pussies since they ain't infantry, HOOAH! LOL, but if a civie gets mouthy, unless they're their family, I'll fuck em up! Believe me though I've heard my fair share from other SM's since I was a "Nasty Girl" lol. I get it, and I have nothing but respect for every active duty member. Usually they're just jerking my chain, but those that get actually shitty, I shut that shit down real quick.

Response by CW4 Steven Bowyer made May 18 at 2018 10:52 PM

2018-05-18T22:52:03-04:00

All in fun. Period. If you’ve never served, clam up.

Response by SSgt Max Gonzales made May 18 at 2018 11:38 PM

2018-05-18T23:38:41-04:00

Most definitely,we all joked about one's branch branch of choice. Been that way forever, civilians don't understand the camaraderie between us. Our family has covered all branches, and have kiidded each other,but let anyone else say anything and it's on

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2018 12:10 AM

2018-05-19T00:10:06-04:00

As long as it is a fellow veteran, I have no problem with colorful names. That’s how family gets along.

Response by PO1 William Puckett made May 19 at 2018 12:37 AM

2018-05-19T00:37:05-04:00

They alway call submarine sailors bubble heads it's kind a term of indearment to me and if you served I take it as a joke and I can give as good as I get

Response by CPL Daniel Rose made May 19 at 2018 12:44 AM

2018-05-19T00:44:00-04:00

After all of the things my DI called me and my mother in basic, Dog Face is a compliment. I tried to join the Marines but they found out that my parents were married.

Response by Sgt Greg Harwell made May 19 at 2018 12:51 AM

2018-05-19T00:51:34-04:00

As long as it's from a fellow Vet, I really don't have a problem with it. I work armed security at a local hospital, and there's a Navy vet that comes through alot to bring his wife to treatments, and we trade "barbs" all the time. I was off one time he came through, and the other guard told me Navy told him our teasing each other was always a highlight of his visits.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made May 19 at 2018 1:02 AM

2018-05-19T01:02:38-04:00

Interservice rivalry can be carried to far. We all defend the same flag and Constitution, as well as fight for the American People. .

Response by A1C Thomas Holloway made May 19 at 2018 2:25 AM

2018-05-19T02:25:13-04:00

Have yet to see 1 object to it...most when hear it know chances are it another service member...if they object they probably never got out of basic

Response by SSgt David Marks made May 19 at 2018 2:54 AM

2018-05-19T02:54:39-04:00

I do not get offended by those names. When I was in Marines were Jarheads, Navy were Swabbed, Army were Grunts, Air Force were Air Heads. To me these are just ways other military members pick on each other, its all done in fun. Even though some military members may disagree, but we all share a kinship per say. We are all brothers in arms.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2018 3:35 AM

2018-05-19T03:35:36-04:00

If you get offended at people making fun of your branch, you shouldn't join in the first place.

Response by SGT Tj Casiano made May 19 at 2018 5:25 AM

2018-05-19T05:25:29-04:00

I don't know about anyone else, but I've heard plenty of marines called themselves jarheads. They actually used as a term of Pride, unless it comes from someone who never served.

Response by SGT Andrew Howard made May 19 at 2018 12:02 PM

2018-05-19T12:02:02-04:00

US Army backwards is Yes My Retarded Ass Signed Up.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made May 19 at 2018 7:16 PM

2018-05-19T19:16:55-04:00

No its service thing. Most military folks mean words like those with respect or as joking. The bone heads that put a nasty infliction on these terms are the ones that start issues. But they have issues of their own. And most likely hate their lives and are also the ones that tell everyone they are SF, Seals and war hero's I know someone like that he is a real douche bag. My Dad was a Jarhead and he was my hero. He was one of the Chosin Few and a proud man. He was pissed when I joined the Army. But was happy I was Infantry. I see a Vet I have nothing but respect I see someone on duty I am proud of them but yeah I will screw with them little.

Response by CPL Cheryl Bottass made May 21 at 2018 1:25 PM

2018-05-21T13:25:10-04:00

Only offensive when used disrespectfully by those that didn’t wear the uniform

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made May 24 at 2018 12:52 AM

2018-05-24T00:52:11-04:00

I was a Marine 59-63, I think Jarhead, leatherneck, devildog, Grunt etc. is a badge of honor when I was in. Sailors were Swabbies, soldiers were doggies, airmen were wingwipers. . Reservests in any branch were weekend warriors. Seems like paratroopers & some swabbies always wanted to fight. They were questioning our honor. marines would fight at the drop of a hat no matter what size the opposition was. The EGA was our badge we don't wear unit patches.

Response by MAJ Joshua Entrekin made May 24 at 2018 4:41 PM

2018-05-24T16:41:19-04:00

only when it comes from a non military person.

Response by SPC Douglas Ellis made May 25 at 2018 4:41 PM

2018-05-25T16:41:01-04:00

Anyone in or once in the armed forces that gets offended by interservice rivalry is in the wrong profession.. now if someone who never served spoke in a derogatory way then yes stomp his guts out... lol

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made May 25 at 2018 5:07 PM

2018-05-25T17:07:45-04:00

It is heritage. So, during World War II sailors began referring to Marines as Jarheads. Presumably the high collar on the Marine Dress Blues uniform made a Marine's head look like it was sticking out of the top of a Mason jar. Marines were not insulted. Instead, they embraced the new moniker as a term of utmost respect.

Response by SPC Mel White made May 25 at 2018 6:33 PM

2018-05-25T18:33:24-04:00

All of the worst things that you have mentioned are nowhere near as bad as the things my Drill Sergeants called me. Jump school had even more new derogatory words for us miscreants forced into their lives. This was back when they could call you anything that they wanted.

Response by Sgt Brian Carten made May 26 at 2018 12:21 AM

2018-05-26T00:21:04-04:00

I am a Jarhead and damn proud of it. My civilian friends call me Jarhead and it is a compliment.

Response by SGT Donald Howard made May 26 at 2018 1:22 AM

2018-05-26T01:22:15-04:00

I only took offence of when it came from an individual who had never served in any branch of the military, you have to have earned the right to talk that smack.

Response by PO1 Charles Mitchell made May 26 at 2018 1:49 AM

2018-05-26T01:49:48-04:00

Response by COL Rich McKinney made May 26 at 2018 8:54 PM

2018-05-26T20:54:26-04:00

My old joke is "what is a Leatherneck?". Answer: "A gasket for a jarhead".

Response by SSgt Jimmy Jackson made May 28 at 2018 11:59 AM

2018-05-28T11:59:14-04:00

As an Air Force vet, I get my share of crap from all branches. Jarheads more than others. It's part of the brotherhood. They can't help they scored so low...

Response by SSgt Robert Prest made May 28 at 2018 9:03 PM

2018-05-28T21:03:45-04:00

Only if directed at me. LOL :)

Response by PV2 Daniel Hart made May 29 at 2018 1:38 AM

2018-05-29T01:38:14-04:00

No, it's not offensive but even if it is offensive, the military isn't the place to be sensitive.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made May 29 at 2018 3:48 PM

2018-05-29T15:48:06-04:00

I have the highest respect for any jarheads. If they find that term offensive tell me and quit.

Response by PO3 Michael James made May 29 at 2018 6:03 PM

2018-05-29T18:03:31-04:00

PFC Gkuspie, Sir; Been call a lot of things.. some I can NOT repeat.. However, sea-going bell hop, Ice cream man.. Sparks etc.. well, just in fun.. never really bothered me... My irritation is the fact that the government wants and tries to divide us, within each branch, or just in general.. They appear to enjoy the division.. hoping they can remain in control, screwing things up because many of them never had the backbone to serve in the military, so they play games with our lives instead !!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2018 9:49 AM

2018-05-30T09:49:29-04:00

I feel like today every one can be offended by anyone or anything. However, I think it is great to have the fun rivalry and use certain names in reference to a Job, Career or Military Service. I recently took a Joint Fire Power Course and one of my instructors was a Marine. He made fun of him self and his branch by making Crayola jokes. If it is in good fun, have fun.

Response by SGT Paul Owens made May 31 at 2018 12:06 AM

2018-05-31T00:06:38-04:00

No if you have served your country.

Response by SN Michael Joldersma made May 31 at 2018 9:44 AM

2018-05-31T09:44:59-04:00

NOT AT ALL.UNLESS SOME CIVIES ARE TALKING CRAP.then,you stand for ALL YOUR BROTHERS.✌⚓

Response by PO2 Lon Hebert made May 31 at 2018 11:16 AM

2018-05-31T11:16:09-04:00

once my son became a marine in 2002 I never used that term again. since he was in the corps I have more respect for marines that ever more. they are marines thru and thru. now he is in the process of going into the army marines kept running him around saying we do not know if we have a boat space. he told the recruiter to hell with you. within a few months he will return to active duty. keep his rank of sgt and go to army comm school. we are proud of him.

Response by Thunder O'Meara made May 31 at 2018 12:39 PM

2018-05-31T12:39:00-04:00

I like the name Jarhead.

Response by SGT Frank G made May 31 at 2018 6:08 PM

2018-05-31T18:08:18-04:00

Seriously? Its a family affair brother, we talk shit to each other and move on. Civilians are not allowed this privilege.

Response by SPC Kelley McMahan made Jun 1 at 2018 12:24 PM

2018-06-01T12:24:53-04:00

Found this a few moments ago, and just couldn't resist giving the Navy and Air Force grief.

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Jun 1 at 2018 1:54 PM

2018-06-01T13:54:23-04:00

When you are in the military, you have names for others either in your branch of service or other branches of service. When I was in the Navy, I was called an "Airdale." It didn't refer to the dog. We called those in the lower depths of the ship "Snipes." The list goes on. "Jarhead, leather neck, grunt, squid, just few of the terms of endearment cast around in service. If you are not a veteran or an active service member, then don't use those terms.

Response by SGT William Benson made Jun 3 at 2018 2:59 AM

2018-06-03T02:59:33-04:00

Professional Men At Arms will flip one another a bit of guff, but the underlying respect for one another should be apparent.

Response by SFC Joe Pilgrin made Jun 3 at 2018 2:42 PM

2018-06-03T14:42:55-04:00

It can be offensive if you make it so but no one has the right to talk trash unless they have served,period.

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Jun 4 at 2018 1:03 PM

2018-06-04T13:03:03-04:00

I have to go along with the Major. If someone who can't spell S-U-B-M-A-R-I-N-E refers to me as a "Squid," he or she and I will have a little discussion! However, if my old submarine buddy calls me a "squid," I guess I will insult him back, we will have a good laugh, and drink another beer! However, I do not recommend in any way, shape, or form, to go into a Marine NCO Club and refer to the first Marine you see as a "Jarhead." Why? Because that is a good way to get your head stuffed into a small jar!!!! I would assume that would apply to all services. Coast Guard does not like to be referred to as "six-foot sailors", the Army very likely does not like to be referred to a "mud-heads," and the Air Force probably doesn't appreciate the term "Space Cadets" either. In closing, if you aren't sure, ask your brain if you really should say something insulting, and if your common sense answers "NO" then "DON'T!!" If you do not possess any Common Sense, then you probably deserve what is served! Respectfully Submitted; TMCM (SS), CWO-2, USN (Ret.)

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Jun 7 at 2018 6:45 AM

2018-06-07T06:45:39-04:00

I was told by an old Navy Chief the name "flat top" for Army and "jarhead" for Marines came from the Navy in WW2 while transporting troops. The Army had flattop hair cuts and the Marines head look like a bottle cap. The banter between retirees is all in good fun and is only understood by those that served.

Response by Sgt Frank Staples made Jun 7 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-06-07T18:51:59-04:00

I've known several Marines in my lifetime and "Jarhead" didn't offend them at all...BUT it was coming from another veteran, even though not another Marine!

Response by MSgt Wayne Owens made Jun 8 at 2018 7:24 AM

2018-06-08T07:24:08-04:00

I don't think it's meant to be offensive if used among friends. I myself have called some of my retired friends squids, jarheads, ground pounders (Army) and they call me Flyboy even though I flew little except crossing both ponds several times to exotic locations. Just don't use these terms at Gitmo unless you are a good runner.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Jun 8 at 2018 10:45 AM

2018-06-08T10:45:40-04:00

Isn't that the point?

Response by Sgt Steve Williams made Jun 10 at 2018 8:16 PM

2018-06-10T20:16:00-04:00

Nobody should ever be offended. We really are all on the same team. Differences are good and making fun of each other is fun..Why??? Because we all know we can depend on one another when the shit hits the fan.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2018 4:36 AM

2018-06-11T04:36:23-04:00

NO!!! and to me its very offensive that anyone would even bring that up. I do not care for this Unconstitutional PC garbage.

Response by Cpl John Rugel made Jun 11 at 2018 10:46 AM

2018-06-11T10:46:48-04:00

Not at all, as long as the term is coming from a fellow service member, however may the wrath of the gods fall on a civie who dares to speak so.

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Jun 11 at 2018 11:03 AM

2018-06-11T11:03:26-04:00

We take out "offensive"and play with it for our own amusement.a person is considered to be strong enough to deal with that, as we kill and destroy for our form of employment. MOSTLY,we would be amused at those who are hurt from any language,above the age of 13 ,in fact IF such language "harms" a person I wonder why they are in the military?
In the Cavalry the more personally cutting the insult ,the more amusing to the victim.None truly wished any harm but if your skin is THAT thin ,your are in the WRONG business.
Command can dictate P,C, all they want,it isn;t any basis for an easy life at all.
The world will "fix"anything not tough enough to handle it's evil, we are stronger to face it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2018 10:16 PM

2018-06-11T22:16:19-04:00

No. They're your friends so don't worry about it. They were in the military so they're thick skinned, and furthermore, if they don't like it, they'll tell you. I have two friends in the Marines who I call jarheads, glue-slurpers, crayon eaters, and leathernecks. I have several friends in the Navy who I call swabbies, squids, and bubbleheads.

Response by CW5 Dennis Stewart made Jun 12 at 2018 11:29 AM

2018-06-12T11:29:12-04:00

it is not offensive at all if done between fellow vets or active personnel. Even within the service branch, we kidded each other about being a grunt, a cannon cocker a tread head or fly boy. It is all in fun and having pride in your branch. I was a Captain before becoming a warrant officer and got kidded by both sides of the officer corp. I loved it

Response by PO3 Chaz Sutherland made Jun 12 at 2018 12:09 PM

2018-06-12T12:09:10-04:00

Using a pejorative of any sort is always risky, so it becomes critical to understand the context, and by whom is using it, than the word(s) being used. This is as true in the civilian sector as it was/is in the military's.

Please bear with me here; I'm an American of Asian & European descent, born in New York (as a US Army dependent) but have lived most of my adult life in California. I'm also a US Naval Submarine veteran with no political or religious affiliation. With all that said, at one point or another I've been referred to as a chink, gook, slope, pie-face, cracker, white boy, military-brat, bubblehead, sub-fag, semen, lemon bar, Yankee, liberal, granola, tree-hugger, gun-toter, neo-con, fascist, Jesus-lover, crusader, pagan, sheep-jocky and so on... Most of these were by friends at one time or another, and I never detected any offense so none was taken. However the word "you" has been loaded with more ill-intent than any of the words previously listed. Still though, my learning has taught me to let it roll off my back and move on. Haters hate so I won't give them my time or energy. Considering what the Corps is capable of and responsible for—of which I'm eternally grateful for—I hope any Marine has the intestinal fortitude and intellectual wherewithal to do the same. Being called a "jarhead" or worse is the least of their concerns.

Ultimately, as the expectation of decorum is targeted at words—ignoring context—we will endow inquisitors with the power of raw censorship. History shows this has always been a slippery slope and eventually the wrong kind of people are put in charge of what can and can't be said. God (in whatever form there may or may not be) help us if these kind of people ever take over our military.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Jun 13 at 2018 9:15 AM

2018-06-13T09:15:13-04:00

Keep it in the family and we're good. Several examples, but one time I was talking to a young guy at an open house and his parents walked up...and his proud Mom said, "You know...he's in the Navy!"... and I said, "Oh, I'm sorry...I'll talk slower." It wasn't the response she expected. Both the sailor and his dad laughed but she was furious. Then he turned to her and said..."It's okay, Mom...He's a Marine... we do this to each other all the time." She still gave me dirty looks.

Response by SFC Roger Senatore made Jun 13 at 2018 12:59 PM

2018-06-13T12:59:07-04:00

If there's one thing I can't stand it's a bunch of Leg, Jar Heard, Zoomie, Squid, Grunt, Coastie, Chair Borne, Swabbie, Cannon Cocker, Fly Boy, Puddle Jumper, Rotor Head, Cherry, Snake Eater, Squeal, Chair Force, POG, Weekend Warrior, Yard Dart, Dope on a Rope, FNGs that take offense.

Response by LTC Jr Hutto made Jun 14 at 2018 1:07 PM

2018-06-14T13:07:51-04:00

Not really, but then I do take exception to civilians making remarks which they have absolutely no business nor basis for credibility in making. In my older age, I tend to respect all kinds of marine life and other service folks just because there is no "I" in DoD or Team. Since time began, we've all been in this together and I'm old enough to appreciate that, but slimy civilians encroaching into our world is a whole totaly different story.

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made Jun 14 at 2018 3:16 PM

2018-06-14T15:16:27-04:00

no.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Jun 15 at 2018 12:37 AM

2018-06-15T00:37:04-04:00

HELL NO !!! You can call us a lot of things. We have earned every dang one of them. Just don't call us late for the event. All kidding aside. It wouldn't be the same if the different branches weren't allowed to pick on each other. Civilians who try to join in as if it OK will be brought up short. Between ourselves there is still respect. Those who haven't earned that respect will be taught respect. In a proper military fashion.

Response by PO3 Robert Laity made Jun 15 at 2018 12:37 AM

2018-06-15T00:37:37-04:00

No. I was in the Navy. Someone calling me a "Squid" was fine with me. I referred to Marines as "Jarheads" several times. Of course it's camaraderie. No offense taken. I thought it was cool.

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made Jun 15 at 2018 7:11 AM

2018-06-15T07:11:38-04:00

Many of the guys I went through HS with (way back when) either went Army or Navy and the "sibling rivalry" abounds! I think it is perfectly OK to tease the branch but never attack someones personal service. As a reference only 1 in 18 servicemen saw combat in WWll. But all jobs are important

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jun 15 at 2018 12:31 PM

2018-06-15T12:31:17-04:00

I have cousins and uncles who were Jarheads and I call them that. One uncle was a Air Jockey and one a sailor. When I would call my wife a "silly sailor" she would get ticked off. I once called some of her reserve unit " Boat People" . That did not go over well at all. Their CO explained to me again that they had ships, not boats. Told him I had some friends once that rode on boats. Up and down the Mekong River. One of the Petty Officers said he should have known that I was a dumb grunt. He and I got along fine until they were shipped to Saudi for Desert Storm. It is almost a sign of respect when you joke with another service person.

Response by SPC William Weedman made Jun 15 at 2018 6:16 PM

2018-06-15T18:16:40-04:00

Growing up, my father (Navy) and my uncles (Marine Corps & Army) would good naturedly tease each other about their service. I will tease my friends who didn’t have sense enough to join the Army (or were smarter I get confused) but any derisive term to find for me I will accept, as long as you once held up your right hand and swore to uphold and defend the Constitution as we all did.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jun 16 at 2018 6:44 AM

2018-06-16T06:44:43-04:00

Only if it is done by someone who's never been in the military.

Response by SPC William Biles made Jun 16 at 2018 4:36 PM

2018-06-16T16:36:58-04:00

One would need feelings to be offended.

Response by PO1 Eric Booker made Jun 16 at 2018 7:49 PM

2018-06-16T19:49:56-04:00

Good lord if I had a nickel for everytime I was called a "Swabby", "Squid" etc...and I gave it back as well!Lol! As others have alluded to, it's one thing if "we" vet's play the "game" but quite another if a civilian with no service tries to. They have not earned the privilege of ribbing like that IMHO. Although different branches, duties, etc..most of "us" have very similar experiences when it comes to the "life" of a military member or family.

Response by COL Dan Williams made Jun 18 at 2018 5:14 AM

2018-06-18T05:14:08-04:00

No.

Response by CPO Charlie Kessler made Jun 18 at 2018 11:25 PM

2018-06-18T23:25:12-04:00

It can be offensive if you don't know the guy/gal. Just like saying something offensive to someone you don't know in the real world. You just don't do it. But if you know them it can be funny or endearing. I am Navy, prior service Marines. Once just before a personnel inspection one of my peers began to degrade the Marine Corps. I let it go on for a while, but then let the gent know that I was about to turn loose and although one of us was going to win, both our white uniforms were going to wind up bloody. It depends on the person and the time.

Response by SFC William Allen made Jun 22 at 2018 7:51 AM

2018-06-22T07:51:11-04:00

I'm from an Artillery unit (3/112th FA) and I used to get teased by other for it ( "Queen of battle"). I never took it seriously and anyone who has been there never will. I also never teased anyone who I just met for their branch of service or what they did. To be honest, the only thing I ever objected to was being called "Sarge"- I HATE that!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2018 1:03 PM

2018-06-23T13:03:59-04:00

No. You want my long answer? Hell no.

Response by Capt James McAllister made Jun 25 at 2018 3:30 PM

2018-06-25T15:30:54-04:00

I've been out of the Air Force for years, and I think I've earned the right to be called a 'Wing Nut'.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Jun 27 at 2018 1:22 PM

2018-06-27T13:22:17-04:00

I’d say if you “hurt” Marines feelings. Then they weren’t a true Marine. Probably a Air Force guy playing dress up

Response by CAPT Hiram Patterson made Jun 28 at 2018 11:36 AM

2018-06-28T11:36:44-04:00

I think everyone jokes about the Air Force. The Marines and others call us squids and we call the Marines cargo. I rarely ever heard jarheads used.

Response by PO1 Tim Grace made Jun 30 at 2018 11:50 AM

2018-06-30T11:50:55-04:00

Never have, never will. It's a sibling rivalry deep in tradition. We are all brothers in arms. It is with the utmost respect that I use the term jarhead or other seemingly derogatory terms for the Marines or other branches. The place I work has many veterans of the military and law enforcement. Our customers (the non-veterans) often have horrified looks when they hear the banter (the vets will often toss a barb in our direction). Once explained, the customer stands a little straighter.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 7:07 PM

2018-06-30T19:07:57-04:00

Serving with the US Marines as a Corpsman we joked about it a lot, and I don't think we ever considered it offensive. I know as service men we all looked out for each other, but when in the club that could change. We would never would put up with a civilian calling us or another service member anything offensive. We did have a good times harassing other service members, and all in fun. Well I guess if you never served you just wouldn't understand what it is to serve. It all about rivalry and everyone likes to think their the best. Just happy to have served this great country!

Response by Sgt Carmine Taffuri made Jul 6 at 2018 6:38 AM

2018-07-06T06:38:25-04:00

Not as long as the person using the term has served in the military. I was in the Air Force, and referred to as a Zoomie! We called Navy guys, Squids, no big deal.

Response by CW2 Jim Horton made Jul 6 at 2018 11:41 PM

2018-07-06T23:41:29-04:00

I can call a Marine a Jarhead the same as he can call me a Dogface, but you damn well better be in our family to take that kind of liberty.

Response by Cpl Robert Thomson made Jul 19 at 2018 8:09 AM

2018-07-19T08:09:41-04:00

As a rule, Marines are thick skinned. We do not need anyone's approval. We do not need our egos propped up. Marine Corps toughness is not only related to physical abilities. Most importantly, Marine Corps toughness stems from mental toughness. Marines do what even they think can't be done because they never give up and quit. Therefore, I take no offense at Jarhead, Leatherneck or Devildog. I prefer Marine, Devildog or Leatherneck over Jarhead but, Jarhead is ok too. Hope that helps. Funny thing, yesterday I was at the VA and somebody put a business card on my motorcycle for the Jarhead Motorcycle Club with a name and phone number contact. I've been a Marine for going on 50 years so, I don't know if I will join now? Not sure if they'd want this old guy lol.

Response by PFC Chris White made Jul 19 at 2018 4:33 PM

2018-07-19T16:33:08-04:00

Not at all. Why should that hurt my feelings or make me mad. Get over it if this hurts your feelings Jarheads.

Response by HN Gary Walker made Jul 20 at 2018 4:49 AM

2018-07-20T04:49:45-04:00

I was a Navy Corpsmen so I had the Best of both worlds. One of my proudest days was when my Marines started calling me Doc! I think when you have served in any service you learn when it is cool and when it is not. Grunt, Squid, Bubble Head, Jar Head Ground Pounder. We all had to earn those names and I know there is a hundred more out there. Semper Fi and Fair Seas!

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Jul 20 at 2018 10:20 PM

2018-07-20T22:20:38-04:00

I agree, I was in both the Army first and then I got out and went into to the Navy, I got teased by my shipmates and I fished it back but we knew it was all in fun. No one out side our smoothest tried it.

Response by CAPT Patrick Mulcahy made Jul 22 at 2018 11:59 PM

2018-07-22T23:59:51-04:00

I never had a problem being called a squid or other term for those in the Navy as long as it was done in fun.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Jul 23 at 2018 6:23 AM

2018-07-23T06:23:18-04:00

Really? I think I’m dumber responding to this than the question. But, how do you keep a sailor busy? Have a doggy ask a dumb question. If someone becomes upset because of a comment on his service of choice, that person never served. All of us can agree that you need a different thickness of skin to deal with service of choice, so if you can’t deal with a little “joking” you need to check your self. Now, most of us know the “jokes” we sling at each other we have all heard more than once. Every now and then you do hear a “new” one. That being said, as long as you are not slinging racial, ethical, religious insults, you’re good. I always look at the joking from other services as a sign a jealousy. Not everyone can be a bad ass Marine. Not all of us can be a Force if one. Not all of us can Sail the seven seas. Not all of us can convince only the officers to go into battle while we stay in the rear with the beer and the gear.

Response by Cpl Doug Adams made Jul 24 at 2018 10:42 PM

2018-07-24T22:42:40-04:00

I've maintained the high and tight flat top for years after leaving the Corps and I hear jarhead and still look to see if I'm being addressed. Never has bothered me, even if its a "squid" . lmao

Response by TSgt James Lacey made Jul 29 at 2018 2:34 AM

2018-07-29T02:34:58-04:00

I don't mind when people call me flyboy or some other term for the Air Force because it only happens at the VA. I had a brother in the Navy one in the Army and both father and step-father were swab jockies. If you have been there done that what is the problem? As to John Wayne's not serving that was actually a pentagon decision they thought he could do the service more good making movies

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Jul 30 at 2018 3:32 AM

2018-07-30T03:32:50-04:00

LMAO
We don't need no sticking safe spaces around here
(Retired 'Crunchy' or 'Mounted Puke' as my DAT friends used to call us...)

Response by MSG Bill Gerke made Aug 2 at 2018 11:41 PM

2018-08-02T23:41:42-04:00

NO! Serve in USMC 1968-1970. USMCR 1973-76 Been called that by other Marines. Been called that a lot serving in NYARNG for 31 Years.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Aug 3 at 2018 3:52 PM

2018-08-03T15:52:12-04:00

The names bantered back and forth may had even been started by the service from which they came from. I know a few jar heads and they consider it as being there's! As was mentioned once a Marine always a marine. I have had the pleasure of working with the Navy, Air Force and of course Army! There was an extensive amount of trash talk. But in the end, they worked together very well and you knew we had each others back.

Response by LTC Michael Garrison made Aug 6 at 2018 12:46 PM

2018-08-06T12:46:19-04:00

This is an insider term that would be considered negative if you did not know the person. I would be careful where it is used to ensure the proper context.

Response by LTC Michael Garrison made Aug 6 at 2018 12:48 PM

2018-08-06T12:48:08-04:00

I consider this term as mostly negative especially if said by a stranger. Fellow Marines only seem to use it in close company as a joke. I would be careful otherwise.

Response by PO3 Eric Sapp made Aug 6 at 2018 4:40 PM

2018-08-06T16:40:35-04:00

Response by Cpl Geoff Smith made Aug 12 at 2018 9:27 AM

2018-08-12T09:27:08-04:00

I am a JAR HEAD and proud of it!

Response by SSgt Rick Scharnberg made Aug 14 at 2018 3:49 PM

2018-08-14T15:49:39-04:00

If it is from another Vet, no problem. But from a 4F Jody it better not happen.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Aug 14 at 2018 5:13 PM

2018-08-14T17:13:28-04:00

Say anything you like, but "Smile when you say that, partner."

Response by LCpl Martin Lutz made Aug 15 at 2018 9:32 AM

2018-08-15T09:32:47-04:00

No problem with it..... and no problem with Devil dog, Leatherneck, hard charger, gung ho or any other terms. Marines are not pussies. They are warriors...call them what you like, just don't call them "late" for dinner.

Response by LCpl Sean Talty made Aug 15 at 2018 12:14 PM

2018-08-15T12:14:18-04:00

I have a friend who’s Dad served in Vietnam in the Army,the son started calling me Jarhead and a few other terms. I stopped him and told him your Dad can get away with that because he wore the uniform of the United States but because he never served he didn’t have that privilege.

Response by SFC Harry H. made Aug 15 at 2018 1:07 PM

2018-08-15T13:07:56-04:00

I've done my fair share of poking fun. I'm also ready for them to give it back. As long as it stays "All in good fun" then I say it's cool.

What I found funny though, was my co worker who is prior Marine Corps. He always claims he is die hard Marine Corps. I remind him, that if your so die hard Marine Corps, then why did you get out after three years? If you loved your branch you would still be in like me. Until I retired. Now I'm die hard Army.

Response by MSgt Walter Clack made Aug 16 at 2018 8:50 AM

2018-08-16T08:50:31-04:00

No do not think it comes off as offensive and even if it does tough. I wear the title Jarhead with pride as far as the squids, flybabies, and dogfaces go you will have to ask them. Semper Fi

Response by SCPO Melvin Burt made Aug 19 at 2018 10:51 AM

2018-08-19T10:51:52-04:00

Things like that was what made the service fun and great place to be. I hope that the sailors of today find the same comradery. Once in a while I still get called a swaby or squid and it makes my day.

M. Burt, SCPO, USN (Retired)

Response by PO2 Mario Lofaro made Aug 21 at 2018 10:42 AM

2018-08-21T10:42:39-04:00

Terms of endearment are important amongst those of us who have served, and are serving. Being a Navy Doc, I've been called a few different ones. But the language belongs to those who serve and have served.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Aug 23 at 2018 7:25 PM

2018-08-23T19:25:17-04:00

Right now, I"m on a job where I and one of my electricians ( ex-USMC) are the only two veterans. He twisted his arm pulling cable, and as safety officer, I iced it and gave him a " tennis elbow" brace, which he took home. He came back to work ( where he NEEDS it) I asked him where us your brace.He responded: "I thought I just needed it at home. I looked at him, and sighed, and shook my head, and said " You ARE a jarhead!" And we both laughed!! The other guys had NO IDEA what we were talking about.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Sep 1 at 2018 11:41 PM

2018-09-01T23:41:08-04:00

None of these are relevant to the question. He is asking is: is it offensive to use words like Jarhead, Squid, etc. My experience is that the term Jarhead or Devil Dog, is not offensive to marines; Having never been a marine I do not know this is true, especially the term Jarhead as it is meant to refer to marines as stupid and thus a pejorative term.

The term Squid, in general is derogatory so yes that would be offensive.

The terms Grunt and G.I. are the only slang terms i am familiar with for the army, and they are not offensive really, although some techie mos' might take offensive to being called a "grunt'. As grunt is to soldier what Jarhead is to Marine.

Air Force is flyboy, which really only applies to officers and aircrew. And other than being called "boy" I do not see it being offensive.

really depends on the context of the conversation.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Sep 2 at 2018 7:18 PM

2018-09-02T19:18:20-04:00

How can you get upset by terms of endearment?

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Sep 2 at 2018 9:04 PM

2018-09-02T21:04:26-04:00

Oh dear.... how can I put this as... Politically Correct as possible? Its like this. Those "Joking" little names we call each other, little brother, can, and often are, used as terms of endearment amongst ourselves, however, I should add, that Marine to Marine, in situations where there are no others but the "EGA Siblings" those 'Endearments take on a little more caustic amusement, but first and foremost, I highly doubt there are many of us who would use those terms in such a way outside of the "Family."
I say this, with the full knowledge and amusement of a good friend, who's a "Retired Mud Duck" an ex husband who's a retired Chief, fondly called 'The Family Squid' in a rather large genetic circle of retired, formerly serving, and now serving Marines, and one rather confused son in law who is retired from the Army, and known to my cousins as "Oh, you know, that guy your daughter married...the one who picked the wrong uniform... or the wrong wife..." as well as my much loved, and dearly missed brother in law, who passed away some years ago, and had half of my cousins believing that they had meals delivered to the tables in USAF chow halls, and maid service in Boot Camp. I'm still not sure if my cousin Jerry has realized that Frank was amusing himself by out-lying several old Marines, in any case, my family is fully integrated, as far as services go, and we tend to send snappy comments, and rude come-backs at each other quite a lot, and I believe that there have not been any ill feelings or long term rage connected with such nicknames.... but maybe we're a bit odd...

Response by MSG William Hesser made Sep 5 at 2018 7:44 PM

2018-09-05T19:44:36-04:00

'Nick-Names' for members of the military service of the different branches has been going on since colonial days before the Revolution.
It is done in fun and basic chiding eath branch and or unit of your branch.
As far as being disrespectful, it is PC crap is just that, CRAP. If you can'd take and dish out a little 'ribbing' between service members and between branches and between units, you definitely need to go 'join' the snowflakes and go sit in your 'safeplace'.

Response by Sgt Anthony Leverington made Sep 7 at 2018 12:21 AM

2018-09-07T00:21:13-04:00

Personally, I think if you get offended by such things, you have no business being in the military at all.
That being said.............normally, I don't pay much attention to the jabs I get from people from other branches. However, there was one instance where a comment got me a little miffed.
At my civilian job, I met a female former Army person who had worked in the motor pool. When she found out I was former Air Force, she referred to it as the "Chair" Force because in her opinion, all we did was sit around. For the exception of basic and tech school, I spent my entire term on a Special Operations base..........1st SOW, 20th SOS. We went TDY a LOT (and went to Air Force, Army and Naval bases but, never a Marine base..........no idea why) and in between, we had mobility exercises about every 1 or 2 months.
So anyway...........I told her to go spend some time on a Special Operations base, then come tell me it's the "Chair Force".

Response by PO2 Keith Reese made Sep 9 at 2018 9:31 PM

2018-09-09T21:31:08-04:00

Most if not all vets realize and accept interservice rivalry, they should anyway bc it's all over the active duty service from the jokes to friendships to being out on the town. I feel if a vet has a problem with another vet calling him/her the accepted terms of endearment then that's the first vets problem, let it be known at the outset. Civvies have no business talking about something they know nothing about. My only exceptions would be an extremely close family member or a very close lifelong friend.

Response by PO2 Mark Boone made Sep 12 at 2018 4:00 PM

2018-09-12T16:00:38-04:00

My brother and nephew are marines veterans, my dad and I are navy veterans so theirs a lot of names thrown back and forth! But it’s ok we’re all veterans even if the marines are our illegitimate stepbrothers!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2018 4:36 PM

2018-09-13T16:36:53-04:00

Offensiveness is irreverent. If you are hurt by words, then I don't want you next to me in combat.

Response by SSG Ken Gilder made Sep 15 at 2018 10:32 AM

2018-09-15T10:32:19-04:00

I think it depends on context. There is a difference between "Hey, Jarhear! Let's go over to the club and have a beer!", and "That jarhead is about as useful as pockets in underwer."

Response by SSG Ken Gilder made Sep 15 at 2018 10:41 AM

2018-09-15T10:41:58-04:00

O'd say it depends on context. There's a hell of s difference between "Hey, jarhead! Let's go over to the club and have a beer!", and "That jarhead is about as useful as pockets in underwear!"

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Sep 15 at 2018 2:03 PM

2018-09-15T14:03:24-04:00

Ahhhh................No.

Response by Cpl Ed Casala made Sep 21 at 2018 7:35 PM

2018-09-21T19:35:41-04:00

Response by Cpl Ed Casala made Sep 21 at 2018 7:36 PM

2018-09-21T19:36:12-04:00

Response by Maj Ken Brown made Sep 26 at 2018 12:59 AM

2018-09-26T00:59:47-04:00

I we were this thin-skinned, we'd never have made it through boot camp. "You're so ugly you could be a modern art masterpiece." "Did your parents ever have any children that lived? I bet they regret that." "You've got all the coordination of a parapligic cockroach." "Sound off like you've got a pair."

"Jarhead" is just another term of endearment. i wear it with pride.

Response by SPC Mike Davis made Sep 28 at 2018 12:14 PM

2018-09-28T12:14:15-04:00

I was called a Signal Corp "girl" many times. Of course that was back when the military was made up of real warriors....not you girly boys of today.

Response by CPO John Lang made Sep 28 at 2018 9:36 PM

2018-09-28T21:36:03-04:00

I should have answered that before....NO, that's camaraderie anyway. Most of the public doesn't care about what we call each other anyway! I do have two son in laws who are Marines & I am very proud of their service. The USN/USMC is a tough team that I'd prefer to work with on ANY tasking!

Response by Cpl Douglas Loven made Sep 30 at 2018 5:26 AM

2018-09-30T05:26:57-04:00

No, not really. it's all done in fun besides we all know the Marines are the best in the world. The fact we might eat crayons is irrelevant.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2018 11:27 AM

2018-09-30T11:27:33-04:00

I wouldn't be offended by another veteran unless he was acting in a less than friendly way. Under those circumstances, I try to back away.

Response by SFC Richard Baerlocher made Oct 1 at 2018 3:02 AM

2018-10-01T03:02:19-04:00

As a retired E-7, I believe that calling any branch names that could be considered to be offensive should be off limits except in a closed crowd among only friends. I once watched a major fight break out in Waikiki between the Army, Navy and Marines because of what some thought to be offensive. Keep it to friends and you will be alright.

Response by SGT J M Porters made Oct 1 at 2018 5:52 AM

2018-10-01T05:52:48-04:00

Only in a time of political correctness. Let me ask you a question? Do you find being called a prick offensive?

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2018 4:52 PM

2018-10-02T16:52:15-04:00

Yeah, Those 6 month tours must be Hell !!!!!!!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2018 4:52 PM

2018-10-02T16:52:51-04:00

Yeah, Those 6 month tours they have must be Hell !!!!!

Response by HN Al Myers made Oct 5 at 2018 12:09 PM

2018-10-05T12:09:26-04:00

I always enjoyed the the team easy and fun when I served, I was a Navy Corpsman called a swab by,
my friends Doc by My Marines, show I called jarheads, including my dad who was a WW2 Marine. It was always said with respect

Response by SGT William Benson made Oct 8 at 2018 12:18 PM

2018-10-08T12:18:29-04:00

Like others have said, "Once you're 'in', you're 'in'." I sure don't have a problem with inter-Service ribbing, as long as there's that underlying sense of respect. It's when the respect is lost, and some idiot starts getting hot under the collar that trouble starts (and the old war-horses begin to fade into the background lest they be associated with a fool.)
But it ends there. I'm "resistant" to even family members using the appellations we're all talking about here - but there are a few exceptions, like that old gal who ran the little tar-paper shack dive outside of Camp Geiger in '88 - Her "ol' man" had been taken by Agent Orange, and "her Marines" was all she had... Probably took most of the 2nd Marine Division into her bed, but stayed up with even more when the demons showed up in the middle of the night. When the Air Alert Battalion was called out, she and her girls lit the candles and stood vigil until "her Marines" stood down. She was one of the "Pancho Barnes" of the Corps, and she could call us 'Jarheads' if she wanted, because she was 'Mom' to more than a few souls who were trying to find their anchors... I don't know if they broke the mold when she passed...
So, yeah, betwixt us Jarheads, Squids, Wing-Wipers, Puddle Pirate, and Doggies, I don't have a problem...
But if you ain't one of us, don't fart in the Halls of Valhalla...

Response by SMSgt Tom Burns made Oct 8 at 2018 4:27 PM

2018-10-08T16:27:43-04:00

Most service member from the different services refer to their peers by a service handle. It normally is taken in a joking manner, unless it is rude or otherwise offensive. Only people in the clans can do this. Outsiders or those that have never been a part of one of the service fraternities, should refrain from such.

Response by GySgt Michael Harris made Oct 9 at 2018 1:34 PM

2018-10-09T13:34:15-04:00

These are terms of endearment between warriors, and yes it is better to know a Marine before calling them a jar-head the out come will favor you better.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Oct 12 at 2018 2:41 PM

2018-10-12T14:41:16-04:00

It depends on who's using it. I rarely hear any for any service by anyone who hasn't been in the service and we used them as much as the official names. Malicious use between servicemen , I attribute to a lack of self-confidence more than anything.

Response by SPC Michael Rosauer made Oct 14 at 2018 7:11 PM

2018-10-14T19:11:59-04:00

We are family and family pick on each other and it's fun I was in the ARMY and my stepson is a JARHEAD we have fun pick on each other when I get to see him GOD BLESS YOU ALL THAT WERE IN

Response by PFC Brian Brody made Oct 15 at 2018 12:59 AM

2018-10-15T00:59:48-04:00

I don't find it offensive I wear it proidly

Response by GySgt Thomas Reichard made Oct 15 at 2018 3:13 AM

2018-10-15T03:13:49-04:00

I'm a Marine, everyone else on here is in the Military.

Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot, Over! "Offensive", because of a few words, give me a break! When it hit's the fan, the things we have to face, now that is offensive.

Response by CWO3 Warren Gaudreau made Oct 19 at 2018 9:15 AM

2018-10-19T09:15:17-04:00

I welcome the "shallow water sailor" moniker from another vet. I don't appreciated it from someone with no clue about what it means to have served our great country.

Response by Capt Edward Hannan made Oct 23 at 2018 7:56 AM

2018-10-23T07:56:01-04:00

I am not offended when another veteran or active service member uses a name like Jarhead, I am not even sure it is meant to be offensive. I was recently at a dock in San Diego when a man (navy vet) saw the EGA on my cover and reminded me that the Corps was a department of the Navy. I replied that it was, the MEN'S DEPARTMENT. I thanked him for feeding me the opening to this old joke, and we started a barrage of jokes which his wife interrupted as it was their dinner time. As for civilians, I really don't care. They are either ignorant or jealous.

Response by CA Christopher Reidt made Oct 23 at 2018 12:48 PM

2018-10-23T12:48:29-04:00

I tend to be in the same mindset. If you served, game on, if not, you may lose your head

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2018 4:24 AM

2018-10-27T04:24:31-04:00

Give me a freaking break! I take pride in being called a dog face or a REMF or whatever. When the .mil becomes 100% PC we are all screwed. Stop being a bunch of snowflakes, you are supposed to be Soldiers and Marines. Your job is to blow up shit and kill people! Hope I get banned, We seem to have lost the warrior ethos. Good luck!

Response by Lt Col Ron Jacobs made Oct 29 at 2018 5:04 PM

2018-10-29T17:04:54-04:00

Not really if its from another military person. Having served in several inter service groups I was constantly reminded of the Air Force penchant for building the golf course and often was shown pictures of a aircraft carrier with a turf covered flight deck if the carrier had been owned by USAF

Response by PO3 William Harney made Oct 30 at 2018 6:56 PM

2018-10-30T18:56:18-04:00

No not at all.

Response by SFC Tom Michael made Oct 31 at 2018 2:34 PM

2018-10-31T14:34:36-04:00

Not really. Guess it’s how it’s sad. Like a Marine calling a soldier a Dog.
Doesn’t mean much, because those that resort to saying silly things are usually knuckleheads.

Response by Lt Col Lewis Williams made Oct 31 at 2018 7:23 PM

2018-10-31T19:23:11-04:00

Sometimes it’s ok, respectfully or jokingly. If it’s with malice, then no.

Response by PO1 Dan McCarthy III made Nov 1 at 2018 5:33 AM

2018-11-01T05:33:48-04:00

I have no problem with Squids,Jarheads,Puddle Pirates,Dog Legs,et al we can and will say whatever about our Brothers and Sisters any Family member can however if not part of this Family Brotherhood/Sisterhood you do not have that Right. However the biggest problem I have is with those Cranyon Eating Grunts,they only eat the Maroon/Yellow ones !
HooAh! OohRah! HooYah!
“”Gunner” USN(ret)

Response by Sgt Michael Sayles made Nov 5 at 2018 7:41 PM

2018-11-05T19:41:12-05:00

It depends, if a larger group of soldiers call a smaller group of Marines
'Jarheads" or speak of eating crayons, great chance of a physical altercation occurring. If you are stationed together or a personal friends, then develop a thick skin the insults will fly OK Squids, Zoomies, and Doggies!!!!

Response by PO3 Lynn Spalding made Nov 5 at 2018 8:06 PM

2018-11-05T20:06:37-05:00

Shouldn't be a problem among service members. My brother now deceased to me is still a damn a Damn Jarhead from Nam and I'm a Squid from the Nam Era.

Response by PO3 Eric Sapp made Nov 5 at 2018 8:18 PM

2018-11-05T20:18:23-05:00

Response by SGT Steven Quinn made Nov 7 at 2018 6:41 AM

2018-11-07T06:41:53-05:00

Sometimes

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Nov 9 at 2018 9:50 AM

2018-11-09T09:50:04-05:00

No the only time I would take offense is when I know that just called a buddy a Jarhead wasn't a vet.

Response by Sgt Heriberto Salinas made Nov 10 at 2018 2:11 PM

2018-11-10T14:11:03-05:00

I guess if you know them that well, and they're not offended. It's ok, but It can be taken as a derogatory term from someone who has never served.

Response by Edward Samsen made Nov 11 at 2018 6:15 PM

2018-11-11T18:15:04-05:00

As long as you have worn any one of the uniforms in question, interservice rivalry is just fine. Coast Guard gets the worst of it despite the work we do. Shallow water sailors, Puddle Pirates etc

Response by Edward Samsen made Nov 11 at 2018 6:25 PM

2018-11-11T18:25:38-05:00

It is no different from calling West Point "Hudson High" or USNA as "Canoe U" or "Boat School" or ever referring to the Coast Guard Academy as "Brown Water University" if you attend or attended one of the other academies. Ring knockers get the privelege

Response by SGT Todd Roumph made Nov 14 at 2018 12:05 AM

2018-11-14T00:05:56-05:00

I call them Jarhead’s & Jughead’s. I don’t give a damn if they find it offensive. If they get butthurt....they don’t deserve the title of Marine...it’s probably some Heavy epuipment mechanic or some rear serving POG that thinks he’s a Rifleman because the Marines told him he was. I hate to tell you that you POG’s will never be a Rifleman until you’ve served in a Infantry position. Fucking POG’s ain’t stealing Infantry valantry unless you’ve served in that duty...(Doc’s excluded course).

Response by SP5 Michael Evans Sr. made Nov 14 at 2018 12:26 PM

2018-11-14T12:26:33-05:00

We are all brothers and sisters and as such YESWE CAN pick on each other and their service branch, ALL IN FUN.. HOWEVER if you have NEVER WORN the uniform?? DON'T EVEN DARE to try it.
I recently performed a wedding of two very, very good friends of mine, and during rehearsal the Father of the bride was wearing a USMC t-shirt.. I walked up to him and said " Hey Brother, you ready for this, or do I need to open the lid on that " jar head '" of yours to let in some fresh air". The bride was aghast and KNOWING her farther would blow a gasket at that term.. He looked at my US Army Vietnam Veteran hat and laughed and said " Lets do this "

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2018 3:16 PM

2018-11-14T15:16:46-05:00

Not for me. Go ahead and call me a Jarhead, a leatherneck, or even a Devil Dog. I'm proud of those nick names! I am proud to have joined a brotherhood not many people have the courage to join. There is a reason why I dont have to do anyone else's bootcamp, and yet if anyone from an outside branch wants to join my Marine Corps, you have to go through Marine Corps Boot Camp. Which is the longest and toughest out of any other branch. If you dont believe me, rey it for yourself, lol. I think the rivalry is good between the branches to a point. There's nothing wrong with a little competition, so as long as we help each other when the time comes. What names do other branches have anyways??? I guess I've never cared to know...I've heard of fly boy for the airforce, seaman for the navy, of course I know some for the Marines, but what nicknames are there for Soldiers??? I'm a little embarrassed I dont know any and I'm in the Army now....lmao

Response by Cpl Charles DelToro made Nov 15 at 2018 1:14 AM

2018-11-15T01:14:32-05:00

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2018 4:36 PM

2018-11-15T16:36:32-05:00

I am really offended when one anyone calls me late for dinner.....

Response by Sgt Carlos Barrera made Nov 15 at 2018 4:55 PM

2018-11-15T16:55:53-05:00

If you find it offensive; then you are not a Marine, and have no business using it

Response by MSgt Rosemary Connolly made Nov 16 at 2018 12:07 AM

2018-11-16T00:07:45-05:00

Often it's the tone. If you don't get it, take it in a positive intent. A tease is also a sign of respect. Many today don't have tough enough skin to take a jab. My father told me that when someone teases you, there's something about you to be envied. We were brought up on "Sticks N stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me". Today, telling a fact can be an insult to someone. I know.

Response by SFC Scott Parkhurst made Nov 16 at 2018 10:05 PM

2018-11-16T22:05:38-05:00

I've never called anyone but their rightful name. I just never felt right calling a Marine a "jarhead"...I feel only they can call themselves that. As I haven't earned that right. I also feel that only those of us who have served and or are serving can call ourselves our nicknames....and only when it's appropriate.

Response by PO1 Robert George made Nov 17 at 2018 10:21 PM

2018-11-17T22:21:44-05:00

I'm a squid, Boats, Deck Ape, Knuckle Dragger, and other names not generally suitable for use in mixed company. You're a jarhead, gyrene, grunt, groundpounder, Top, Sarge, etc. When we're part of the same brotherhood/sisterhood, it's all terms of 'endearment' and we've got your back. If you haven't done it, you haven't earned it and it's an insult. Suffer the consequences.

Response by SSG Ricky Johnson made Nov 18 at 2018 10:09 AM

2018-11-18T10:09:51-05:00

Having went to a tri-service school (indianhead) naval school that had Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. There were Squids, Ground Pounders (gravel agitators), Wing Walkers, and Jarheads. We all wore (or would wear) the Charles County Crab. That badge denoted a band of brothers beyond service. We get that. It has been a proven bond since 1940s.

Response by SA Scotty Carter made Nov 22 at 2018 3:54 PM

2018-11-22T15:54:01-05:00

I've been called "squid", "deck-ape" and a few other things, I don't get offended and I don't see any reason why anyone should take offense at any of the terms used to denote the branch of service the are/ have served in.

Response by SSG Clayton Kuehn made Nov 24 at 2018 4:04 PM

2018-11-24T16:04:24-05:00

If you have worn the uniform, terms such as Dogface, Jarhead, Squid or Zoomie are no more than friendly jibes among the different services and, in my opinion acceptable. The only one I find offensive in any way is the term "GI" as I have heard it used by civilians and mostly with a negative connotation. The serviceman and servicewomen serving, and who have served, are professionals, not Government Issue by any measure.

Response by CPO Chris Kellar made Nov 26 at 2018 10:27 AM

2018-11-26T10:27:17-05:00

If someone gets upset by this, they need to go home and get their baby bottle. I always loved the inter military rivalry.

Response by SPC Clayton Ellzey made Nov 27 at 2018 4:38 PM

2018-11-27T16:38:56-05:00

Brothers can joke and bs with each other .But an outsider better think twice before messing with one .

Response by PO2 Lewis Brockman made Nov 29 at 2018 3:40 AM

2018-11-29T03:40:20-05:00

I was in the Navy in the late 60's and we jokingly called eachother leather necks and swabbies if someone not in or have been in the service ,that we did not know , he had a bad day

Response by SCPO Rick Hunter made Dec 3 at 2018 1:15 AM

2018-12-03T01:15:31-05:00

As Colonel Tisher stated below, it really all depends on who and how it's said. I was an FMF Corpsman as such was called, well a lot of so-called "derogatory" names. The best was when someone mistakenly called me either Jarhead or Marine. I'd correct them right away but I was also proud I comported myself in such a manner as to be mistaken for a Marine. As someone else said, I'd never lead with calling someone I'd just met by a slang name for members of their service. And I've been in situations where former members of other branches have given people much more than was just inter-service rivalry and that can go too far. Bottom line is, all of us are proud, or should be, of our service, branch of service, unit and occupational speciality

Response by PO2 Michael Hall made Dec 8 at 2018 2:18 PM

2018-12-08T14:18:58-05:00

I agree with Lt Col Tisher! That's why we Squids can call the Air Force the 9-5 military. :) That is all in good fun. ALL vets wrote the check we hoped to never cash, though too many of our brothers and sisters did!

Response by Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller made Dec 10 at 2018 11:15 AM

2018-12-10T11:15:07-05:00

Nope

Response by Capt Dennis Tague made Dec 10 at 2018 11:47 AM

2018-12-10T11:47:37-05:00

If used by a dirt bag politician who's never served, by all means yes. When playing back and forth with my military brothers and sisters, feel free to call me anything you want to, except late for supper.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Dec 10 at 2018 4:14 PM

2018-12-10T16:14:32-05:00

PFC Justin G'
I have worked with several Marines both in the service and the civilian side and I really got the impression that was a term of endearment. That is not to say they will not banter back and fourth as well. To be safe, it might be more prudent to know the person, as a friend on the outside chance the person is not in a good mood.

Response by SFC Jimmy Sellers made Dec 10 at 2018 8:22 PM

2018-12-10T20:22:48-05:00

No. If your feelings get hurt by words than the Marines probably is not the right place for you.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Dec 11 at 2018 12:11 PM

2018-12-11T12:11:41-05:00

I just received an email from an old friend about a discussion - is the term "shyster" antisemitic. It comes from the German for excrement. And of course Yiddish has its roots in German, so therefore it must be an antisemitic term, right? Oh scheise!

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Dec 11 at 2018 4:12 PM

2018-12-11T16:12:40-05:00

Offensive?? Among the services?? Of Course Not! I have called Jarheads Grunts, and even the ever loyal Mud Marines Sometimes when my nephew who did the unspeakable and went into the Army when his Uncle, Grand Uncle Grand father and Uncle were all in the Navy and one Uncle was ever in the Army Air Corps he became a Dog Face. That one srange Uncle who was a B-24 navigator with the US Army Air Corps then became the AIr Force always took it good when we called him Fly Boy. It is all good fun even when the fists fly as long as it is all over before the MP's, SP's or the local constabulary's arrive. BUT GOD HELP THE CIVILIAN SNOW FLAKE THAT TRIES TO CALL ONE OF US THOSE NAMES. They will have to pick him up with a spatula!

Response by Frederick King made Dec 11 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-12-11T17:49:53-05:00

The nes Io know don't. My Dad was a Captain. 2nd amphibious tractor battalion. Camp Lejeune.

Response by Frederick King made Dec 11 at 2018 5:56 PM

2018-12-11T17:56:24-05:00

Th Marines I've known don't care what you call them. Jar head, grunts, Mullet heads. That's what they called each other long ago, around Camp Lejeune, NC. My Dad was a Captain. 2nd Amtrac battalion, 2nd Division, I believe. He worked with the Tacticians. I worked for the Navy. Fast Attacks. We said "death from Below" , kill em all, let God sort them out. The Marines had better sayings, gerally. They said the same good, relevant stuff as we did, and much more. Love the Marines, Navy, and all our troops.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 12 at 2018 8:53 PM

2018-12-12T20:53:42-05:00

I think it’s the attitude the person using it is in..., maybe they’re being sarcastic, obnoxious .. belligerent.. when they sAy those words... it’s a matter of character the person that it is being used against is
In.. how will they react ; like it’s water off a duck’s back and laugh with them ? Laugh with them, and that person’s offense is weakened ..

Response by SSgt BillandMaggie Straub made Dec 14 at 2018 9:52 AM

2018-12-14T09:52:45-05:00

When I get kidded by other vets or active duty about being an "Airdale", or bird dog for being in the Air Force I take no offense at all. After all, a Jarhead, Navy Bellhop (Marine) Anchor Clanker, Swabbie, (Navy) Knee-deep Navy, or they wear shorts in case the ship goes down they won't get their pants wet, (Coast Guard) Knuckle dragger, Grunt, Dog face (Army), should feel a large amount of pride. They earned the nicknames by virtue of being brave, honorable, and patriotic because they were part of the Brotherhood/ Sisterhood of Hero's who served this country. Now if some snowflake, draft dodging never served, civilian used those terms. It's on. Only those who were willing to come home in a box can use the names which many times are said in a derogatory manner. Just sayin'.

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Dec 16 at 2018 7:00 PM

2018-12-16T19:00:34-05:00

SOUNDS like an INFANTRY question to me...Cav don't care.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Dec 19 at 2018 12:13 AM

2018-12-19T00:13:19-05:00

Been in a lot of brawls over remarks like Jar Head, or seeing the entire liberty crew from a Destroyer Escort (including the CO, XO and Engineer) put in the brig defending their ships good name. We can talk to each other, but when it gets to every branch, we are all brothers. I had a Gunny throw me over his shoulder and carried me back to my command... had a Senior Chief knock me out... he put me in my bunk on a Troop Ship. No grudges, ever... and the Chief even made sure I was ok the next day. I served in two military branches with 2 years in a Fleet Marine battalion. Yeah, we fought and drank ... but we would join in to help any military member. I got no Good Conduct Medals and made E-3, Three Times.

Response by PO3 Michael L made Dec 21 at 2018 6:10 PM

2018-12-21T18:10:55-05:00

I am a navy veteran and my uncle is a former marine... I would call him a jarhead and he would call me a squid and we would hug right after

Response by PO1 Charles Babcock made Dec 25 at 2018 6:36 PM

2018-12-25T18:36:34-05:00

I Agree with Lt Col Tisher, it all depends on who's saying it. My submarine duty usually got me tagged as "squid" or "Bubble Head". No problem if it came from another Military member, as I have comebacks for each of the other services. I Do find it offensive if it comes from a random "Joe Civilian" who has never served.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Dec 30 at 2018 10:42 PM

2018-12-30T22:42:13-05:00

We each have our nic names. Pride is our heartage. As long as we all know we are proud of our service, thats all that counts. Thank you all, coasties, swabbies, airdales, jarheads, and GIs you are what makes us great.

Response by PO1 Charles Babcock made Jan 19 at 2019 2:28 AM

2019-01-19T02:28:45-05:00

that depends on who it is doing the name calling. Another military member or past military member, no particular problem. Someone who never served, ALWAYS offended.

Response by A1C David Hendrickson made Jan 20 at 2019 8:59 AM

2019-01-20T08:59:46-05:00

you mean the likes of crayon eaters, window lickers, chair force, and lets leave the Coasties alone.
we may joke with each other, call us names and such but your still my brother/sister.
Notice I left the navy out of it because they are nothing but transport for marines.

Response by LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr made Jan 21 at 2019 12:56 AM

2019-01-21T00:56:50-05:00

I have told Marine, Sailor, and Airmen jokes for as long as I can remember. I yo dish it out you havr to be prepared to take it as well. It doesn't matter what branch you join - once you serve you become a member of the largest fraternity in the United States. And, once you become a member of our fraternity yo become our "Brother" or "Sister" and family will always heckel family.

Response by CPL Craig Billings made Feb 1 at 2019 4:09 AM

2019-02-01T04:09:52-05:00

My marine buddy stuck on al Saad with me once told me that jarhead is a term most marines will respond to in the same way as if you called him marine. He said if you ever wanted to start a bar fight with a group of marines, call one devil dog without permission.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Feb 4 at 2019 12:22 AM

2019-02-04T00:22:36-05:00

Fellow vet to fellow vet never. I have a buddy who was Navy, and a brother as well, I was a Coastie, we bust each other mercilessly but if a civilian ever tried to join in, they got the stare.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 10:24 AM

2019-02-08T10:24:23-05:00

We are all Brother's (and Sister's)-in-Arms and like any family, the nicknames fly. I smile when a grunt, anchor-clanker or leatherneck calls me wingut or zoomie, they've earned the privilege to do so. But that's a privilege reserved for a fellow Vet or one still in uniform.

Response by SP5 Ronald Williams made Feb 10 at 2019 11:31 AM

2019-02-10T11:31:21-05:00

I know several marines, active & retired or inactive. We joke back & forth about Army vs Marines. Its always in fun. I was Army ('Nam 67/68), my brother was Army (Col, ret.), my cousin was Army (Nam 65/66),and my son is currently Army (I'd brag on him except for security reasons). I also have kin who were Marine, Air Force and Navy. The thing is, we all proudly served and have earned the right to kid each other about our choices of military service, but just as was mentioned about siblings, "I'll pick on my brother, but don't you dare". There really are relatively few who have served, and those of us who have should consider ourselves a close Brotherhood. I especially love all my brothers who made it home from Vietnam. They and ,especially POWs and KIAs are the heroes.I didn't agree with former Sen. McCain's politics, but he was still one of my heroes. May God bless all of you who served and may he grant you his peace Through Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Feb 10 at 2019 9:49 PM

2019-02-10T21:49:20-05:00

Nope it's all done in love! I was also a police officer and we have a rivalry with fire fighters and it's all good!

Response by MSgt David Lange made Feb 11 at 2019 7:40 PM

2019-02-11T19:40:47-05:00

My wife's brother joined the Navy in 2000. At that time I was a SSgt (E-6) in the Marine Corps. Even today we call each other jarhead and squid. It is all in jest.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Feb 16 at 2019 12:04 PM

2019-02-16T12:04:29-05:00

Only when it’s used with the intent of being offensive. Much like grunt, it can go both ways.

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made Feb 26 at 2019 3:30 PM

2019-02-26T15:30:07-05:00

Between the services these are fun, and are appropriate.

Response by MGySgt Joseph Magyar made Mar 2 at 2019 8:15 PM

2019-03-02T20:15:34-05:00

Being a Jarhead a good deal of my life it is no big deal

Response by MGySgt Joseph Magyar made Mar 2 at 2019 8:17 PM

2019-03-02T20:17:11-05:00

Having been a jarhead for much of my life it is no big deal

Response by Cpl Dmitriy Nikolayenko made Mar 2 at 2019 10:13 PM

2019-03-02T22:13:21-05:00

Are you kidding me? Better not be any of that liberal bs talking here.

Response by LCpl Matt P. made Mar 6 at 2019 12:29 AM

2019-03-06T00:29:36-05:00

Marines learn early on to embrace our nick names, I am a Jarhead, a Grunt, one of Uncle Sam's misguided children, the guys I ride with in the American Legion Riders are from all branches of the service and we always, constantly, incessantly engage in name calling. We get odd, nervous looks from the "uninitiated" and the "slimey civilians", but its all part of the brotherhood, you can push...but we dont hit family, its all in fun, just dont let others outside our circle try it.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Mar 11 at 2019 8:09 AM

2019-03-11T08:09:11-04:00

No, all services can take a joke from members of other services. My daughter asked me about calling Marines Jarheads, and asked why they call Solders. I replied we're Grunts, the Marines are jarheads, Navy, Squids, AF zippers and Coast Guard puddle jumpers. She asked if she could use these terms. I quickly replied if and ONLY if you wear any of the 5 mentioned uniforms. If you don't serve you will show the due respect for the rank of the Service Member. She got it.

Response by SFC Tom Jones made Apr 2 at 2019 5:03 PM

2019-04-02T17:03:26-04:00

YES but when you are at the VFW, or other bars, camping, or where ever you don't crack fun unless they know you, can start some real bad fights and hurt feeling. But I have friends who are Boat jockey's, squids, jar heads, uncle Sam's misguided children, Grunt's,11 bang bang, fly boy's fly girl's, but it is done between friend's and when people try to jump in and they have NEVER SERVED then it can and most of the time all branch's join the fight to teach the knuckle heads that you don't make fun of the arm services unless you know about it.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 2 at 2019 6:21 PM

2019-04-02T18:21:46-04:00

Intent goes a LONG way. I now have a gut - retirement means less PT and more food, at least for me. There is a difference between calling me "fatt*ss" (I call myself fat) with a smile on your face and calling me "that lazy fat*ss over there.". Same with many of the terms. Even the basic (and correct) terms of Soldier, Marine, Airman, and Squid.. err... Sailor can be said derisively.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2019 8:51 PM

2019-04-07T20:51:11-04:00

My army buddies call me a Puddle Pirate and I throw back with Grunt. It’s all in fun and we have mutual respect.

Response by Sgt Gene Peterson made Apr 8 at 2019 7:17 PM

2019-04-08T19:17:29-04:00

Marines have a history of taking nicknames originally intended as barbs and making them their own - Jarhead, Devil Dog, etc. It's not the nickname that causes problems, it's the adjective in front of the nickname.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Apr 12 at 2019 2:03 PM

2019-04-12T14:03:27-04:00

As long as it falls into the realm of inter service repartee. I'm OK with it. If used in an argumentative, disciplinary or other inappropriate occasion it should be avoided. If you have not served, keep your mouth shut.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Apr 13 at 2019 5:50 AM

2019-04-13T05:50:31-04:00

Oh dear Lord... stop with the always being offended.... Who gives a toss???

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Apr 14 at 2019 4:36 PM

2019-04-14T16:36:07-04:00

Oh Hell no!!! It is our history, traditions and family humor that makes the United States Military very dangerous. I am an old man and I remember a pre-Vietnam War MAD magazine that had a the fat American soldiers getting knocked out by the skinny Communists. History shows that did not happen.

Response by COL Clifford Wheeler made Apr 19 at 2019 11:21 AM

2019-04-19T11:21:40-04:00

I think our society has gotten a bit too easy to offend.

Response by PO1 Robert Patterson made Apr 21 at 2019 7:50 PM

2019-04-21T19:50:27-04:00

I'm Navy and my sister married a Marine. We got along great. As others mentioned, I don't care for outsiders to get involved.

Response by SSG William Strong made May 2 at 2019 4:12 PM

2019-05-02T16:12:25-04:00

aw heck....Sea going bellhop, jarhead, grunt, whatever.....It is all in good spirit :-)

Response by Sgt Michael Oberline made May 3 at 2019 10:35 AM

2019-05-03T10:35:26-04:00

Wear it with pride and a smile. If it it was met as an insult that will really piss them off.

Response by SFC Dennis Calkins made May 3 at 2019 12:27 PM

2019-05-03T12:27:17-04:00

Jokes are ok, but I do have to ask why Marines are called crayon eaters, or crayon licker?

Response by SFC Raymond Burke made May 8 at 2019 12:25 PM

2019-05-08T12:25:00-04:00

Can't call them jarheads. Has nothing to do with PC or offensiveness. You can put stuff in a jar.

Response by CPO David Marlowe made May 25 at 2019 3:27 PM

2019-05-25T15:27:00-04:00

My badge of honor it the title "Bubble Head", Skimmer, Hole Snipe or any other title I earned sailing the oceans of the world.

Response by SPC James Fitzpatrick made May 31 at 2019 8:45 AM

2019-05-31T08:45:50-04:00

What kind of snowflake question is this? Marines make fun of the Army, the Army makes fun of Marines! Everybody makes fun of everybody! That's the way it's always been. What kind of ensissified military are we running anymore, that this question should even be asked?

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jun 1 at 2019 11:46 PM

2019-06-01T23:46:47-04:00

No.

Response by Sgt Dan Catlin made Jun 3 at 2019 3:06 AM

2019-06-03T03:06:05-04:00

I don't think too many would take offense at a little inter-service rivalry. Even amongst allies it's all good fun. Met some Brit sailors in a bar in Iwakuni in '73. They were telling us the "Red Marines were real Marines!" So we had Mama-san play the Battle of New Orleans for them!

Response by CPO Michael Sera made Jun 4 at 2019 10:49 PM

2019-06-04T22:49:25-04:00

It is not cuz Navy people are called squids jarheads are called jarheads due to the haircut Coast Guard are called shallow water sailors

Response by Sgt Steve Williams made Jun 6 at 2019 7:19 PM

2019-06-06T19:19:24-04:00

Besides being a family, we are all on the same team. Family members and teammates can pick on each other because we know how it is intended. Inter-service rivalries from the past may have been a little more hostile than now, but we have changed and many serve together today.

Response by SGT Mike Hodorowicz made Jun 9 at 2019 1:55 PM

2019-06-09T13:55:52-04:00

Former Army: I've called Navy guys squids USMC guys Gyrines. Always mean it good naturdly. Never ever trivialize one's service to his country. When a fellow veteran does this, to me it means the roughest bush he saw was in a cathouse.

Response by SPC David Buttrey made Jul 1 at 2019 9:01 PM

2019-07-01T21:01:55-04:00

As long as the person using the term has served it doesn’t bother me at all. In my opinion it’s part of the brotherhood that you become a member of when you have served.

Response by SSgt Linda Staley-Blayton made Oct 17 at 2019 6:35 PM

2019-10-17T18:35:16-04:00

Not at all disrespectful. Unless it’s a civilian saying it. Then get ready to rumble.

Response by PO2 Albert Robbins made Dec 5 at 2019 8:53 AM

2019-12-05T08:53:23-05:00

Respect from those of us who were shot at with them. Others, not necessarily so, but maybe.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Dec 17 at 2019 1:53 PM

2019-12-17T13:53:24-05:00

“Jarhead” never bothered me. I find it funny that even if someone calling you by that term thinks its offensive, we aren’t offended.

Semper Fi

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Dec 17 at 2019 2:05 PM

2019-12-17T14:05:26-05:00

Depends on how much a moron they want to be. I have been called just about every name in the book. The Col. (My dad) told me not to sweat the small stuff. It is how a person acts when your life is on the line that counts. Been there done that

Response by SPC John Decker made Dec 18 at 2019 7:28 AM

2019-12-18T07:28:32-05:00

It could come off that way but it shouldn't. Certain possibilities should be expected. A person considering joining the Marine Corps would hopefully be aware of the various nick-names. The same goes for the other services. If not before, shortly after joining the service, those nick-names will be made apparent. In my opinion, being offended, in any aspect of life, is a choice. It shows a lack of self-respect and gives power to that thing.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 20 at 2019 11:01 PM

2019-12-20T23:01:50-05:00

Okay hold on! I may be a bit late to this party, but we can no longer refer to Marines as ‘jar heads’. You see, it is offensive. Studies have been done (scientific ones) and we now realize that you can actually put things in jars!

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Dec 21 at 2019 3:51 PM

2019-12-21T15:51:02-05:00

I agree, if it's a fellow vet or active duty, I'll just tease back. I have a pretty good collection of memes for that purpose. The only thing that even comes close to getting my goat is when someone displays willful ignorance in their comments or tries to make hurtful comments.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Dec 21 at 2019 4:35 PM

2019-12-21T16:35:59-05:00

No its all in good fun, and the inflection of a word means a lot

Response by HN Al Myers made Dec 21 at 2019 6:04 PM

2019-12-21T18:04:45-05:00

Absolutely not

Response by HN Al Myers made Dec 21 at 2019 6:05 PM

2019-12-21T18:05:56-05:00

Absolutely not, my dad was a marine I was Navy Corpsman we busted each other’s balls but with respect

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 22 at 2019 12:10 AM

2019-12-22T00:10:49-05:00

Anything that anyone says at any given time is going to be offensive to someone somewhere.
The offense is in the intent behind the word. If you intend to hurt someone when you say "jarhead" or "flyboy" then you are an offensive person. If you have good intentions behind your words then you have good intentions.
Quit being so thin skinned and see these for what they are: terms of endearment spoken by our brothers and sisters in arms with the meaning to have fun.

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made Dec 22 at 2019 2:57 AM

2019-12-22T02:57:01-05:00

Being in the Seabees and serving with them some times I'd refer to them as Uncle Sam's Misguided Children or what the definition of a Marine was......A Seabee on light Duty

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Feb 3 at 2020 12:07 AM

2020-02-03T00:07:51-05:00

I never took offense to it. To me it was a badge of honor.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Feb 3 at 2020 6:58 PM

2020-02-03T18:58:48-05:00

I am sure that it is no longer acceptable to run past the Navy barracks at zero dark thirty singing "Navy Navy don't be blue, Sinbad was a F@GG@T too. However, inter service rivalry is an excellent way to build Esprit de Corps.

Response by SSgt Kelly D. made Feb 4 at 2020 7:40 PM

2020-02-04T19:40:30-05:00

Absolutely not! I'm in the American Legion and we have all branches and ages and not a single one hasn't joked about another's service. Airmen here but one of the older guys who was Navy (my son is also Navy) loves to pick on the ARMY which he says means {Ain't Really Marines Yet} :-). We are family, after all!

Response by PFC Brian Brody made Feb 5 at 2020 12:06 AM

2020-02-05T00:06:37-05:00

Nope I wear the term Jarhead, or Devil Dog proudly and will till the day I die, I earned that title.

Response by SGT Leonard Goodboe made Feb 5 at 2020 9:35 PM

2020-02-05T21:35:09-05:00

Actually no. there is such a thing as military rivalry and in my days in the military it was taken very well. Weather you are a Marine, Air Force, Navy or Army you have a kinship type of respect for other Branches. While you always believe your Branch to be the best you know that in times of conflict your very happy to see the Marines, Navy and Air Force in the fight with you!

Response by CPL Dan Lemon made Feb 7 at 2020 9:20 AM

2020-02-07T09:20:48-05:00

I'm not a Marine so the term "jarhead" which I've used with my nephews is not offensive. I served in the Army but not the infantry so "grunt" is inappropriate for me. I do say that I served in the oxymoron "Army Intelligence CIC".
There is one word that absolutely disgusts me and it's the "c" word for the covers which are worn. I'm not a prude. However, that word turns me off then and more so now.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 11:33 PM

2020-03-09T23:33:21-04:00

I trained with Marines and we had Marines attached to my Battalion as Combat advisors. So I treat them with respect.

Response by CWO5 Ray Lee made Apr 26 at 2020 11:11 PM

2020-04-26T23:11:40-04:00

All depends on how they used the term and the manner how it was used.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made May 9 at 2020 2:41 PM

2020-05-09T14:41:29-04:00

Not a chance. Each service gives each other a hard time, its like siblings picking on each other. However we all pick on the Coast Guard (just kidding)

Response by SGM Frank Marsh made May 9 at 2020 2:51 PM

2020-05-09T14:51:59-04:00

I have a ton of these..for all services. poking at each other is great because we are all family.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 9 at 2020 3:37 PM

2020-05-09T15:37:57-04:00

I doubt today’s snowflakes know what a jarhead is. It’s not words it’s tone that makes the difference, say that to someone and say it like an insult you’d better like to fight.

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Apr 15 at 2021 8:20 PM

2021-04-15T20:20:02-04:00

Terms of endearment, earned by generations of those who served. We might bust each others chops, but we always have each others backs.

V/R
Bogie

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2021 10:50 PM

2021-04-15T22:50:41-04:00

I always looked at as a sign of acknowledgement and respect, with a little humor and sarcasm. All in good clean fun.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made May 4 at 2022 6:54 PM

2022-05-04T18:54:52-04:00

It 's a family thing.

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made May 4 at 2022 7:27 PM

2022-05-04T19:27:19-04:00

Jarhead, Devil Dog are nicknames that envelope a Marine. If someone does not like being a doggy, squid, bus driver that is there problem with their own issues pertaining to there service of choice. If they are offended apologize. Then walk away.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2022 6:32 PM

2022-09-22T18:32:11-04:00

Nope.