Blood rank. Did you do it, did you get it? Was it wrong?

I slipped and fell on my PFC chevrons the day i got promoted in Iraq (from private to PFC). The tradition is not ment to be malicious, or cruel. Now that I look back on it, it was always in good fun.

Did I get blood wings in the 1980's? Damn right I did and I am damn proud of it. I would do it again Damn right!

In the 80's, I received blood stripes when I made SGT. I can still find the scars on my collar bones. I would not trade the scars or the memories for anything.

I received blood rank when I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. I received blood wings when I graduated jump school. If my youngest son is able to go to jump school at next assignment, I plan to give him blood wings.

Unfortunately I didn't get pinned or bloodstriped when I picked up Cpl. I was very disappointed as well, I was in a wing unit that was extremely PC at the squadron level, which where that particular promotion was held while I was in Iraq. It's a shame I didn't get to participate in a long and beloved tradition.

I got blood wings by my black hat, a Marine Staff Sergeant. I was proud of it, but now I realize that it is unnecessary and frankly, unprofessional. I think this tradition can die quietly.

I was a Marine when I became an NCO and the tradition of the Blood Stripe - the red stripe down the Marine Dress Blue trousers for NCOs and above - goes back to the battle of Chapultepec in 1847 during the Mexican war - in tradition but not in fact. The stripe actually predated 1847 but the red stripe itself came later... Many have seen friends and NCOs "pin" the promotee with a playful punch to the shoulder. There was nothing playful about getting your blood stripe pinned. In addition to the slug to the shoulder the pinned blood stripe included a knee brought sharply into the side of the thigh. It wasn't the force that did the damage it was the repetition of the number of friends who did the pinning. A little bruising, a little soreness and tradition was served. Blood rank or blood wings pinned was always based on the desires of the promotee or the one earning the wings but even years ago it was officially "frowned" upon leadership. Not saying it didn't happen it was just NOT officially sanctioned.

For the "For what its worth" column... I don't believe its hazing. I also don't believe in hurting my Soldiers but the Army - and the Military - is full of traditions and when those traditions fall by the way side to preserve political correctness I think we've lost part of what separates us from the Boy Scouts or local law enforcement. Traditions such as wet downs following a promotion - where the new promoted person buys the beer - were always nice.

I have got blood rank but I do not think that it makes it right. I was asked before each of my promotions if I wanted blood rank without negative recourse if I refused. So, I personally like the idea of it, I am old school mentality, but think it should be at discretion of promotee.

I never had a issue with it and didn't mind getting mine but I never gave any myself, I'd just give a light thump and give them a hearty congrats on a well deserved promotion. It probably just got of hand and in today's world I don't think it would fly as I find people to be a lot more sensitive to hazing and feelings get hurt a lot easier.

Blood rank is traditionally old school now but I like it, I am sure some,may not have but it told me here it is and keep it and stay out of trouble