I just ordered my first Balmoral (black wool with a red pom torrie on top) last week. But I have been wearing a Glengarry (also black wool with a red pom torrie on top) for years, long before I got my first kilt. I sport a clan crest badge, which for the last few weeks happens to have been MacLaren, and on veteran's and patriotic holidays I sometimes were minimedals or miniribbons on the side opposite the clan badge, much like others might do on their VFW or American Legion garrison caps. I never wear rank insignia on my bonnet as that is illegal in the US (though I have never seen anyone actually be arrested for it). I don't see much of a point of wearing other kinds of unit or service insignia on my bonnet but that would be less or an issue than rank insignia.

I find the Glengarry easier to tote around and generally more comfortable than a Balmoral, despite the sometimes annoying free-hanging ribbons. But once my Balmoral arrives, I will jock it and wear it around for a couple of weeks. If I like it, I will get a few additional Balmorals in other solid colors to have a better selection for daily wear.

-Mark