Our Marines

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

Back in the day all the services used to hate each other, seriously. Inter-service rivalry was the norm and I was the king of hassling the pampered frat boys of the Air Force, the boat-floating chow hounds of the Navy, and I had a specialty in Uncle Sam's Misguided Children. Now this was 80s and 90s vintage and we had no shooting wars underway. There was the Cold War, which we won, and the War on Drugs which we lost but mostly we were practicing for things that didn't happen.

I was stationed in Okinawa where 3rd Mar Div lived and so we had plenty of interactions with the Naval Infantry there as well as in the Philippines and other ports of call. As much as I gave them some wicked abuse, I also saw how they took care of business. These days we all work together in a joint Kumbayah operations environment. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines heck we even love the Coasties. Well having seen the entire US military in wartime, I am humbled again to think of the quality of people who have raised their hands and marched to the sound of gunfire.

The US Marine Corps has proven again why it is the most feared fighting force on God's green earth. If Leonidas had 300 Marines it might have been a bit closer fight. One of the most stunning and beautiful things you should see is the USMC Silent Drill team. If you have not, you have cheated yourself. They are currently touring the US along with a group of Marines to share their stories about the Corps. Go see them.

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[Lands’nGrooves]

Ah yes, inter-service rivalry of the 80’s stories…great memories. Marine Corps MOS school at Aberdeen, Air Force barracks neighbors in Oki, etc, etc…

Saw the drill team at boot camp and your correct UJ, your cheating yourself if you’ve never.

[Allan]

Damn those liberal Marines. Of course they would start right smack in the middle of Pelosi country. Get them to a blue state (if you can find one) quick.

[Mudbug]

Come over to Iraq. Inter-service rivalry is alive and well.

Mostly it seems to being fought out on the walls of porta pots though. Always seems to be Marines vs Army. We have some AF guys outside the wire on the 3-4 month deployments, not many. Very few Navy guys around, but you do see them. USCG, these DOT warriors show up occasionally in southern Iraq/Kuwait at the exchanges. Anyway the written words of grunts vs grunts makes for some good entertainment when you are TCB.

I was in the exchange on TQ a year or so ago (I am ex Army) and this other KBR guy was looking thru the Marine Corp t-shirts. He asked me if I was getting one. Loudly I said hello no, I am Army. I got a lot of snickers from the Marines standing by and a smile and thumbs up from the one Army guy nearby. It was great. The other KBR guy had never been "in" and didn't quite get it. I work with Marines a lot and do give them nothing but respect though.

I know Marines love that camaraderie stuff. I admire that in the Marines, but we Army guys have it too. I still get emails from guys I went thru Intelligence School with (Devens '82 O5H).

[Mr.Sparkle]

The grunt arm of the Navy - the Marines and Seals - are the best 'branded' force in the world after the SAS (which doesn't even need marketing/recruitment/films!)

The shadowy CIA/Mi6 paramilitaries are my favourite though :)

[KevinGarrett]

Jim
Having never had the honor of serving I'll take your word on the inter-service "competitiveness".

Growing up in the late 80's, though, I marched drum corps in the Northeast (think marching band on steroids). Before one of our shows we had the honor of watching the Silent Drill team both rehearse and perform. It was awe-inspiring and very motivating (I can't vouch for my fellow corps members but I at least marched with a straighter back that night).

Thanks for posting this and reminding me of a wonderful summer evening in Pennsylvania many years ago.

Kevin

[wingnutx]

The grunt arm of the Navy - the Marines and Seals

Don't piss off the Seabees. We'll bulldozer your house.

We got a John Wayne movie, and the SEALS get Charlie Sheen. It all works out eventually :D

[Brent]

The silent drill team is terrific. Have had the oppotunity to see them a number of times. The interservice rivalry was fun and is alive and well. Having done a few joint tours, it was all fun and games but when push came to shove, we were all of the same mind (if not ever perfectly interoperable). Might not see many Navy on the ground in Iraq but there are 12,000+ there at last count and increasing...SEALS, Seabees, corpsmen, various logistics elements. And, over 50,000 Marines and Navy in CENTCOM AOR. Proud to serve along with our other service bretheran.
Brent Ramsey
CAPT, SC, USNR(Retired)

[Proud Infidel]

I served in the Air Force but we had a lot on interaction with Army troops as our A-7Ds were tasked with close air support. We were always needling each other but it was done with love and respect. I got to serve with members of all the branches and have nothing but respect for them.

I've seen the Marine Silent Drill Team and strongly recommend seeing them. They are amazing. I saw them during half-time of a basketball game and it was tremendous. The crowd went nuts with applause. Damn those guys are good!

[Erk]

You can also view this awesome show while in DC on Friday nights during the summer at the Marine Barracks on 8th and I street SE. I highly recommend it.

[exhelodrvr]

The drill team is incredible - definitely a must see if you get the opportunity.

The best man (and college roommate) at my wedding was a USMC fighter pilot (and vice versa); the rivalry is still there! But as others have noted, nothing but respect for the other services when the operations start. Did a number of joint ops with Army and USMC, and found them to be very professional and capable. And as a San Francisco native, who did a tour at Alameda in the early 90's, and detest the direction the local politics have gone, I LOVE THOSE PICTURES WITH THE Golden Gate Bridge and the Marines.

[ndkath05]

I was at OCS going through the PLC Jr. course in 2002 and near the end of our time there, we all got on a bus to see the Silent Drill team perform in DC. It was remarkable, not just to be in civilian clothes and in the real world, but to see the performance.

The show started with the drill team from another country's army (I believe it was the Dutch). They were pretty good and we all answered so when our platoon gunnery sergeant asked us what we thought. Then, and I will always remember the glint in her eyes and how proud she was, she said, "They were good, but wait until you see our guys."

And, as always, the Marines did not disappoint.

[Old Tanker]

Ah, interservice rivalry..... Being an Old tanker, the Marine tankers trained with us at Ft. Knox. At the time the Marines were still using M60's while we were on M1's. It was CDAT's vs. plain ol' DAT's. We made sure to remind them that at least we had computers... :-P

BTW with all due respect, their Drill Team is a must see!

[Grimmy]

I don't know how much it's changed but the Corps version of rivalry wasn't limited to just other services, back in the early to mid '80s.

Rivalries were squad vs squad; platoon vs platoon; and all the way up to battalion vs battalion. Above battalion level there wasn't so much. The only time regiment would get mentioned was in making sure the heathen you were addressing knew EXACTLY which battalion you were. As in not just 2nd Btn, but the 2nd Btn of the 4th Marines (2/4 for short). Or 2/7. or 1/3 or whatever.

Then there was the ever present rivalry of grunt vs pog.

Our Drill Team is the bomb. They're also grunts.
http://www.mbw.usmc.mil/sdpdefault.asp

[Allan]

By the way, the person who put the title on the photo must think a lot of the marines.

According to my browser, the title is: "ourmarinesunrise_2_3", which means that the Marines are so outstanding that they are able to change the rotation of the earth.

In fact, the Marines are standing to the east of the Golden Gate bridge.

A more apt title might be "Marines guard the national sunset". Or perhaps, in this day and age "The Sunset of America"...

[KariK]

I was stationed at Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, DC which is home to the Silent Drill Team. Every Friday night during the summer months the Silent Drill Team performs. I have seen their performance so many times I lost count and it is nothing less than outstanding each and every time. You can make reservations to see the parades on Friday nights during the summer.
Check it out:
http://www.mbw.usmc.mil/parades.asp

[zzbruno]

Allan,
I'm not sure you're correct. I've seen some videotape of the event in SF and it was early in the morning.

From the Drill Team homepage:

"Nearby, a dozen people found vantage points on the abandoned structures of Battery Spencer, standing where massive guns once protected the entrance. Among them were Mike and Marva Lyons from Richmond, CA. They didn't mind the predawn chill...the Lyons always stand by the Marine Corps."

[Allan]

zz,

After further reflection, I would agree that this was a morning shot, taken from Horseshoe Bay, which is on the north shore and west of the bridge.

Thanks.

I was thrown off by the statement that the event was in San Francisco. In reality it was in the Marin Headlands. That is NOT a criticism. The Marine who filed the story was likely in San Francisco when he/she did so. And, it is not like they are far apart. Were there no fog, you would be able to see some of the city clearly (as well as Angel Island, and, perhaps, Alcatraz).

Allan

[Beth]

"the pampered frat boys of the Air Force"

Hey, I resent that! The Air Force has sorority girls like me too, y'know!
;-P

[Teresa]

Damn! They're supposed to be in Rhode Island on the 25th... but why the hell does it have to be on a Tuesday from 6-11am!!!! I don't think I can make it and I really really would love to see them.

Even sadder - they are going to perform this Sunday during half time of the Tennessee Titans game - but you KNOW it will never be on television. *sigh* All those blasted sports guys have to yak it up for the 20 minutes or so when we could be watching something spectacular.

[otcconan]

UJ,

I can testify to what you are saying about inter-service cooperation. My brother is Navy Intel, and is serving in a joint force with the 82nd, as well as some USAF guys, stationed out of Camp Victory (although he is on emergency leave starting yesterday for our father's funeral).

Before going over, they put him through the paces at an Army base, teaching him the finer points of the infantry. For a guy who is used to stuff like counting Russian nuclear subs, this is pretty alien stuff.

see: http://www.aalan94.blogspot.com/

Interestingly, during part of his training in Kuwait, he was the only Navy person in the team, which resulted in people just calling him "Navy" instead of "Lieutenant."

[KHW in SJ]

What makes these pictures so wonderful is that about 2 weeks ago the Marines asked the SF Board of Stupidvisors for permission to use the bridge. The response from one of them was something like "I would rather die than let a Marine on MY Bridge." Well as Marines are known to do, they found a way around it and have most likely made the Stupidvisors foam at the mouth! Good Job!

[jordan]

This is the bridge involved in that scuffle? My. What little boy doesn't want to be a Marine at some point? The way it looks right now, they could be responsible for a turning of tide in the Iraq War, and aren't being given credit for it. In fact, people are leaping to come up with alternative reasons to explain the new positive momentum in the war. They did the toughest fighting; they should get the credit.

[bthun]

Some rock-n-roll courtesy of the USMC Silent Drill Team.

Now a little rock-n-roll USN style. Didn't think swabs knew a piece from a chipping hammer did ya?

[bthun]

Well hail, that second link was a no function good example... Take 2

[Uncle Jimbo]

Thanks BT,

That was so much fun. I'm gonna catch up with these guys on the tour.

Cordially,

Uncle J

[Debbi (no 'e' on the end)]

I had the honor to be at this on Tuesday....it was so amazing. These guys are totally the best. I hope you will check for when they come to your area & go see them. It will be something you will never forget. I have tons of photo's to post this weekend so hope you will stop by & check them out.

[bluliner10]

Ahhh, one of the joys that the GWOT has taken away! The inter-service rivalry. Nothing like a small brawl outside of the gate Camp Casey in TongDuChon between a group of soldiers heading in following Cindarelli liberty and the us Marines on our way back out...to steal "girlfriends". 2nd ID really hated us.

But I did learn alot from my special hat wearing buddies as I had to consistently remind them that being the meat eater was higher on the evolutionary ladder than snake eaters...

Ahhh but Jimbo, wondering how life would be with ya here in Oki, knowing that today we are talking smack and tomorrow we are in "the Provinces" working side by side as I meet with your old Bn this week for some "work".

As far as the AF "sorority sisters". 1980's in Monterey at the language school had to be the worst planning I have seen as the AF put the "Charlie" Flight (aka females) right across the street from the Marine barracks. It was a veritable "Peyton Base". I even married my Airman...didn't last but they were still good days...

Semper Fi, and love to my brothers and sister branches...especially those in harm's way...be better, faster and luckier than the other guy!

[douglas]

Interservice rivalry. Seems an awful lot like sibling rivalry. No one is as ruthless and brutal on you, but for all that, no one understands where you're coming from and has your back like your brother (in arms).

SF is one hell of a picturesque city, but add the Marines at attention and it's about perfect! Especially if it gets under the city govs skin!

Of course it's at Marin headlands, you don't think they would've done it at the Presidio (Army base) do you?

[mindy1]

Watched the clip of the Marines-how do they get to be so precise?

[Cameron]

From hours of practice on a daily basis.

And as a Marine who went through MOS school at Fort Leonard Wood back in 98, I do fondly remember the rivalries.

[Arch]

There's a joke about each branch having their own unique language. For example, if you tell a member of the Army, Marines, Navy and Air force to "secure that building," you will get four different responses.

To secure a building, the Army will surround the structure and establish a perimeter, blocking all routes of ingress and egress. Simultaneously, units will enter the edifice through every available path and clear it room by room. Once cleared, they will post a sentry challenging all who attempt enter or exit.

To secure a building, the USMC will call for naval gunfire and organic close air support, then execute a vertical envelopment placing blocking forces behind and on either side. The final phase is a massive frontal assault, breaching the walls and killing anyone inside.

To secure a building, the Navy will unplug the coffee pots, lock all safes, turn out the lights and lock the doors.

To secure a building, the Air Force will negotiate a three year lease with an option to buy.

[Grimmy]

Arch:

The way I was taught, the term Fire! was used as illustrator.

US Army: Upon hearing Fire! yanks a lanyard and yells "rounds out!"

USMC: Upon hearing Fire! brings rifle to shoulder, squeezes off a round and yells "got him!"

US Navy: Upon hearing Fire! dons protective gear, grabs fire hose and yells "pressure up!"

US AF: Upon hearing Fire! grabs a bag of marshmallows and yells "smores!"

Everyone picks on the USAF, but that's ok, they can handle it. And besides, they get better chow and living quarters, so its only fair to give them grief.

[Rich Casebolt]

I was just informed this morning that a twentysomething friend of mine ... his parents and I play together in one of our church's worship teams ... will be joining the Corps very soon.

I told his mom to let me know when and where he will be sworn in ... so, if possible, I can attend.

She said that he was originally considering the Coast Guard, but was so impressed by the straight-backed pride he saw in the way the Marine recruiter carried himself, that he decided to become one of the Few Good Men.

********************

OTOH, one of my roommates in college was a former Seabee. His take on Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, back in the day:

Q: Why don't Marines get coffee breaks?
A: Because it would take too long to retrain them.

********************

As for me, as a young man I seriously considered the USAF, until I found that asthma would limit me to flying a desk.

You can make fun of their "cushy" situation all you want ... but I think this summarizes their thinking:

Work smarter -- not harder.

Seriously, I have the utmost respect for all the services ... not only can I not afford to PO any customers, but you ALL answered the call to go into harm's way to defend me and mine.

I thank -- and respect -- you all, regardless of your particular uniform.