Marine Corps Boot vs Army Basic?

Question

I want to know the hard numbers like rifle qual P.T. standards and all other requirements pound for pound which basic/boot is tougher? Please dont start talking about different units in each one or any of the special ops. Just on average straight out of boot/basic which private is more "equiped" or "knowledgeable" "physically stronger" and please dont try and lecture me about all of the service's being equall and having different jobs I already know that. But Im just curious because I shipout for Boot Camp in a month and im just wondering if I made the right decision. Oh yeah and please dont try to correct my spelling or grammar I hate that. Any serious answers will be greatly apreciated thank you.

Answer 1

I don't know all the hard numbers but USMC Boot camp is the hardest basic training/boot camp in the US military. The Marines qualify on a longer range with the M16, not sure about the exact distance. Here are some hard facts: The Marines boot camp is the longest. You don't get any phone calls home or emails, just letters. It also has the highest attrition rate in the US military.

I talked to someone on a different message board who was in the Army before switching over to the Marines and this is what he said about the services:

Okay being a Marine that has switched services (you can read why in the Marine only board) I have first hand experinces with the NEW Army.

I joined the Army National Gaurd for a "try one" I ended up going to OIF III with them and I will tell you that yes the Army is alot different from the 'Corps.

In the Army there are only Cpl's in "combat arm" MOS's me being Arty turned Security Forces (basically convoy escort, QRF, gate guard) I was allowed the privilage of retaing my NCO status as Cpl. The wierd thing is the Army has Spc's which are also E-4's these guys are paid the same as a Cpl but have no responsibilty as far as an NCO, being a Cpl in the Army is kinda like being a senior lance cooly, you don't get much respect you just kinda make the best of it and make people respect you through hard work, persaverince, and your Marine Corps leadership traits.

The majority of the Army doesn't understand the meaning of pride and is about instant gradifacation, awards, patches, and of course screwing around with women.

The 101st Airborne was coming in theater around the time my unit was rotating out and we shared plenty of time at the chow hall with them. We called the 101st the "hundered and worst" here they were, the pride of America's Army units "Air-Assualt" but in fact they were more like horny rabid dogs, that would steal anything they could and hit on every female on post, (not that its a bad thing to explore your options) but for a female Sgt to allow PFC's and Spc's to call her "sexy girl", and "baby doll" openly and in front of other NCO's and Soldiers and did nothing. It was appauling to say the least.

I don't want to go as far as saying that the recent events that have happened in Iraq with that unit are just but i will say that the new Army's way of allowing **** bags to do as they want to keep the "numbers up" is just pathetic.

The Army is at war with itself as far as the best way to lead, train and motivate young people to go to war.

The Army belives that giving berrets and badges away to everyone will make the young troops to as they are told, however, as I said instant gradification only goes so far.

I could go on and on about the faults of the New Army, but I'm not gonna bore you with the mindless *****ing.

simply put, the Army and the Marine Corps are like apples and oranges. just right now the army is rotting and the Marine Corps is not.

Answer 2

Well, Marine Corps boot camp is tougher. I was at MCRD, San Diego, in 1987, and we had several former Army guys walking around with a "what the hell did I just get myself into?!?" look on their faces. I also met an Air Force Combat Security Policeman, who had the same excat reaction. The only guy who was skating was a fellow who had been a Ranger NCO who had enlisted in the Marine Corps because the Army wouldn't let him swap his MOS. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

As of now the marines are Superior in combat abilities, but with more, and less strict rules flying these days you never know. Your best bet for combat experience, and a excellent reputation is the marine corps.P.S. in the army, not every one knows how to operate a m-16-a2 rifle (kinda sad...), but in the marines there is a old term used "every marine a riflemen" good luck! USMC

Answer 4

Marine Corps boot camp is much harder, that's why when some people decide to change services everyone has to go through Marine Corps boot camp if they come from another service but if you go from Marines to any other service this is not required. The title Marine has to be earned. It is not given freely.

Answer 5

Was in the Army but know many Marines. My opinion is Marines are harder. The teaching goals are different also. The Marines take a boot and instill in him an ability to kill.Then they teach him how to operate the weapons to do it . The Army, on the other hand, Will teach you how to use the weapons and then hope you develop a killer instinct

Answer 6

If your joining the Corps you have some rough months ahead but you will be the proudest person in the world when you graduate from marine boot camp.

Answer 7

hey dvz pass me whatever ur smokin none of the branches are equal if u take a marine and make him fight an army person the marine will come out victorious and the army guy will be lying on the floor in a pool of blood... why do you think our slogan is what it is the few the proud the MARINES. the only branch of military that is more elite than us is the u.s. navy seals we salute the navy and piss on the army.ARMY SUX ARMY SUX ARMY SUX ARMY SUX ARMY SUX ARMY SUX.OH YEAH BY THE WAY THE ARMY SLOGAN IS CORNY BE ALL YOU CAN BE. dont get me wrong im not unpatriotic i honor all those that served in our military it just makes me mad when someone says the army is better and harder than the marines... Semper Fi...

Answer 8

Does it really matter now? Just keep focused... Marines focus MORE on battle tactics throughout their military career... Army is mostly battle tactics through basic.. then they learn a secondary job being a part of more versatile missions which they do everyday... but infantry is their primary job...... A marine will probably have more "ground pounding" experience for they specialize in direct combat missions... and thats what they do all the time...Army has to know what you will learn AND perform their MOS... We pretty much clean up your mess... so... Im not saying one is better or tougher than the other... its just a matter of what job you enlist for.... Marines get better combat gear and special weapons and train on them everyday... Army does their MOS all day... and trains in basic soldiering skills during sergeants time.. depending on your job(mos)...However, Infantry trains everyday in combat tactics...as far as strength... every individual needs to meet a minumun requirement.... how strong you are is up to you in your mental and physical abilities...pretty much. just keep focused and give it all you got... JUST DONT QUIT....

Answer 9

if you are going to either the army or the marines you not going to be going on a pinick in either one. i would say the marines would be worse because they treat you like you're not human.

Answer 10

Hey guy, I believe that they are all just about equal..
Both will say that they are the best.
I went thru 16 weeks of Infranty basic.. ( Army ). When I finished I thought that I could wip any person any place..

I will say this for you.. When you complete either one, you will think the same. Go in with an open mind... They will not kill you..Good luck.