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

When I was a young private in the late 80's, my NCOs told me, if you didn't have an Article 15 in your file and demoted at least once, you weren't doing something right. Obviously, back then it was easy to bounce back with hard work and humility. Today, I wouldn't give that advice. Any bad mark can kill your career. As far as the gold and red? I go back to my old NCOs manta. The guy screwed up somewhere along the way. He apparently paid his dues. If it was really serious, he wouldn't be here. Its not up to me to judge him again. As long as his honest with me, hard working, and keeps his nose clean, what do I care what he did. Just better make sure those stripes are on straight.

I got to wear gold service stripes while I was in. It looked nice. I had a couple of senior Petty Officers that were the red ones along the way. I'm the kind of person that usually gives people the benefit of dought. If I don't know their whole story I
have the same respect for them as I do anyone else until the prove me wrong.

It's easy to get labeled "dirt bag" over over mistake. Years of good service go out the window in a flash. If a Sailor can still hold
his or her self up and still wear a sharp uniform in spite if red service stripes then he or she earns some respect there.

I knew an HM1 who was a damn good guy and d knew his stuff. He told stories based on which time he got what rank. Example: this one time, I just got third class for the second time........

The only
Meaning to the stripes is time in service and should just stay that way. In the corps it’s a ribbon that you add stars to. Same thing. What counts is your rank and your leadership skills.

Doesn’t mean he is a bad Saolor. Should not be judged by that.

More first exposure to this was my first exposure to the Navy, while at Bootcamp one of the “CC’s” had JUST had his gold taken away, before we got there, and made it his mission to take it out on us.

I always had some extra admiration for those who got busted for something or another but still stuck with it.

We don't have Red/Gold in the Army, but as a 5x article 15 recipient

In the AF you screw up you do not get a Good Conduct Ribbon for that 3 year period. Experienced Members can "read your ribbons" and. Tell if you have had a lapse in good behavior during your career.

As a Marine and as a civilian employee of the Navy, I have known Petty Officers and Chief who had both. A Chief Petty Officer with red stripes tended to be more understanding of subordinates that make MINOR infractions.
Gold stripes were viewed as kiss assess. More likely to send you to mast for minor infractions.