OK ZEUS, let's compare apples to apples here. Yeah, Army SF does entail longer training. But that's a specialty. I was saying that Marine Boot Camp is longer than Army Basic Training (which it IS), and that every Marine must then go on to additional training in the USMC School of Infantry. Other branches do not provide additional infantry training unless infantry is your MOS. EVERY Marine is a fully trained combatant, even if their final job assignment is a supply clerk. You can't say that about the Army. I was comparing the minimum training received, not advanced SF training. For that, compare 18 Bravo with Marine Force Recon, which is comparable.
Secondly, the standards are higher. USMC fitness test includes a mandatory 3 mile run. Army is what, 1.5-2? Marines qualify with the rifle at 200, 300 and 500 yards. Army boot quals at 50, 100, 200.
As for slow advancement, that depends on the individual and MOS selected. I made E5 in 4 years. Anyone taking 18 years to reach E6 is a shitbird.
Nothing against the army, like I said, I'm biased. Besides, somebody needs to be the occupying force after the Marines take over! (JK)
saltlick