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ARMY vs MARINES - What's the Real Difference?
ARMY vs MARINES - What's the Real Difference?
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Subtitles (273)
0:00
Chaos has erupted in Iraq as a gang of bloodthirsty ISIS commandos attack the US Embassy.
0:05
Wielding assault rifles, improvised explosives, and lethal machetes, they lead a cunning assault
0:11
that takes the guards by surprise and puts the diplomats and embassy staff inside at
0:15
risk of a terrible fate.
0:17
But just when things start looking hopeless, salvation arrives: An elite thirty-man platoon
0:22
swoops in, routing the attackers and putting them down with some well-placed shots from
0:27
their assault rifles, while another among their numbers lays down a hail of suppressing
0:31
fire with his M240 bravo.
0:34
The day is saved by this crack team of US military operatives, but all this raises one
0:39
question: Was that the Marines or the Army?
0:41
You might have heard the terms ‘Army’ and ‘Marines’ used interchangeably in
0:44
movies or on TV, but the Marines and Army are two entirely different entities.
0:49
Heck, they’re not even in the same military branch!
0:52
Whether you call them Jarheads, Devil Dogs, or Leathernecks, there’s a lot more to the
0:56
USMC than you probably know.
0:58
So let’s give our boys in scarlet and gold a Semper Fi, an OORAH, and plenty of yummy
1:04
crayons, as we find out exactly what makes the United States Marines different from the
1:07
regular army.
1:09
There are way more differences than you think!
1:11
With over a million members serving in active duty, the US has one of the largest militaries
1:16
on the planet, divided into six distinct branches.
1:19
There’s the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the Space Force (yes, really),
1:24
and, of course, the United States Marine Corps, or USMC.
1:28
Most of the time, it’s pretty easy to deduce the general function of each military branch
1:33
from its name alone; the Air Force, for example, specializes in aerial warfare.
1:37
Then there’s the Navy, which wouldn’t be out of place patrolling the seas in large,
1:41
heavily armed ships.
1:42
The Marines don’t feel quite so obvious - From name alone, you might correctly assume
1:47
they conduct missions at sea.
1:49
But hold on, isn’t that what the Navy’s for?
1:52
Yes, but that’s because the Navy and the US Marines often work hand in hand, with the
1:57
Marine’s primary job being conducting amphibious operations- something no other branch of the
2:01
US military can do.
2:03
The missions the US Marines are sent on typically involve landing on a hostile piece of beachfront
2:08
property, and kicking the current proprietors out- permanently.
2:12
But you’ll also find Marines hundreds of miles inland- doing the same job you’d expect
2:16
the Army to do.
2:17
Sounds confusing right?
2:19
Don’t worry, when you break it down it makes much more sense.
2:22
The Army’s purpose is acting in defense of the United States, typically by completing
2:26
missions that take place primarily on land against hostile forces that have acted against
2:31
the national security interests of the US.
2:33
So, the Marines are, in essence, the Army for the Navy.
2:38
Or, if you prefer to think of it like this, you can imagine them as a smaller and more
2:42
pinpointed hybrid of both these branches - with the training and equipment to conduct missions
2:47
on land and at sea.
2:49
While Marines need to be prepared for any type of mission, wet or dry, the Army is only
2:53
tasked with duties that take place on solid ground, although it’s not uncommon for the
2:58
different specialized branches of the US military to work together collaboratively.
3:02
Joint operations like these are vital for securing objectives that call for the skills
3:06
of multiple different branches of the military.
3:09
In the case of the Marines, being a force that can operate from both land and sea, its
3:13
members can assist other military units in missions that require getting personnel from
3:18
sea to land where they may not have been previously trained to do so.
3:22
But the Marines’ other specialty is their role as a quick reaction force, United States
3:27
Marines are often referred to as ‘the tip of the spear.’
3:30
They consist of combat-ready specialized units that are trained to respond to urgent situations
3:35
and conflict operations wherever and whenever necessary.
3:39
Marine Expeditionary Units must remain prepared for combat at all times and are among the
3:44
first to respond to dangerous situations.
3:46
However, Marines aren’t meant to conduct heavy combat operations on their own- they
3:51
don’t even have tanks anymore.
3:53
This is where the Army comes in, with the Marines acting as a fast, agile, and flexible
3:57
quick-reaction force, and the Army bringing the big guns right behind them.
4:01
Although the two forces undergo different types of training, there is often room for
4:05
overlap between the Army and the Marines, and their capabilities can even complement
4:09
each other.
4:10
That being said, even though all Marines are trained to engage in amphibious warfare, very
4:15
few in the US Army are.
4:17
Most Army units are assigned a specific terrain or type of warfare to specialize in.
4:22
These can include airborne or mountainous infantry or even the famed US Army Rangers.
4:27
This is by far one of the hardest specialties to achieve, but doing so will result in a
4:31
soldier serving in the United States Ranger Regiment - an elite special operations unit
4:37
famous for conducting missions deep within enemy territory, amongst severe adverse conditions.
4:42
Meanwhile, all Marines are considered amphibious troops- but lack the type of training that
4:47
a US Army mountain division might have, for instance.
4:49
When it comes to who out of the Army or Marines is better equipped, it’s definitely the
4:54
former.
4:55
The US Army has consistently been the first of the two to receive rollouts of newer weapons.
4:59
Take the M4A1 carbine, for example.
5:02
This assault rifle is a shorter version of the M16, capable of both semi-automatic and
5:06
automatic fire.
5:08
While it’s now used by both forces, the Army was the one equipped with it first, long
5:12
before the Marines eventually adopted the weapon.
5:14
This also applies to newer weapon add-ons and attachments such as optical sights, lasers,
5:20
and hand grips.
5:21
We’ve seen this recently with the M4, as the Picatinny rails on the weapon’s receiver
5:25
and handguards make it compatible with various attachments.
5:28
This includes the M203 under-barrel grenade launcher, which is widely used by the US Marines.
5:34
Meanwhile, the Army is adopting the M320 as its primary grenade launcher, which can be
5:39
fired as a stand-alone firearm or mounted to other weapons like an M4.
5:44
The point is, the Marines do get their hands on all the fancy new firearms and attachments
5:48
eventually, it just tends to be much later than the Army.
5:51
A further difference between the Marines and the US Army is their flags and iconography.
5:56
The US has several separate flags that are each designed for specific branches of the
6:00
military.
6:01
The flag of the US Army was originally designed with the seal of the US War Office, as well
6:05
as the words ‘United States Army,’ their star emblem insignia, and the year 1775 emblazoned
6:12
over a white background.
6:13
1775 is the year in which the US Army was officially established, making it the oldest
6:18
branch of the United States’ vast military.
6:21
The official motto of the US Army is ‘This We’ll Defend’ and has been ever since
6:26
they played a pivotal role in gaining independence for the US during the Revolutionary War.
6:31
The branch has an impressive service record, being involved in nearly every major armed
6:35
conflict that the US has been a part of, either domestically or overseas.
6:40
This includes both World Wars, as well as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
6:44
Meanwhile, the flag representing the Marine Corps has changed numerous times over the
6:48
years, largely due to it being a part of the US Navy for so long before becoming its own
6:53
distinct entity.
6:54
In fact, the modern-day incarnation of the Marines’ flag did not see use until as recently
6:59
as the twentieth century.
7:01
Their official insignia is the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, which are all present on the current
7:06
iteration of the Marine Corps flag.
7:08
First adopted in 1955, this flag features a globe intersected by an anchor, with an
7:13
eagle standing on top of the globe with its wings spread and a ribbon in its beak.
7:17
The flag also bears the Latin phrase ‘Semper Fidelis,’ the official motto of the United
7:22
States Marines, which has become something of a legendary phrase amongst its members.
7:27
Translating to ‘Always Faithful,’ and frequently shortened to “Semper Fi,” it
7:32
can often be heard being yelled, cheered, or used as a greeting among current and former
7:36
Marines, intended to remind them of their close commitment to their comrades and nation
7:41
both.
7:42
But enough sweating the small stuff.
7:43
Let’s talk about size, duties, and operational structure.
7:47
The US Army is split into three distinct units: the Army, the Army Reserve, and the National
7:52
Guard.
7:53
As well as engaging in warfare on battlefields outside of the US, the Army also has a responsibility
7:58
to protect America domestically, meaning in times of national crisis or even invasion,
8:03
you’d be more likely to see the US Army on United States soil, while the Marines handle
8:08
things in foreign territory.
8:10
Compared to the Army, there are also a comparatively small number of Marine Corps personnel in
8:14
service.
8:15
As of 2020, there were over 180,000 Marines actively serving, with a further 32,000 in
8:21
reserves, compared to the over 450,000 active duty soldiers in the US Army, 325,000 in reserves,
8:28
and almost 177,000 active personnel in the National Guard.
8:32
These reserve forces operate in extremely similar manners across the Army and the Marine
8:36
Corps; in the case of the Army Reserves, they provide additional troops and support to the
8:41
regular Army, with many reservists serving in their spare time.
8:45
For the Marines, their reserves are expected to be ready to leave civilian life and join
8:49
their fellow Marines in combat assignments or assist in national emergencies should the
8:53
need arise.
8:55
Given that they are a smaller force that operates with fewer service members than the Army,
8:58
it’s no surprise that the Marine’s main recruiting slogan is ‘the Few and the Proud,’
9:03
emphasizing that they only accept the highest caliber of troops.
9:07
Engaging in operations on both land and sea, Marines can be found stationed at military
9:11
bases on land and aboard warships.
9:14
Marines are often tasked with protecting US naval bases, as well as the Navy’s warships
9:19
and other areas of national interest that are located near coastlines.
9:23
Members of the US Marine Corps also have a particular responsibility that the Army does
9:27
not have: They’re charged with protecting United States embassies on foreign soil.
9:32
Being the only part of the US military with this duty, the Marine Corps has its own specific
9:36
sub-group that deals with providing the heightened levels of security required for guarding American
9:42
embassies: the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group.
9:45
Another key factor that differentiates the Marine Corps and the US Army is their training
9:50
programs.
9:51
Basic training for new recruits in the US Army is roughly ten weeks long and is normally
9:55
followed up by Advanced Individualized Training, where soldiers are given additional training
10:00
to prepare them for their future specialties we mentioned earlier, whether that be a specialty
10:05
in certain environments and terrains, or specific tactics.
10:08
According to some – although certain members of the US military will disagree on this - Marine
10:13
boot camp is generally considered to be more mentally and physically challenging compared
10:17
to the Army’s basic training program or that of other US military services.
10:22
Lasting around twelve to thirteen weeks, approximately 40,000 Marine hopefuls undergo this training
10:27
every year.
10:28
Beforehand, they have to be screened, have their overall health assessed, and must pass
10:32
a fitness test in order to begin their training.
10:35
Any recruits that fail this physical examination will go on to receive individual, personalized
10:40
attention and additional training until they can pass and enter the Marine Corps.
10:45
While these processes are similar in timeframe, each training course differs based on the
10:49
routes each prospective candidate decides to specialize in.
10:52
In either case, both the Marines and the Army expect all those who enlist to complete their
10:57
basic recruitment training before they are permitted to advance into specialization training.
11:02
Where successful Army recruits go on to Advanced Individualized Training schools after their
11:06
basic training, Marine hopefuls are enrolled in Military Occupational Specialty schools.
11:11
Both the Marines and Army also receive higher education training.
11:15
Annapolis, Maryland, is the home of the US Naval Academy.
11:18
This is a university dedicated to training both male and female officers, referred to
11:23
as midshipmen, over the span of four years.
11:25
Full tuition costs are sometimes even covered if a candidate enters active duty with the
11:30
Marines directly after they graduate.
11:32
Both the Navy and Marines receive graduates from the Naval Academy, given that the Marines
11:37
operate under the Navy.
11:39
Meanwhile, over in Quantico, Virginia, you’ll find the United States Marine Corps Officer
11:44
Candidates School.
11:45
This one is slightly different, instead of offering a four-year degree course, it provides
11:49
potential candidates with either two six-week courses or the same thing condensed into one
11:54
ten-week version.
11:55
These are usually attended by those enrolled in commissioning programs aimed at college
11:59
students and graduates who have previously completed degrees prior to enlisting with
12:04
the Marines.
12:05
Any midshipmen who complete the program are entitled to receive a commission as a second
12:09
lieutenant; this will often see them placed in command of a platoon consisting of 16 to
12:14
44 soldiers, including two or more rifle squads.
12:17
Meanwhile, the Army has the United States Military Academy located in West Point, New
12:22
York.
12:23
Much like the US Naval Academy, it provides Army recruits with a separate four-year course,
12:28
one designed to prepare these students for active service following their graduation.
12:31
Also, much like the aforementioned Naval Academy, West Point will grant free tuition to anyone
12:37
who enters active military duty upon the completion of their degree.
12:40
The Army’s equivalent of the Marine’s officer training program is their own Officer
12:45
Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia.
12:47
This school also offers courses specifically for college graduates, and after they have
12:52
completed a vigorous twelve week course, these graduates will also be awarded the rank of
12:55
Second Lieutenant, only within the United States Army instead.
12:59
So, while their training might be different, and the courses for enlistees will also differ,
13:04
the ways in which the Marines and Army recruit and teach their prospective soldiers follow
13:08
a similar pattern.
13:10
After all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
13:12
Speaking of similarities between the two, the US Army and Marine Corps also share many
13:16
organizational elements when it comes to basic unit structure.
13:20
A platoon normally consists of three to four small squads of between 25 and 50 troops and
13:25
is usually commanded by a lieutenant.
13:27
The Army and Marines both organize their soldiers into large companies, which are typically
13:32
made up of three to four platoons.
13:34
These are then further split up into squads, and then fire teams.
13:38
Although these can vary depending on mission requirements, a typical fire team will consist
13:42
of only four members, sometimes even fewer.
13:45
Among these are an automatic rifleman, a grenadier, another rifleman, and a designated fire team
13:51
leader.
13:52
The role of the leader is to ensure that the other members of the fire team are operating
13:55
as a cohesive unit, with the rifleman acting as the primary asset for both the US Marines
14:00
and the Army.
14:01
A typical Marine Corps rifle platoon contains three rifle squads.
14:05
Each squad is led by a sergeant who has three fire teams under their command.
14:09
Then, every one of these smaller fire teams is led by a corporal, who oversees the automatic
14:14
rifleman, assistant automatic rifleman, and rifleman.
14:17
In some cases, a fire team leader will be equipped with an M16 assault rifle that has
14:21
an M203 grenade launcher attachment, allowing him to act as a quasi-grenadier.
14:25
A platoon of the US Army, however, will normally contain squads with fewer troops despite their
14:32
greater overall number of active duty personnel.
14:35
Sergeants or staff sergeants are normally the ones assigned to lead rifle squads, as
14:38
well as fire teams consisting of about four soldiers.
14:42
Army fire teams have a team leader present, and their composition can vary but typically
14:46
includes an automatic rifleman, a grenadier, and another rifleman.
14:50
One of the riflemen in each Army squad is also sometimes designated as the marksman,
14:56
specially trained to engage targets with precision fire.
14:59
In each of the Army’s platoons, given that their fire teams are much smaller, there are
15:02
usually enough troops to form an additional fire team: the infantry weapons squad.
15:07
This squad contains fire teams that are proficient in the use of the M240B machine gun and the
15:13
Javelin missile system.
15:14
The organization of these two military branches’ troops is not perfectly identical, however,
15:19
as an Army platoon will typically have a radiotelephone operator and a medic on duty.
15:24
By contrast, Marine platoons have a radio transmitter operator and a corpsman, although
15:29
these troops essentially fulfill the same functions.
15:32
The Marine Corps and US Army’s platoons also operate under the orders of commanders
15:36
who are in charge of entire companies and battalions.
15:40
These commanding officers also have heavy weapon elements at their disposal, such as
15:44
a Mortar Section.
15:45
Naturally, neither the soldiers of the US Army nor the Marines are made to occupy the
15:49
same rank or position for the entire duration of their active service.
15:53
The specialization options that are offered to both can extend well into their military
15:58
careers, should troops seek to progress and further develop their skills.
16:02
For example, one of the more challenging options that US Army soldiers can pursue is airborne
16:07
qualification, which requires a soldier to undergo a three-week course in parachuting.
16:12
This also applies to soldiers who wish to join the aforementioned Rangers, although
16:16
success isn’t guaranteed here.
16:17
This elite unit of the Army, and mainstay of plenty of action movies and Call of Duty
16:23
games, is so prestigious that they require members to graduate from a specific Ranger
16:27
School or be selected by the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program.
16:31
Or, should a soldier also be trained as a sniper, by being selected for and graduating
16:36
from a specialized sniper school.
16:38
There are also additional specialization options for US Marines who are looking to advance
16:43
in their military career.
16:45
Marines can compete to become scout snipers, who, as you can imagine, provide accurate
16:49
long-range fire support for infantrymen on the ground.
16:52
Then, there’s the Reconnaissance Marines and Force Recon Marines.
16:56
These sub-divisions are designed to track down enemy forces and then relay their locations,
17:01
troop numbers, and activities back to commanding officers.
17:04
Although the two branches have their differences, in ideal military operations, they can work
17:08
in unison to ensure that the US Military achieves even its most challenging objectives.
17:13
And to avoid that wrath being directed towards you, make sure you don’t ask a former Marine
17:19
what unit he served in during his time in the Army!
17:22
Now check out “US Special Forces vs Wagner Group - Battle of Kasham.”
17:26
Or watch “What Actually Went Wrong In Afghanistan”
ARMY vs MARINES - What's the Real Difference? - Video học tiếng Anh
