WW2 GI vs Modern Marines

The premise is rather silly IMO. Both WW II Marines and modern Marines are well trained in infantry tactics. The majority of WW II Marines were volunteers as well( though some were drafted).
It all just comes down to how do former generations of men compare with todays youth. Speaking as one from a former generation, I don't know how to answer that question nor I suspect can anyone else answer with any authority. Too much of what is being judged cannot be quantified or even verified; fortitude, motivation, etc . One can have opinions on these atributes but cannot have actual facts.
Personally I don't think one side would have any significant advantage over the other.

 

Both sides have an advantage:

WW2 GIs - Combat experiance

Modern Marines - better training, and more 'up-to-date' tactics


I reckon it could just come down to the men on the day...

 

If the green modern Marines are fighting for a 48-hr pass... hmmmm?
If the veteran GI's are fighting for a hot meal and a shower... hmmmm?

I am biased in that I believe the USMC today trains to a higher-level and has more esprit than say... the average conscripted GI in WW2. (Of course Marines will tell you that was also true in the Second World War.)

Perhaps a better question would be... how would the average USMC rifleman have fared against elite german troops such as 'Paras' were it not for the fact those mean bastards were all busy killin' Imperial Japanese troops in the Pacific?

Tim

 

Some Territorial divisions joined the Regulars on the continent in 1940.

 

Which makes the BEF part Professional, part Reservist, and 0% draftee...

 

Fair enough.

However, the BEF was a minority on the Continent compared to the 2.2 million strong French Army, if I'm not mistaken.

 

Yes, a relatively tiny force.

But my pedantic soul...