Legally or illegally, the Marines have something no other service has. Every Marine is a Rifleman. There are no dead-heads in the Corps.
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Every one of the services has something no other service has.
Every one is vital. Every one is courageous. And I say all this as someone who has commanded or led — or who has been commanded or led by — members of all branches, except Coasties, in joint operations. But I did get to work WITH the latter a couple of times and they were awesome.
The various services are super, however, I support the Marines above all others. They are often treated like the step-child, yet never act like toy soldiers. Let the chips fall where they may. I am very happy General Mattis is a Marine! We are seeing the results of his leadership.