What does it mean when you tell someone you are in U.S. Marines and they say it sounds like a waste of time?

Question

Like they say it sounds like a waste of time to them?

Answer 1

1. They have NO concept of what it takes to become a US Marine.
2. They KNOW they could never meet the muster it takes to be a Marine.
3. They lack the courage, conviction, commitment, motivation and the guts to put their life on the line for anything; let alone for their country.
4. It means they are wasting their time and lives slamming down beers, smoking dope and "just hanging out" before they go to their minimum wage job with no future.
5. It means they realize that they are wasting their time.....they are losers.

OK, I could go on and on but you get the picture and I doubt any of my comments are news to you.

I served as an Army officer shortly after viet nam and people would "hint" that I was wasting my time serving after graduating college (I was an OCS guy..I enlisted after college and got into OCS) so I have an appreciation of what you are feeling.

My best friend and my son's godfather is a former USMC NCO tanker and we always had a good laugh about the uninformed civilians.

My (obvious) advice...ignore them and drive on.

Thank you for your service Marine.

Answer 2

You say the beautiful thing about this country is that we are all entitled to our own opinions, and that you think this right, among other things, is so valuable to you, that dedicating your life to defending it is, in your opinion, never a waste of time...... Then thank them for their view and explain that the reason you are thanking them is because it's easy to defend someones rights when you agree, the true test is when you don't - and the final exam is when you meet idiots like that who haven't a clue what others do (and give up) so that they can have said views.

Also, you can either say this to yourself to help you deal with the idiots in the world, or, if you want, you can share it with them to give them something to think about - but remember this --

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
John Stewart Mill


From a Veteran who is married to an Active Duty Servicemember, please know that serving your country is NOT a waste of your time, and THANK YOU for doing it!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

It means they have never served a day in the military, and have no idea what the price of freedom really is. Whether you do 1 tour, or stay for a career - you can feel confident in knowing that you volunteered to serve in an organization which helped to create the freedoms that you "buddy" enjoys and will always take for granted.

Answer 4

Generally people like that are trying to compensate for their inadequacy by blowing off what you are as nothing. They know they couldn't be what you are but they refuse to acknowledge it. For them to acknowledge that being a marine was something to be proud of that requires courage, honor, and commitment would be to admit that they are lacking those qualities themselves. It's the old story...people put down what they envy, they are indifferent to qualities they don't possess.
I've received reactions like that from a few myself and my recommendation is to simply refuse to even recognize them as a valid life form from that moment on. Don't be rude. Don't get angry. Just write them off as inconsequential. Realize that you belong to something much more important than them and there is no room in your world for ignorant non hackers. If you are in a social setting with these people, such as friends of friends, you just allow no more time for them...just smile and blow them off.

P.S. One other tip....Don't offer the fact that you are a marine. Wait til you are asked. Then when you are asked and you answer if you get that reaction you can say, "Well you know I really didn't ask for your opinion".
semper fi

Answer 5

My little brother is a marine and I am proud of him and any other service person out there. I think it is sad that people feel so free to make rude comments about those who are willing to put there life on the line for our freedoms. Although we may not all agree on the fighting, to not support those who are fighting is sad.

Answer 6

It is NOT a waste of time. If there is something to be learned in the Marines, it's honnor and loyalty. I proud of you and those like you there's damn few left

Semper Fi carry on.

Answer 7

It means you should ask them what they are doing for their country and their own lives?

Odds are you will find someone that thinks that they can just hide their head in the sand and the world will love them but are doing nothing about it.

Thank God for the people in this country that are standing up for us and risking their lives and health so we can sit around and be free.

God Bless and Good Luck.

Answer 8

To me it sounds like someone who lacks maturity in addition someone I wouldn't want to be associated with. I am proud of all of our soldiers and it takes a special person to do that job. Its not easy and takes a lot of courage. In a lot of people hearts, you guys are heros. Thank you for your service.

Hugs Mel

Answer 9

It's not something they would be willing to do. They also don't think that a military solution to problems is a good solution - i.e. it's a waste of time.

Answer 10

Just remind them that while they may be against the US military, that they should be thankful that the US military is not against them...and that the only thing standing between them and a world that wants them dead is the Military...

If that doesn't work, tell them to **** off...We're proud of you....just remember to keep your heart up and your head down, bro...