No, newbie, it's not semantics. If you'd ever served, you'd know the difference. Marines are very proud of being Marines, as are soldiers, sailors and airmen. There is a difference, and I think the least the media can do for our troops (the accepted collective term) is learn a little about their rank structure, the missions of their branches, etc. The media, and civilians who've never served, owe it to our servicemen and women to learn a little about what they do while carrying out their mission to protect our (your) way of life.
Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!
I did serve. You must be running a little behind on current events! The U.S. is now winding up the Afghan phase of the War on Terrorism. This campaign featured Marines assuming the role of Soldiers. Where was the Army? Why weren't Soldiers sent to do the work of Soldiers? Answer me that you Cavalry Ho!