USMCGrunt -> (2/14/2001 12:43:00 PM)
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quote:
Originally posted by JW:
Two questions for the folks on this particular thread.
First, I heard something on the news today about a new USMC battle dress-type uniform being designed and issued, supposedly high-tech, state-of-the-art, ergonomically correct, etc. What's up with that?
Second, what do you Army folks think of the beret thing, that is, the decision that all soldiers will wear a beret? Personally speaking, I think it is a terrible decision. I have great respect for the people currently authorized to wear a beret, and since I'm not one of them, I would have no desire to wear one. If I were still on active duty, I wouldn't like it, and as a retired officer I think it is a bad idea. I think it is a cheap gimmick, just like the crappy "An Army of One" commercials. Comments?
Being a former Marine, I have to say that I'm probably not the best to comment on the beret topic, but I just have to put my 2 cents in. When it comes to the army (he's about to stick his foot in it now) I think there's just a little too much individualism going on. The army already has so many signifiers for individual unit types (badges, berets, unit patches, etc) that you begin to wonder just what is up. My opinion is, a uniform should be just that.... UNIFORM. I think the USMC has it right. With the exception of the officer's dress blue uniform, all ranks and units in the Marines are identical. There is no derivation between units because we are all Marines. The only derivation we have is personal or unit awards, marksmanship badges, and any special qualification badges such as jump wings, air crew, EOD, Presidential detail, or SCUBA cert. It dosen't matter what unit you're with, you're a Marine. I think the army spends way too much time trying to figure out who is better than who. One phrase sticks in my mind on the matter, "It sure is pretty, but is it war?"
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USMCGrunt
-When it absolutely, positively, has to be destroyed overnight.
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