Once a Marine...

[imkopaka]

Semper Fi

[oljames3]

Oorah!!
My younger brother retired from the Corps. He is part of the security team for the church he attends in Colorado.

[oljames3]

Oorah!!
My younger brother retired from the Corps. He is part of the security team for the church he attends in Colorado.

oljames3: Like you, my brother also retired as a captain, after going up the ranks as non-com, warrant officer, OCS, and 20 years active. When I finished high school and thought about joining, he said "join the Air Force, more opportunity!". But the Air Force had a 6-month waiting list and the Marines said "sure, we can take you on Friday" so guess where this 17 year old, anxious to see the world went... Yes, the Marines. Got no world view though - but 3 years in Southern California wasn't too bad. Memories...

Yep, lots of good memories. To be clear, I'm the CPT (O3, OCS), my brother is the Lt Col (O5, Annapolis). We both have enlisted time, I more than he.

[Maxwell]

A few years ago we had a new boss take over our product management group. In the presentation (yes, he gave a presentation to introduce himself) he stated he was a former Marine. I lost all respect for him that instant as of all of the Marines I've met and have called friend none have ever used the term "former."

[RPBrown]

Once a Marine, always a Marine

[oohrah]

"Former Marine" more refers to your active duty status. However, there is no such thing as an "ex-Marine".

[J Wilson]

Once a Marine, always a Marine

It is a lot Better than X MARINE
Sgt. USMC 1964--1967
SEMPER FI

[Liberty]

Proud to have served as a soldier. I never understood the resentment of being called ex or former. I have been just as proud of some things I have done since my stint with Uncle. There is no shame in being an ex soldier, retired soldier or former soldier.

I can't say that I ever understood the Marine way of thinking. Maybe the inability to let go? They will always be brothers in arms, but never understood.

[TexasRonin]

If my memory doesn't fail me...

One of our drill instructors (1982) said something to the effect that the only ex-Marine was a dead Marine. Former Marine refers to Former Active Duty Marine.

That's the way I've alwasy understood it.

[imkopaka]

I will usually introduce my status (if asked, not shoehorned in) simply as "I'm a Marine" but I have been known to say former Marine. My understanding is that former is short for former-(ly active) Marine.

But yes, "ex-Marine," "I was in the Marines," and "I used to be a Marine" are only appropriate if the person in question received a discharge that strips them of the honor associated with the title.

[6L105]

I've known lots of Marines, both active duty and discharged/retired, but never heard that "former Marine" was considered disparaging. On the other hand, the term "ex-Marine" was reserved for those with Other Than Honorable or Bad Conduct Discharges, or worse yet, inter-service transfers to a lesser branch of the military.

[KLB]

I tell people I'm a former Marine because I know that, 45 years later, I couldn't hope to cut the mustard physically.