Posted on Nov 12, 2015
Can someone explain to me why our Devil Dogs wear service charlies on duty?
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They decided to arm all duties as they perceive a threat to exist. They then decrease our mobility by putting us in charlies and also decrease our combat effectiveness by then being forced to use a holster (duty belt hip holster) in which many have never trained with (must use drop holster on range). Additionally, it decreases morale in that it is both uncomfortable and incomprehensible as to why it is being worn.
Someone enlighten me.
Someone enlighten me.
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 4
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Chucks have always been the traditional duty uniform. The reasoning is to distinguish you from those NOT on duty. It's now comprehensible-pass it on, ensure your subordinates understand. That is a failure in leadership. Now, if you are uncomfortable in chucks, you need to evaluate how they fit. No different than a suit, it should be no less comfortable than anything else you wear. Granted, it is not optimum for combat duty but shouldn't detract from performance in a significant sense for anticipated events (i.e.-you're not likely to engage in a protracted firefight at the barracks) Before there were utilities, the dress and field uniforms were the same. Also, if you are in the parade holster and you haven't trained at least to some degree in it, then YOU are derelict in your readiness. That is a joint personal and unit responsibility.
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Sgt Paul McCarthy
CWO3 (Join to see) - Not necessarily, but they certainly shouldn't be NJP level events if and when they do occur. They are rites of passage, no different than the Crucible. If they are tempered with some leadership (i.e.- not permitting things to rise to a level where someone is seriously injured) there isn't anything wrong with them. I got my wings pinned like everyone else, and pinned them just the same. We didn't require anyone to keep things from getting out of hand-we pretty well policed that amongst ourselves, but I can understand sometimes it is necessary. But to label these as hazing is PC crap that serves no one but the kindler and gentler among us. There are warriors, and there are others.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
Interesting take... These "traditions" bring nothing to the table. If you need to cause harm to someone in order for them to be "part of the team" then it is not a team I want to be a part of. I had both "traditions" done to me and found them to be pointless rituals spearheaded by the bottom 10% of our Corps to make them feel better about their own shortcomings. I ensure my Marines do not take part in them and manage to find other ways formulate winning units. This dinosaur thought process you are showing is the exact mentality holding our Marine Corps back. We need folks that can think outside of the box and look at how things have always been done, and then find a way to do it better.
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Sgt Paul McCarthy
Holding our Marine Corps back from what?
Finding a way to do it better, when there isn't necessarily a better way-only different, is a waste of brainpower and resources better employed to learning leadership. Wisdom is realizing the difference between different and better.
I think you found them pointless, because the reasoning was not explained to you correctly. Those rituals serve to welcome those who have accomplished this achievement that merits taking part in the right of passage (somewhat belying the 10% remark) . It's a graduation ceremony, nothing more. When I pinned on my aircrew wings, I joined a cadre of Marines that could be counted among less than 5% of a squadron. Of a class of 20, I was one of 2 to pass the physical in Memphis. Of a class of about 15, I was the sole Marine to pass the swim at the squadron. Of 8 members on skins, I was one of 3 to actually qualify as a crewchief. As the wings were pinned to my chest, this was being explained to me as the skipper looked on.
Finding a way to do it better, when there isn't necessarily a better way-only different, is a waste of brainpower and resources better employed to learning leadership. Wisdom is realizing the difference between different and better.
I think you found them pointless, because the reasoning was not explained to you correctly. Those rituals serve to welcome those who have accomplished this achievement that merits taking part in the right of passage (somewhat belying the 10% remark) . It's a graduation ceremony, nothing more. When I pinned on my aircrew wings, I joined a cadre of Marines that could be counted among less than 5% of a squadron. Of a class of 20, I was one of 2 to pass the physical in Memphis. Of a class of about 15, I was the sole Marine to pass the swim at the squadron. Of 8 members on skins, I was one of 3 to actually qualify as a crewchief. As the wings were pinned to my chest, this was being explained to me as the skipper looked on.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
I guess the new II MEF CG agreed with me as all of II MEF now wear cammies on duty... glad to see we still have some that can think outside the box and are not mindless robots.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
Gunner, I can only offer a sarcastic comment: "Because that's the way it's always been."
Honestly though, I agree with you. If a Marine or Sailor is going to be armed, issue them the same type of holster they qualify with (Navy qualifies with drop leg holster as well), and wear your damn MARPAT or NWU (for Navy) while on armed duty!
Gunner, I can only offer a sarcastic comment: "Because that's the way it's always been."
Honestly though, I agree with you. If a Marine or Sailor is going to be armed, issue them the same type of holster they qualify with (Navy qualifies with drop leg holster as well), and wear your damn MARPAT or NWU (for Navy) while on armed duty!
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CWO3 (Join to see)
Agreed. Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, that mentality of "that is how it has always been" is why our brightest men and women often seek opportunities elsewhere.
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PO1 John Miller
CWO3 (Join to see)
Agreed. I worked with plenty of former/honorably discharged/whatever term won't piss off a Marine ("Once a Marine always a Marine") at my last job (NMCI/MCEN Help Desk at Camp Pendleton) and most of them got out because of that exact type of BS.
Agreed. I worked with plenty of former/honorably discharged/whatever term won't piss off a Marine ("Once a Marine always a Marine") at my last job (NMCI/MCEN Help Desk at Camp Pendleton) and most of them got out because of that exact type of BS.
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Professionalism (look not acting).
It's to make us (the Navy does the same thing quite often with duty) look professional, as the duty/watch are typically those who interface with those outside of the command and even civilians off-base.
It's to make us (the Navy does the same thing quite often with duty) look professional, as the duty/watch are typically those who interface with those outside of the command and even civilians off-base.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
Fair point. Although I value mission accomplishment over looking pretty for the public.
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