phrogpilot73
Well-Known Member
I have a unique perspective to offer. My father spent 29 years in the Navy, my brother-in-law is on active duty in the Navy, I spent four years at the Naval Academy, and I'm a Marine. So after having the debate with the family a number of times I can give you my opinions on the subject.
1. Quality of life - In regards to comfort items (housing, MWR facilities, etc...) the Navy and the Air Force have it on the Marine Corps. In theory we spend our money on equipment and training to perpare us for the fight. In reality, some of the HMMWVs in theatre that are Marine Corps assets have old steel plates welded on as armor, whereas just about every Army HMMWV has the up armored kits. The phrase "more with less" certainly rings true with the Marine Corps. Look at it this way - we're at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the Marines are still getting the job done, and we only account for $.06 of every defense dollar. Not much room for nice billeting when you look at it that way.
2. Deployments - It all depends on what you do in the Navy and the Marine Corps. I was home for 17 months before I went back to Iraq. Now I'm going to be home for 6 months before I go back. I know Marines who have been in the US for a total of 9 months out of 4 years. The Marine Corps has its fingers in a lot of stuff right now, Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, plus the requirement for MEUs. And we're not getting any bigger. Does that mean we deploy more often than the Navy? No. How do the Marines get to the fight? Amphibious shipping. I've got a buddy who's a gator sailor, and in the four years he was on his ship, he was deployed all but 11 months. Everyone is deploying.
3. B-Billets/Shore Tours - From what I can see, they're comparable. However, the Navy has a little bit more freedom of choice. The timeline for a career in the Marine Corps has narrowed so much that you no longer have the opportunity for a "throw away tour". There are several more options for the Navy (after all, it's a larger service) but you can get some good ones in the Marines. I would stay away from the DC area as a Capt. You're not really going to do much, except make coffee. If you're a pilot, try to stay in the cockpit. There'll be more opportunity for it as a Capt than later in your career.
Hope this helps.
1. Quality of life - In regards to comfort items (housing, MWR facilities, etc...) the Navy and the Air Force have it on the Marine Corps. In theory we spend our money on equipment and training to perpare us for the fight. In reality, some of the HMMWVs in theatre that are Marine Corps assets have old steel plates welded on as armor, whereas just about every Army HMMWV has the up armored kits. The phrase "more with less" certainly rings true with the Marine Corps. Look at it this way - we're at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the Marines are still getting the job done, and we only account for $.06 of every defense dollar. Not much room for nice billeting when you look at it that way.
2. Deployments - It all depends on what you do in the Navy and the Marine Corps. I was home for 17 months before I went back to Iraq. Now I'm going to be home for 6 months before I go back. I know Marines who have been in the US for a total of 9 months out of 4 years. The Marine Corps has its fingers in a lot of stuff right now, Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, plus the requirement for MEUs. And we're not getting any bigger. Does that mean we deploy more often than the Navy? No. How do the Marines get to the fight? Amphibious shipping. I've got a buddy who's a gator sailor, and in the four years he was on his ship, he was deployed all but 11 months. Everyone is deploying.
3. B-Billets/Shore Tours - From what I can see, they're comparable. However, the Navy has a little bit more freedom of choice. The timeline for a career in the Marine Corps has narrowed so much that you no longer have the opportunity for a "throw away tour". There are several more options for the Navy (after all, it's a larger service) but you can get some good ones in the Marines. I would stay away from the DC area as a Capt. You're not really going to do much, except make coffee. If you're a pilot, try to stay in the cockpit. There'll be more opportunity for it as a Capt than later in your career.
Hope this helps.
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