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

Once a Marine, always a .............. You have heard it and it is true. The Marine Corps does not allow a lot of decorative distinctions. The reason is unity, we all are Marines, that is enough and that is significant. Some few years ago the Commandant was petitioned to allow special chevrons for the infantry, his response? Not gonna happen, we ALL are infantry and we aren't going to start the specialty chevron thing. Today, when I meet a Marine or speak to a Marine with a cover on etc., I am speaking to another Marine and it is enough. It happens two, three times a week and young or older, we are Marines.......................... each as special as the other. I know a Major General, I am inclined to call him "General." He insists I call him by his first name, he is a Marine only.

Sir, I don't think it's a matter of out doing other branches/services. Military science is based on thousands of years of experience at war. All the pretty stuff is designed to encourage unity and a sense of pride within the ranks. No one on the battlefield fights for god, king, and country. It's our brothers that keep us on the field when common sense and our survival instinct says we should be anywhere except there.

Those that do not know history, are doomed to repeat it.

Camaraderie, morale, team cohesiveness.....All improved with shiny stuff. Also, initiative, discipline, pride in self and service are advanced. If you have to look good to keep up the reputation of something larger than yourself, you take pride in it and bust your butt. I like shiny stuff even if I only got a few scraps. Always proud to be able to spell "PARATROOPER" in jumps.

The corporate world is exactly like this, I have worked crappy jobs in fast food and in a engineering firm. And some people have the desire to be recognized, otherwise their morale slips or they become complacent, uninterested or just quit for no reason. In a manner similar to the military, many corporations spend countless resources addressing issues of retention, cohesion, morale and individual development/education. Lumping everyone into one big category has its pro/cons, but many corporations are now focusing on a persons uniqueness. My last job created special incentives/allowances for different departments. They also allowed each department to decorate their cubicles differently to distinguish themselves. Some departments issue pins to wear, more than just flair, they add superficial value to a persons self-worth. Does it work? Hell yeah it does. It's all about keeping people happy, and making sure they do their jobs even if you have to give them a "gold star" sticker.

Society is changing and I understand a lot of the older folks just don't get why the new generation needs to feel special. But that's where we are now, people like shiny things!

I will also say that distinction carries a certain expectation and responsibility. If you're comparing a leg vs airborne, people will expect more from the latter. Same with a ranger tab, if you wear one you also have to uphold the legacy too.

As a former Airborne MSG . I realized you're only airborne till you hit the ground . Then you're a 'Leg' !...LOL

This is an ancient, perhaps ageless phenomenon.

I think the shiny stuff is important in the sense that it allows you to quickly assess someone's capabilities. Does it mean that the soldier is better or worse than others? Not necessarily but it's a place to start. When you walk into a doctor's office do you feel better if he has 15 diplomas on the wall behind his desk? Do you feel even better if some of them say Harvard, Yale, Whatever? Still, it doesn't mean he's a good doctor but if I'm picking between him and a guy with no diplomas, the choice is clear. Same goes with badges. Even if you're a terrible soldier, I can at least tell that you have some experience.

Why be the same as everyone else? If you do not have what it takes to be Airborne, Air Assault, Cav, a driver or mechanic, infantry, medic, and so on, be happy with what you have and not worry about it. If you have what it takes, wear it with pride because you earned it. If you want to be a Marine, join the Marines. Want more fruit salad, join the Air Force. If you want it but do not have it, get on the phone to your branch manager and see what you can do about it.

As a "leg" (and proud of it!) medic who never earned a "stretcher badge" (EFMB-Expert Field Medical Badge) or a stretcher badge with a wreath (CMB-Combat Medical Badge) a wise sergeant once told me, doc it don't matter what they're wearing on their uniform, they always bleed red. Since he was a Vietnam veteran, I believe he also meant it matter what side they were on as well.