There is no such thing as an “ex-Marine” unless dishonorably discharged. The proper term is retired Marine. Know several retired Marines and they take this issue VERY seriously.
Not even then. They still consider Bobby Garwood a brother Marine.
Once a Marine.... always a Marine.
Irritates me too, but the proper term is “Marine veteran.”
A friend of mine is a retired Army Major. His dad calls himself a retired Marine. He’s a former Marine who served two years yet he calls himself retired.
I think there’s a pretty big difference between a guy who served and a guy who dedicated most of his adult life to the service.
Marines can call themselves anything they want, just don’t let them any where near crayon’s. Marines will be Marines!