The best trained, hardest troops on the planet. Semper Fi! UPDATE: Alright, some people need a heads up on the Corps. This will be Jarhead 101, and I, Cpl Whyman (better known as numbah here) will be your instructor. Anybody ever heard of combined arms? Marines come complete with their own air wing, tanks, howitzers, and all the other toys. We have the advantage of a command and control structure that allows us to get air strikes without calling another branch of service. Now, it was also said that Marines aren't so tough. I am all of 5'8" and about 165 lbs and still, nobody wants to take me on. I'm little for a Jarhead and I had five stoner punks back down from one of me because they could see something dumb in my eyes, and IT FRIGHTENED THEM! I'm not even sure what they saw, but I ain't gonna argue. Any doubts to the toughness of Marines might also want to go for a 27 mile hike with a hundred pounds of gear and a missle to pass back and forth with numbah. I'd also like to take a moment to point out the fact that Jarheads old and young have an instant connection that other branches don't have, and you are ALWAYS A MARINE. The last thing I will address is the idea that the Marines are not that important in military operations. Hmm. Maybe you should read up on the Marine Expeditionary Unit. Its a reinforced battalion that can be anywhere in a week (sometimes less) and gives a vital speahead to any operation.

Almost forgot, our uniforms are pimptastic and everybody else has some SERIOUS penis envy over that...

UPDATE: Aw hell, Corporal Whyman is back. Don't worry, I bring good tidings from mother green's killing machine, for on this day in 1775 the Second Continental Congress created the Marine Corps. So throw back a shot for the heroes who no longer can and get wasted for a Jarhead. THAT IS AN ORDER FROM AN NCO! SEMPER FI!

The best of the best.  Been around almost 233 years.  Fought the first war against Muslims.
America's 911 force.  Happy Early Birthday 1775 Nov 10
Semper Fidelis

I am heartened by the many positive posts about the marine corps and sickened and angered by the bitter rambling posts of  few cranks. America has a proud history of military service, the marines comprising a larger than life and honorable portion of that history. As for those posters who claim to be on other branches of the military SHAME ON YOU for disrespecting the men and women, marines, who serve beside you and whos blood  has been shed for our great country! For the poster who said, simple, "the military sucks" tell that to the many young men who lye in lonely graves all across this planet so people like YOU have the right to say they suck! And for that raving homocentric loon moosekarloff NEWSFLASH!  Everything in this universe doesn't revolve around someones gayness or non gayness get your brain out of your pants and use it for something other than mental masturbation. God Bless the Marine Corp and Chesty.

A bunch of crazy SOBs, and I mean that in the best possible way. First ones in, you gotta respect.

Our Marines rock man!

When Johnny Carson asked Lee Marvin (on the Tonight Show) where he learned to 'act tough', Marvin answered, "In The Marines."

Johnny replied, "That isn't acting."

And Lee laughed and said, "Of course it is."

I thank them, and glad they are protecting the nation...I salute you...

I think every branch of military should be respected. They're serving their country, and thats what counts.

Only here could the United States Marine Corps be at the bottom of a list. Thanks to all who have served, and God bless all United States Marines. SEMPER FI!

Nice if you enjoy PTSD.

I was in the Army once, but once a Marine, you're aways a Marine. I envy that...

Every branch exists for a reason. Marines included.

There is no use for the marines. The Navy and Coast Guard the sea, the Army is on the ground airforce in the wild blue yonder and the marines brag about doing everything themselves!

marines need to shut up about being so cool the marines brag about being the first ones in but were the ones doing all the real work

marines are a bunch of smart ass meat shields

While serving in the United States Navy I had the privilage of meeting and working with Marines.
These Men and Women of the United States Marines are kick ass!
I have nothing but complete respect for the United States Marines.

The best damn military branch in the world.They are the first in and the last out and they desevre our full support and respect.

Who kicks in the door when we need to go stomp a mudhole? Not the Army. Who gets to defend the really tough positions? Not the Navy (Seals in particular. Mind you Seals are badasses of their own right). Who can bring ground and air assets to bear without asking for help? Not the Air Force (but they do help when needed). When it absolutely, positively has to get destroyed overnight, who do you call? That's right, you call on the Marines. These tough SOB's have been doing the US military's dirty work for over 200 years (numbah knows the count by heart). There are several Marine Expeditionary Units at sea, ready to go ashore with a week or two week's supply of food, fuel, and ammo, every day of the year, practically (numbah can straighten out my facts later, since he went on ship with one). These are the rough men ready to do violence that keep us sleeping peacefully at night back here in the states. I think every branch of the military are some brave souls ready to defend this country, but I find it especially true of Marines. To the troops serving wherever: hold your heads up high and keep doing that fine job. I'm behind you. To National Command Authority: don't squander this most precious of resources.

People must realize that the Marines need to be the way they are to do what they do. You invade an island, land on the beach, storm across 50 yards of open beach at an enemy machine gun postion - it takes a special kind of man to do that. Believe me I've been in situations where the bullets were flying and even the big tough guys dive for cover. The Marines are conditioned to do exactly the opposite - show no fear or hesitation in the face of the enemy - even if it means certain death. You'd think all military bodies would have this mentality but the desire for self-preservation is an overwhelming force on the battlefield which at times means the difference between victory and defeat. If the Marines have a goal it is to remove this variable from their combat ethic.

Good friend of mine is a retired marine. Semper Fi. Go Jarheads!

Well as a response to samjung23 , yes, the Marines are a cult--an American cult. Whenever America is in need, the Marines respond. We must be thankful for this branch of the military. You must leave numbah alone. He is one of the more clever and mentally quick persons on the site.

The Marines are a cult, they really need to stop taking themselves so seriously. God bless the day Congress wises up and cuts them out of the budget forever, that force is becoming the American Waffen SS. You will not find intelligent life in the Corps. And numbah, grow up, are you even old enough to enlist yet?

2 of my gay buddies are in the Marines. Hmmm.... Ooorrah!

By far, the tip of the sword. Marines do a thankless job while loosing the most lives. I hope this war that has taken so many Marines lives will end soon so the recruitment doesn't continue to suffer. We NEED the Marines (As well as the other Armed Forces).

Although the Marines are useful, they are not really important to the military (thus the low score). Here's how a typical war (or even battle) goes: first the USAF lauches air strikes against strategic targets like enemy radar, air bases, military bases, weapons caches, etc and will continue throughout the war to continue this while also using napalm and bombings to help the army or marines, second the Navy brings cruisers, Air craft carriers, battleships and battlecruisers (if they are commisioned/available), subs and destroy sea defense while launching missiles a coastal targets so as to weaken them up to drop off Marines, third the Marines go in and kill any unlucky bastard left over after the air strikes, bombings, barrages, etc and last the Army is brought in to secure the area/territory so they can hold it, the Marins continue to push and gain land while the Army follows behind supplying the Marins as well as securing all the land (the marines can't hold/secure land because their numbers are too small, plus it's just not their job). Now if you look at these facts, you can see that the job the 170,000 Marines do could be easily taken over by the 1 Million+ soldiers in the Army. So although the Marines are USEFUL, the aren't necesarily important. Also just in case you are wondering I'm not biased as I have not served in any branch of the military (I'm only 16, not unpatriotic) and don't feel any are superior than the others truly, they are all complementary, I'm just saying if their is one branch we could stand to lose it's the Marines (who aren't really a branch but still a part of the Navy).

If you criticize any of our military then you are pretty low in my book! My God keep our troops safe!

The Marines are the hardest working, well trained branch of the service! Just look at their boot camp! Mooselarloff, you are obviously intmidated intimidated my Marines, as well you should be. I happen to know plenty of Marines who don't need safety in numbers, and would gladly meet you one on one any day of the week. So why don't you take your panties off and start acting like a man!

Well if you're stupid or need to be reprogrammed...

Moosekarloff, you seem to be a rather ignorant individual. I am a Marine, and what you describe is nothing like me at all. I will not nor have I ever steped foot in a bar. I am rather sure of my sexuality. You say your<(keyword) buddies, which probably points out your character if you are hanging out with people like that. perhaps they are some of the few who are difunctiomal and there are some, but that is the case in every soiciety as well. And if these buddies of yours speak this way of the USMC they arnt even deserving of the title Marine, because True Marines stick together dispite difrences. Our Motto Semper FIDELIS means always faithful, faithful to the Corps, each other, and faithful to country(meaning you). At least you did get some part right we do have strength in numbers, because unlike much of the world today we know what true dedication is. It is probably somthing you will never understand, lost in your own selfishness. But it is OK I would still die for your freedom, because that is what was done for me by past heros. Maybe someday you might understand this.

Marines have been doing more with less since their inception. They get the job done. On the average, I'd say they're more disciplined than the other services. This doesn't mean they're neccesarily better. Each branch of service is excellent in it's own right. It simply means that Marines are very good at what they do and will always try to do thier very best. I always wondered what a disgruntled boot-camp washout told the world once he/she landed back on the block. Now I think I know. My bet is that Moosekarloff is so adept at recognizing homosexuals because he see's one in the mirror every morning or kisses one goodnight every evening. Either way, he's not dealing with his issues very well.

I spent 20 years as an officer in the Army, but I gotta say, the Marines I interacted with were all a very professional, well-prepared, aggressive (yes, Moosekarloff, you sort of need that in military people) bunch. They never seemed to let any problem bother them, were very results-oriented, and did whatever it took to accomplish the mission. Contrary to what some may say, I found Marine officers to be extremely intelligent and articulate. I'd work with them any day.

Being in the Navy, I totally respect the mission and job that the Marines have to do. They are essential as a part of the defense of the United States. I would gladly have a beer with one or two, but as a group sometimes they get a bit rowdy but generally will not mess with you unless you mess with them. Unfortunately, most of the public only know about the bad ones that make the news by doing bad things overseas. Let me tell you as a guy that's known a lot of Marines, they really are (for the most part) good people deep down who are just of a different breed. I can tell you that I would definitely want one of them watching my back.

should have joined the air force

The Marines are a sexually confused, threatened-by-the-world conspiracy that have benefited from incessant advertising and PR efforts to snowjob the public into thinking it's a bunch of essential tough guys. Buddies of mine who served in this branch affirm that it's overrun with supermasculine, superaggressive homos who use the Marines to attempt to work out their sexual issues, or to find "a few good men." Its mottos should be "Semper Fag" or "The Few, The Proud, The Closeted." I find it rather amusing that former Marines who hang around bars in the throes of "Whiskey Muscles" invariably get their asses kicked by guys who were never in the service. The Marines have a reputation of being tough when they assemble in numbers, but when you engage them one-on-one, they're nothing but pussies.

the royal marines could kick their butts

the military sucks

Again, I'm proud of this branch of military. Some of the guys I know from it, though, can be a little crazy at times. . .one guy has "Semper Fi" plastered across his brand new truck. Yup. Spray paint. But I don't know where we'd be without the Marines. . .

You guys are awesome. But I just have to post this from a Navy friend... My A-- Rides In Navy Equipment I thought that was a hoot. You guys do have a sense of humor, right? Right?

The best service of them all!

Good quick reaction force.