Expert: Rod Powers - 12/15/2005

Question
I'm heavily considering a Ranger contract through the Army.. But I've also considered the Marine Corps Infantry....

Who recieve better infantry training? Is there a better? Or is it just different... How do you guage that?

I know Rangers are under SOCOM... And the Marine Corps doesn't actually have a Special Operations Unit.. Only capable.. But, really, what does that all mean?

Answer
Hi JKTenchi,

It's impossible to compared.  Neither of the training is "better," the primary focus of the training is "different."

Army infantry train primarily for over-the-ground attacks and for airborne.  The Marines have very little airborne capability.  Their primary focus is on amphibious attack.  In other words, primarily, the Army (infantry) is trained (primarily) to advance over the ground, and by airdrop, while the Marine Infrantry is trained (primarily) to attack from the rear or the flank, by inserting themselves from the sea, using amphibious vehicles.

But, Marine Infantry cannot be compared to Rangers.  Rangers are Army Infantry (and other specialties) which have had special, advanced training.  The closest equivelent in the Marine Corps would be Marine Recon, not Marine Infantry.  Marine Recon are infantry members which have (like Army Rangers) undergone specialized training.  In fact, several Recon members go through airborne training and Ranger School, just like their Army Ranger counterparts.

By the way, the Marines are joining SOCOM in the very near future.  For details, see the article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marines/a/specops.htm  The combat elements of the Marine Corps Special Operatons Group will be composed primarily of Recon Marines.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my military information website at http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com