MARINES VS ARMY: WHAT MAKES THESE BRANCHES DIFFERENT?

The United States of America’s militaristic force consists of six different branches: the Army, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, the Space Force, the Coast Guard, and the Navy. Amongst these four branches however, the Army and the Marine Corps are the most well known and popular choices for those who choose to enlist. Each branch has had friendly rivalry with one another, but the Army and the Marines share the most well known rivalry of them all. Though they are similar, there are enough differences between the two to warrant choosing one over the other. Join us as we take a look at the Marines vs Army, and give you tips to better make the decision as to which one best suits your personal interest.

The US Marines vs Army Rivalry Is Nothing New

The Army vs Marines debate has gone on for decades, with both sides claiming their branch is better than the other. It has become such a hot topic within the military community that it has even bled out into the civilian world. One only has to do a quick Google search on “Army vs Marines memes” to get an idea of just how common knowledge the rivalry is.

With this lightheartedness, however, has come genuine confusion for the young men and women who are now looking to join up with either side. It has somewhat become difficult for prospective recruits to find the right information with all of the stereotypes now permeating throughout society.

Luckily for you, we’re here to set the record straight. Read on to learn more about the true differences when debating between joining the Marines vs Army.

Army vs Marines: What Are the Differences?

Though they have many similar operations and share the same core mission of protecting America, the U.S. Marines Corps and Army are different enough to set themselves apart from one another.

Below, we are comparing the Marines vs Army. Let’s start by looking at the Army first.

The United States Army Key Points to Consider

The Army is responsible for the defense of American soil, and the people that live on top of it. Their core mission is to ensure that none of the United States’ enemies gain a foothold into its territory and challenge its ideals of freedom and justice.

The Army’s operations are exclusively relegated to land-based missions. As well as terrestrial operations, the Army does not capture enemy territory. Instead, it only moves in to occupy and defend it once it has been requisitioned.

The overarching role within the United States Army is to keep the peace - to defend what has been acquired. Despite stereotypes, the Army is not the primary branch for capturing territory.

Their role is more on the defensive side, and while they may be used for offensive purposes, they are primarily designated to keep the peace rather than engage in conflict elsewhere.

The United States Marine Corps Key Points to Consider

The Marines are known for their role in offensive capabilities. Unlike the Army, which is more centered around occupation and defending established territory, the Marines are used to cut through enemy lines and capture new ground.

Their duties almost entirely consist of being aggressive in their advancement of America’s ideals, which puts service members into dangerous and life-threatening scenarios. Marines fight to not just ensure the peace, but to ensure the victory.

While the Army may deal with land-based operations exclusively, the Marines are specialized to handle amphibious operations, which consist of ground, air, and water based missions. Their versatility is a large part of what makes the Marine Corps such an important branch within the military.

The Air Force handles aviation operations, the Navy handles nautical operations, and the Army handles ground-based endeavors. However, the United States Marine Corps has a hand in a little bit of everything. They are the jack of all trades military branch, which has cemented them as one of the more iconic branches within the U.S. military.

Marines vs Army: Which Is Better For Me?

Now that we’ve looked at the key differences between the Marines and the Army, it’s time to narrow down which branch is better for you based on your personal preferences. Let’s look at the Army first:

• They specialize in land-based operations.
• Keep the peace.
• Defend & occupy captured territory.
• Built for long-term combat scenarios.

On the other side of things, we have the Marine Corps:

• They specialize in land, air, & water operations.
• Are the first units sent into battle.
• Capture enemy territory for the Army to occupy as well as strategic checkpoints.
• Protect United States embassies.

Despite their similarities, they both have quite a distinct niche within the military. When choosing between the Marines vs. Army, it comes down to what type of mission you are looking to take part in as a protector of the United States.

Do you want to be a keeper of the peace? Do you want to only take part in ground-based scenarios? Would you rather defend than occupy? Then the Army is your best bet.

Are you interested in a variety of tasks that would see you in a plethora of different scenarios? Do you want to be a part of a team that liberates control from the enemy rather than defend it after the fact? Are you more interested in meeting opposition head on? Then the Marine Corps would be what you’re looking for.

Choose What Falls In Line With Your Motive

Joining the military is an honorable thing to do. Not everyone has what it takes to become one of the brave men and women who fight for this country. Whether it be the Army or the Marines, choose the branch that best aligns with the type of work and service that you want to do. No matter which one you choose, or whether it's Marines vs Army, you will still be serving your country all the same, and that’s what matters the most.

Read next:

• The Ultimate Guide To Becoming An Army Sniper
• The Ins and Outs: Does the Military Pay for College?
  

Sources:

United States Marine Is More Than A Title. It Is A Shared Identity That Bonds All Marines To The Purpose We Fight For. https://www.marines.com/life-as-a-marine/benefits/purpose-and-belonging

Army V. Marines: Four Ways They’re Different. https://www.showallegiance.com/blogs/news/army-vs-marines