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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?
Infantry
Awards
Military History
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 67
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Now I remember why I rarely come to this site. A simple, honest question turns into a dick-measuring contest.
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SPC (Join to see)
I've seen a fair bit of that, but I've gotten some good comments and a few history lessons as well.
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It's earned, it should be worn no matter where you go, just like airborne or aviation wings or the pathfinders badge
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Keep it as it is. The Infantry earned it, and other for specialties to want something similar makes them look like wannabes.
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SPC Michael Mead
Uh, there are? Didn't know that. But then, I don't know what the significance of the blue cord is anyway. I'm just a dumb tanker, ya know...
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SGT Richard H.
SPC Michael Mead - I've heard the same thing a PV2 Robert Benjamin regarding other colors...even yellow cords for DATs...but only for wear at unit level and not an authorized part of the uniform.
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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.
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SPC (Join to see)
Definitely agree with you there Sir, tradition is an important thing in the Army. That's why I started this discussion and others like it. We have a rich history, and a lot of Soldiers don't seem to know it or care to learn it. At least from what I've seen so far. I enjoy history and I figured why not learn what I can.
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CPT (Join to see)
That's good. I'm a Cavalryman by trade, but I command an Infantry Delta Company. I have no problem with the Infantry customs and courtesies. I just wish I was able to retain the right to wear my Stetson and Spurs regardless of my unit and position. I broke bones and bled for both of them. I also believe an Infantryman should retain the right to wear that blue cord and discs regardless of his unit and position.
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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.
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SPC (Join to see)
I imagine similar to the days of banners and wearing certain colored uniforms or wearing feathers on a cap or helmet as we marched onto the field.
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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
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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.
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.
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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.
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SPC (Join to see)
Agreed, though I being a POG myself I don't have an issue with the CAB. I do have an issue if it is awarded improperly. If you engaged the enemy, sure. If you were hit by an IED, sure. If you were within perimeter of an explosion, sure. If you were in the rear of the convoy to the point where a flying pebble couldn't touch you, you shouldn't have gotten it.
Also I didn't know Cav had Silver and Gold Spurs, I knew you had Spurs but didn't know you had different versions. I hope you guys never get rid of that, it's a good tradition. I think traditions like these add to the military in ways that only those who were there will truly appreciate or understand.
Also I didn't know Cav had Silver and Gold Spurs, I knew you had Spurs but didn't know you had different versions. I hope you guys never get rid of that, it's a good tradition. I think traditions like these add to the military in ways that only those who were there will truly appreciate or understand.
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