Posted on Dec 6, 2013
Should the USAF and USMC return to the use of Shoulder Patches?
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Shoulder Patches - Unit Cohesion and Pride
Marines
Uniforms
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 23
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If there's one branch that doesn't need advice on unit cohesion and pride, it's the Marines.. If anything, we need to be following their lead. They're clearly doing something right...
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LTC Paul Labrador
Of course, I miss the full color patches that we used to wear on our old green Class A's. Wish we would wear full color patches while in garrison and subdued in the field.
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Capt Richard I P.
LTC Paul Labrador,Sir, from the line: "If Marines don't think unit lineage is as important than simply being a Marine, that is their call." I would respectfully submit that the average Marine can tell you more about the history of his unit than the average soldier. We just don't wear it on our sleeves. I do think it is fair to say the average Marine is more connected to the Corps than to any one units' individual history.
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LTC Paul Labrador
Capt Richard I P., I would argue that would depend on the unit you were talking about. Soldiers assigned to the more "storied" units (particularly combat arms) with lots of history are very much in tune with history and lineage. I would agree not so much in support units. Again, I chalk it up to cultural differences. When you see a former Marine's stickers on his care, you typically see an EGA, and that's about it. You see a Soldier's stickers, you'll likely see a skill badges or branch insignia and the unit he was most proud of serving with.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
Now we just have to get them to just be proud of being Soldiers... One shouldn't have to be in a "sexy" unit to be proud. That's where the Army fails, being a Soldier is what should matter...
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As for the USMC, I think it would be a bad idea. From day one, a Marine is told they belong to the MARINES, not a unit. Having notations of what unit you are with, would probably not work well, because it would push Marines to feel they belonged to a unit, when the training is all about being part of the whole, and being taught that no matter what you do as an MOS, you know you are first, last and always, a rifleman. The "Bird, Ball, and Hook" is our unit patch you might say, nothing else is needed.
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I actually dislike patches. Part of what makes the Marine Corps uniform so sexy is its elegant simplicity. The Army has patches, cords, badges, two sets of ribbons, a nametag, etc. It looks overly cluttered, which detracts from the overall appearance.
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