Posted on Jan 28, 2016
Given how important tabs are in the Army, should a prior service Marine now in the Army have a special tab indicating their background?
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NOTE: This post was originally asked by a former member who didn't want to be associated with the debate. In the interest of retaining the question and everyone's comments, we have migrated the discussion here. Thank you!
Uniforms
Prior Service
Marines
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 124
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All a real solider needs is a 1059... Tabs on ACU's is good if you need to identify or distinguish someone like an MP,SP, SDNCO etc... The COC should know what SMs are qualified to do for training purposes and emergent situations when a special skill set is needed, but c'mon that never happens.
I think if every SM had the same opportunities to attend all schools then yes wear them, but that's not the case. I remember begging for my command to send me to Ranger School when i was a PFC/SPC in ADA and the response was "Nah"... I finally got Air Assault only because the 25th was going "Light" and as a parting gift they allotted slots to outbound units. After graduating in 1985 i've never wore my wings...
I think if every SM had the same opportunities to attend all schools then yes wear them, but that's not the case. I remember begging for my command to send me to Ranger School when i was a PFC/SPC in ADA and the response was "Nah"... I finally got Air Assault only because the 25th was going "Light" and as a parting gift they allotted slots to outbound units. After graduating in 1985 i've never wore my wings...
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SFC (Join to see)
Another valid point CSM thank you. I don't need to tab my troops to know who has what skill or who was prior Marine. I'm going to know.
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CSM (Join to see)
SFC. Thats what professionals do, ive had soliders walk in with three-four tabs and could not dismount a hummer properly... When i.was on active duty my 1SG would walk around formation and ask people about their tabs. Some of the.funniest moments in military history
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I'd buy that for a Dollar! I'd wear my Marine Corp tab with honor!
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CMSgt James Nolan
SMSgt (Join to see) I am stil upset about not being able to wear my shooting badges in dress uniform....I get to wear the Navy Expert Rifle ribbon, because of my short USNR stint and qualification, why not the shooting badges (other then the AFI of course)?
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I agree that the Army is overly fixated with "flair". However, I suspect most Infantry Marines consider themselves to be in a different class that the rest of the Corps. I doubt it's always a case of "We're all just one big Marine happy family!". That's OK. It's probably the case in every ground combat branch around the world. Let's just be honest about it. I also suspect the Marines who do have a bit of bling, their reconnaissance and MARSOC fellows, probably think their a bit different too. On a lighter note:<br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.duffelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/269626.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.duffelblog.com/2012/12/supply-chief-has-complete-conversation-with-grunt-without-understanding-single-word/">Supply Chief Has Complete Conversation With Grunt Without Understanding Single Word</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">OKINAWA, JAPAN – Supply Company Gunnery Sergeant Dan Williams confirmed today that despite a wide range of accomplishments and experiences in the Corps, he had absolutely no idea what an infantry Serg...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.duffelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/549057.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.duffelblog.com/2013/12/grunt-turned-pog-insults-pog-turned-grunt/">Grunt-Turned-POG Insults POG-Turned-Grunt</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">OP OMAR – Company-level staff at Kilo Company confirmed today that a Grunt-Turned-POG had gone off on another rant about how much he hates POGs. According to eyewitnesses, Lance Corporal Bruno Walz sp...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
1SG(P) (Join to see) or is it just Chris these days? I think the infantry in general no matter what branch has the above described mentality. The military actually can be divided into two separate jobs -- infantry and support of Infantry -- according to any infantryman. It isn't just Marine Corps specific, while I agree there is an infantry machismo that won't be going away any time soon. Recon mares wear two badge, not thre, not four and definitely not five. They are bright and shiny, so you are right to call them bling...but the Marines have historically dressed down the camoflauge uniform, and I hope you agree on this, the Army has dresses up the ACU. Your thoughts?
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
SFC Michael Hasbun the pecking order or chest thumping still occurs...every service has it.
Can an Army dog honeatly answer this. Is it SF, Ranger Bat, Infantry, Aviation, and everyone else?
Can an Army dog honeatly answer this. Is it SF, Ranger Bat, Infantry, Aviation, and everyone else?
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I didn't like it when they went to name tapes either. Apparently for the benefit of some officers so they would be cool at news conferences.
Walt
Walt
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LCpl Douglas Landrith Jr
I agree sir the addition of name tapes sucked and made us more like the Army. :(
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I was a prior service Marine for 11 years as a MP and CID agent. I've now been in the Guard for 10 years. Aside from the ribbon rack, the only thing I truly carry over from the Marines is military bearing and presence. I later earned a CAB and a CIB, but those were just things earned over time and through experience. I joined the guard when I was 43 years old, and was never invited to, or inclined to attend Air Assault or Airborne schools.
When I joined the Guard, no one really cared I was a prior service Marine: all they cared about was how good of a Soldier I was and how I integrated into the company.
I've been married 3 times and divorced twice, but what good it is to look backwards? I don't need a badge or patch to show how I learned from those experiences. Same goes for having attended the Parris Island School for Boys (and girls).
Drink water. Change your socks!
S/F
When I joined the Guard, no one really cared I was a prior service Marine: all they cared about was how good of a Soldier I was and how I integrated into the company.
I've been married 3 times and divorced twice, but what good it is to look backwards? I don't need a badge or patch to show how I learned from those experiences. Same goes for having attended the Parris Island School for Boys (and girls).
Drink water. Change your socks!
S/F
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Some guys get the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor tattooed on their arm. But, we all get it tattooed on our souls. That's good enough for me, Marine!
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And vice-versa -- for all services! It's pride and it's part of your qualifications. Why would anyone "down-vote" this idea? Sure, you're in a different branch, but why not have at least some indication of prior, other-branch service?
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CPT (Join to see)
I have seen some that look down on tabs. Of course they don't them. They don't like it that those with more training are picked over they are for promotions and opportunities. It kills me they do this. It is only because they don't have one.
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Why a tab? Why not let Marines who are serving in other branches wear their EGAs?
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I'm sure there's a fair share of people qualified to wear these tabs !!
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Sgt Patrick Carron
That's funny right there SSgt. We used to always joke about having a light duty chit laminated for those who never took part in any of the runs or humps that we were subjected to. Oh well...their loss!!
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