What is the history of the Blue Cord?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 21:56:12 -0400

Currently the only Cord authorized for wear is the Infantry Blue Cord, but I have seen evidence that other Branches/Corps also had their own Cord at one time. Why is the Infantry Cord the only one we have now? What is its importance to Infantrymen today?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 9:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 21:57:13 -0400

I am pretty sure the Infantry earned the bike cord and disc during the Korean War if I'm not mistaken.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 28 at 2017 10:00 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 22:00:40 -0400

Most all of the other than the infantry cords, were foreign awards to specific Units from WWi and WWii... the 82nd is one example . ad the Selected members of the White House Staff used to Have a gold cord...

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 28 at 2017 10:25 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 22:25:09 -0400

I think the cord should stay Infantry only, specifically because of the hardships of the MOS and the expectations of those that serve in the MOS. Yes it is important even today.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 10:35 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 22:35:25 -0400

It's one of many little things each community has to try to make itself feel special. I don't tend to put stock in it.

Response by SSG Lyle O'Rorke made Mar 28 at 2017 10:38 PM

SSG Lyle O'Rorke — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 22:38:29 -0400

Not that I was infantry but yes while they have earned their MOS. A cord displaying it is like a participation award. Do a at with it. They have their branch insignia.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 29 at 2017 12:07 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 00:07:49 -0400

The Fifth and Sixth Marine Regiments are entitled to wear the Fourragere as awarded by France for their distinguished service during WWI. I would hate to see a general issue as it would tend to cheapen the significance.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 12:21 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 00:21:07 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infantry_Blue_Cord

Infantry Blue Cord - Wikipedia

The Infantry Blue Cord is a United States Army decoration worn over the right shoulder of all qualified U.S. Army infantrymen. It is a fourragere in light blue ("Infantry Blue") worn under the right shoulder and under the right epaulette of a U.S. Army infantryman's Class A dress green or dress blue uniform jacket or Class B shirt. The cord is composed of a series of alternating left and right half knots that are tied around a leader cord to...

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Mar 29 at 2017 5:43 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 05:43:21 -0400

The 3rd ID has that same cord

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 7:24 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 07:24:54 -0400

The blue discs, EIB, CIB, and blue cord were specifically designed to bolster pride and esprit de corps in the toughest job in the Army outside of SOF. While I didn't always wear the blue cord ( I was a tanker previously) I think it's an important part of our heritage. Instead of attempting to hijack a long established tradition, why can't other career fields find their own traditions? Giving each branch it's own cord would cheapen the overall effect. There is only one other cord currently authorized that I'm aware of, which is the one worn by General's Aides.

Something else worth mentioning is that the blue cord is an organizational decoration not an award. An Infantryman assigned to a non-Infantry unit is no longer authorized to wear their cord. An Infantryman who reclasses to a different MOS, even if they stay in the same unit, is likewise no longer authorized to wear their cord. It's my goal to never take mine off.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Mar 29 at 2017 8:06 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 08:06:19 -0400

So, some Field Artillery Units I served with wear a RED CORD, like SALUTE BATTERY or when I was in 1-15 FA in KOREA we wore a red cord for awhile because of the history of the unit. SO I think all units should wear some type of cord. I think we all have some kind of Greek or Roman STAINT that we honor we all should have a cord as well, I have mine in my shadow box at home. PONIT TAKEN!

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 29 at 2017 9:45 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 09:45:28 -0400

I think this should be an infantry only sort of thing. Perhaps, I am biased because at one time I wore one. Grunts have a pretty crappy job, so I think it is good that they have something unique to them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 10:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 10:11:25 -0400

join the infantry and you'll understand

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Mar 29 at 2017 11:11 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 11:11:18 -0400

Sourced from a couple of sites ...
During the Korean War General “Lightning Joe” Collins, Chief of Staff for the Army, asked a group of advisors what could be done to enhance the morale of the fighting Infantryman. It was decided that they would receive special insignia, so that everyone would know that the soldier was an Infantryman who would be fighting on the front lines.
A light-blue cord was created to be worn over the right shoulder of both officers and enlisted men. Also, light-blue plastic disks were issued to be placed behind the metal “crossed rifles” Infantry branch of service insignia disks. The new enhancements were first worn by the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”).
The light-blue cord and disks became standard for all Infantrymen in 1952. Although some other service branches adopted colored plastic disks for their branch insignia (e.g., red for Artillery, yellow for Cavalry) the blue shoulder cord is unique to the Infantry.

End cite.

Currently the only MOS/branch unique items authorized by regulation the Infantry cords and discs. Wear is authorized for Soldiers with Infantry MOS' serving in Infantry slots(Recruiters being an exception here).

Other "cords" are unit awards awarded by foreign nations(France, Belgiun, The Netherlands, RVN etc) known as Fourrageres(or Lanyard in the case of the Netherlands) some of which are authorized for temporary wear by members of the units to which they were awarded. Another example of "cords" are aguilettes worn to identify aides to General Officers and certain civilian members of the Executive Branch. Neither of these items are Branch or MOS specific.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 29 at 2017 12:18 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 12:18:53 -0400

I can only say that I was proud to wear the Infantry Blue Cord over fifty years ago,it was instilled in us by our Infantry Officers and NCOs to be proud of our profession,seen by some as dumb grunts and cannon fodder,but in reality people willing and able to do the the dirtiest,dangerous work in our Country's defense ,all these years later I'm proud to have worn it.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 29 at 2017 2:39 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 14:39:52 -0400

Those aren't the only shoulder cords worn in the Army. Some units wear foreign unit awards represented by shoulder cords (the French Fourragere, for example), certain aids wear gold shoulder cords, etc...

Expand this to the other branches, and you'll see shoulder cords are rather common, especially ceremonial ones and those used in school houses. For example, the coveted blue cord, when worn by Air Force personnel, indicates students in positions dealing with SHARP related matters..

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 29 at 2017 11:12 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 23:12:28 -0400

There once was a Smurf with a rope. He climbed the rope over and over again until he bled. His Smurfy blood stained the rope. Gargamel caught the exhausted Smurf and stole his rope. The Smurf was saved by a police raid. Gargamel was given a choice, jail or the infantry. Gargamel chose the infantry. He passed basic with flying colors and was allowed to adorn his uniform with the Smurf Rope, now known as the blue cord, the end.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Mar 31 at 2017 12:09 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 12:09:31 -0400

Not entirely true. Only Job related cord. is more accurate.

Response by SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc made Apr 1 at 2017 1:10 AM

SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 01:10:57 -0400

Lets put this into perspective for all the naysayers who think the Infantry Blue Cord is just that....a cord. When I did this it was in 2010, but I found out that at that time there were a total of 504,000 Soldiers in the Army. Of that number there were 36,000 of us (Infantry). Which put into context just what does the Infantry mean. In other words if you were not Infantry then you were supporting us. Much like a jock strap. It is the Infantry who will go where the fighting is, it is the Infantry who will stay until the fight is won and it is the Infantry that will assault, take, defend and hold any land.

So before people go off on a tangent about changing our heritage to demean our es sprite de corps or undermine what the Infantry Cord means to us. Put your big boy pants on grab a 120lb ruck, get in formation and be prepared to push your body to limits you never thought possible. Anything less does not coincide with our everyday life. Remember "Grunt" is a term we use among each other lovingly but Grunt also means having the intestinal fortitude to overcome and endure any obstacle.

Response by Sgt Joseph Baker made Apr 1 at 2017 1:28 AM

Sgt Joseph Baker — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 01:28:23 -0400

How many people notice the blue chord? When I look at a soldier's uniform I find myself blinded by all the glittery stuff. Am I right Leathernecks?! Marines came up with our own camo pattern because we couldn't afford the Army pattern which is comprised of many badges of different colors and bits of shiny metal. We just put the GEL on the pocket and spend the rest on beer!

Response by SSG Kenneth Randolph made Apr 1 at 2017 1:36 PM

SSG Kenneth Randolph — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 13:36:43 -0400

I served in the Infantry for 20 years and retired. Pror to joining the army, I wanted the toughest job available. My recruiter recommended 11X. This in 1982. Still today, I don't regret making that decision. I didn't know anything about the blue infantry cord but I knew that the rigorous ongoing training and self discipline would shape to be one of the best American fighting solder. When people see the blue infantry cord, they view that soldier quite differently from the other soldiers at times. When most soldiers graduate from basic training and AIT, they most likely discontinue regerious training once they arrive a their permanent duty assignments. Once a soldier is assigned to their permanent Infantry unit, the regerious training involving PT, road marches, and other regerious training will continue. Serving as an Infantryman for 20 years while preforming daily duties in the rain, heat, snow, cold weather is priceless because it helps to develop a soldier's mindset and enhance a soldier ability to preform above and beyond the call of duty. It stays with you for a lifetime. The infantry blue cord speaks more volume than I can ever begin to imagine.

Response by SGT Mia Mason made Apr 3 at 2017 11:57 AM

SGT Mia Mason — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 11:57:22 -0400

It is earned at Fort Benning for the completion of training, Respected by the CIB in field when earned at the unit level for development in combat and given authority for your expert knowledge skillset by EIB testing by the Senior Leadership. I know my place, and I respect that as well. It is earned not given away, thus it should stay with the infantry only not any other branch.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2017 4:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:45:25 -0400

Infantry have a tough job and if that means they have the distinguishing blue cord, then so be it. Other MOS's don't need to copy them. I've been signal and am currently an MP, don't need to copy the Infantry guys.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2017 4:51 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:51:53 -0400

The whole reason it was introduced was to destinguish front line troops from remfs back in the day so when you saw the blue chord you knew you were looking at a man who was one of the best the army had to offer. This still holds true to this day the infantry put up with way more nonsense and spend far more time away from family than most non infantry positions.

Response by CPL Kevin Smith made Sep 22 at 2017 5:17 PM

CPL Kevin Smith — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 17:17:27 -0400

Regard less if you earned the blue cord you should be able to wear it if you reclass people that go threw ranger school or special forces and they reclass get to keep their tabs and air born school so I think they need to change that plus I would never take mine off I earned it

Response by SGT Greg Stricker made Sep 22 at 2017 6:18 PM

SGT Greg Stricker — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 18:18:09 -0400

The 82nd also wears the French Forregere.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2017 6:55 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 18:55:54 -0400

The Navy has Blue "ropes" but a blue rope wants a Red rope. And there are yellow ropes candycane ropes, and white ropes. None are related to your rate. Rather to the duty you are carrying out.

Response by SFC David Tyner made Sep 22 at 2017 7:38 PM

SFC David Tyner — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 19:38:47 -0400

Those others who voted to end the cord or other branches wearing their respective colored cord never earned their Blue Cords. Yeah, I am a retired E7 11B40.

Response by SGT Kevin McCourt made Sep 22 at 2017 8:36 PM

SGT Kevin McCourt — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 20:36:42 -0400

At one time, each branch had it's own piping on the overseas cap. The infantry cord, discs came about just after WW2. They do have a tough job. If you want a cord so bad. Get a job in the 11 series. Disregard my vote. Hit the wrong button with no way to undo it. Is just wrong.

Response by CPL Richard Clark made Sep 22 at 2017 10:13 PM

CPL Richard Clark — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 22:13:10 -0400

I was Cavalry... We had our spurs, our Stetson, our red and white socks... The cord, discs, EIB/CIB is (and should be) just as important to 11 series as spurs and Stetson are to 19 series (or organizational Cav). Quit trying to be something you're not. If you're infantry, you've earned those accoutrements, wear them proudly. If you want one, reclass and go earn one...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2017 11:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 23:16:38 -0400

There are quite a few branch only traditions like the blue cord. For instance engineers get to wear special buttons on dress uniforms that are specifically designed for them. Tankers get tanker boots. Cav scouts spurs and stetson. FOs get red socks or something like that. I also forget which mos gets the special suspenders with dress uniform. Rangers get tan beret, SF get green beret. There are so many specifics that different units and branches have we just dont think about it or pay attention to it bc The Infantry is everywhere always. I for one am a avid supporter of removing patches and badges except combat badges from ACUs all together. The velcro shoulders look shitty and people only want to go to AB and AASLT to put something on the chest to feel good not bc they wanna be airborne cause if that were case they wouldnt have to give 10k away to get qualified people to got to airborne units. We need to f9cus on having pride in the Army again and the idea that we are one army not an army of 1 million individuals . We used to be an organization who got up early to shine boots and press uniforms to look spiffy the next day we took pride in representing the Army. Now we can even get a damn haircut or hang shit up so u dont look like a bag of shit when 0900 formation comes around.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2017 11:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 23:34:35 -0400

I hear that if infantrymen or infantrywomen bleed from their anus or vaginas, they can actually twist the blue cord up and absorb all the liquids.

Response by SFC Dave Beran made Sep 22 at 2017 11:53 PM

SFC Dave Beran — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 23:53:14 -0400

As far as service cords blueisthe only one I know of. At one time there was a push for yellow cavalry cord but I never saw it. There are also decoration cords such as the French and Belgium forage. Awarded to specific units that are allowed to wear them while in the unit. Unless you served during the time it was awarded for.

Response by LTC Marlen Ramirez made Sep 23 at 2017 2:42 AM

LTC Marlen Ramirez — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 02:42:35 -0400

Is SOF really more tough than serving continuosly as an Infantry Soldier? I don't think so!!! SOF is protected by high tech gadgets. SOF does not suffer through the day to day BS that an infantryman endures.

Response by PO3 Bo Hunt made Sep 23 at 2017 8:56 AM

PO3 Bo Hunt — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 08:56:12 -0400

They have the blue cord to help offset their grief of never getting their dolphins.

Couldn't resist.

Response by SGT Gary Ogden made Sep 23 at 2017 9:41 AM

SGT Gary Ogden — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 09:41:32 -0400

I see no reason that Arty, or Tankers should not have their own cord as long as it is not INFANTRY BLUE!! After all, most of those other jobs are either directly or indirectly in support of the INFANTRY. They need esprit Dr corps as well.

Response by SPC Kendall Metcalf made Sep 23 at 2017 11:26 AM

SPC Kendall Metcalf — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 11:26:13 -0400

I get it. I’m not an infantryman. I believe that only infantrymen should have the blue cords. They do have the hardest job because they are expendable. They are the front line of our fighting force. I do however think that SOME of them are Pre-Madonnas. Only in the fact they received their blue cord and never got their EIB or CIB. Those guys are the real infantry. I’m a 19 D. We do Spur rides to earn our silver Spurs ( equivalent to EIB ) Gold Spurs where earned from combat deployments ( CIB ) then the POGS created the CAB. That’s a rant in it’s self. I’m in total agreement that the Blue cord belongs to the Infantry. It’s not an easy job and they deserve their respect.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2017 2:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 14:38:40 -0400

As a Tanker, only Infantry should wear a cord. If you want a cord, join the Infantry ....don’t see what the issue is.

Response by SGT HArry Hooks made Sep 23 at 2017 3:54 PM

SGT HArry Hooks — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 15:54:29 -0400

PV2, your correct, it came about during the Korean War, History

During the Korean War General "Lightning Joe" Collins, Chief of Staff for the Army, asked a group of advisers what could be done to enhance the morale of the fighting Infantryman. It was decided that they would receive special insignia, so that everyone would know that the soldier was an Infantryman who would be fighting on the front lines.

A light-blue cord was created to be worn over the right shoulder of both officers and enlisted men. Also, light-blue plastic disks were issued to be placed behind the metal "crossed rifles" Infantry branch of service insignia disks as well as on the disc service cap insignia. The new enhancements were first worn by the 3rd US Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard"). The light-blue cord and disks became standard for all Infantrymen in 1952.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2017 4:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 16:07:36 -0400

I feel the cord should be an individual award not branch. You earned it, it should travel with u if u ever change branches or mos

Response by LCpl John White made Sep 23 at 2017 5:16 PM

LCpl John White — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 17:16:50 -0400

In the old days all branches wore them. It was for simple identification purposes. Blue=infantry gold= Calvary red=artillery. Much like the piping on trousers today. The navy and marine corps had there own versions of them too. Admittedly this was a long time ago when commanding officers basically designed their own uniforms.

Response by MAJ Luca Luca made Sep 23 at 2017 5:49 PM

MAJ Luca Luca — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 17:49:39 -0400

The reality is, unless you have Turned Blue, you never really understand. There is a long engrained history and sense of pride that has been spun down since before any of us were even a dream. We are all soldiers, but we few who proudly were directed to "Follow Me" by Iron Mike, have something special.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2017 8:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 20:30:00 -0400

Let the infantry keep their cord and let the cav keep the spurs and Stetson. Those too are a part of our tradition. It aggravated the heck out of me when I could only wear mine at Harmony Church and nowhere else.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2017 9:12 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 21:12:11 -0400

6th Mar and 5th Mar Div have their cords

Response by SPC Michael Mead made Sep 23 at 2017 9:17 PM

SPC Michael Mead — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 21:17:10 -0400

Keep it as it is. The Infantry earned it, and other for specialties to want something similar makes them look like wannabes.

Response by SGT Dale Jackson Sr. made Sep 23 at 2017 9:36 PM

SGT Dale Jackson Sr. — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 21:36:21 -0400

It's earned, it should be worn no matter where you go, just like airborne or aviation wings or the pathfinders badge

Response by SGT Reese Morgan made Sep 23 at 2017 10:59 PM

SGT Reese Morgan — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 22:59:58 -0400

Paralegal. Reclass and find out. Or your only skills will be xbox

Response by SPC Joe Currens made Sep 24 at 2017 7:50 AM

SPC Joe Currens — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 07:50:35 -0400

Are service members still allowed to wear cords awarded by foreign countries? Remember seeing guys with a German cord.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 8:11 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 08:11:53 -0400

Only 11 bravos get the blue cord. Pogs only do pt twice a day only on the pt test. Infantry does pt ever single day and run in freezing cold weather with only a shirt and shorts. Pogs cant even run across the parking lot

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 8:28 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 08:28:05 -0400

Respectfully, you can be obese as a pog, you fail weight and tape in the infantry. lol I can't describe the details, it's like your life is miserable and you get demoted to have your life miserable getting penetrated in all holes, worse than that it's like abuse wish you jump on the stairs like a butterfly setting free ahem" med boarded"

Response by SPC Andrew Craig made Sep 24 at 2017 1:06 PM

SPC Andrew Craig — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 13:06:59 -0400

Let the grunts have thier baubles, this isn't the boy scouts.

Response by SGT William Bahus made Sep 24 at 2017 6:27 PM

SGT William Bahus — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 18:27:14 -0400

Now I remember why I rarely come to this site. A simple, honest question turns into a dick-measuring contest.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2017 9:35 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 21:35:21 -0400

Because God loves the Infantry.

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Sep 26 at 2017 3:38 PM

SP5 Joel McDargh — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 15:38:42 -0400

Well hell, let's give everyone a Stetson also, NOT! Leave it as it is. As a rigger I earned my jump and rigger wings same as those who earned the blue chord of infantry. Puts me in mind of the awarding of the bronze star to desk jockeys in Vietnam. All it did was take away from what the award was originally meant for those who earned it in combat.

Response by SGT Jonathan Howe made Apr 28 at 2018 7:18 PM

SGT Jonathan Howe — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 19:18:15 -0400

We use the blue cord to strangle the Enemy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2019 12:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 12:29:24 -0400

Just like infantry artillery has a thing of its own. Its not a cord but a saint Barbara award which is worn around the neck as a red ribbon with a madallion. Like the blue cord its earned, not given out

Response by SFC Erin Barnett made Apr 26 at 2019 2:26 PM

SFC Erin Barnett — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 14:26:43 -0400

The cord should stay with the Infantry. Like it or not, infantry are the backbone of the Army. They are the ones everyone else is here to support. Post-Vietnam, they received a bad rap, but today they are high tech warriors and they are getting more sophisticated every day. The cord says they are trained; the EIB; CIB, says they have been tested. Both let us know they are ready for battle.

Response by CW4 Brian Haas made Apr 26 at 2019 3:51 PM

CW4 Brian Haas — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 15:51:53 -0400

Everyone should have chords and berets.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 26 at 2019 10:30 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 22:30:01 -0400

I remember returning home on leave and I had a position on the Base Honor Guard. I had the combination II dark Blue AF shirt.
(Same color as the Trousers).. I had an extra Honor Guard tab and sewed it near the top of the sleeve like on the Class A blouse with Rope, HG belt and corfam shoes. I got informed real quick the combination I had was not authorized as Honor Guard Uniform. The one who confronted me asked for my I.D. He shoewed his.. he was an Air Guard E-4 SGT.(it was ‘71) I thought I could pull off not showing him. My being regular AF.. So I didn’t .. and removed myself from his presence and got home . Hopefully that was the end of that.. I definitely didn’t wear that combination nor the regular one. For the rest of my leave.. I got back to my base and just kept it to myself.. I never heard no more nor confronted or asked.. When my time was up On the H.G. I turned the gear in. I went home on PCS leave before going to S.E.A. Hoping I didn’t see that SGT. again. That was short lived.. I seen him again at the Airport working a recruiting booth.. he had a rocker added. He was busy talking to a prospective. and I went on by and got to my gate.. I had a 20 minute wait.. the longest ever it seemed.. The sitrep was over.. finally we got to board.. 3-1/2 hrs to Frisco.. I went to ‘Nam . Tan Son Nhut AB, for all of ‘72 then Thailand for 1-1/2 years.. Earned the SSGT in ‘Nam before Thailand . Returned home It was like a flashback dream .. The recruiting booth was there only in a different place.. I seen the same fella there .. he had another rocker.. TSGT now. Losing some hair too...
I felt in my pocket to see if I had change.. So I looked in my wallet, found a dollar and got change at the machine.. as I was going to the pay phone s voice told me to save my money.. it was the TSGT. He let me use his phone . It was already connected to a outside line .. So I called the house and the folks came to get me..
I thanked him for use of the phone.. and went out to wait on my ride. Neither of us mentioned that sitrep almost 3 years ago.. maybe he forgot? I didn’t, it just slipped into the archives...

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Apr 26 at 2019 11:33 PM

1SG Dale Cantrell — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 23:33:02 -0400

Infrantry only

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Aug 5 at 2019 4:59 PM

CPT Tom Monahan — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 16:59:47 -0400

The cord, CIB and disk were established authorized as a retention and recruitment tool for Infantrymen. It’s a gimmick of uniform arts and crafts. One Army!

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Nov 11 at 2019 2:25 PM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 14:25:49 -0500

Wore it My 1st 4 years in the Army.

Response by MAJ John MacEnroe made Nov 11 at 2019 5:55 PM

MAJ John MacEnroe — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:55:55 -0500

Intended to vote no on all branches. Grunts only.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 11 at 2019 7:20 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 19:20:01 -0500

Keep the tradition

Response by SGT Matt Mierzejewski made Nov 11 at 2019 9:01 PM

SGT Matt Mierzejewski — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 21:01:58 -0500

I'm pretty sure I've seen (German?) marksmanship cords in green w/ medallion worn by rangers and SF who had the opportunity to earn and wear it on class A's, Circa '96 active duty army.

Response by PO1 Christine Bilyeu made Nov 12 at 2019 11:47 AM

PO1 Christine Bilyeu — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 11:47:36 -0500

My old unit 51st Inf also wore a green and red cord (I think, long time ago 71-74) awarded to the unit by the French. It was over the opposite shoulder.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Jan 4 at 2020 7:54 PM

CPT Tom Monahan — Sat, 04 Jan 2020 19:54:50 -0500

The cord, disk, and CIB were retention tools for infantrymen started in 1943.

Response by 1SG Ed Bernas made Jan 5 at 2020 12:22 AM

1SG Ed Bernas — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:22:45 -0500

The day the standards were lowered to let Fat guys, and chics “earn” blue cords, and Ranger tabs, was the same day the infantry died.

Response by 1SG Ed Bernas made Jan 5 at 2020 12:25 AM

1SG Ed Bernas — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:25:02 -0500

The day the standards were lowered to allow fat guys, and chics to “earn” a blue cord, and ranger tab, was the same day the infantry died.