question for the Marines

**Spartan Tartan** · 17th November 11, 12:56 PM

Simple question for the Marines here. First off, I am NOT a Marine--just to be clear up front. I happen to be in the Navy and feel a strong sense of comraderie for all the Marines I work with and work for me (I happen to command a Joint unit).

I think everyone recognizes the phrase "Semper Fi". For what it is worth, I do underatand its relevance...so here is the question.

How do you, as a Marine, feel about someone NOT a Marine saying Semper Fi to you?

Of note, NOT sarcastically.

Just wondering...

**flyrod6057** · 17th November 11, 01:18 PM

Someone (non-USMC) saying "Semper Fi" to me has never bothered me at all. Usually it's a way of someone saying thanks for serving. Of course there are times when it's presented sarcastically (I work with a bunch of Army dudes) but that's in jest. For the record: I've never heard a Sailor say it to a Marine...probably as a result of the disfunctional naval marriage we enjoy!

For what it's worth: there are those that worry about what the Marines think about [fill in the blank.] The truth is that we don't spend much time pondering how we're viewed by other groups or whatnot... We're just regular folks doing regular things most of the time.

**creagdhubh** · 17th November 11, 01:26 PM

It doesn't bother me one bit, in fact, it makes me feel good when a non-Marine says, "Semper Fi" to me. I take it as an extreme form of flattery and a deep-rooted respect for our beloved Corps. However, when Marines say it to eachother, there is no doubt that there is much more of an immediate connection, a connection in which only Marines really understand.

Semper Fi,

**Sir William** · 17th November 11, 01:30 PM

Certainly not an issue with me. I've received a "Semper Fi" from other US military, foreign military, and civilians.

Seems many view this as a way to say "hi" or "thanks" to a Marine. I once had an Army gate guard use it. I heard him say "Airborne!" to the vehicle in front of me so took it as a sign of respect.

**Steve Ashton** · 17th November 11, 01:36 PM

Most of us who have served in the U.S. Marine Corps are very proud of our service in one of the highest regarded military units. The Eagle Globe and Anchor is not given away. You must earn it the hard way.

When another Marine greets me with 'Semper Fi" he is acknowledging our bond. It is like saying 'hi brother'.

When a non-Marine greets me in the same way I regard it as a thanks and acknowledgment of my service and what I did to earn it. It is like saying 'thank you'.

There are those however who seem to think that all military is bad, wrong, or to be looked down upon. I simply ignore them. They are not worth my time. I do not have to explain to them and in most cases would be wasting my time trying.

If you were to greet me on the street with a heartfelt "Semper Fi" I would stop, shake your hand, and probably offer to buy you a cup of coffee.

**creagdhubh** · 17th November 11, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

Most of us who have served in the U.S. Marine Corps are very proud of our service in one of the highest regarded military units. The Eagle Globe and Anchor is not given away. You must earn it the hard way.

When another Marine greets me with 'Semper Fi" he is acknowledging our bond. It is like saying 'hi brother'.

When a non-Marine greets me in the same way I regard it as a thanks and acknowledgment of my service and what I did to earn it. It is like saying 'thank you'.

There are those however who seem to think that all military is bad, wrong, or to be looked down upon. I simply ignore them. They are not worth my time. I do not have to explain to them and in most cases would be wasting my time trying.

If you were to greet me on the street with a heartfelt "Semper Fi" I would stop, shake your hand, and probably offer to buy you a cup of coffee.

Well said, Steve!

Semper Fidelis,

**kilted hillbilly** · 17th November 11, 02:35 PM

Well then,Semper Fi to all my Marine Corps buddies out there from an old Army grunt! We trained with some outstanding Marines who didnt even get offended when we call them "jarheads"! Dogface was a popular reply from them.God bless our men and women in the military!

**bigdad1** · 17th November 11, 03:59 PM

Steve that pretty much says it all and for once I will just shut my mouth and thank you with my own Semper Fi.

**Mickey** · 17th November 11, 04:11 PM

+ 1 on every point made. I'd actually be surprised if you found a jug who felt any differently than what all the guys have posted.

**Spartan Tartan** · 17th November 11, 04:45 PM

Gents,
I appreciate your responses...I honestly didn't expect otherwise, but thought I would ask.

I have a great deal of respect for all those that serve any branch of their nations military, past or present--and especially those lining up each day to take over for those of us that are getting too old (or broken) to be at the tip of the spear.

So, a heart felt Semper Fi to my Marine friends; Hooah! To my Army comrades, Fair Winds to my fellow shipmates and an additional thanks to the Air Force.

Now...whenever I cross YOUR path (listening Steve??), I'll be offering YOU a coffee or whatever is suitable to the moment.

Jeremy