For formal wear dirk and belt vs waistcoat

[creagdhubh]

Interesting. I didn't have my own sword, back in the day. Some that did, indeed do wear their swords. More among officers than NCOs like myself, but some NCOs do wear their swords. I am comfortable wearing a sword, as I spent two years in a Reserve Training Detachment, and we had the collateral duty of being the ceremonial unit for our area. So when Marine Color Guards were needed, parades, funerals, etc, we were tasked with the duty, and I frequently carried a sword as Color Guard commander. I like wearing a sword. I was in a saber drill team in college. But for a ball, unless you are part of the ceremony, you arrive with it, check it, and pick it up again when you leave. Another consideration is that, being under arms, I would have to remain covered, which would also be a pain.

As a U.S. Marine NCO who has attended many a Marine Corps Ball (the majority at MCB Camp Lejeune, NC), I always wore my NCO sword with my dress blues, yet I was in uniform and was expected to by my CO (all NCO's, SNCO's and Officers typically wore their swords to the Marine Corps Ball). I agree with Chas, Jock, and Scott...leave the dirk and belt at home and opt for the waistcoat.

I too shall be celebrating our Corps' birthday on November 10 and will be wearing the following items of Highland dress: Black Regulation Doublet, Macpherson red 'modern' 3-button waistcoat, Macpherson red 'modern' kilt, Macpherson red 'modern' Argyll style hose, dark green flashes, sgian dubh, bar and buckle brogues, pine marten sporran, bib-front shirt with a fold over collar and french cuffs, and a self-tie, black bow tie. Pretty simple and straight-forward Highland evening attire.

Happy 237th Birthday, Marine!

Semper Fidelis!


Sergeant Kyle A. S. Macpherson, USMC (1999-2008)