Colorado Technical University

Advanced training for Infantry MOS in the Marines vs. Army?

First of all, I am not trying to start one of those "which is more bad-ass" arguments. What I am trying to do is fully understand all of the opportunities available before I sign 8 years of my life away to Uncle Sam. Right now, I am planning to enlist as either an Airborne Infantry Soldier or a Marine Infantryman. I am very interested in getting advanced combat training as I progress through my military career. I would also be interested in eventually trying out for spec. ops; The Rangers in particular had my eye (yeah I know I could get it in my contract but I want to wait until I have been hardened by a couple years of service so I know I'm tough enough to pass the indoctrination). Even if I don't join the regiment, from what I understand if I excel as an infantry soldier I would be eligible to attend Ranger School and get the much coveted Ranger Tab. I know the Marines have Force Recon, but I wear glasses, and from what I have read Rangers can have glasses and Recon Marines cannot. I have also read that generally the only Marines that get to attend Ranger school, jump school, and the other sweet schools of the army are Recon Marines. I guess this is my question: What can the Marine Corps offer me as far as schools and combat training opportunities that can rival those available in the army? Is there much further I can even go once I've finished SOI? I don't want to doubt the Corps; I know there's a long, proud warrior tradition behind the branch, but right now I'm leaning strongly towards the army. If anyone has any information that can change my mind I welcome it. Also, if I got any of my info wrong feel free to correct and enlighten me. Thanks.

Public Comments

1. Marine Corps has Force Recon which is on the same "tier" as Army Special Forces (aka Green Berets, but they actually do not prefer that term). Rangers can be compared to very experienced infantry Marines. Actually there are quite a few Marines that go through Ranger School that don't do Recon. Marine Corps also has MarSOC, and there are groups within it that level with 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force). CIA's special stuff is mostly done with very secret groups within MarSOC. I know several Marines who went through Ranger School and "got the tab" (Marines don't wear it on their uniforms) who are not Force Recon.. so you can go through Ranger School and not be special ops. Both are the best, slightly different ways of doing things but more similar than different. Good luck with whatever you choose to do and thank you for serving our country.
2. Do realize that in order to be a Ranger in the 75th Ranger Regiment, you have to first graduate Army OSUT Infantry training. You then have to graduate US Army 3 week Airborne School, earning your Paratrooper wings. Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP). RIP is a 4 week long assessment. After that you need to graduate Ranger school itself. Ranger school being an intense 61 day long school and eventually other training such as SERE-C, Jumpmaster, Air Assault, Pathfinder ect. *Minimum 44 weeks.* Not knocking the Marines...they are good at what they do, however, this is far more training a US Marine will have. How long is Marine boot/soi 18 weeks? Ranger school has a 90%+ weed-out rate. In a class of 100, fewer than 10 will graduate. Some will die during training (yes, die). 27 have died in Ranger School history. *Army* Rangers are Special Op. Special Forces have completely different entities and our training pipelines reflect that. You will average 6 hours of sleep per week during Ranger School. If someone considers Marine boot camp tough their not ready to become a U.S. Ranger. No disrespect for Marines but Rangers are Special Operations, meaning the men in there are the best of the best. Marines are *basic* shock troops, Rangers are *elite* shock troops. Marines are trained to be the first ones to go in to an all-out offensive, and Rangers are trained to sneak in, sneak out, and never be seen... :- )
3. For more advanced infantry training go Army. You want to be a tab wearer or a tab bearer?