Posted on Jun 18, 2016
Do you consider the term jarhead and other names for the different branches of service offensive?
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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?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 676
Posted >1 y ago
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!
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SFC James Himes
>1 y
It is even more fun when it actually in the family. Me: 4yrs USAF 71-75 and 18yrs AGR OHARNG 82-2000. My son: Marine 2012-present. When he is home on leave it becomes a fee-for-all of service cuts til the commandear (wife/mom) tells us to knock it off. All done in love and respect.
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SGT Ron Egan
>1 y
SGT Dan Gray - Nope, you're the one who didn't specify what you meant by a tour. A good NCO would have been clear about what he meant instead of leaving any doubt. I was just questioning your broad statement After all, broad statements and generalities can get men killed. Being special forces I thought you might understand that. Have a nice night.
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Posted >1 y ago
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.
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SGT Charles Bartell
>1 y
That is kind of funny since. When people tell me that they are or have been a Marine.
I tell them I am sorry that they where not smart enough to get into any other branch.
Then I tell them it is o.k.. I could only get in to the Army.
I tell them I am sorry that they where not smart enough to get into any other branch.
Then I tell them it is o.k.. I could only get in to the Army.
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SGT Ron Egan
>1 y
Sgt Jerry Genesio - Yeah, but it was the Army Air Corps that had the balls to fly B25's off of aircraft carriers, with out fighter escort to bomb Tokyo
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Sgt Dale Briggs
>1 y
Army Air Corps suffered some if the worst casualty rates in WW2, 25 missions was a wish.
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Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
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.
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LCpl Ward Gualtieri
5 y
I especially like it when Navy members try to insult us Marines. I tell them " I realize that the Marine Corp is a department of the Navy.... its the MENS DEPARTMENT"
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CPL M Miller
5 y
Sgt Jay Jones - you mean the recliner and arm chair generals... they seem to have all the answers now don't they. I tell them "MARCH (not walk) a mile or two in my boots"
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PO3 Jim Morris
>1 y
I asked a Marine if that was kind of like being in the service. His answer "You were in the @$%&^$%@! Navy. I smiled and said yep. He then gave me one of the best comebacks , he said "We like the Navy, if it weren't for them we would have to march a long way on the water"! We both had a good laugh and still had respect for each other.
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PO1 Sanford Snyder
>1 y
LCpl Ward Gualtieri - Seriously? more like the boys dept. with how we have to take you everywhere. ;-)
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