Military tartans

[davedove]

I'm of the school that says "wear it with respect.". Respect for the meaning and respect for self. One should be prepared for the question "Did you serve". And be prepared for the few who will find it improper. If I ran into someone wearing a USMC tartan I would absolutely ask if they were a Marine. If they were not, I'd be very interested to hear the reason for the wearing. I'd hope that it is a reason of respect and honor, not just a fashion choice.

This is basically my point of view on the subject. Personally, I have the US Army tartan, because I've served with the Army as both military and civilian for over twenty years now. Also, My father and uncle both served in the Army, and my brother is currently serving in the Army.

I plan to get the US Air Force tartan someday because of my new affiliation with the Civil Air Patrol, the US Air Force Auxiliary. The only military tartan I might wear that I never served with would be the US Navy tartan. That would be to honor the service of some of my relatives, including both grandfathers, who served in the Navy during WWI.

But, I'm basically that way with all tartans. I like to have some connection to what the tartan represents.

[macwilkin]

Matt,

Based on my current research, it would appear that the US Air Force Reserve tartan has some "official" status, given the fact that the USAFR Pipes & Drums, part of the US Air Force Reserve Band, wears it as part of their uniform. Hopefully my contacts with the Air Force will be able to resolve this question.

Cheers,

Todd

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Thanks for chiming in guys. I realize the comparison to camo is not a great comparison, but I could not think of another off the top of my head. The whole thought just came to me as I was driving home yesterday when I was stuck in traffic and letting my mind wander.

And I probably worded it too strongly by saying the "right" to wear a tartan. I was more looking for others opinions on the topic. I would feel comfortable wearing any of them just to show my support and respect for our troops, past and present. But I could also wear the Air Force tartan to respect my uncle who retired from the USAF, the Army tartan to show respect for my wife's father who is a retired CWO from the Army, and the Navy tartan to honor my grandfather on my father's side, who served in the Navy in WWII.

And Todd, sorry again! I promise to remember the Heraldry and Tartans sub-forum next time! Mea culpa!

[WolfPiper]

It is my understanding that Marines tend to be a little more sensitive about posers that your typical US serviceman. Although the USMC has not officially sanctioned it as "official," I have met several marines who could identify it at a glance.

When my band decided to use the Leatherneck tartan, we sent a letter to the commandant of the Corps seeking his blessing and we have his reply framed in our office. As I was not a member of the band at the time and I never thought to ask, I do not know the reson for the choice.

Once we had a group of (somewhat drunk and rowdy) marines ask us why we dared to wear "their kilts," we explained that we did so with the blessing of the Commandant of the Corps. Than seemed to amuse them and they offered to buy us drinks. Then we told them that we were guests of the bar (It was St. Patrick's day) and were drinking for free. We set them us for a round and suddenly they thought we were pretty great!

[Southern Breeze]

I feel that one can wear any tartan they like as long as they do so with respect and knowledge of the tartan and it's background. Having said that I would never wear one of the U.S service tartans out of respect. I do however wear The Black Watch when I play at a funeral and hope to soon replace that with the clergy tartan.

[macwilkin]

I feel that one can wear any tartan they like as long as they do so with respect and knowledge of the tartan and it's background. Having said that I would never wear one of the U.S service tartans out of respect. I do however wear the Blackwatch when I play at a funeral and hope to soon replace that with the clergy tartan.

Just as an FYI, I see this a lot around here, but the Regiment's name, as well as the tartan is "The Black Watch", two words, not one. No offence meant, just thought I'd mention that in this section.

Cheers,

Todd

[Southern Breeze]

Just as an FYI, I see this a lot around here, but the Regiment's name, as well as the tartan is "The Black Watch", two words, not one. No offence meant, just thought I'd mention that in this section.

Cheers,

Todd

Picky,picky, picky. No offense taken. We really should watch how we use that name out of respect for the regiment.

One other thing- that's three words, not two.