How do you explain to others that each branch of the service is dfferent?

Question

I am a military spouse, and I understand why people are upset about the recent announcement that the Army is going to be extend its tours to 15 months. But, I am sick and tired of hearing/reading about people comparing the Army to the Marine Corps and its deployments. How do I explain the difference to people? Why don't people understand or care that the Marines have smaller units? Do they not realize that the Marines have shorter deployments but are home for a much shorter period of time? Can people not do the math and realize that both groups are actually over in Iraq for the same period of time in a four year enlistment?

Please understand that I do not want to mimize what either group does. I just want people to understand that both groups are making sacrifices, just in different ways.

Army - longer deployments, longer time at home
Marines - shorter deployments, shorter time at home

I am not sure which one would really be better.

Answer 1

Unless they live in a military town, most people in our country no longer really understand what hardships a military family has, what it takes for someone to make and keep the commitment, and what the separation is like. It's a shame and I don't like it.

Thank you for the difficulties you endure being away from him and thank him from this stranger who appreciates him.

Answer 2

The difference in the services are as different as they are. The Marines have no Medical personnel so all your Navy Nurses, Doctors and corpsman will be attached to the Marines in times of conflict and war. The Navy mans the the Harbor along with some Coast Guard while the Air Force keeps our skies safe and also over the skies of Iraq and Afghanistan. To say the Army does less then the Marines is wrong. The Marines have fewer men and women then the Army so that is why the shorter time for the Marines. They all do the work they are sent to do.

Answer 3

It is really hard to explain anything to a bunch of civillians about differences in the different branches of the United States Armed Forces unless you tell them to visit a US Armed Forces Recruiting Station and have the military personnel there try and explain it to them. That might work, MAYBE!!!
US ARMY(RET) 21 Years!!

Answer 4

The only thing that you can tell them is the differant branches all have a differant mission. The time of the deployment depends on the mission.

Answer 5

i am a military spouse also its really hard for others that have never experineced the military to under stand the diffrence u can look up pics of mariens and stuff to show others to say see thes guys work the hardest and in the most danger thats why they get shorter deployments than the army

Answer 6

I know what you mean, girl. I'm so sick of everyone coming up to me and telling me that my husband is going to be extended. He didn't extend the last time he was there, and I would be very shocked if he extended this time. So glad this is his last deployment.

Answer 7

Get the movies A few Good men and We Were Soldiers. Make them sit and watch them. If then they don't understand, then tell them to go back to 5th Grade!!

Answer 8

The branches of the US Military are:
Air Force
Marines
Navy
Army
Marines
Coast Guard



According to the Air Forces official web site:
"The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win … in air, space and cyberspace."

The Army's site says:
"The U.S. Army, a key component of the U.S. Armed Forces, is made up of the best-trained, most dedicated, most respected Soldiers in the world — protecting America’s freedoms at home and abroad, securing our homeland, and defending democracy worldwide."

The Navy's site says "The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas."

The Marines say
"The Marine Corps has been America's expeditionary force in readiness since 1775. We are forward deployed to respond swiftly and aggressively in times of crisis. We are soldiers of the sea, providing forces and detachments to naval ships and shore operations. We are global leaders, developing expeditionary doctrine and innovations that set the example, and leading other countries' forces and agencies in multinational military operations. These unique capabilities make us "First to Fight," and our nation's first line of defense"

And the Coast Guards site says
"For over two centuries the U.S. Coast Guard has safeguarded our Nation’s maritime interests in the heartland, in the ports, at sea, and around the globe. We protect the maritime economy and the environment, we defend our maritime borders, and we save those in peril. This history has forged our character and purpose as America’s Maritime Guardian — Always Ready for all hazards and all threats."

The Marines is part of the Navy. In peacetime, the Coast Guard is part of the Dept of Transportation, and is organized under the Navy in times of war.

Answer 9

How the heck is a civilian supposed to know that until you tell them?

Answer 10

Wow, cool I did not know that.As to how to explain, just tell them what you told us.