SQUIDS

Mike,

Aren't we the smug, self-congratulatory type? You hear one quote, from an ACTOR on a TV SHOW, and use that as a reason to launch into a libelous rant against all Marines. Unbelievable.

Nary a day goes by that I don't get called a "jarhead" by friends of mine in the Army and Navy. Do you think I care? Of course not! At the end of the day, we're all playing for the same team, and most of us understand that. Apparently, you do not.

You are clearly far superior to us all, Mike, as evidenced by your black belt, real estate career, and hillside home in sunny Southern California. Unfortunately, you use your good fortune to heap scorn upon the Marine Corps because SOME Marines you've encountered have been less fortunate than in their post-military careers. Does that mean I can say the same of the Navy, since I know more than a few ex-sailors who currently find themselves working as short order cooks and the like?

You say we've been "conned" into serving our country as Marines. I'll have you know that I could have had my law school tuition paid for had joined the Navy instead of the Marines. Though I have nothing but respect for the Navy, I made my choice to serve as a Marine, in spite of considerable financial incentives for me to join the Navy. I do not regret my decision to serve in this capacity, and don't appreciate your marginalization of those who have made similar decisions (and sacrifices) to be Marines.

You lambaste Marines for mocking your service (in a TV show you appear to be a little too obsessed with), yet proceed to call us elitist (though you certainly don't hesitate to tout your own successes, do you?), dumb, unskilled suckers. Your tactless assessment of our collective intelligence quotient, and the abject contempt you display for your fellow brothers in the Naval service, rate as truly beyond the pale. Though you have made it clear you are successful, your TV show induced temper tantrum also made it clear that you have no shame, and no respect for those who, like you, proudly wore the uniform of their country.

Thankfully, your gross lack of professionalism, honor, and good judgment hasn't tainted my otherwise deep and abiding respect for the brave men and women of the United States Navy. I'd put a filter on your mouth before it starts to.

I think you missed something I wrote in my original blog: “(My statements assume that the USN and USMC approve of all script material on JAG.)” The military does not lend its’ image and expensive equipment to TV productions, without having the right to approve scripts. 2 actors wearing Marine uniforms spoke the “squids” statement, which indicates the USMC’s approval. Do you see the connection now? The USMC advisor to JAG should apologize to all Naval personnel for allowing this.

You mentioned being called a Jarhead. The term Jarhead refers to a Marine’s appearance, after having a regulation haircut. It also has a macho connotation, which some Marines probably like.

A squid is a lowly form of sea-life, less than human. (Dictionary: Any of various cephalopod mollusks of the genus Loligo and related genera, having a usually elongated body, ten arms surrounding the mouth, a vestigial internal shell, and a pair of triangular or rounded fins.) A very ugly creature.

Describing someone as a squid is a slur, and would be equivalent to calling a black person the N word, or labelling a Woman Marine a BAM. In the years that JAG has been on TV, I have yet to see any actor in a Navy uniform using the terms Jarhead or BAM when referring to Marines.

There is even a book and movie titled “Jarhead”, about a Marine sniper’s experience in the Gulf War. I don’t think you would likely see a film about a Navy Seal with the title “Squid”.

Speaking of Women Marines – Is there a taboo against them dating Sailors? The word is that if they do, they become ostracized by other Marines. Seems they are taught in boot camp that Sailors are not good enough for them, and that they should only date other Marines. Sounds like more elitism.

Sure there are a lot of ex-Navy short order cooks, but also a lot of them in hi-tech jobs. If you were to do a survey of people out of the service for over 10 years, you would likely find a much higher percentage of enlisted ex-Navy than ex-Marines in jobs paying over $50,000 per year.

The bottom line for everyone as they leave the service and get older is financial security. You can’t take pride and tradition to the bank. This is where I think you guys really get shortchanged. I actually had 3 cousins in the USMC, and none of them got good civilian jobs. For as dangerous as your job can be, you should get more out of it.

I want to amend my comment on Marine toughness. “I can beat more Marines than Marines can beat me”. Of the Marines who could beat me, most are probably from Recon. They are the only really tough Marines that I have known. The Embassy Marine Guards that I worked with over a 6 year period were really pretty soft from sitting around drinking beer, when they weren’t on duty.

As for me describing my accomplishments derived from my Navy training and experience, I am just trying to show how someone could do better in civilian life after being through that. As for blowing one’s own horn, I think the Marine Corps does enough of that. I read somewhere that during WWII, it was joked that every Marine had his own Life Magazine photographer.

I guess the Marine Corps has to puff up its’ image, not only for recruitment purposes but since it is an organization much smaller than the other military services, it wants to avoid being lost in the shuffle when it comes to Congressional budget allocations.

Re your comment that I should put a filter on my mouth (the one with ten arms?), I think that the 1st Amendment that guarantees freedom of speech is still in effect.

I am trying to be even handed here i.e., tell it like it is. If I have said anything that is inaccurate, please let me know. If you look at my original blog, you will see that I did say some positve things about the Marine Corps. There are many things I like about the USMC. I read a very detailed article today from the Wall Street Journal about their training the Iraqi Army, so the U.S. troops can come home sooner. It appears they are doing a great job over there. There are positives and negatives with everything in life.

Again, don’t call us Squids.

Mike Green

Above posting is for Alex. Sorry, I forgot to add your name.

Mike

Mike,

I never called you or anyone else in the Navy a squid, so don't put that on me. Nor did I suggest that your First Amendment rights be abridged in any way. I was simply pointing out that in spite of the fact that you personally are a smarmy, JAG-obsessed, Marine-bashing (in a way that makes the pejorative label of "squid" seem comparatively mild) tool, I am not inclined to hold your big mouth against the otherwise honorable history and tradition of the United States Navy.

Alex,

I think you still missed my point again. I was not trying to blame you personally for the Squid statement on JAG. I am pointing the finger at the USMC JAG advisor.

No answer on my question re Woman Marines and Sailors dating??? Guess you probably don’t want to answer that one.

Having had a long association with USMC personnel, I see some things to criticize as well as some things to praise. I could also list numerous faults I observed with the U.S. Navy, but they haven't insulted me.

Mike

I am presently a first year law student and a soon to be Marine Officer (going to OCS this summer). I just wanted to supply some general comments to this thread. I recall my OSO (Officer Selection Officer) once telling me that it is absolutely unprofessional for ANY service person to criticize one another on the basis of their branch. Each of the branches has their competetive advantage (in economic parlance) and does their job well. Yet, sadly, there will continue to be Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen that speak pejoratively about one another. What's important is that those of us who wish to set the example, refrain from perpetuating this abhorrent behavior. Officers in each branch should take the leadership role and ensure their men/women display a more professional attitute on and off the battlefield.

In regard to the "jobs after the military" issue, without any formal statistics your assertion that that former Navy are more marketable than Marines is not very credible. I know for a fact that there are many successful former Marines throughout the business world. From what I understand, Marines (at least the officers) are sought after by employers for their leadership skills, integrity, and mission oriented attitude. But, don't blame the Marine Corps for being a "branch of the military that provides you with no real future." Many kids who enlist would probably have no future were it not for the Marines (and I don't mean that in a negative way). Granted, perhaps the Marines don't have as many technical positions as the other branches, but that doesn't preclude any Marine from pursuing further education after a tour of duty with the GI Bill. While the skills they learned in the fleet may not directly transfer into studying calculus, the discipline and motivation to succeed will serve them well.

I considered the Navy when I graduated from college (Intel program), but decided to pursue my goal of getting a law degree first. And I am doing so in conjunction with the Marine Officer Program. Not because the I "look down" on the Navy, but because I wanted to be an Officer of Marines. And I have nothing but respect for anyone who joins any other branch, as long as they do it in good faith.

Semper Fidelis

Mike,
You are the lowest form of whale shit I have ever stepped on. It is candy ass squids such as yourself, who can't even conceptualize what a Marine is, then blabs his mouth about it, that insults the true sailors of the Fleet.
Semper Fidelis!

How asinine this is. For you to "rank" and compare military branches by a comparitive level of "intelligence" is so juvenile. I happen to be an officer candidate for the Marine Corps, with 4 years of active duty coming as soon as I graduate law school. I've noticed over the years that it's usually the unintelligent people who rant and bitch about the unintelligence of others. What is intelligence? Do you have some scientific theorum by which you measure "intelligence"? How ridiculous. For anyone to rank and compare any branches of military service to others is unAmerican, in my opinion. Get over it. They've been calling seamen squids for longer back than you or I could ever imagine. Accept it. Move on in life. If not, then cry yourself to sleep tonight with the comfort of knowing that at least ONE Marine candidate out here is actually more intelligent than you.

How asinine this is. For you to "rank" and compare military branches by a comparitive level of "intelligence" is so juvenile. I happen to be an officer candidate for the Marine Corps, with 4 years of active duty coming as soon as I graduate law school. I've noticed over the years that it's usually the unintelligent people who rant and bitch about the unintelligence of others. What is intelligence? Do you have some scientific theorum by which you measure "intelligence"? How ridiculous. For anyone to rank and compare any branches of military service to others is unAmerican, in my opinion. Get over it. They've been calling seamen squids for longer back than you or I could ever imagine. Accept it. Move on in life. If not, then cry yourself to sleep tonight with the comfort of knowing that at least ONE Marine candidate out here is actually more intelligent than you.

Marine Drill Instructor: WHAT IS THIS MICKEY MOUSE BULLSHIT!?! WHY IS MIKE GREEN OUT OF HIS BUNK AND TYPING BULLSHIT ON THE INTERNET AFTER LIGHTES OUT!?! WHY IS MIKE GREEN STILL TOUCHING THAT KEYBOARD!?! WHY AREN'T YOU MARINES STOMPING PETTY OFFICER MIKE GREEN'S GUTS OUT!?!

Private: IT IS THE PRIVATES DUTY TO INFORM THE SENIOR DRILL INSTRUCTOR THAT MIKE GREEN IS A COMPLETE KNUCKLE-HEAD AND CAN'T DISTINGUISH THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STUPID TV SHOW CALLED JAG AND REAL LIFE!

Sorry one of your buddies got turned down by a Marine (there is no term "Female Marine" just so you know...just Marine) but maybe she had better things to do like work hard and serve her country.

If anyone else had written this, it would have made me mad.....consider the source. Squids are one of the lowest forms of MARINE lfe in the ocean.

marines don't have a branch brothers! they are part of the Navy!! DUH

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Your position on television beeing sensored by any branch of govt. is crazy! Did you forget what you were fighting for or did you just not get it to begin with? I would just like to say my father was a squid, my grandfather was a squid, and my father in-law was a stinkin SQUID. with that said I still feel there is a sense of joy I, and presumably most of us Jarheads, get from rousting a bunch of pretetious, narrow minded sissys! My oppinion is you are to insecure to realize WE protect you guys from the Air Force, the Coast Guard, and most of all from yourselves!

I would like to note, as an 18 year old reruit soon to ship to MCRD, that all though most people I've encountered as recruits joining the services-are looking for an easy route to college money and benefits. I can confidently and proudly say that every single Marine Corps recruit only views the glory in serving their country, instead of coming up with some pussy ass comment when it comes to actually earning their paycheck.

As for you Mr.Green, I do not see how your comments have in any way supported your initial bitching about Marines harrassing sailors. I'll admit I've heard quite a few jokes about other branches, but anyone who knows the Marine Corps will understand that there is respect for all branches of the service.

Your distastefull comments directed toward Marines just shows your inability to comprehend the contradiction you placed on yourself. Look for them now that I've pointed it out, how long did you actually think about what you were posting on the web? What's different about your comments than the one's you were upset over on a fuckin tv show. Obviously it makes you feel better and gives you the opportunity to boast about your post-navy career.
And don't bring seals into this argument, I'm sure you know many Marines have had the experience of joint missions with Navy Seals and Boatmen.
To end this with my strict opinion for your viewing pleasure Mr.Green...... Marines have a right to be proud, no one can become a Marine without going throug Marine Corps training, we are a different breed. The Marine Corps is deffinitly not an easy route for a college student, every Marine is an infantrymen, even usmc jag corps officers serve in combat zones. And in my opinion, I personally have more respect for those who join the service of their choice, for service and sacrifice rather than money and benefits. Those who verbally attack the Marines for being the ones who get in the dirt are jealous for not having the guts to do it themselves.

As for martial arts, any guy without a brain will make a remark on their fighting ability. In my experience with MMA, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jui Jitsu.... people who are confident enough to not resort to making a dumb comment-like your shipman friend- are the ones who would fuck up any sailor with a stupid mouth.

Go ahead and try rebudle my comments, generalize the whole Marine Corps on your own bias, i'll be hear to read it before i ship to MCRD to proudly serve this great Nation in the service with more history than the United States itself.

By the way, I forgot about your little comment about only force recon Marines being able to match you. Are you really serious Mike? I have never heard a comment like that! I train around UFC champs, world-champion MMA and kick boxers, and with a Ranger, a former Seal, and Marines, and I have never heard the best make a remark like that. Except for the Seal, mainly because hes a state wrestling champ and olympic coach. Big list of people huh? The first step to losing is under estimating the strengths of your apponent, even in your description of the beer drinking guard.

Why am i wasting my time on this shit?

Oh and Mike, the Marines are the smallest branch because they spend the least money on recruitment, have the higher standards for enlisting let alone training, and have less benefits than other branches which in the end weeds out all the pussies that deserve to be chippin paint. "The Few and the Proud!"

SEMPER FI

By the way, I forgot about your little comment about only force recon Marines being able to match you. Are you really serious Mike? I have never heard a comment like that! I train around UFC champs, world-champion MMA and kick boxers, and with a Ranger, a former Seal, and Marines, and I have never heard the best make a remark like that. Except for the Seal, mainly because hes a state wrestling champ and olympic coach. Big list of people huh? The first step to losing is under estimating the strengths of your apponent, even in your description of the beer drinking guard.

Why am i wasting my time on this shit?

Oh and Mike, the Marines are the smallest branch because they spend the least money on recruitment, have the higher standards for enlisting let alone training, and have less benefits than other branches which in the end weeds out all the pussies that deserve to be chippin paint. "The Few and the Proud!"

SEMPER FI

Mike Green should change his sir name to Hunt. The Marine Corps Drill Instructors are an all voluntary bunch. No promotions to D.I.

Guess who keeps the Captain of the ship safe........ United States Marines!! Ooh-Rah!!

I'm in the Navy, and I can personally say that all service members, Navy, Marines, and otherwise, are equal parts of the same team, and the "insults" of squid or jarhead are just terms of endearment to each other, not hate or prejudice toward that particular branch. If they were that dysfunctional, then there wouldn't be any service branches because we would be overrun by another country because our military couldn't work together. Fortunately, we do and and do it damn well.