Is this really how Marines should be portrayed?

Question

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiaaJeI7pb6IWJhsVi6_KcHzy6IX?qid=20060814220605AACKsw3

By the answers given to this story it appears that most people are proud of being portrayed this way.

Yet, when I read it all I saw was a Marine being portrayed as a neanderthal that could not controll his temper for 15 minutes. As a Marine I was offended. As an Atheist I was appaled.

Again, Is this how most other Marines think they should be portrayed?

I AM A MARINE!

Answer 1

YOU Have to be kidding me! I'm the one that posted that joke! I'm a retired Marine with 30 years! I enlisted in 1967 was in Khe San in 68, And have fought in places you have never heard of! I retired in 1997 as a MGSGT. If this offended you then you need to lighten up and have a sense of humor! Yes we are the few and the proud, but we are human beings with a sense of humor, God gave us that, maybe what you are missing by being an atheist.I'm proud of my service and have more medals than you will ever see! Semper Fi.

Answer 2

whoever wrote that story is a stupid dumbass who knows nothing about the military. as a navy brat, i have all the respect in the world for the marine corps. I don't think there would be 1) an America or 2) a military, if there was no Marines. Nothing would get done without the Marines, and I think people need to realize that... then start portraying the entire military correctly. they're not murderers, rapists, or criminals. They care about their country, their families, their job, their freedoms (at least that's my opinion)... and the Marines are the few and the proud! Siemper Fidelis!

Answer 3

I was a Sgt in the Marine Corps. I was in the Marines from 1994 to 2002 before switching to the Army Reserve.

I think we should be portrayed exactly as we are held in terms of regard. By this I mean, we should be portrayed as being Honorable, Committed to Duty, as having unwavering Integrity and undeniable Courage. You know as well as I that our hallmark of Honor, Courage, Commitment is the basis of what it means to be a Marine.

We now live in different times, whereas those values are being replaced by kids with too much bravado and not enough humility. They use our hallmark as a brand on their chest to justify their actions, instead of holding those values dear and close to heart and living those values every day. A Marine should be recognizable and distinguable from everyone by the way we conduct ourselves. Many a time have I been in civilian clothes and people have told me that I must be a Marine because of my stance, or the way I conduct myself. My fellow devil dog, there is no greater pride than hearing those words, because it tells me that I am representing the Marine Corps in a positive manner. Marines are warriors, the best in these United States...possibly the world, it is up to us, those that understand what it is....truly what it is to be a Marine, to guide our misdirected brothren back onto the path of our sacred values. Every Marine should be able to tell his junior Marines, "Do as I say AND as I do".

This my friend, will be our greatest challenge, not winning the war in Iraq, but winning the battle to maintain our time honored tradition of being the world's 911 force in readiness.
We are a step above the rest
We are the worlds first and last line of defense
We will always be the few and the proud

Ooh Rah...

Sgt. Anderson

Answer 4

Maybe you should read this as a person instead of an atheist, this man was not shoving God down your throat but it sounds like you felt this way. Every Marine I know thought this was funny, and the Marines I know that have been serving in Iraq are not Atheists, although a couple were before they went over.
The Marine was not portrayed as a neanderthal, he was portrayed as a person who had it up to his eyes with idiots that want to insult others because they don't think like he does. No Marine I know would stand for that (Christian or atheist)

Answer 5

I am not a Marine so I can't give you a real answer as to how they think they should be portrayed. What I can say is that Marine or civilian, theist or athiest, our country is unfortunately full of people who think it's 'funny' or 'manly' or even a sign of 'faith and values' to act like a neanderthal. And we wonder why the world sees us in such a negative light?

Answer 6

I don't know about you but in my combat experience sometimes a sense of humor was one thing that kept me sane.
I appreciate your service but to be honest with you my first thought in reading your comment was "is this guy as dedicated to the corps as he is to his atheism?" Given the fact that it WAS a joke and represented no real event, nor was it advocating that sort of conduct, it seems to me that this merely served as a reason for you to share with everyone your personal "religous" beliefs. Perhaps you feel a little insecure in your atheism. In any event I wish you the best of luck. You have my sincere thanks for serving our country. Semper Fi.

P.S. BTW, What the hell is a chapter 11....sounds like a bankruptcy....in my day it was an article 14?

Answer 7

Dude...I am also a former Marine. I thought it was funny. I respect your opinion on the matter, but lighten up! It's a joke.
And even it had been real, I think the professor deserved a smack for his comments. If you don't believe in God, then fine ! Don't go tempting HIS wrath. Because what answer you get may not be what your looking for....and it may be painful.
So loosen up and laugh at a good joke and start enjoying life. Cause if you don't believe in God, you may as well start making what little time on this earth you have, fun. Cause once it's over...it's over for you.

Answer 8

Just a thought..perhaps you could let your actions speak for you!

I was a soldier for 15 years (Not US Military) and frankly, US forces are something of a laughing stock among other countries military...because of thier actions!

No doubt that US are best equiped and resourced, but training is v poor, and (my own opinion) most lack the ability to adapt to changing situations.

No doubt this answer will receive some abusive responses...why bother? try opening your ears instead of your mouthes for a change! Hoo Rah!

Answer 9

Its just a joke

not a funny one, but just a joke.

It's not funny because the crux of the joke is the idea that Marines are protecting freedom of speech by decking someone who practices freedom of speech. Thats just dumb, not funny.

BTW, I'm an Atheist too.

Answer 10

I wish more marines were as professional as you Sgt Hall. There are a tiny minority of marines (as in any force) who are not psychologically suited to being in the marines. They allow personal prejudice to overule their profesional judgement and this reflects negatively on the whole corps.