Alright guys, this is not a swipe at the Army, but a serious question

[AlohaMarine]

I have attended too many (even one, is too many) funerals for both Marines KIA and former Marines passing on.

I have never, not one single time (except in Iraq) seen a Marine at a funeral in his cammies. Never. Nada. Zero. Rain, shine, windy, it doesn't matter if its a hundred twenty or negative twenty. Marines wear dress blues or service A's at funerals. Period.

So, it struck me as very odd, that during this ceremony many of the soldiers were in cammies. Normally I would dismiss it as "Hey, its raining, maybe thats why" But then I noticed some are wearing berets, and some wearing field covers, yet some are wearing their pickle green uniform, and some are in dress uniforms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoqI47mLbHI&feature=related


I have been seriously contemplating a career as an Army Officer after college graduation. Sort of putting the Marine Corps aside and taking the easy way out. Seriously, OCS is ridiculously hard. The slow boys run 19 minute 3 miles? No thanks.

But this video sort of did me in. Could I really ever serve in a branch where punk 18 year old Specialists wear cammies at the airport?

Hmm...

This isn't an army bashing thread, more of a "realization" thread for me that being a Marine means always bettering yourself. And joining the Army is the complete opposite.

[AlohaMarine]

Oh, unless you're a first term boot Marine in Oki. I could see them probably wearing cammies. They don't make dress blues in maternity sizes do they?

[hbharrison]

When my Brother-in-law died here several years ago the color guard from Ft Rilly showed up they wore dress uniforms but one of the support guys was in cammies he kinda stood over by the van they came in and when the gave taps he got in the van. Wanted to go over and tell him that the man they were burying was a LtCamander in the Navy and to get off his ass and slute him. What a turd.

[florczak2287]

When my Brother-in-law died here several years ago the color guard from Ft Rilly showed up they wore dress uniforms but one of the support guys was in cammies he kinda stood over by the van they came in and when the gave taps he got in the van. Wanted to go over and tell him that the man they were burying was a LtCamander in the Navy and to get off his ass and slute him. What a turd.
My first thought upon reading this was to give this guy a swift drop kick right in the throat, just out right dis-respectful.

[josephd]

This is something they do and are ok with it I guess..??...

I did a joint service Memorial Day color guard ceremony this last May, when handling colors I don't know if its a written rule but you are supposed to be in your best uniform (dress blues obviously for us Marines). A few AF guys showed up in dress uniform as did a few Navy. Well guess who shows up in utilities/cammies?.....Army!..

The director of the park/event was a retired Marine Cpt. and would not let them participate because them being in utility uniform did not go well with the rest of us being in dress uniform.

[hbharrison]

Yep thought the same thing but I was not going to dis-respect my family because of this jackwad. As for the Army I have found that it seems to be the norm for them to be in cammies all the time for just about eveything.

[Komenko]

got to remember, different branches means different uniform regs. Unless your prior army, don't be going off on how they do business! we don't agree with how they do things cause of the way we were all tought! I'm sure they are the same way in thinking about us. why not google their regulations and see why they do the things they do!

[hbharrison]

got to remember, different branches means different uniform regs. Unless your prior army, don't be going off on how they do business! we don't agree with how they do things cause of the way we were all tought! I'm sure they are the same way in thinking about us. why not google their regulations and see why they do the things they do!

And there in is the truth we were tought the write waythat is why after all these years i still get that feeling when I see our Marines standing tall.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

To a certain extent it's uniform regs with them. They use BDU's/ACU's as an 'everyday/everyway' type of uniform. PLUS they are phasing out the 'green' pickle suit, and replacing it with their 'dress blue' uniform. Not sure when the official drop dead day is on that but I believe it's coming, possibly this fall. The green suit is really hated by most of the younger guys (can see why it's a 1950's sorta style with no real history/tradition behind it). They also aren't tailored to fit (unless the soldier has it done privately, or is in an honor guard, etc...AF does the same thing).

You will dislike the army very much. Perhaps not as an officer...but the change from USMC to army enlisted will be a difficult one. (BTDT as a reservist)

[AlohaMarine]

I would never go US Army enlisted.

Ever.

A SSG in the Army is like a LCpl of Marines. We all know this isn't an exaggeration.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Concur. Actually, it's more like a SFC is about the same as a Cpl, and a MSgt is 'about' like a Sergeant.

"Leadership" is often talked about in the army, but rarely observed. Troops are treated like cannon fodder, and as a soldier, you will hear "stay in your lane" when you attempt to think, act, or lead. Generally speaking of course. There are certain units where this actually IS the rule (leadership, real) rather than the exception, but the exception it very well is.

[hillbillyjar]

And there in is the truth we were tought the write waythat is why after all these years i still get that feeling when I see our Marines standing tall.
It depends on what the person who died would consider respectful.

My Aunt got me into a suit, that was not my uniform, by naming me as a pallbearer in her will. She insisted I do so as a civilian. I wore a blue pinstripe suit.

Myself, I have friends from a lot of backgrounds.

I'm going to be MASSIVELY ****ed, and come back to haunt (if I can) those that don't show up as EXACTLY who they are.

Jeans and tee shirts will be the order of the day for most; one will be in dress blues (**** you Scott. ;) ).

I'd consider it disrespectful if my 0317 friends DIDN'T show up in well worn cammies.

All a matter of what one wants.

The important part is locked and cocked showing our respect.

[hillbillyjar]

Concur. Actually, it's more like a SFC is about the same as a Cpl, and a MSgt is 'about' like a Sergeant.

"Leadership" is often talked about in the army, but rarely observed. Troops are treated like cannon fodder, and as a soldier, you will hear "stay in your lane" when you attempt to think, act, or lead. Generally speaking of course. There are certain units where this actually IS the rule (leadership, real) rather than the exception, but the exception it very well is.
Sarge, that's the difference between 5 and 50.

The Army is huge (compared to us) and as a whole it is an intense cluster****. But take any small part of it, and honestly, they do a pretty good job.

One way to think about it is that the Army is the majority of our Country. The Marines are those few screaming *******s that shout Patriot.

There's a lot of Army dogs shouting Patriot as well.

2 cents.

[Bruce59]

In my opinion their is a lack of pride in the Army. Thats not to say the
soldiers are not patirots, because they are, but it's that lack of pride
thing that most of them have. When they leave the Army it seems they
never look back at the time they were in. They may have unit pride but
no Army pride. You never see two Army guys that didn't know each other
meet in a parking lot by chance because they had on hats that said Amry on them, and start talking about there time in, just doesn't happen.
Now we on the other hand have this Marine thing that we will carry
through the rest of our lifes. And to make my point watch this video.
We never forget who we are, NEVER.
http://www.youtube.com/user/MarineCorpsOne#p/a/f/1/PcSngx5wLyg

[josh9971uw]

Well sadly, the utility uniform the Army ACU's is authorized as a dress uniform as well as a working uniform.

[JumpBoots]

In my opinion their is a lack of pride in the Army. Thats not to say the
soldiers are not patirots, because they are, but it's that lack of pride
thing that most of them have. When they leave the Army it seems they
never look back at the time they were in. They may have unit pride but
no Army pride. You never see two Army guys that didn't know each other
meet in a parking lot by chance because they had on hats that said Amry on them, and start talking about there time in, just doesn't happen
http://www.youtube.com/user/MarineCorpsOne#p/a/f/1/PcSngx5wLyg

Permission to come aboard. That's just not true, I have never seen to Marines who didn't know each other meet in a parking lot and start talking about their time in... NEVER but that doesn't mean that it doesn't happen.
Whenever I wear any of my shirts or hats that say Army or Airborne, Cav, etc; I'll run into guys who'll ask questions and we'll talk for a while if time permits.., and that's at the gym, Target, Macys, Kroger, and anywhere else.

So I don't know where you've gatherd your information but it's totally false and since there is over 1,300,000 of us who really has time to stop & chat with everyone you see wearing paraphanillia?

My 2 Cents

[awbrown1462]

well your wrong Jumpboots I have run into many Marines who I did not know and we have talked for hours about how it waas when I was in and he was in or where we where stationed. Are you ex-Army ? Also to Marines it shows disrepect when you call E-6 to E-8 Sgt a Marine would never call A SSgt Sgt or a Gunny a Sgt

[Bruce59]

Well,jumpboots, as awbrown just said it happens all the time.
We all do it, It's a Marine thing, don't you know. I'm glad you
wear tees and hats that say Army on them, but you just don't
see that from exArmy guys all the time. And as I said before,I
see Army guys as having unit pride, but not Army pride.

Just my 2 cents worth

[8th&I Marine]

I have done many funeral at Arlington National Cemetary and we were always in Dress Uniform. In all the funerals I did never once did I see anyone in cammies. My thought is show respect wear your best. Cammies go over like a turd in a punch bowl if you ask me. Semper Fi Marines.

Cantrell

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Jump boots, permission granted. I will say that for the most part, once you leave 'army centric' areas, you see less and less of what you describe.

But get two Marines together and it doesn't matter where they are...

[JumpBoots]

Well,jumpboots, as awbrown just said it happens all the time.
We all do it, It's a Marine thing, don't you know. I'm glad you
wear tees and hats that say Army on them, but you just don't
see that from exArmy guys all the time. And as I said before,I
see Army guys as having unit pride, but not Army pride.

Just my 2 cents worth

Well Bruce I guess you're probably correct to an extent but I went into the Guard for two years then later reenlisted for four more but I was in CA at the JFTB and of course in So Cal you'll see a lot more Marines & Sailors and I've even had guys who've crossed over say that they see more Marines and Navy and hardly any Army outside of drill..., or the airport (lol) but outside of that region when I'm on the east coast especially between NC & GA I see many, many soldiers ; former, active, guard & reserve everywhere here in GA or when I'm up north SC & NC is pretty close from what I've observed but my job takes me to quite a few places every once in a while.

I will stop and talk to fellow soldiers if I notice that they've been Army but we usually don't talk no longer than a few minutes when in transition and I don't do bars unless I'm with the crew that i'm working with but recently in Marrietta, GA I had taken my kids to Mc Donalds and while they were playing I met a few other dads who were wearing various Army paraphanillia and we talked for about an hour or more while our kids played but that's a first for me because the setting provided it..

Now if you Marines are out running erands for or with the wifey and you run into a brother Marine who you Don't know and Never served in the same unit and you still talk longer than a few minutes.., then I concede and say "Dammm!!! You guys are full of pride Corps pride".. :D

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Just happened to me...at the CVS. Wife and kids were in the car waiting while I got a script, saw another Marine (former) wearing a cammie cover, stopped, we looked at each other, 'Semper Fi''d. He was Aviation Ordnance in the early 70's, served at MCAS Yuma, deployed once to WestPac, got out a Cpl. 72-76 if I recall correctly.

15 minutes later I went IN the CVS and got my script.

[jetdawgg]

@JumpBoots

Just for a few instances of how close we are;

I met a Marine at the VA in SC who not only took me for a ride in his truck, he gave me a USMC sticker (he had only 2) he made me miss my appointment because we talked for about an hour outside the facility. I had never seen him before nor have I ever seen him again.

A Marine who was stationed with me in Pensacola, Fl was my best man at my wedding. I had only seen him once in 25+ years and gave him two weeks notice that he would be the Best Man.

Peep the Manymoonsago thread

Semper Fi really means something to us:usmc:

[JumpBoots]

Jump boots, permission granted. I will saythat for the most part, once you leave 'army centric' areas, you see less and less of what you describe.

But get two Marines together and it doesn't matter where they are...

Thank you Sgt,

Yeah you may be right about that do any of you know about a book called the Guide to the us armed forces that was written by two Marine Colonels that are husband & wife? They break down each and every service and what they state about the Army is pretty fair IMO, they point out that because of it's sheer size that the Army is made of of many corps or a few armies that operate under the US Army but still have varying levels of disipline, fitness, structure, pride, history, etc, where as the USMC is all about the corps no matter what your MOS..
That's how I've seen it for a while but I also know that they are changeing BCT for Everybody they've added a week and are going to focus more on marksmanship and combatives among a few other things and it won't be just Benning and Knox, I think they'll still have it harder based on what MOS's are trained there and based there but the others will have it tougher.

One thing that most soldiers will say when comparing BCT to Boot Camp is that "All the Marines do is spend an extra two weeks or so on D&C and in a class learning Corps history" Bingo that's where the pride starts and the disipline and respect branch wide.. For a while now it's been all about "Oh you'll learn it at your unit" and it's night & day differences between various units. They're All are gonna learn who Audie Murphy is because he was a US Army Soldier and not just a Cavalry, they'll learn the history of the US Army as a whole and US Army customs & courtesies, etc.

Now if only they'll get rid of co-ed BCT at Ft. Jackson and anywhere else that exsist. http://www.army.mil/-news/2010...ws-insidearmy-title9 (http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/07/19/42500-2010-brings-major-transformation-to-basic-combat-training/?ref=news-insidearmy-title9)

[JumpBoots]

Just happened to me...at the CVS. Wife and kids were in the car waiting while I got a script, saw another Marine (former) wearing a cammie cover, stopped, we looked at each other, 'Semper Fi''d. He was Aviation Ordnance in the early 70's, served at MCAS Yuma, deployed once to WestPac, got out a Cpl. 72-76 if I recall correctly.

15 minutes later I went IN the CVS and got my script.
:thumbup:

[JumpBoots]

@JumpBoots

Just for a few instances of how close we are;

I met a Marine at the VA in SC who not only took me for a ride in his truck, he gave me a USMC sticker (he had only 2) he made me miss my appointment because we talked for about an hour outside the facility. I had never seen him before nor have I ever seen him again.

A Marine who was stationed with me in Pensacola, Fl was my best man at my wedding. I had only seen him once in 25+ years and gave him two weeks notice that he would be the Best Man.


Peep the Manymoonsago thread

Semper Fi really means something to us:usmc:

I pledged a fraternity in college and wherever I am and see a frat brother I have to talk with him and I have been in places and had a great time with people I hadn't previously known nor have ever been to their town..
Your branch remind me of that.., having your own identity , culture, & customs. Here's to you. :beer:

[Bruce59]

Hey, Jumpboots, your a good guy. You handled yourself with class on this
forum. Welcome aboard. And you keep wareing the hats and tees that
say your a proud Army Soldier.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

I agree 100 percent. You just don't see enough of that stuff IMO.

[jetdawgg]

I pledged a fraternity in college and wherever I am and see a frat brother I have to talk with him and I have been in places and had a great time with people I hadn't previously known nor have ever been to their town..
Your branch remind me of that.., having your own identity , culture, & customs. Here's to you.

I also admire the way you handled yourself here.

The Marine I met that day insisted that I take a ride in his new pick up. He just was so happy to see another Marine (that clinic is small).

There is just a certain 'look' that another Marine will give you when he/she hears that word 'Marine' and that one claims to be one.

That look will burn right through a person's soul. It is a laser lock with the eyes that is unyielding.

I was traveling recently with my wife and we met a Marine (AD) at a gas stop. He gave me a bottle of Jar Head Juice Red Wine just because. We go crazy over each other.:usmc::beer::D

[JumpBoots]

Hey, Jumpboots, your a good guy. You handled yourself with class on this
forum. Welcome aboard. And you keep wareing the hats and tees that
say your a proud Army Soldier.

Thank you Bruce.., you guys have made me feel welcome and I am proud to call you brothers in arms. :thumbup:

[JumpBoots]

I also admire the way you handled yourself here.

The Marine I met that day insisted that I take a ride in his new pick up. He just was so happy to see another Marine (that clinic is small).

There is just a certain 'look' that another Marine will give you when he/she hears that word 'Marine' and that one claims to be one.

That look will burn right through a person's soul. It is a laser lock with the eyes that is unyielding.

I was traveling recently with my wife and we met a Marine (AD) at a gas stop. He gave me a bottle of Jar Head Juice Red Wine just because. We go crazy over each other.:usmc::beer::D

Thank you very much Jetdawgg, now what is Jar Head Juice????

[revleo]

hello there all well i joined back in 86 at the ripe old age of 17 and have never looked back was the defining point of my life when i got out i went into law enforcement as the delta bancruptcy had just happened and there were no jobs for plane mechs so i figured i new about regulations and how to carry a gun and could handle myself in a tussle the corps had taught me right learned alot on the streets of OKC then the unthinkable happened they attacked us on our own shores and even tho i was long of tooth i went to reup as any of us who have made that oath would do and do you know that the USMC would not take me To old they said well semper fi bros that just made me stubborn i went to an Army recruiter and signed on the dotted line again Lo and behold i was the one in BCT teaching squad tatics at Ft. Sill cause none of our Drill Seargents knew any and i was the one who gave the classes on claymores and camoflauge
and in basic hand to hand this old beat up marine sgt now a pvt and teaching my recruit platton how to survive in battle i do hope i taught wel as many of them went on to serve in action me i was sent to help train an artillery unit in dynamic entries and field tactics before they went over when BCT was over the First Sgt never let me leave his side and this old man made and passed every PFT even after i broke my hip and knees on a training exercise so yes you could say that we marines are a different bunch

[josephd]

huh?

[JumpBoots]

hello there all well i joined back in 86 at the ripe old age of 17 and have never looked back was the defining point of my life when i got out i went into law enforcement as the delta bancruptcy had just happened and there were no jobs for plane mechs so i figured i new about regulations and how to carry a gun and could handle myself in a tussle the corps had taught me right learned alot on the streets of OKC then the unthinkable happened they attacked us on our own shores and even tho i was long of tooth i went to reup as any of us who have made that oath would do and do you know that the USMC would not take me To old they said well semper fi bros that just made me stubborn i went to an Army recruiter and signed on the dotted line again Lo and behold i was the one in BCT teaching squad tatics at Ft. Sill cause none of our Drill Seargents knew any and i was the one who gave the classes on claymores and camoflauge
and in basic hand to hand this old beat up marine sgt now a pvt and teaching my recruit platton how to survive in battle i do hope i taught wel as many of them went on to serve in action me i was sent to help train an artillery unit in dynamic entries and field tactics before they went over when BCT was over the First Sgt never let me leave his side and this old man made and passed every PFT even after i broke my hip and knees on a training exercise so yes you could say that we marines are a different bunch

Hello Revlo, good to meet you brother. I didn't do my basic at Sill but I am curious about your post and maybe I am reading it wrong but how long did you have a break in service? I've always heard Marines claim they they don't have do anyone elses basic/boot camp I know there were transfers to the guard and I think after a certain length of time that guys had to go to WTC or maybe another base that was teaching and it varied in length from 2 weeks to about four I think (Don't quote me on that) and I heard that it was not a gentelmans course and guys who came in out of shape or with a laxed or undisiplined attitude were in for a rude awakening.

There I heard that if a soldier was squared away in the basics of their warrior task they'd be made a squad leader or asked to assist the SSGt in a few assignments that they could help in. I didn't get sent even after a 12 year break since I swithed MOS to 46Q from 19D. We had an in house WTC that basicly went over.., some of the basics and just lots of pt, marching, D&C and some class time and one range day all up at Camp Roberts in Central CA. The Drills there knew their stuff and were squared away and they gave everyone a chance to lead & screw up and the most outstanding were a 18 year MSGT who had a 8 year break, an old Marine who we all loved.., I belived he was an LA County Sherrif who was a 16 year Marine with about 16 years out of service but he was in damm good shape. I saw his Sherriff's team on a local tv show & their patrol was up in Angeles National Forest and the area surrounding but not only did they patrol the park but they were SWAT trained, life guard quald, certified paramedics, and they were the divers out there. They also did something like a thousand pushups at a time and all of this stuff and the youngest in their group was about 48. (LOL) that's what the expose was all about these old cops who were elite and most young guys or many guys couldn't qualify to get into their unit, they put a mic in this one guys face and after he spoke I knew it was him then his old behind jumped in the lake & swam accross. (ROTFLMBO) :D Maaan that dude was too much I liked him a lot him & the old Airforce Cheif MSGT helped me get squared away when they annouced "Horne your replaceing so & so up front tomorrow" I hate being embarrased but that old Marine was just looked at me and smiled and said "don't worry we won't let you fall on your face"..:thumbup:
Since that time I've only seen him in transition and that was up at Camp San Luis Obispo & out at Ft. Irwin he's now a CWO. (Well atleast 2 years ago I'm no longer serving)
As far as DS's not knowing their warrior task is dumbfounding to me but as I said I've never been to Sill and I think they're Tanker heavy out there but I also know that's where the National Guard WTC is and I know that some of the most squared away guys in the Guard get those aasignments to instruct out there.., but who knows things surprise me with my Army but they don't shock me.
Revlo did you or any of your fellow Marines get injured in the Phillipines?
I hear they still have some crazy stuff going on in areas there and guys from our Guard 19th SFG have been deployed there along with elements of 10 Mtn. & 101st for more than just training in the past 8 years (Don't hold me to that just what I heard when we'd see them gearing up)

I think it's cool the the services can work together and make each other better. Does anyone know about 2-7 Cavalry & 3rd Batt 1st Marines teaming up in Fallujah?

[jetdawgg]

Thank you very much Jetdawgg, now what is Jar Head Juice????

http://maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com/uploads/jarhead.jpg

[JumpBoots]

http://maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com/uploads/jarhead.jpg
Get the hellll outta heeere..., (ROTFLMBO) this stuff is real? LOL way to go. :yes:

[revleo]

i was out for a bit and yes we lost some during the philipine riots unfortunately they had some sort of concrete and cable setup out side of the starship and one day as we were mustering thru to go to the field while wearing full pack and gear i was pushed by the guy behind the guy behind me wel i fell with not only my gear but this F** F*** and his gear behind me shattered both of my knees spent 8 and a half months in rehab then returned and finished BCT again then no sooner than i get to my first unit out of BCT that we take a little run in full gear in front of honeycutt gym before they fixed the Pot holes and unbeknownst to me i broke my hip by the time i made it to sick call three months later it had healed wrong only way to fix it would be to break my hip again and we all thought that was a bad idea could heal worse the second time around but i always passed my PFT was laid up for about a week each time after but i passed kept the nubers looking good for the unit and the First Sgt would yell at the young bucks look Ray's runnin and hes broke what is your excuse i was great for morale LOL just in pain after wards did my time and retired out on medical after four so sue me if i get a little crochety every now and again but rheumatoid hurts