Should I join Army or Marines?

First, this question is asked like every single day in various forms. There many, many answers here. To the point we can just have a file to paste from on our computers.

Second, don't throw in Rangers (a unit and/or a skill indentifier) with the Marines, a branch. People constantly put Rangers or SF side by side with regular line Marines. Not the same food group.

Third, all the who's "first in and last out" doesn't count or matter. Look at Iraq 2003 to 2009. Who all went in first and look what branches are pulling big numbers of their troops out (mainly for other missions). Also, the servise are too joint in operations. I worked and served under the USMC on a Iraq tour yet I am in the Army. When I was in Afghanistan back in 2003, the only Marines there were aviation units. Yet, our military's Special Operation forces and our airpower took the country down in 2001.

Fourth, don't let one person's opinion start an internet post war here on YA and also influence your opinion (the "meat shields" saying). You need to think about what job to you want in the military and what branch you want to do it in. I work with all the branches daily and have many prior service Marines, Airmen and Sailors in my infantry division.

Their reasons for joining us vary, but mainly with benefits and promotion.

Lastly, the trying out for a Ranger Battalion is the chance you take. you might not even make it through Basic or AIT (OSUT). Also, you will be a regular Soldier if you let yourself be one. you can go to Ranger School and others as an leg or airborne infantryman nonetheless. Even from a mech or Stryker unit. The USMC has their MARSOC units if you want a step up on the food chain of grunt life, but once again you need to first qualify to get in, pass Boot Camp and all the further training.

Research, research research. Then make your decision and join our brotherhood. Facts, not fiction. Deeds, not words. And remember you will a Soldier or Marine first regardless of branch, unit or MOS. Don't be like the others who ask this question and forget that because they want to be all elite and "hooah, hooah" yet don't even play sports in school now.

Info to start with:

US Marine Reconnaissnce joining:

http://www.marines.mil/units/hqmc/tecom/soiwest/Pa...

US Army Ranger Regiment joining:

http://www.goarmy.com/ranger/index.jsp

This question is a lot like asking what car you should buy. It all depends on the driver. What kind of driver are you? See, no one but YOU can answer that question. People look at us differently than the Army, because of our reputation. A random person on the street might not know you, but they'll know that you are a Marine, and that's all that matters. Why? Because of the Marine Corps reputation. This reputation wasn't given, it was earned. Honor, Courage and Commitment. These are the core values of the Marine Corps. There's a reason for our "Meat shields" reputation too. We are called that because we are getting shot at all the time. Why? Because we are on the frontlines. (First to fight, last to leave) Now, if you really feel strongly about joining the Army, then don't let anyone stop you from doing that, but ask yourself this, when you look at yourself in the mirror, do you want to see yourself as a Soldier, or as a Marine, because in the end, when everything is gone, the only respect that stays with you is self respect. Words like Devil Dogs and Leathernecks define who we are as a Corps, but not who we are as an individual. What kind of individual are you? Are you a Devil Dog? Prove it then, and join the Corps. If not, then join the Army. Remember, we can only guide you, the final judgment is in your hands.

A well trained Marine is a well trained Marine. A well trained soldier is a well trained soldier. Either branch will train you to do what you need to do on the battlefield. One is not better than the other, it is different. Marines are very good at what they do and so is the Army. You really need to research both of the branches along with different mos's you may find something that you really like besides infantry. To be honest, you really do not know what jobs are out there. Weigh all of your options, you have time.

You should talk to a recruiter for both the Army and the Marines. They will clear up any questions you have. My brother was stuck between the Navy and the Army. He talked to both a Navy and an Army recruiter and is now at Basic Training for the Army. He is 17. You are so young still and have plenty of time to decide. Nobody can make that decision for you. But gaining more knowledge on each branch is your best bet.

Good luck!!!!

Marines are not used as "Meat Shields" they are a vital part of the Military.

You could do a few years as Marines then transfer to Army after your contract is done. Then you could try for Army Ranger.

I know a guy that did that.

Or just join Army and then go to Rangers.

Rangers usually lead to Special Forces.

If Marines are Meat shields why do we have a 83:1 Kill ratio.

The army is full of people trained to fire in the general direction of the enemy. The Marines focus on Marksmanship and accurate fire. Army on sheer fire.

You want a career go to the army, you want fun go to the marines.

Besides the Rangers are very hard to get into, the Regular Marine infantry is Much better than the Regular Army Infantry

talk to a recruiter man, and your parents. and you dont get to just sign up for special forces you have to be selected... and its not easy to get selected.

ps and behalf of my soldier husband... marines arent necessarily better trained...

Do a lot of research. Don't ask people on Yahoo. For the love of God.

A int

R eally

M arines

Y et

USMC 66-69

So young....