Thank you all for your responses. Original question is in description field. Also thanks to those who took the time to read why I inquired.

2016-02-01T20:08:50-05:00

"Should prior service Marines that transfer to another branch or join the Guard be allowed to wear an 8 point cover in cammies?"

Good Evening,

The reason I am asking is because I have seen 8 points in Army ACU and Multicam for sale. I have seen pictures of service members (I am assuming in the guard) wearing them. I was not sure if they were legitimate or not.

As a Marine I have great pride having earned that title, however my dream and motivation has always been to be an aviator. Due to personal and family reasons, my best possible option to fly is outside of the Marine Corps. I am currently applying to the Army Warrant Officer Flight Program so I thought it would be prudent to learn the orders on cross-service uniform items.

I was not sure if there were certain things that carried over when an individual has served in more than one branch. I know that certain ribbons carry over. I have seen prior service soldiers graduate Marine Boot Camp with their Army Service ribbons. I have a friend who earned the Parachutist badge in Air Force ROTC in college, but did not finish it out and was able to wear his jump wings in his Marine uniform because it was a Joint badge. I have seen Army soldiers that served with a joint unit of Marines wear a patch that had the Eagle Globe and Anchor on it. I know that is slightly different, but I just wanted to hear it from professionals with more experience than myself.

Thank you all who have answered. Your knowledge and experience is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
LCpl Noah Cecconi

Response by 1SG David Niles made Feb 1 at 2016 8:09 PM

2016-02-01T20:09:59-05:00

No, they could join the marine reserves if they want to wear marine uniform

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 8:21 PM

2016-02-01T20:21:10-05:00

You use the cover that your unit uses rangers, cav, army use the cover of the unit not were you came from. what would you think of an old army guy to have an army cover in a marine formation. it would not go over well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 8:25 PM

2016-02-01T20:25:04-05:00

Nope. I'm not sure of they teach uniformity in the Marines now a days. But if you're in the army you should wear the appropriate army uniform. I have worn a maroon beret in the past. Once I left an airborne unit I stopped wearing it. There is nothing special about being a prior service marine in the army. It goes the same way for a prior service soldier in the Marines. I see this asked over and over again various ways. Your just as special as everyone else. If you want one so bad you can always stay in the Marines. The army shouldn't try to accommodate such situations.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Feb 1 at 2016 8:36 PM

2016-02-01T20:36:40-05:00

No, you wear the uniform of your branch you are in. I went from the Army to the Air Guard, never once did I consider wearing any part of my Army uniform.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 1 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-02-01T20:47:04-05:00

People would want to beat you up.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-02-01T20:47:06-05:00

Sure, when ex-navy guys that join the guard can wear that little cape in their uniform.haha...just kidding

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 8:52 PM

2016-02-01T20:52:02-05:00

No, plain and simple. As a prior service Marine, the service member (SM) WILL adopt the uniform regulations of their new service. If the SM voluntarily leaves the Marine Corps to join another branch, they should and must respect the branch they join versus trying to bring the Marine Corps to their new branch. If it is that important, the SM should never have left.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Feb 1 at 2016 8:54 PM

2016-02-01T20:54:31-05:00

No. If you want to wear a Marine uniform then I suggest you stay in the Marines.

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Feb 1 at 2016 8:56 PM

2016-02-01T20:56:21-05:00

As a retired Marine I can appreciate the motivation and pride in earning the title, but must say it's an unrealistic thought to even consider. There are uniform guidelines and rules for each branch of service that must be respected and followed. The Marine Corps does not allow those who are say "Ranger" or "Pathfinder" qualified wear there devices in a Marine Corps uniform (even if earned as a Marine) per uniform regulations, so the same adherence to our sister service regs must be followed with the same respect. In the end, we are all "defenders of freedom" no matter which uniform we wear. There is no other recognition needed.

Response by CPO Tim Dickey made Feb 1 at 2016 9:33 PM

2016-02-01T21:33:03-05:00

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member, I wore my 8 point cover while deployed to AFG. There are certain things that may never be authorize, like 8 points or ball caps, but usually don't cause an issue when wore properly.

Response by SPC Michael Ferguson made Feb 1 at 2016 9:39 PM

2016-02-01T21:39:18-05:00

The branch anyone transfer to is the only uniform the represent. I do know some medals can be displayed on other branches uniforms. When cleared to do so

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 9:56 PM

2016-02-01T21:56:55-05:00

No, they must adhere to the uniform of the new branch they are currently serving in.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 10:46 PM

2016-02-01T22:46:16-05:00

Your ribbons, your haircut, your bearing, and your attitude is enough. Believe me, I know. Soldiers peg me for a Marine all the time. Also, your tagged soon as you ask where the head is.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 1 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-02-01T22:52:50-05:00

Professional soldiers take pride in their uniforms... just like Marines. Don't confuse the two.

Response by Sgt David Sylvia made Feb 1 at 2016 11:04 PM

2016-02-01T23:04:18-05:00

I don't know for sure, but I think the Navy is the only service other than the USMC to wear 8 point covers, & they only wear MARPAT when assigned to a Marine unit (i.e. Medical personnel). The AF has the tigerstripe cammies & I've only ever seen the oval Army style covers on AF bases. The Army utility covers are oval shaped also.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 1 at 2016 11:15 PM

2016-02-01T23:15:07-05:00

No, you wear the uniform of the service you are in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 11:41 PM

2016-02-01T23:41:20-05:00

Stupidest question on the day. No, you leave the marines you leave the cover. You wear the headgear of your service FFS.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Feb 1 at 2016 11:45 PM

2016-02-01T23:45:50-05:00

Only if you join the Navy, since the Navy Working Uniform has an 8 point cover. Otherwise wear the cover you are issued.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 12:55 AM

2016-02-02T00:55:20-05:00

If I switch from the Air Force to the Marines, can I bring my per diem and chow halls with me?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 1:48 AM

2016-02-02T01:48:23-05:00

Of course devil dog lets just change the uniform standard to caiter to you. Marines man and their over inflated egos you all are not special at all. I mean how could you even think that would be ok lol.

So if I joined the marines could I still wear my blue cord signifying that I was a qualified infantryman.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 1:59 AM

2016-02-02T01:59:43-05:00

No, only thing that carries over are most awards (including some badges). Best of luck to you with the Warrant Packet and flight school.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 3:37 AM

2016-02-02T03:37:26-05:00

Absolutely not.
I wouldn't try it, either. You won't make it ten paces outside at WOBC before someone jumps your $#!t.
Nobody is taking the Corps away from you. Wear your medals proudly.
But keep the 8-point hanging on the hook.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Feb 2 at 2016 3:45 AM

2016-02-02T03:45:07-05:00

Those pics you saw were during times of uniform chaos. When the services went their own ways with camouflage. Many augmentees were wearing 8 points because whatever branch they were attached to didn't have enough gear or their parent branch was just as confused. I wore 8 points in the AF (briefly) while attached to the Army, until big blue decided on the correct uniform. Eventually we went with Army gear until the Air Force got up to speed. Personally I found it blasphemous. The Marine in me cringed wearing one without the Eagle, Globe and Anchor and big blue finally decided the DCU cap followed by ABUs as the correct measure. Awards and decs are the only things allowed for prior service Marines to carry over...although I'm sure I could've worn my marksmanship badges and no one would've said a thing hahaha. Besides ACU/ABU 8-points just look wonky. A affront to the natural order.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 6:14 AM

2016-02-02T06:14:44-05:00

It's a Marine cover and should stay that way. I have never seen anyone wear one in the Guard.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Feb 2 at 2016 7:43 AM

2016-02-02T07:43:15-05:00

Unless it is an authorized part of the other branches uniforms then the answer is no. Each branch has its own regulations covering the wear and appearance of its uniforms and the components of each different uniform, can't just run around wearing what we would like, think of the chaos that would ensue man!!! lol

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Feb 2 at 2016 8:14 AM

2016-02-02T08:14:47-05:00

Prior service Marines who transfer to the Navy do, because the Navy does, anyway. That's without the EGA, or course. Otherwise, if I am in the Navy and I transfer to the Army, should I still be allowed to wear my Service Dress Blues? Silly question, LCpl.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Feb 2 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-02-02T11:17:07-05:00

You must be pretty young to think something like this matters. You want to go Army, you dress like the Army. You might get to wear some of your functional badges and your ribbons, but really? Concentrate on what you want to do, not the hat you will wear.

Response by Col Randy Hagan made Feb 2 at 2016 1:06 PM

2016-02-02T13:06:33-05:00

I appreciate the dedication that Devil Dogs bring and honor their heritage. However, when they CHOOSE to transfer to another Service, regardless of reason, they MUST become uniform within that Service. So, I would not support allowing them to wear the 8-pt hat in the other Service's uniform. I believe the transferee left that option behind when s/he departed the Corps.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 1:35 PM

2016-02-02T13:35:17-05:00

Hell no.

Response by SrA Paul Pfeil made Feb 2 at 2016 1:54 PM

2016-02-02T13:54:15-05:00

Put your 8 point hat up on your pride wall and display it with your sward. Follow the regulations like a good soldier does, suck it up and move on. How dare you disgrace your code, your fellow Marines, and your future brothers in the Army. Perhaps if you feel the need to whine you should just get out.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 1:58 PM

2016-02-02T13:58:48-05:00

Wearing a Marine cover with an Army uniform would be like playing on a college football team but wearing your high school letterman's jacket. No matter how proud you are of your high school, you just don't do it. There comes a time to just move on. ;)

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-02-02T14:03:08-05:00

This is the second post I have read about prior service Marines wanting to transfer to the Army or another branch and retain part of the Marine uniform. One prior service Marine even posted about the Army adding a 'Marine tab' like the Ranger or Sapper tab.

My question is if you are so entrenched in being a Marine, why not remain a Marine? Otherwise, let it go.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Feb 2 at 2016 2:52 PM

2016-02-02T14:52:10-05:00

No.

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made Feb 2 at 2016 3:45 PM

2016-02-02T15:45:06-05:00

Bud, as a prior service Marine who went to the Army all I can say is "you made your choice". Uniforms are different in different services. Why is this even a question?

Response by TSgt Frederick Horne made Feb 2 at 2016 4:29 PM

2016-02-02T16:29:46-05:00

No. If being a Marine is important to you then when your contract with the Marines is coming to an end fill out the appropriate re-enlistment paperwork. If you decide to move onto another branch of service you have willingly made the decision to leave the Marine Corp. If you have buyer's remorse after getting out of the Marines and joined another service beg the Marine's to take you back after your contract is up. If you made the choice to leave the Marines, learn to live with the consequences of that action.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 2 at 2016 4:43 PM

2016-02-02T16:43:59-05:00

Let me turn that around: If a paratrooper, Ranger or Special Operator transferred to the Marines, should they be allowed to wear their beret? If a member outside of the Naval services is wearing an 8 point cover, they are either a) ignorant of either the Army or Air Force uniform regs or b) not in the military (some police depts. may wear the 8pt cover).

Now as to carry-over decorations, some things carry over some don't. Personal achievement awards carry over always (ie NAVCOM, MSM, BSM, etc). Campaign medals carry over. If you are authorized permanent wear of unit awards, they carry over (just worn in a different place for Army). Some service specific ribbons don't. Skill badges carry over for the most part, unless there is a service equivalent that can be worn instead (ie jump wings).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 6:20 PM

2016-02-02T18:20:02-05:00

Component uniforms are uniform for a reason. Try to imagine the logistical impact of all the variations...

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Feb 2 at 2016 8:12 PM

2016-02-02T20:12:32-05:00

As always (and as it should be), the senior NCOs have the best advice on this type of question. God bless you all, keeping it together for 200+ years.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 3 at 2016 12:37 AM

2016-02-03T00:37:40-05:00

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member Absolutely not allowed! (You could carry a 'cover' for very discreet wear, after hours at extremely casual functions--- and ready to immediately put a proper US Army cover on your haid!

Response by Cpl Oscar Deleon made Feb 3 at 2016 4:54 AM

2016-02-03T04:54:39-05:00

Just get a motto tattoo. That way you will always be reminded where you came from. Arahh !!

Response by SSG Bill Coggin made Feb 3 at 2016 1:24 PM

2016-02-03T13:24:00-05:00

Definitely NO! That would be the same as me wanting to wear my maroon beret "because I earned it in the Army" after joining the Marines. Ever see a Marine with a maroon beret? Not gonna happen.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Feb 3 at 2016 3:36 PM

2016-02-03T15:36:49-05:00

Honestly, I have to wonder why you are even asking... If you want to identify with Marines, you have to be one... in every way.

Response by LtCol Mac McCarty made Feb 3 at 2016 10:25 PM

2016-02-03T22:25:41-05:00

I agree with what everyone here has said--you dance with the one what brung you. And for the prior service Marines, I remember a Reader's Digest Humor in Uniform story back in the 50s about the Honor Graduate from Army OCS who was asked by his CO "To what do you attribute your fine performance in OCS?" "Four years in the Marine Corps, Sir," the new Lieutenant replied.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 4 at 2016 12:18 AM

2016-02-04T00:18:23-05:00

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 4 at 2016 12:37 AM

2016-02-04T00:37:01-05:00

I'm disappointed in the overly tactless responses to what appears to have been an honest question from someone seeking "expert opinions" offered by RallyPoint.

Kudos for how you framed the question LTJG Private RallyPoint Member, and for how you have responded to the answers. Perhaps checking the regulations first next time, and if there is not clarity in them citing that and calling on people's experience to amplify written references might improve the outcome.

You're a Marine, once and always, but you can also be a Soldier. My father in law spent one enlistment in the Corps in Vietnam and rose to the rank of Cpl. He then joined the Army, deployed to the Gulf and retired as a First Sergeant. Do you think he calls himself a Marine or a Soldier first?

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Feb 4 at 2016 2:12 AM

2016-02-04T02:12:11-05:00

You can still wear it!!! Yes!!!! On your free time when you make your own OpOrds

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 1:34 PM

2016-02-05T13:34:10-05:00

Be proud of the branch you are in.
Wear the uniform properly.
AR 670-1
Follow the regs

Response by LCpl Jason Keiser made Jan 31 at 2019 1:19 PM

2019-01-31T13:19:25-05:00

No, you leave it you lose it.

Response by Sgt Jackson Phelps made Jan 31 at 2019 5:42 PM

2019-01-31T17:42:41-05:00

I think it'd be nice to be able to do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 7:50 PM

2019-01-31T19:50:27-05:00

As a prior Marine and retired Soldier, I had often thought I would like some form of device that set me apart from the others and showed everyone I was a Marine. Then I got over it and taught my Soldiers to be as mentally and physically tough, like Marines. The covers are probably AF, and around WW2 everyone wore 8pt covers. The hat doesn't make you special what's on the inside does, do and always be your best.

Response by CSM Lynn Chrisman made Jan 31 at 2019 9:39 PM

2019-01-31T21:39:25-05:00

The uniform is just one of the tools used to build pride and unit cohesion. It’s never about the individual but unit

Response by SSG Matt Buck made Feb 1 at 2019 6:24 AM

2019-02-01T06:24:34-05:00

I don’t see any problem with it at all. Show up to WOC school with it and set the standard.