I will jump in on this one now and give you my $0.02. The reason we Marines say that we are a Marine are for a few reasons. Number one, every Marine regardless of MOS receives basic, very basic rifleman training. As a matter of fact, you will see the phrase "Every Marine a Rifleman" used all over the Corps. Number two, you have to realize that while being the smallest branch in the military the Marine Corps is usually the first force on the ground in most conflicts and the pride, honor, and history of the Marine Corps is ingrained into our brain housing groups during Boot Camp and continues from there. See, I didn't say all conflicts, I said most, and that is quoting todaysmilitary.com. DJ was a 0311, and while that is your basic Rifleman, they do train with more than just a rifle, I can guarantee you that. I had quite a few friends and was stationed with a few Marines that were 0311's. There is a little motivational tool used by recruiters and others throughout the Corps that says we are the only branch proud enough to give our members our name. You have Soldiers in the Army, Sailors in the Navy, Airmen in the Air Force, but only the Marine Corps calls its own people Marines. Now I'm not trying to trash you or anybody else that has served, is serving, or will serve in any of our armed forces, I believe that anybody who can put on a uniform that represents our great country should be applauded and recognized. But you, I, and everyone else here knows that as long as we have different branches of the military, there's going to be a little ribbing back and forth as to who is the best. Oh, and since you are in Korea now, do some research on the Chosin Reservoir, good history there.
