U.S. Army vs. U.S. Marine Corps

reply to post by DareDevil


Thank you for that, I was waiting for first hand experience to speak about this topic.

I was in both as a marine first and then in several army units. Could write pages on the topic but will just say that the larger part of men that join the army would never consider joining the marines. Marines for the larger part are a type that come out of our society the same way that some that join the army go into the airborne.

Here is another hint. The Marines have a chapel down at Camp Legune that celibrates the Archangel Michael also known as the Sword of the Lord, Heavenly Warrior, Oh join with us in battle.

Man this is the oldest thread I have ever seen on here.

interesting post. I have always felt the Marines to be more tough, but all divisions of the USA military are pretty strong in my opinion.

go marines hands down every time

Well,First things first.I want to thank ALL of you who have served and are still serving for doing just that.Serving your country.

Now this debate,that is going on.The Marines have a TOTALLY different mindset than the Army and that includes the maroon colored beanie wearing Rangers.

I can't identify a soldier,sailor or airman walking down the street in civvies but I can ALWAYS pick out a Marine even the wide butt ones(women).It is just the way they carry themselves.Attitude is everything.

My brother-in-law was a E-8 in the Army and I couldn't figure that out.In the Marines or the Navy he MAY have made E-6 but never any higher.He was and is to say it politely,an idiot.

As for the Marines, I shot a perfect score on the Marine Corp rifle range once and the Gunny was more than a little impressed.He said I would make a good Marine.I told him,with a smile on my face, I could never be a Marine because I knew both my parents.

The only reason we have made ANY in roads in "Raghead"istan recently is because the increase in the number of Marine units in the country.There is only one direction for a Marine unit--FORWARD.

That recent fiasco with that Army unit left out in that outpost there would have NEVER happened to a Marine unit.For one,they would never set up an outpost in a valley.Learned that lesson in Vietnam at a place called Khe Sahn.

Better battle force?Marines, they are simply the best at everything they do.How do I know.I live with a man who did 3 tours in Vietnam as a forward artillery observer.He is 67 years young and I don't know of anybody that would mess with him.

And my brother-in-law?He is still an idiot.

We have only one weapon in the house.I asked him if the SHTF what are we going to do?Typical Marine he said, I'll shoot the first S.O.B. we see with a weaponThen we'll have two.

SEMPER FI.

Of course the main difference and deciding factor in this heated debate.

Marines get laid.

Hammer meets the wood.

[edit on 8-3-2010 by USMC-oorah]

And just what are you smoking?

reply to post by American Mad Man



On terms of basic training and individual infantry qaulity, the marines
On basis of numbers and technology , Army

Now further down the road if the army infantryman aspires to be something more they can always go into ranger school to SFQC (Special Forces Qualifaction Course), the to Delta

Marines its either Recon Marine or MEU

I am a former Marine, served from 04-08 with two tours in Iraq. The who is better question is old and dying. Each branch has its own special capabilities, and SOF. To say that an Army Ranger is glorified infantry is really a huge insult to those guys. I have worked with tons of rangers, and for the most part they are pretty damn good at what they do. It doesn't matter what branch you take a look at, each has its own pieces of trash that make the organization look bad. As far as MEU's being SOF capable, it all depends on the MEU, who is attached to it, and the level of support they have on board. A did my second tour in Iraq while attached to the 13th MEU, and worked very closely with Recon Units on board. Not all MEU's are SOF capable, but most are for the majority. You have to understand that most Marines that are attached to a MEU are there by choice, and have volunteered for the sea duty so they could have an opportunity to get off the shore and see the world. The biggest difference between the Army and Marine Corps, is leadership at an early rank. Generally the Army uses its NCO's as squad leaders and platoon leaders and for the most part (army guys correct me if I am wrong) you must have nco stripes to carry these positions. In the Marines, it doesn't matter what your rank is, everything is performance based, and I have seen a Lance Corporal in charge of corporals and sergeants (they were POS nco's btw).

Originally posted by DareDevil

It would be easy to say that the Marine Corps is the best or Rangers, or SF (Special Forces) or Navy SEALs are the best but that just isn't so. Each one is designed for a specific purpose and each one is the best at what they do. It's apple's and oranges to compare Rangers to Marine M.E.U's. All in all they are brothers in arms and rely on each other to help get the job done.

I couldn't have said it better brother. I am Infantry medic, go figures from my tag, and I have worked with Marines and of course with the Army many times through multiple deployments to the Middle East. If you need a small objective taken and held for a limited time Marines are your boys, you need that objective turned into a FOB (forward operating base) and the surrounding area patrolled scouted and secured, Army is your best bet. Both are essential cogs in the Military machine. But as we have learned it is Logistics that when any war.

Interesting post. Lots of good info, and lots of bad.

I was in Army ROTC in college, didn't get a comission due to some eye problems. But I have studied all branches of the military extensively (both for my degree,poli/sci-international security) and for my own interest.

Army V Marines....always a goodie.

They have different missions. These missions compliment each other in many ways, but they are different.

Because of this they have different training programs. However; some of the comparisons you guys are making are weird. Rangers vs Recon, Regular Marine vs Delta...come on they all have differnent training because they have different missions. Of course a a Delta operator is going to be "better"(PT training, marksmanship, etc.) then a regular marine....Just as a Marine Infantryman is going to be "better" then an Army Mechanic......

But just for reference: The following is from Wiki or the services' websites paraphrased and simplified.

The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations.

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea.


The US Army has 10 Active Duty Combat Divisions, several seperate combat brigades and Regiments, and a further 8 Combat Divisions of the National Guard that can be called up, for a total force of 20+ Combat Divisions. An army division has 4 combat maneuver brigades (a combo of either light infantry/airborne; Stryker, and Heavy), an aviation brigade, and a support brigade, until 2007 engineer and artillery brigades were included, but these units are now attached directly to every maneuver brigade. At least one Division, the 82nd Airborne (with 4 parachute infantry brigades), and several seperate units; the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the 4th Brigade Combate Team (Airborne) of the 25th Infantry Division are capable of strategic or tactical forced entry operations (Airborne Insertion) although there is generally only enough Airlift available to drop about three brigades at one time. The 101st Airborne (air assult) is also capable of forced entry operations, but at more of a tactical level as it's two helicopter brigades must have a reasonably close place to stage from.

At least 5 divisions are fully or more than 50% heavy armored formations (1st Armored, 1st Cavalry, 1st Infantry, 2nd Infantry , 3rd Infantry) equiped with M1Abrams, M2 Bradley, M109 and MLRS SP Artillery, etc.). Other divisions are light or have the wheeled Stryker Brigades, or a mix of the three.

The US Marine Corp has 3 Combat Divisions. They are roughly the same size as an Army Division, but organized much differently. Only about 25% of the Divisions are "armored" with M-1 Abrams, LAV-25 wheeled armored Vehicals, and AAV7 armored amphibous landing craft. The rest of the Marine Division is regular Marine Infantry (light infantry if comparing to the army) and artillery. Marine Aviation is not directly attached to the division, but is partialled out as needed. The 3rd Marine Division is greatly stripped down compared to the 1st and 2nd divisions (many of its units serve with the latter). The Marines also have one reserve division spread across the US (Marine Reserve), although it is unlikely it form as an actual division and would likely provide seperate units to support the other Marine Divisions or round out the 3rd Division. Total combat strength: 4 combat divisions..sort of.

The Navy has enough sealift to actually land one full division plus if needed. Typically, the at sea Marines are Marine units selected from the divisions to be temprarily attached to a MEU (marine expedition unit) a heavily reinforced battalian afloat. Usually two to three are at sea at a given time. The rest of the Marines would deploy primarily by Air Force Airlift or Civil Reserve Airfleet (drafted airliners). Of course they have to split those with the Army and the USAF itself. The Marines have the least amount of support units, as much of their support comes from the Navy.


Because of it's smaller size, and expeditionary outlook, the Marines have a longer and more stringent Basic Training for all of its members then the other services. However; the actual course of schooling a Marine Infantryman and an Army Infantrymen gets is relatively similar, even if the Basic training is different. There is a little bit more specialization in Army Infantry, as there is light infantry, Airborne and Air Assault Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Stryker Infantry, Armored Cavalry Scouts, etc. Each has slightly different training. Marine Infantry (unless Recon or light armored reconnasance is basicly the same across the board).

Each service has it's own special forces, with their own training needs.

Hope that helps.

reply to post by sweatmonicaIdo


It's not as clear cut as you may think. the US Army is big, but not slow. Ever hear of Division Ready Force (DRF) ? or IRC ?
Division Ready Force (DRF)

Within the DRF there are SF- (Rangers , Delta ) Aviation, Air Assault, Infantry, ADA, and Airborne troops, support troops sometimes even the CIA, I never liked these guys to much. There are some units in the US Army that never get off the DRF rotation, I used to command one of those units. The training for these units that are on permanent DRF status is on-going and never stops, It's always intense. Sometimes I wish I would have joined the Marines at least I would have gotten a break and some sleep. Being part of an IRC is more so; the IRC is the first unit to respond to the division crisis and or the UN 911 call. Sometimes the Marines get this call or the US Army, depends on the mission needs. Sometimes the Marines and the US Army share the same mission and the same aircraft.

Anyway the point of the DRF and the IRC is to have a complete combat ready division to meet and greet the enemy with in 18 hours on the battlefield any place on the planet earth. and it has been done many of times. there also a recall of 18 hours as well.

The DRF is a very fast force, theres nothing like it in the entire world. When the Marines are on the same aircraft as the Army you know right then and their SHTF.

reply to post by DareDevil


You mentioned the marines were "The Marine Corps is considered and Force in Readiness. Which basically means that we need little notification for a deployment." The U. S. Army has that too. And I don't mean the Rangers, SF, or Delta. The U. S. Army has units ready to go on standby. We just don't have to paddle our little boats to get there. We jump.

You also mentioned "The Marine Corps is the smallest branch of service" look at your u. s. marine seal.

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY UNITED STATES marine corps

The marines are part of the U. S. Navy just like the U. S. Rangers are part of the U. S. Army except the Rangers are an elite unit.

Top 10 Badasses of the World Special Forces
listverse.com...
does not mention the marines or even force recon but does the Seals.

I looked at a few other sites and the marines were not mentioned at all. Again the seals were but we know they are part of the U. S. Navy not the marines. Ranger, SF and Delta are also mentioned.

The marines are more like special operations NOT Special Forces. They are like the U. S. Army's Airborne and Air Assault units, they have additional qualifications then normal units designated for specific missions but not anything close to being the elite Special Force

SO PLEASE GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE, SLAP YOURSELF BACK INTO REALITY AND ADMIT THAT THE marines ARE JUST PART OF THE U. S. NAVY. NOTHING REALLY SPECIAL!!!

Originally posted by Jahori
reply to post by DareDevil

 

You mentioned the marines were "The Marine Corps is considered and Force in Readiness. Which basically means that we need little notification for a deployment." The U. S. Army has that too. And I don't mean the Rangers, SF, or Delta. The U. S. Army has units ready to go on standby. We just don't have to paddle our little boats to get there. We jump.

You also mentioned "The Marine Corps is the smallest branch of service" look at your u. s. marine seal.

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY UNITED STATES marine corps

The marines are part of the U. S. Navy just like the U. S. Rangers are part of the U. S. Army except the Rangers are an elite unit.

Top 10 Badasses of the World Special Forces
listverse.com...
does not mention the marines or even force recon but does the Seals.

I looked at a few other sites and the marines were not mentioned at all. Again the seals were but we know they are part of the U. S. Navy not the marines. Ranger, SF and Delta are also mentioned.

The marines are more like special operations NOT Special Forces. They are like the U. S. Army's Airborne and Air Assault units, they have additional qualifications then normal units designated for specific missions but not anything close to being the elite Special Force

SO PLEASE GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE, SLAP YOURSELF BACK INTO REALITY AND ADMIT THAT THE marines ARE JUST PART OF THE U. S. NAVY. NOTHING REALLY SPECIAL!!!

You really think you know a lot for not ever having done anything. You read things online and suddenly you're an expert. The Marine Corps being a department of the Navy means nothing more than we fall under the navy's budget and the commandant of the Marine Corps reports to the secretary of the navy. You're another one of those people who tries to compare special forces against basic Marines. I have personally worked with SEALS, Marine Force Recon, and Army rangers. As far as being a force in readiness, that is the mission of the Marine Corps. It is done in a completely different manner. Expeditionary forces are capable of being anywhere in the world in under 24 hours and with a lot more capabilities than the Army. The Commander in chief does not need the approval of congress to deploy Marines which is why we are always the first to fight. The Marine Corps has, and always will, do more than the Army with less equipment, less money and a much smaller force. Until you have some kind of personal experience to back up your clueless argument you are just wasting your time because you have clearly shown that all you can do is use google.

The strength of US military is not their infantry, it is their ability to use combination of air power and artilery support to support their weak infantry.

many documented cases in history showing US infantry formations saved by air power or artilery/indirect fire without which they will be massacred easily as US infantry cannot fight without these external supports.

See these examples of bad US infantry tactics

Ambush at Hoc Mon - In 1968, 92 American soldiers of C Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division began a search-and-destroy mission near Saigon. They were looking for a Viet Cong force that had been firing rockets into their Tan Son Nhut Air Base. As they rushed along a road without flank security to catch up with their battalion, they ran into an ambush. Within eight minutes, 49 American soldiers were dead or dying, and 29 were wounded.

Battle of the Slopes - A company of American paratroopers was searching for the NVA in rough terrain when it was attacked by a large force. It suffered 76 KIA as it was nearly overrun, with two platoons wiped out. Newly arrived airborne officers had ignored warnings that they should maneuver as battalions because the NVA units in that area were larger, aggressive, and would attack a lone rifle company.

Battle of Ong Thanh - After minor enemy contact the previous day, a battalion commander led 155 American soldiers single-file into the bush to destroy the enemy. They ran into an NVA regiment with some 1400 men. Alpha company was wiped out in 20 minutes, and by sundown, 59 American soldiers lay dead with 75 wounded. An excellent documentary is on-line where survivors describe the onslaught.

What about Army/Air Force vs Navy/Marine Corps.

I don't think the land based side would have a chance. Run it through a war game scenario and at best there would be a MAD stalemate.

The silent service gives the sea an astronomical edge, and let's not forget the Navy is not stranger in space....

a reply to: Anonymous ATS

Our job is SILENCE and discipline. Cav has MASTERED chaos because the Army command apparently can't figure out how to equip us OR field us.We also have more money for training and more environments which to do so. Ground and Air ,As to the Rangers well ONLY MARSOC can hold a candle to the regiments,recon is good but they are Cav for marines and quite few ,line dogs like MEUs need not apply. They never HAVE pulled as many black ops as the Rangers.AND nobody has mentioned the old RECONDO units either.
As to the Army being slow ,our ARMOR rules there,more ,better and newer,more rounds fired You saw us in Desert Storm the enemy couldn't give up fast enough.

BUT HEY let's see them win BEST Ranger then we'll talk,it IS open to all just a little bit too hard for OTHER branches apparently..

originally posted by: cavtrooper7
a reply to: Anonymous ATS

Our job is SILENCE and discipline. Cav has MASTERED chaos because the Army command apparently can't figure out how to equip us OR field us.We also have more money for training and more environments which to do so. Ground and Air ,As to the Rangers well ONLY MARSOC can hold a candle to the regiments,recon is good but they are Cav for marines and quite few ,line dogs like MEUs need not apply. They never HAVE pulled as many black ops as the Rangers.AND nobody has mentioned the old RECONDO units either.
As to the Army being slow ,our ARMOR rules there,more ,better and newer,more rounds fired You saw us in Desert Storm the enemy couldn't give up fast enough.

BUT HEY let's see them win BEST Ranger then we'll talk,it IS open to all just a little bit too hard for OTHER branches apparently..

CAV is an embarassment and as proven in vietnam useless against real enemies that shoots back..

MARSOC an ill discipllined combat unit formed from ex-Force Recon guys who got kicked out of afghanistan for being unprofessional..

US ARMORED DIVISIONS - long logistical talk than will be a problem if you fight real conventional war against conventional enemy. Desert Storm is a joke, even the weak Israeli armor can defeat the arab forces easily while getting attacked on 2 fronts.. Using all US armour and air assets and not to mention every other western nation's military to bully the little Iraq into submission is laughable..

To the topic. There is a reason why only the Marine Corps fly the Osprey and Harrier. The only thing the Army has the Marine Corps beat in is number of personnel.

Marines have a different mentality, a superior mentality for getting a job done in my opinion.

a reply to: milomilo

WHAT A CLOWN WE HAVE here,ever heard of Ia Drang? "WE were Soldiers
DESERT STORM 1ST CAV (Me) PLOWED through Russian trained forces supposedly the 4th largest army in the world but then again it IS a PERSIAN group.
I once tracked some noisy marines in Korea LOUSY trail discipline stupid clustering and they TALKED on a mission,THAT is a scout sin that will get one CAUGHT which simply isn't done
Again, show me, let's see ANY other force win BEST RANGER. SEALs haven't done it yet much less Marines.