Posted on Jan 9, 2021
Does an MP in the Army have any signifying pieces on their class A uniform?
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I know that an infantryman has a blue Aiguillette that they wear on their shoulder, and the cavalry scouts having their stetsons and spurs, but I haven’t heard of any other MOS having anything to wear with their uniforms. Does an MP get anything to wear with their dress blues?
31B: Military Police
Infantry
19D: Cavalry Scout
Dress Uniform
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 14
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The Stetsons and Spurs are not "official" and only authorized technically by the unit commander. Only the infantry has the "special" devices, being the blue cord and discs. As to why the most basic, least specialized branch gets the unique items....no idea.
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SSG Bill McCoy
I don't know if it's quite appropriate to term Infantry as the, "most basic, least specialized branch." Today, they use a lot of highly sophisticated, hi-tech equipment such as mapping and classified commo equipment.
I know a lot of medics and others non-Infantry MOS's are not happy that while they are WITH an Infantry unit, they don't qualify for the CIB. It's a tradition thing, and keep in mind - Infantry is considered the most grimiest, "in-the-mud" MOS there is and the CIB was a morale factor. (As an aside, only four CIB were awarded to General officers - all WW2; and MacArthur only got an honorary one.) Regarding the Medics with Infantry, they get the Combat Medic Badge.
As for "participation" trophies, when I was Navy, I used to wonder just what the heck the USAF guys did for SO MANY ribbons! Now, the Army and Navy are like that too. Ribbons for leadership courses, and the "I was there" kind of ribbons.
As for the EIB .. my son who was 10 years Infantry, held the EIB in higher regard than the CIB which I found puzzling, but I guess you really have to work for that one from what I understand. I don't know if the EIP is open to other MOS' or not.
The Marines have the same gripe about their CAR (Combat Action Ribbon). In the Army, I got the same points for that, as do Infantry for their CIB. Anyhow, many Marines feel that, "You're not really a Marine unless you have a CAR." They even gripped about the Marine's highest ranking SGM because he does not have a CAR so some consideration is being given to doing away with the CAR. (It's also awarded to Navy and Coast Guard personnel - the main criteria is you have to have been in actual combat - on the receiving and giving end. SOME ships who fired at the enemy in Nam, supposedly issued their crews a CAR which diminishes the award, I feel.
It's my understanding that the CAB (Combat Action Badge) is given to troops in other MOS's nowadays who see combat. Sadly, in my other son's case (Transportation, USAR), the CAB was issued to NCO's only - even those who never went outside the wire. Same with the Bronze Star - most NCO's, E-6 and above were given that while SPC and below who actually went outside the wire ... experience EID's and gunfire never got the CAB or Bronze Star.
I know a lot of medics and others non-Infantry MOS's are not happy that while they are WITH an Infantry unit, they don't qualify for the CIB. It's a tradition thing, and keep in mind - Infantry is considered the most grimiest, "in-the-mud" MOS there is and the CIB was a morale factor. (As an aside, only four CIB were awarded to General officers - all WW2; and MacArthur only got an honorary one.) Regarding the Medics with Infantry, they get the Combat Medic Badge.
As for "participation" trophies, when I was Navy, I used to wonder just what the heck the USAF guys did for SO MANY ribbons! Now, the Army and Navy are like that too. Ribbons for leadership courses, and the "I was there" kind of ribbons.
As for the EIB .. my son who was 10 years Infantry, held the EIB in higher regard than the CIB which I found puzzling, but I guess you really have to work for that one from what I understand. I don't know if the EIP is open to other MOS' or not.
The Marines have the same gripe about their CAR (Combat Action Ribbon). In the Army, I got the same points for that, as do Infantry for their CIB. Anyhow, many Marines feel that, "You're not really a Marine unless you have a CAR." They even gripped about the Marine's highest ranking SGM because he does not have a CAR so some consideration is being given to doing away with the CAR. (It's also awarded to Navy and Coast Guard personnel - the main criteria is you have to have been in actual combat - on the receiving and giving end. SOME ships who fired at the enemy in Nam, supposedly issued their crews a CAR which diminishes the award, I feel.
It's my understanding that the CAB (Combat Action Badge) is given to troops in other MOS's nowadays who see combat. Sadly, in my other son's case (Transportation, USAR), the CAB was issued to NCO's only - even those who never went outside the wire. Same with the Bronze Star - most NCO's, E-6 and above were given that while SPC and below who actually went outside the wire ... experience EID's and gunfire never got the CAB or Bronze Star.
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SSG Bill McCoy
LTC Ken Connolly - Great point, sir. Indeed, it certainly is and all other MOS's directly, or indirectly, support the Infantry.
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SGT Chris Howe
LTC Ken Connolly - Interestingly enough, they are also the primary reason for the MP Corps to exist. :)
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No, the only distinguishing thing is your branch insignia, which for the MPs is crossed pistols.
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