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

If you wear them then live up to them ie EFMB. If you earned it, then hold that standard rather than become the dirtbag medic who thinks he's better than everyone else.

No "SAPPER" rocker?

I think this becomes particularly noticeable with general officers and SNCOs who have been around longer and collect more "stuff" along the way. Some of its important but there's so much sometimes that it just looks like some banana republic dictator's uniform.

yes we all need something shiny. That shiny stuff lands you awards and promotions and you get respected and people look up to you more. Think about it who would you the respect the NCO with ribbons covering his uniform, or the other guy with nothing on his uniform but a nameplate,unit patch and rank?

In prior decades some warriors wore their slain enemies' ears or scalps to prove their bravery in battle. Since that is no longer politically correct. We wear accouterments that signify our qualified level of bad-assery : cross-rifles, blue cords, EIB, CIB, Airborne wings, Ranger tabs, SF tabs. These are never just given out like candy, they are earned.

Yes, those who do not aspire to be something other than normal or average, can choose to be a normal soldier. Those of us who wanted to be more, and choose to be something other than the average soldier should have something to show that designation. It's true we are an all volunteer military. But all you have to do is either watch or read "Band of Brothers", too know that there are volunteers, and volunteers that do so to put out front into the thick of things.

Gentlemen, it projects authority. Nothing says that guy must know a lot of shit than a bunch of flare on his threads. Embrace it.

I wanna know what you blanked out now.

I remember back in the late '70s when hats, tanker jackets, stetsons, etc. were banned. They were banned because soldiers were being forced to buy their own junk. Bringing it back (if the soldiers have to pay for it) is a bad idea. If it is issue... who cares?

Not for Marines...no way....we just need cammy paint and we can remember what unit we are in so we sure as hell don't need patches. Except for maybe FSSG who needs their little red square on their cover. Semper FI