To the Navy members.... What is your opinion of Red vs. Gold Service Stripes?

In the Navy today(well at least as of 10 years ago) the chiefs mess threw everyone under the bus that was not E7+. Luckily that never happened to me(one and done, E5 in 2, they literally made me test for E6 even though I would be out before results were out). I saw them trying to get kids in trouble for the same things that the chiefs probably didn’t get in trouble for because the chiefs of their junior sailor days kept discipline at the lowest level possible. Maybe that comes from the officer level holding chiefs accountable... but probably not. That being said, they sort of “teach” that red stripes after 12 means dirtbag, but from my view that is really not the case. It’s just a case of poor senior enlisted leadership culture in the Navy.

We used to have that distinction in the Coast Guard. A lot of the guys I worked for with red hash marks were people who weren’t afraid to stand up for what they believed. We had a BMC on a Station I was on with red hash marks who was also a Baptist minister!

I know a great Master Chief going on 30+ years of service wearing red. He is one of the best sailors in the Navy. He made a mistake as a very junior sailor. He over came that mistake and proudly wears rhe rocker and two stars. BZ i say!

As a Marine, all of our service stripes are the same. I don’t understand why anyone would wear a different color service stripe.

I came into the navy under the 3X6 program, instead off regular navy I was USNR, the program was 3 years active followed by 3 years inactive reserve's. (a recruiters good deal... NOT ). At the end of my first 3 years active, I tried to reup for 4 years regular navy, but because I was under contract I was only allowed to reup for 3 years. I then got out with 6 years active with no good conduct medal. I came back in after 2 years as a E-4, made Chief 7years later, but I couldn't wear gold till I had 18 years in, no mast, never in trouble, just didn't meet the regs because I listened to a recruiter when I was 18 years young.

When I saw a CPO with over 12 years and red stripes I had more respect for them and they were generally better leaders.

Had a Master Chief with 24 years and red stripes. Some little e-3 asked him how that was possible. His reply was "mast dumb ass"

It's stupid but I'm Army, we don'thave sepetate rank insigna.

Those are not free. CPO Retired and I wore them proudly

Get caught get red , get away get gold.