Military tartans

[Verlyn]

GatorUK, there's actually 3 Navy tartans. You forgot the SeaBees. They also have a nice looking tartan.

[GatorUK]

The main difference in the regimental tartans and the US military tartans is that the regimental tartans are part of the uniform. The only times US military tartans are part of a uniform is if they are either worn by a pipe band or have been authorized for wear for a special event. For instance, when I was stationed in the UK. CINUCNAVEUR authorized the Navy tartan to be worn with the mess dress uniform for the Navy Day Ball.

The US military tartans mainly commemorate the services. If I saw a Royal Navy sailor sporting a kilt of the Navy Edzell tartan I would feel honored. It would be obvious that he has a respect for his sea service brothers in the US Navy. Likewise for say a Royal Marine to wear a USMC tartan. I would see it as him or her honoring the special relationship US and UK forces have.

As for a civilian wearing the Navy tartan, since it is special to me. I would again feel honored that they chose it. That they felt some connection to the sea service as long as they were not claiming false service. Anyone that is going to spend that much on a kilt is normally going to have a very good reason to pick a particular tartan. Even if they picked for no other reason than they liked the design, they will almost undoubtably learn some of the history of the tartan and have respect for it's origin.

Now, official military uniform or insignia is a different matter entirely. My Dad was a 27 yr Marine Corps veteran. Most people would not have a problem with me wearing the Leatherneck tartan to honor his service. I would not, however display an Eagle Globe and Anchor insignia because that says "I am a Marine" just as much as wearing a Dress Blue tunic. Likewise I don't like seeing civilians wearing a Navy Peacoat with insignia still on it or some clown wearing a hat with an officers crest or chiefs insignia. You never see anyone buying army jackets, peacoats, etc., wearing them with pride or the way they were intended to be worn. Gentlemen for the most part, from what I have seen personally and from this formum, wear a traditional tartan kilt with pride, whatever the tartan may be.

[Kilts_Knave]

D.I., what's that?

Drill Instructor

[GatorUK]

Didn't forget about the SeaBees, but have never seen a claim that the SeaBee was -THE- unofficial official Navy tartan and like the Leatherneck tartan there is no ambiguity as to just who that tartan is for. I have always seen it as either the SeaBee tartan or USN SeaBee. Of late you see the Edzell advertised as the US Navy tartan without the Edzell designation.

[Riverkilt]

If my brief Cold War career with the USMC had been more distinguished I might consider a Marine Corps tartan. But, since I was pretty much a bust out, somehow emerging with an Honorable Discharge, I'm happy to just wear camo kilts and t shirts.

I do have my father's 346th Fighter Squadron patch on my black UK workman's and his brother, my uncle Don's 45th Infantry patch on my basil survival to honor their service.

And, on Veteran's Day I don my Union Civil War garb and march in honor of my great great grandfather's service.

I've been known to knock around in a replica WWI jacket with a WWI rainbow service ribbon in honor of my Great Uncle Charles who served in France.

And I like pea coats so have a fashion one, not authentic. Back as a kid in NROTC I loved the bridge coats and as an adult I have a Navy Officer's bridge coat with no insignia that I wear in winter weather.

All from honor and respect.

Ron

[GatorUK]

River...in my book you have distinguished yourself by serving with honor. There are 8 yards of USMC tartan out there somewhere with your name on it.

[Prester John]

Riverkilt

I agree with Gator...thanks for your service to our country. Some of us really care and appreciate that you did.

If/when you take the plunge for the Leatherneck tartan, be sure and post us, and don't forget a picture!

[davedove]

You served honorably Ron. That's what counts. You don't have to be in combat to serve. I put my three years in the Army with a couple of years in the reserves, and I still serve as a civilian in the Medical Research Command. I figure if something I do contributes to a product that results in just one less flag covered coffin, I have made a difference. I will wear my Army tartan with pride, even though I never faced combat.

[Riverkilt]

Thanks guys...I don't know what Chesty would say about that....I didn't get into any fire fights until I was a kid cop during the late 60s...fortunately, in those pre-vest days I was up against crooks with as bad of aim as mine...no blood drawn on either side.

I am proud of my service...just pales before the Marines who went to Viet Nam, Panama, Iraq x2 et.al.

I've seen some wool kilts in the Marine Corps tartan and it sure looks a LOT better than the poly stuff. Deeper, richer tones in the wool.

Ron

[Mike n NC]

Of late you see the Edzell advertised as the US Navy tartan without the Edzell designation.

The problem here is that the Polaris tartan is not a production tartan. I ran into this when I ordered my kilt from Alexis Malcolm and didn't want to pay an additional 20 (or more) dollars per yard and then wait on the "special" production. The Edzell looks just fine with my submarine service kilt pin.

Mike