As a Marine (got out many years ago), most of us don’t give a shit. Some did while they were active duty, but it was only when other people brought it up to get a reaction from the Marine. There are still some loud Marines that would say something just to be loud. We come in different flavors of annoying.
While I was recruiting, I was called a soldier by a few teachers and parents and it doesn’t matter. What matters (to me) is the intent, most people are making an honest mistake. Some are trying to get a reaction out of you, I might respond if it was a bit friendly, but I mostly ignore it.
Being called a Marine instead of a soldier, is part of the brain washing. It helps point to something and say “That’s why we are better. Marine is a proper name and should be capitalized. Also don’t put your hands in your pockets. That for the nasty Army to do and not the Marines. We get held to a higher standard.”
One time, I was trying to motivate a retired marine friend of mine who was being lazy by saying “on your feet, soldier!” as a reference to Terminator, myself being ignorant of the difference.
Do they mean “soldiers”?
The vast majority of soldiers don’t fight.
They’ve been calling them warfighters since the 80s.
What if they’re marines? Have you ever tried calling a marine a soldier to their face? I don’t recommend it.
As a civilian, I’d hope they’d show some understanding that we don’t give two fucks about their petty distinctions.
Also: I have family in multiple branches, so I know the difference, and fuck any of them who take an attitude with me over it.
As a Marine (got out many years ago), most of us don’t give a shit. Some did while they were active duty, but it was only when other people brought it up to get a reaction from the Marine. There are still some loud Marines that would say something just to be loud. We come in different flavors of annoying.
While I was recruiting, I was called a soldier by a few teachers and parents and it doesn’t matter. What matters (to me) is the intent, most people are making an honest mistake. Some are trying to get a reaction out of you, I might respond if it was a bit friendly, but I mostly ignore it.
Being called a Marine instead of a soldier, is part of the brain washing. It helps point to something and say “That’s why we are better. Marine is a proper name and should be capitalized. Also don’t put your hands in your pockets. That for the nasty Army to do and not the Marines. We get held to a higher standard.”
One time, I was trying to motivate a retired marine friend of mine who was being lazy by saying “on your feet, soldier!” as a reference to Terminator, myself being ignorant of the difference.
Credit where it’s due: it got him on his feet.
In my experience “soldier” is fine. Just don’t call a Marine a Sailor.
But they’d love to tell you about their favorite flavor of crayon!
I’ve seen them get pissy and at least correct people over either, but YMMV I guess