Tell it to the Marines!

[dfmacliam]

I feel the same way... to claim that title that was unearned.. is a sin... Those of us who served in the Marines are a special breed... different from any other service. We cherish OUR Marine Corps.. We, on this site, represent different eras..but reguardless when we served.. we are all Brothers and Sisters. We claim the Leatherneck as our tartan, it helps us show our pride in Our Marine Corps, but we understand, we share this tartan with others.. others who share the mutual respect for the Corps.. people who wish to honor the Corps, to honor a Marine, or Marines. They may been brothers, fathers, uncles, close family friends, or best friends.. ( or females as applicable).
I appreciate the fact, someone has enough respect for the Corps, to ask our opinion.. so to often, we hear.. I can do what I want.. wear what I want.. ect. I have no problem sharing a mutual respect..
But, I will not share the title I earned..that we all have earned.. the title of Marine.. we are a unique bunch.. we will always hold that title..for life..

[xena]

I was never a Marine. My country does not have Marines. However, I'll point out that the Canadian Army has always had a great relationship with the USMC, and in some points our training methodology is the same (talk to either a Marine NCO and up, or a Canadian NCO and up about the 13 principles of leadership and they both know exactly what you're talking about. Mention the same principles to a leadership rank in the US Army and you tend to get blank stares). Also, the Marine Scout Sniper Training course is based on a combination of the Canadian and British sniper courses. Lots of exchange between the CF and the USMC.

FWIW, it's not like he's asking to wear the EGA. From my understanding, that's what you guys really protect. The tartan is unofficial. IMHO, the Colonel's association with the Corps sounds like it's strongth enough to justify wearing it, just as my having been a clerk in 2RCR justifies me wearing the Black Watch tartan.

Technically, neither of us truly needs the justification, as the BW tartan is "universal", and the Leatherneck one is technically a fashion tartan. So, it being unofficial gives it the ability to apply beyond the legal boundaries of precisely who is a Marine or not.

The Colonel is not a "Walter Mitty" type whom we have to worry about. There are others out there trying to impress their fantasies on gullible people, and they wouldn't even ask before wearing stuff like this. They're the ones to worry about.

He has passed a Corps course, has worked and fought alongside you guys. It's not like his intent is disrespectful.

But, as I've mentioned, I'm not a Marine, and this is just the opinion of foreigner anyway. Take it with a grain of salt.

Adding: D'oh! I just posted this, then realized that I missed a good number of pages of dialogue! Please bear in mind that I learned all my administrative skills while working with typewriters. These silly computers mess me up sometimes! I think all my points were previously made. Please ignore my intrusion in the discussion.

[Colonel MacNeal]

Canadians aren't foreigners - they're like cousins, except you can marry them.

It's just a myth that your kids will turn out like Ike from SouthPark.

[SteveB]

Honouring the Marine Corps is a great reason to wear the Leatherneck Tartan.
I served in the U.S. Air Force. During the conflict in Southeast Asia, I served in a unit the provided direct support for a Marine unit. After returning to the States, I was sent on a six month tour of Camp LeJeune, to serve as a training instructor. The work is hard, and the days are long. During the training I was asked to be in a Marine uniform, as it was felt necessary by the command for delivering the proper message. I complied, with the request, but as soon as I was off duty, the EGA came off and the USAF went on. For both the war effort and the training effort, I have two plaques on display in my home with the EGA on top, but clearly written is my name followed by my branch of service - U.S.A.F.
I choose to not wear the Leatherneck Tartan, as I would not want anyone to think I was a Marine. I have fought beside and trained with the Marines, but I still am not a Marine. I have a very high level of respect for the Corps from being involved with a few of their operations. The Corps is simply amazing.