United States Marines do not like to be called soldiers. Unless you wish to incur their wrath, refer to them as Marines (usually capitalized). Members of the U.S. Army and National Guard are soldiers. Members of the Air Force are airmen. Members of the Navy are sailors. Here are a few examples to help illustrate proper usage of these terms:
Among active-duty Army soldiers, there were 156 potential suicides in 2010, down slightly from 162 in 2009. [USA Today]
A former Marine from Pinehurst has filed a $16 million federal lawsuit against the government … [Southern Pines Pilot]
The airmen completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. [Sumter Item]
More and more, the Navy is turning to simulators to train its sailors. [The Virginian-Pilot]
Note: We’ve never been in the military. If you are or have been a member of the military, please feel free to leave a comment with any nomenclature suggestions you may have.
