Posted on Dec 30, 2013
Should former Marines who join another service give up the Title?
177K
1.79K
642
56
47
9
I first joined the Army and after my enlistment, I joined the Marine Corps. I no longer call myself a Soldier, but a Marine. Should former Marines give up the title of Marine once they join another branch of service? It's analogous to a woman taking the name of her husband, then once the marriage has ended, she re-marries and takes her new husband's name. Me, I'm married to the Corps!
Posted in these groups: 
Marines
Marines
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 358
203
202
1
With all due respect, who in the hell do you think you are - the Commandant of the Marine Corps? He has spoken on the matter and hence you - ESPECIALLY a Staff NCO - should not be insulting those who like you earned their Eagle, Globe and Anchor.<br><br><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">"A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There's no such thing as a former Marine."</span><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Gen. James Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps</span><br></div>
(203)
(1)
(2)
(0)
SPC Roger Giffen
If you so wanted to e called a Marine, you should have stayed in the Marines You are now a soldier and no longer a Marine.
(0)
(0)
SGT Jonathan Leonard
Every branch, MOS, ASI, SQI, specialty, etc., really needs to stop. You're really showing how insecure you really are. lol
(2)
(0)
155
155
0
This picture is every Marine I have EVER met in my entire life who is now in the Army. Actually just in general.
(155)
(0)
(0)
(0)
SGT Timothy Stuart
Hey WO1 Matthew Jones did I mention I was a Marine? Seriously, it is something to be immensely proud off. Why shouldn’t Marines puff their chests about it?
(0)
(0)
MAJ Byron Oyler
How many soldiers in the Marines now say they were once a soldier? When the Army gets some of that same pride, maybe the Marines need to chill it a bit. Until then, they have something to be proud of.
(0)
(0)
Once a Marine, Always a Marine! <div><br></div><div>Being a Soldier is a profession. Being a Marine is an identity. MSgt, you too will leave the Marine Corps one day, either in retirement or in a body bag, but nobody could ever take away your Marine identity.</div><div><br></div><div>To be fair, all Marines who leave the Marine Corps should call themselves "former Marines" in my opinion -- but I don't think serving in another branch of service changes anything. </div>
(130)
(1)
SFC Kenneth Withers
Michael Rogers - We were not called soldiers in basic. What we where called is not very becoming. This is back in 1971. I am still a soldier and I swore the same oath!
(1)
(0)
MAJ Byron Oyler
SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" - I grew up wanting to be a Marine and one of the first books I ever read was Guadalcanal. Army Reserve recruiter called a couple months after I turned 17, Marines don't have nurses, and the rest is history. Respect the hell out of the jarheads and you are so right, that comment was so wrong.
(0)
(0)
LCpl Larry Morgan
I think the bumper sticker I have on my truck....."Not as young, Not as mean, But still a Marine"......sort of says it all.
(0)
(0)
Sgt Dale Briggs
I went thru Parris Island and I left as an E5 that I earned in 3 1/2 years. I’m still a Marine and I have the right to wear my simple shirt that says Marines, I earned that right. But that’s as far as I go, I don’t fly flags or bumper stickers, or window decals. I don’t disparage the Army guys, we did a lot of work with the 82nd at Bragg, they were as young as we were and just as committed and just as proud of being Airborne. Different branches different missions, but we’re integrated today and we fight together. I joined the Marines because I had an Uncle that was wounded on Iwo Jima.
(0)
(0)
79
79
0
My take on this question: If the title cannot be stripped from someone who has been discharged under less than honorable conditions, Bad Conduct Discharge, or Dishonorable Discharge. Then someone that honorably transitions, continues to serve our country, regardless of service should not have to give up the title that was earned.
(79)
(0)
Sgt Tee Organ
It goes a long way, when I went into the Navy, it didn't take much too long before I was "outed." I kept a pressed uniform, showed due respect where it was needed), worked with my peers to keep them all together and focused, maintained my physical requirements, kept my high and tight and even had hospital corners, 18 inched of white, and a neatly folded dust cover at the end of my bunk. Yeah tale tale signs were there and they never left. Also within a week I met pretty much every other former Marine on the ship and we were like peanut butter and jelly pretty much. Stayed that way till I finally retired. Cant shake it......
(0)
(0)
SSG Edward Tilton
I don't know about that. Bodycounts were always something I checked in the Stars and Stripes. There were weeks when the Marines lost more men than the Army. Quite a feat when you realized the Army made up 80% of the troops. I always thought it was because when Marines were pinned down their Doctrine called for outdated manuevers that opened them to all kinds of fire. The Army (except Airborne), was ore likely to request Artillery and/or Air Support
(0)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
I have often thought that there are some whose criminal behavior is such that it should warrant the stripping of the title Marine. For example if one commits acts of rape, murder, treason, terrorism (joins ISIS) etc.
(1)
(0)
MSgt George Page
I would concur. I’d like to see that. However, as of this conversation we govern ourselves. Many hold the title sacred and would not tarnish it, others wear it is a curse and claim to be “ex-Marines” as if they served time in a prison. I wish there were a way to strip the title from one who no longer deserves it and the honorable legacy it carries.
(0)
(0)
56
56
0
I wish more in the Army had as much pride on their service as Marines have in theirs. I do think ours is more tied to specific units, but the Army is bigger. I personally will always call myself a " Dog Faced Soldier" due to the service I had in the 3D Infantry Division. BLUF: take pride in whatever you do, and don't apologize for it. ROTM!
(56)
(0)
Sgt Eldridge Allen
LTC Paul Labrador - You are very right sir, and that is why no prior service other service get to skip Boot Camp, unlike the other way around. I am not saying that the Army way or Marine way is right I am saying that it is mission oriented. IF the Marine way of doing things wasn't so well respected we would not be asked on a regular basis how we would do things. A lot of it comes down to the amount of responsibility that is given and learned. As an Army SGT I had less responsibility than I was given as a LCPL in the Marines, I really didn't get any responsibility for Troops or there welfare until I became a Warrant Officer, as a Marine LCpl I was a section head and had 8 troops that lived and breathed by the decisions I made. The orders were given well above my head but how the orders got carried out was my responsibility. That is probably the biggest difference I found in the the two services. Marines push responsibility down to its lowest level whereas the Army doesn't. When I was an Active Duty Marine NCO, I was not only aware of all the troops in my command I was expected to know there names of there children and if there were any problems, and I had better have solutions when asked or I was gonna be in charge long. I just didn't see that kind of responsibility in the Army until I made WO. To clarify there are only a hand full of Marines that do not have to go through boot camp or the Basic course, those are the members of the Presidents Own, that is a band BTW. If anyone has any other incidents please Chime in, but to my knowledge if you served in another service, not matter what rank you attained you still took a trip to Parris Island or San Diego and you didn't wear your rank until you graduated boot camp.
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
SGT Craig Shapiro
I was in an Airborne Infantry unit ( 82nd Abn ) I am an Old Paratrooper, That is just no longer on status
(0)
(0)
55
55
0
My initial entry into the military was through the Marines. My entire future military service was reflected by my time in the USMC. "Once a Marine, always a Marine" is a truism that goes beyond words - it is a state of being, an identity forged, and a way of life that is second to none. To me, I was raised by parents born during the 'Great Depsression' and my dad was in WWII. So, being in the Marines was an easy fit, I already had a good sense of right and wrong, work ethic and integrity from how I was raised. The Marines just reinforced them and gave me an inner pride and sense of accomplishment that I would hold even to this day. My choice of how my military career played out by changing branches worked out for the best for my family in the long run. The Marines gave me the inner strenght and fortitude that carried me through all my years of service and will be with me till the day I die. I may have made a new career in the USAF, but I was and forever will be know a 'Marine.'
(55)
(0)
MSgt (Join to see)
As long as you get into an AFSC that you really enjoy - you should like it and the perks. Always remember it is definitely not the Marine Corps - but even with that being said bring your best Marine Corps ethics, integrity, military bearing, etc. and you will be a welcome asset to your new unit. Make sure you learn the differences in terminology and their regulations (Instructions) and you should have an enjoyable new way of the military experience. You will always be a Marine and if you bring forth your best aspects of your former way of life you will make a good impression and develop a positive reputation. If you do choose the Air Force or any of our other fellow branches - I wish you the best. I enjoyed my military career and way of life - it seems to have gone by in a blink of an eye after you have retired - so enjoy it while you can. The transition back to just being a 'regular' civilian is quite a different path that takes getting used to.
(3)
(0)
Cpl Kristoffer Mischel
One thing that I found transitioning from the Marine Corps and then joining the Air National Guard was that the Guard was an entirely different animal. When I was in the Air Guard no one called me by my AF rank, rather I was the Jarhead or they called me by my Marine Corps rank. I did become an asset to my guard unit, coming from an infantry unit, I was key in showing my unit infantry tactics when we were preparing for an ORI (operational readiness inspection). I was able to teach them explosive ordinance identification, contact and non-contact personnel searches, and detaining individuals. I also was able to teach some of the CATM guys tricks and information that they did not know about the service rifles that they were teaching the Airmen.
The AF is a good place to go if you still want to serve. Either way, you will never lose that eagle, globe and anchor. I embrace being a Devil Dog and will continue to wear that badge until I die. No one can take away the blood sweat and tears that every Marine puts into their service, regardless of where it takes them.
The AF is a good place to go if you still want to serve. Either way, you will never lose that eagle, globe and anchor. I embrace being a Devil Dog and will continue to wear that badge until I die. No one can take away the blood sweat and tears that every Marine puts into their service, regardless of where it takes them.
(1)
(0)
Sgt George Lawrence
Amen. I have a good friend who began his military career as a Marine Corps Aviatior flying A4 Skygawks in Vietnam. After his active duty service he went through medical school, keeping his commission in the Marine Corps Reserve. As a physician he transferred to the Navy, of course, and remained as a flight surgeon and still Naval Aviator for a number of years. He left the Navy to enter private practice, keeping a reserve commission. After working seven day a week as the only doctor in his small town he decided military practice is pretty good, and transferred to the Air Force as a flight surgeon. He retired a few years ago as an O6 full colonel. However his personalized auto plate carries the eagle, globe and anchor, and considers himself a Marine, which of course he is. By the way, at his O6 selection interview, he says the general making the decision chose him because he "got his ticket punched" for his combat missions in Vietnam, and that he was still an active aviator on flying status.
(0)
(0)
34
34
0
After reading all the responses, I will throw in my 2 cents. I too was a former Marine that eventually went to the Army. Once you have earned the title Marine it never goes away. Being a Marine and using that base of training is what helped me excel over my Army counter parts. For those that say the negative things about former Marines, or state you should give up the title, it is merely for a lack of understanding what the Marines are, what they do, and what is instilled in them. I noticed the people who do not agree with keeping the title or make the statement of tired of hearing about former Marines, are those that never were Marines. So trying to help them understand is near impossible, you can not fully understand unless you did it or went through it. Marines are the smallest fighting force for a reason, and owns its reputation for a reason.<div>Know the difference between Marines and non-Marines? Marines don't care if you are one or not. When you join the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, you are joining a Military Service, when you earn the right to be called Marine you are joining a long tradition rich society that will always accept you and treat you like a long lost brother, the discipline, esprit de corps, and bearing you learn in the Marines is something that sticks with you for life. </div>
(34)
(0)
PFC Alfred Esquibel
Your comment is confusing THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FORMER MARINE EITHER YOU ARE OR ARE NOT ....... DECIDE
(0)
(0)
PFC (Join to see)
PFC Alfred Esquibel - again like he said it is a title that is earned it can never be given or bought. Semper Fidelis- always faithful is a mind set marines take to the grave
(1)
(0)
MSgt Roger Settlemyer
Well Said The Marine Corps is a CULT,being a Marine makes us a Band Of Brothers and Sisters. A Marine Officer has never surrendered his Troops In Combat.
(1)
(0)
34
34
0
MSgt, being a Marine is a way of life its a state of being. the title MARINE can never be taken away once earned. people in the Army are soldiers, people in the Air force are call Airmen and people in the Marine Corps are called MARINES, its the most sought after title in the World. the term Marine is synonymous with all that is soldierly and excellent. theses are just my thoughts.
(34)
(0)
Cpl Murray Estes
Marines are Marines. Marines have a Marine culture. Marines have Marine values. We are our own adjective.
(3)
(0)
Sgt Tom Cunnally
I was born on the Marines birthday 10 November & enlisted on 10 November ..So you might say I was born to be a Marine & have tried to live up to the traditions of this proud Corps. I still have a Marine Corps haircut, try to be squared away, & there is not a day that goes by that I don't recall my years as a United State Marine.
(3)
(0)
26
25
1
MSgt Schrubb,<div><br></div><div>So, would you expect these "former Devil Dogs" to remove their tattoos of their service as well?<br></div><div><br></div><div>Some of my favorite Soldiers also hold the title Marine. They earned their title. They earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Most of them have tattoos of the EGA, or a bulldog, all acompanied by "USMC." They did not leave their history or accomplishments behind. They carried them in spirit, deed, and action into their current life. They are still Marines. They would not return to MCRD if they were to transition back to the Corps. </div><div><br></div><div>I currently live in Marine Corps housing in an area that has all services represented. In this housing area we have Squids, Jarheads, Soldiers, and Zoomies. I think there may even be a Coastie. Everyone in this housing area would agree that we are all one team, and we all have one fight. There may be a little interservice schenanigans around, but it's all in good fun. One did not loose their title because they transitioned. If that is the argument, then those that ETS'd to the civilian World should lose their title as well. </div>
(26)
(1)
CCMSgt Michael Sullivan Ph.D
I spent 21 years in the Air Force. Years later I joined a men catholic fatuity, the Knights of Columbus. My point, once you go through your first degree ceremony you are a Knight if you leave for not paying dues or some other reason you are still a Knight, just not in good standing.
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
Sgt Randy Fox
The title of being a Marine is for life, what's required to earn that title can never be taken away. However, you and only you have the ability to give the title "Marine" away . It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, Unless they too were a Marine they only think they know what it took to earn that title. Thats why it's a way of life not just a job or profession for most Leathernecks!
(0)
(0)
21
21
0
No, once a Marine ALWAYS a Marine. I graduated Boot Camp in 1988 and EARNED that title. I am not saying I am not proud to be a Soldier because I am, however, I am and always will be a United States Marine! There is a sense of brotherhood of being a Marine, there are the same senses in the Army, however, it is unit based and not based on just being a Soldier.
(21)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
Why does anyone leave the Military after their initial contract? I wish I would have stayed, I would have retired 6 years ago. I left to pursue my College degree since I already accomplished my initial goal and challenge of becoming a Marine.
(2)
(0)
SGT(P) Khalid Wise
Well said and so did I, where did you graduate (which RTR-MCRD?)... I was PLT1059 ACO 1ST RTR MCRD PISC GRAD 9AUG1988 EGA earned
(1)
(0)
Sgt Tee Organ
Same here with my sailor hitch I am glad I chose my way like I did. Great times and good friends, and it truly was an adventure for me. The whole time I was in the Marines I wanted to get one boat det under my belt, everybody said no. Joined the Navy I got two boat dets and an Island tour out of it. The people are great and so was the chow. Wouldn't change a damn thing. I won't let anyone talk bad about the Marines or the Navy, they both took good care of me.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google