Roy Exum: ‘Man’ To Leave Marines

  • Saturday, July 2, 2016
  • Roy Exum
Roy Exum
Roy Exum

There are some institutions in the history of America that should be above the nauseating “political correctness” that is undermining America. One of the biggest is most certainly the United States Marine Corps. But Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has apparently and most unfortunately gone soft and the word is that in the coming days about 25 words that are primary to the Corps lexicon will be changed to more gender-friendly titles.

A quick example is the world’s most-feared warrior, a basic infantryman in the Marine Corps, will soon become a “basic infantry Marine.” And, as you would expect, battle-tested Marines are embarrassed by such nonsense. One reader of the Marine Corps Times said, “We have reached peak crazy!"

In a recent copy of the Navy Times, a sailor opted, “If a woman isn't going to consider making the Navy her career because she is called a fireman or a corpsman, then I don't think she was going to make the Navy a career period," he said. "We don't need (people who are easily offended) like that clogging up the institutions that protect our country."

Marine Sgt. Geoff Heath, who has been deployed several times and is battle tested, told the Washington Post, “On one hand, the name changes from ‘man’ to ‘person’ or whatever they want to call it doesn’t really matter. They could call mortarmen ‘bakers’ for all I care.

“But on the other hand,” he added, “it’s a direct reflection on society’s crybaby political correctness,” and, suffice it to say, no Leatherneck has any time for crybabies, limp-wristed society trolls or those who have never defended the flag on foreign soil.

Then there is this most astute observation: “Not really seeing why all this matters … A Marine is a Marine. If this triggers you, well, really not sure what to say, really, but you’d think somebody who has seen combat would have more ‘stones.’”

The Department of the Navy has requested an additional review where such job descriptions as aircrew survival equipmentman, as well as ageless terms like corpsman and yeoman — even seaman – could also get the knife. (For the record, the Secretary of the Air Force has announced the USAF has no time for such paltry matters.)

The Marine Corps Times says most job descriptions will replace ‘man’ with ‘Marine’ and such a formula would result like this:

• -- Basic infantry Marine.

• -- Riverine assault craft Marine.

•-- Light-armor vehicle Marine.

• -- Reconnaissance Marine (to include three other recon-related jobs that include the word "man").

• -- Infantry assault Marine.

• -- Basic field artillery Marine.

• -- Field artillery fire control Marine.

• -- Field artillery sensor support Marine.

• -- Fire support Marine.

• -- Basic engineer, construction and equipment Marine.

• -- Basic tank and assault amphibious vehicle Marine.

• -- Armor Marine.

• -- Amphibious assault vehicle Marine.

• -- Amphibious combat vehicle Marine.

According to career Marines, to change rifleman or mortarman to “person” rather than “Marine” would likely cause a riot. Then again, most active-duty Marines say there are bigger headaches in the Corps, like transitioning from the last 15 years spent fighting in wars.

Comments on the unofficial Marine Corps website “Terminal Lance” are funny. “Most active-duty guys complain) when (changes) are suggested. When it's actually passed, the reaction is more, ‘meh, whatever man.’”

“Big deal. Most Marines are already used to making things they don’t like … work.”

“I'm having some medical issues and I'd like to get seen by a doctor." "Is late or early September better for you? – Just talked to VA”

* * *

COASTAL CAROLINA winning the College World Series is living proof this ole world of ours still has a chance. The Chanticleers (which means ‘rooster’ because another South Carolina school already claimed Gamecocks) won a 4-3 title game Thursday night over Arizona in Omaha, and for a school that has about 1,000 fewer students than UT-Chattanooga, that’s incredible. The national champions had a 55-18 record this year after mauling the Big South with a 21-3 record in league play.

What is also incredible is that Coastal Carolina football coach Joe Moglia is easily the highest paid football coach on any level in America. In the last four years his teams have won eight or more games every season. Surprisingly, few people know that before Joe could no longer resist coaching, he was the genius behind TD Ameritrade, the famous online stock brokerage, and remains as the corporation’s chairman of the board. Add his “outside income” to his Chanticleers’ contract and it is highly doubtful any coach in any sport can match him when he writes “For Deposit Only.”

I just love stuff like this.

royexum@aol.com

Opinion
Democratic View On Top State Senate Issues - March 27, 2024
  • 3/27/2024

Gov. Lee reveals $797M of new spending, but withholds funding for legislature’s voucher proposals View the Lee Administration’s Budget Amendment — The Lee Administration made its last revisions ... more

UTC: Cradle Of Coaches
  • 3/27/2024

Given recent events, the UTC Athletic Department should put up a billboard or start a marketing campaign with the following message: "UTC: Cradle of Coaches" Michelle Rogers more

Education: A Brighter Future For All
  • 3/26/2024

Education is one of the critical pillars of the American dream, providing hope and opportunity. Our organization has worked hard to shape education policy because it invites innovation and encourages ... more