Does everyone need something "shiny" to make themselves stick out from other branches/services?

The one thing I liked about the Marine Corps was we didn't have all the badges and patches the Army has.

Submarine Dolphins are mandatory and essential. They show that you know how to fight the sub, save the sub, save your shipmates and save yourself. You know where the firefighting gear is and how to use it. You know how to get the damaged submarine to the surface. You know how to launch torpedos to defend the sub. You know how to stop flooding. You know how to breathe when the atmosphere is contaminated. You know how to drive the sub. And should all else fail, you know how to escape from the sub. Anyone on board a submarine NOT WEARING Dolphins has to be assigned someone to look after them as they do not know everything they need to know to survive.

Dolphins says that they do. So for that reason in the submarine community, Dolphins are essential. Anyone not wearing them is instantly noticed.

You know I used to say the same exact thing... Then I had a Commander that said he's been doing this for a long time and he's learned that people care about the little things. The Stetson and Spurs, coins, shirts... This job is rough. It's uncomfortable, stressful, forces you away from everything you love. So if it's a Stetson or a cord that gives Soldiers the motivation to do these jobs, then I say why not celebrate the mutual suck with those that suck the same as you. I believe it helps keep Soldiers coming back. It's human nature. We all want to be in the club. Even if it means we sleep in a Humber for two weeks haha

Do we need something "shiny"? I don't think so but there are branches and traditions that set us apart from others. I don't believe it is to make us seem superior to others as much as to identify us to a particular group. I served in the Calvary and earned my spurs for being in combat. I was proud to wear them during those days, it was an accomplishment I earned. I didn't boast about it or go around thinking I was better than others, even when we wore them on post. Today my spurs hang on a wall and now just represent a time in my military career that I can share with my kids. The military could make us look the same but it is those "shiny" items that give us something to want or simply admire. I remember seeing Soldiers with the green berets and I know they were the best of the best and they deserve that respect. I recently read "Lone Survivor" and "American Sniper". Just reading about the training part made me look at myself and think, "What I have really done?" Not to take away from my accomplishments or even think I am comparing myself but these individuals have been put through things I can't imagine or endure. So, I don't see it being wrong if they get something "shiny" to set them apart. I give them respect for doing something I can't or won't. What I don't like to see is when "shiny" items are used in order to make them feel more superior to others. Just because I'm not infantry or artillery doesn't make me any less of a Soldier or leader. I just do a different job. We are one team within the Army. We are one team within the military. Together we win wars and protect this nation. Just keep it clean and support each other.

Is there an Army in the world that doesn't do that?

No... But we in the Army love doodads.

I am personally not familiar with legs vs. airborne but every soldier needs to distinguish himself somehow from the lot to be looked at differently for promotion. The fact is that it is more competitive than ever. We hope that the most deserving are the ones rising. To make yourself stand out you'll need to do things others might not. In the JAG branch I see few airborne, air assault qualified folks which make them "shinier" than others. I myself see them in a different light. I'm proud for them as they have been brave to do something I myself haven't. Anyway, my point being that you need to stand out as an expert in your MOS and wherever you can (broadening assignments, badges, overseas assignments, etc.) to separate yourself from the rest. Do some soldiers come across such opportunities easier? Maybe? But taking advantage of those opportunities will be key for future assignments and promotion capability.

Had to chuckle because of all the different things I've seen around the world. An oddity is the Thai Special Forces wear spurs. They're ornamental and given their small size, are nonfunctional. But, It'd take more cajones than I have to rip one off them. Another common thing is to have an extreme personal mannerism that is unique. You see that on parade with the South Korean officers all having to have a different way of holding and puffing a cigarette. Seeing them lined up at a table, all performing, reminds me of the zoo.

I view it as sponsoring healthy competition between and within branches of the military. You see someone with a blue cord and know they are a pipe hitter. You see a pipe hitter with wings and know they are a bit crazy. You see a JM and just step off the sidewalk. Naval officers are great because no one in any other service can figure out their rank. It's also fun to bring up old traditions like saying "by your leave, Sir" when passing a Naval officer from behind. Confuses the heck out of newbies. The Air Force simply suffers in silence while wearing their bus driver's uniform. Marines - well, nice hats. Perhaps the reason Marine uniforms have so few accoutrements is because they were originally supposed to climb the rigging and this prevented things catching?