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

Each branch has its own way of using carrots to motivate its members to attain the highest level of performance possible. Some things in one branch may seem childish to those in another branch, but when we realize the mission of each branch is different then the need for those enticements and rewards becomes clearer. Even within each branch there are those who don't see the need for the "in-house" games of musical chairs, so they don't participate. Bottom-line, are they necessary? Yes, because being in the line of work we are where at any moment our lives are on the line we need as much competition and recognition as we can get to make the stress "fun" (if that makes sense).

In the Corps, we don't waste our time and money on the numerous decorations the Army puts on their uniforms, and don't even wear a name tag with our service/dress uniforms. All we have are ribbons/medals, and even those are few unless you've been on multiple deployments. We call the Army service alphas (Class As?) Christmas trees because of all of that stuff you guys have on them. Haha

An older photo, for example.

In the AF in Danang'67 were couldn't wear anything to say what unit/squadron we came from because they didn't want the VC to give that info to the Russians. Most we had, in ordinance, was a flaming piss pot!

Marines know they got it. No badge needed. No patch needed. They know they got it. I did, however see my son's eyes flicker when NAM received.

While in the Army, I busted my ass at everything I did. I'm proud of that fact, and honored that other people noticed! If I received ANY kind of accommodation for it, so be it!! I accepted it, and wore with pride!! I was in NO competition with anyone, but myself!

One question. When you look at a fellow Marine's ribbons, do you look for the Combat Action Ribbon? And, if you do, does it make a different impression whether or not he/she is wearing it? It is special and means the wearer has heard shots fired in anger (usually at him/her).

I think its important to have goals to fuel the drive to be the best you can in your career field, and one way the Army does that is with special skill badges and tabs. It's not the be-all-end-all, though. A good soldier doesn't rest on the laurels of how tough he used to be. These special skills are perishable, and your soldiers will recognize right away if you don't live up to the standards that earned said badge/tab. I've had a few NCOs from Regiment, and they made me a believer in the difference between the schoolhouse and the way of life.

The FMF pin for Navy stationed with the Marines. Mostly HM and RP rates. I've seen a few other rates here and there. Used to be optional, but is now mandatory

Sir. If you're implying that the Corps doesn't have shiny things while the other Services do, I think that's being a bit disingenuous especially coming from a member of the branch with the best "girl-catcher" of a dress uniform.
As an outsider (non-Marine), I have differing opinions about the Corps and its uniform policies

For example, I admire that the Corps hasn't substantially changed its dress uniforms (both the blues and what we in the Army call "Class As") since WW II. It has changed its field uniforms as new technology comes available, which is good. The Corps has a much stronger sense of tradition than the other branches. This is evidenced by the fact that it still uses marksmanship badges that were in use in the early 20th Century. It has retained ranks like "Gunnery Sgt" and unit designations like "Motor Transport Bn".

On the other hand, I feel the Corps should not have done away with the shoulder patch. I know you'll see the division or other unit patch painted on signs, but I feel it would add to the average Marine's esteem if he/she could wear the patch of their unit, especially if they are members of such great divisions like the 1st or 2nd MarDivs Another, shortcoming (IMHO), there's no way to tell what a Marine does for a job. When I went through the Armor NCO Advance Course, we had six Marine tankers in our class. Nothing on their uniforms distinguished them from Marine Infantry, Supply or any other MOS in the Corps. That may have the Corps' intention, but I feel every Marine ought to be given some sort of insignia to show the world what they do.

I could go on, but I think you get from where I'm coming. Yes, I realize opinions are like anal orifices - everybody has one and I hope that you and the other Marines out there will take what I've written in a positive light.

iOh come now Major, 17 Shiney brass buttons polished to the 10th degree, A latge brass Belt buckle with the Anchor and globe, plus the two collar devices once again polished phen the three buttons on each sleeve polished to a mirror finish. Oh and lets not forget the shoes always a mirror finish and the megals perfectly spaced. Major the Marine Class A's are the best looking uniform the US Military has. Except for the NAVY Bells and Dixie Cup. Everything else is second class...