To wear or not to wear...Royal Marines Beret

**Riverkilt** · 11th August 08, 06:23 PM

It was awarded to you with honor. I say wear it with pride and if asked explain proudly.

Ron

**Charlie Mc.** · 11th August 08, 10:31 PM

As a side note. In the late 70s* the Marine Corps considered adopting the beret as part of their uniform. Ultimately it was decided not to because berets were "Too foreign and Feminine looking." That led to alot of laughs when the Army adopted them. Just an amusing side note. No disrespect to units that wear them. I have lots of respect for the Royal Marines. The US Army however...

Ain't
Ready to be a
Marine
Yet

* I was in the Corps from 99 to 03 so I wasn't in (or born yet) when this test took place.

**Hillwalker** · 13th August 08, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Mc.

As a side note. In the late 70s* the Marine Corps considered adopting the beret as part of their uniform. Ultimately it was decided not to because berets were "Too foreign and Feminine looking." That led to alot of laughs when the Army adopted them. Just an amusing side note. No disrespect to units that wear them. I have lots of respect for the Royal Marines. The US Army however...

Ain't
Ready to be a
Marine
Yet

* I was in the Corps from 99 to 03 so I wasn't in (or born yet) when this test took place.

Charlie Mc,

If you cannot say something nice...

Also, my retired Special Forces Step-Father would like to have a word with you.

**Charlie Mc.** · 13th August 08, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Hillwalker

Charlie Mc,

If you cannot say something nice...

Also, my retired Special Forces Step-Father would like to have a word with you.

I intended the comment humorously as most inter service jokes are meant. That is why I included the smiley after the comment. I am sorry if you didn't take it that way.

**1oldsarge** · 12th August 08, 01:56 PM

I'm sure they don't give out honorary memberships lightly, so as one stated above, I'd wear it and offer explanations when you feel the desire.

**kiltedmapleleaf** · 12th August 08, 06:47 PM

sorry don't agree guys, the comando course is the longest and hardest basic infantry course in any of the services and if you haven't earned You shouldn't wear it.
I know it was gifted but I don't think it was to wear, I served on a 6 month tour with The Royal marines in NI and was given a badge etc but I as I haven't earned it I wouldn't wear it.

**Birddog** · 12th August 08, 10:38 PM

I'm not sure what service you are with; Canadian Army? Your right, they do have the toughest basic course that I know of, even tougher than our Marines. But do keep in mind that THEY made me an honourary RM, and gave me the beret and badge because of my past as a US Marine, and my service with them. I appreciate your input, but I will go with the word from the RM's themselves that were querried about this. Keep in mind that I wear it to honour them and the brotherhood between the Marine services. I would only wear it with either my Leatherneck SK or tank. By the way, I love that tattoo on your calf. Seems a shame to cover it with hose, eh?
Kevin

**An t-Ileach** · 13th August 08, 07:50 AM

If you feel comfortable wearing it, then do so - RM gave it to you, so they probably are OK with it even if you haven't done the beret course. As for the badge, well people do things differently in the USA so,... carry on.

I still wear my rifle green beret - it's showing it's age now through the passage of time and moths. And I do wear a Royal Green Jackets cap badge as a kilt pin from time to time.

**jbaker42j** · 13th August 08, 09:35 AM

I'd say wear the beret with the badge that was given to you or wear the EGA that you also are entitled to wear.

I have a Sorta Kinda Maybe similar issue.... as you know I was in the USAF, but when I was on a SF Combat FOB I was attached to the 25th ID and wore the patch on my BDUs in the combat zone. Im very proud of this service yet I'm hesitant to wear or display the patch on anything (hats, Shirts, or display cases) here stateside. What are your thoughts Birddog?

Something I never hesitate to do is display and proudly wear my old USAF FireDawg badge. Guns and Hoses Baby!!!!

Also, if you were to wear a USAF tartan, what would you personally wear as a cap badge?

**CelticSire** · 13th August 08, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by jbaker42j

I have a Sorta Kinda Maybe similar issue.... as you know I was in the USAF, but when I was on a SF Combat FOB I was attached to the 25th ID and wore the patch on my BDUs in the combat zone. Im very proud of this service yet I'm hesitant to wear or display the patch on anything (hats, Shirts, or display cases) here stateside. What are your thoughts Birddog?

Well, I'm not Birddog, but I'll chime in. If you were attached to the 25th ID during your stint in the big sandbox, then by all means wear or display it as you see fit. You have earned the right to wear it, and if anyone hassles you about it, tell them to pi** off.