Military 'complaints' about my balmoral

**hospitaller** · 10th September 08, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by georgeblack7

I think they ought to take more pride in their ranger beret, since they earned it... then take notice that it is not the same hat.

Apparently they thought I had hand sewn the wool pompom on top of it, but still, the color is darker so it still caught me by surprise.

**Highland Logan** · 10th September 08, 09:06 AM

Or maybe they knew the difference, and were just screwing with with the "odd looking" guy, and keeping you off balance by refering to how your head dress looked like theirs.

Frank

**Master K9** · 10th September 08, 09:22 AM

Being former active military service myownself, USMC...I can say that someone would run the risk of being acosted while wearing an item of clothing resembling an elite armed forces article. Understand the elites have an informal motto, "If you didn't earn it, you can't wear it."

Do the Army Rangers ever wear a Balmoral on ocassion? If so there may be a conflict.

Just sayin'..... But I've had my eye on the black'un.

**Drillagent** · 10th September 08, 09:39 AM

Well, here's my two cents worth. It's been my experience after almost 18 years in the Army (and still going) that the people who question someone's attire HAVEN'T been there/ done that. If you were in uniform, I would understand. But to be standing in obvious civilian attire, that was uncalled for. The two Soldiers you spoke to were probably either new or haven't been Rangers very long. And they either haven't been "down range" yet, or they're getting ready to go for the first time. It's the "I'm a bad *** Ranger" attitude. Real Rangers and SF operators like the guys I work with are quiet professionals. They're very good at what they do, they know they're good, and don't need to show off. You ran into what we call "PX Rangers". Guys who go and buy all the pretty stuff to put on their uniforms whether they earned it or not. Sorry for the rant, but unprofessional Soldiers really chaps by butt.

**Master K9** · 10th September 08, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by Drillagent

Well, here's my two cents worth. It's been my experience after almost 18 years in the Army (and still going) that the people who question someone's attire HAVEN'T been there/ done that. If you were in uniform, I would understand. But to be standing in obvious civilian attire, that was uncalled for. The two Soldiers you spoke to were probably either new or haven't been Rangers very long. And they either haven't been "down range" yet, or they're getting ready to go for the first time. It's the "I'm a bad *** Ranger" attitude. Real Rangers and SF operators like the guys I work with are quiet professionals. They're very good at what they do, they know they're good, and don't need to show off. You ran into what we call "PX Rangers". Guys who go and buy all the pretty stuff to put on their uniforms whether they earned it or not. Sorry for the rant, but unprofessional Soldiers really chaps by butt.

...in San Diego, or Coronado.....Likely to get yer butt kicked, if you're not a Seal, that is....

**Geoff Withnell** · 10th September 08, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Master K9

...in San Diego, or Coronado.....Likely to get yer butt kicked, if you're not a Seal, that is....

I frequently wear a black beret, whether kilted or not, (no pom-pom), and I work quite closely with a lot of US troops of various services, including a lot of spec. ops types. They are not uniform berets, but since black berets are pretty generic, there is not a lot of difference. I have found that I get more respect from a lot of the folks once they know I am not just another d#@m civilian, but a Marine veteran. On one of my berets I have an Eagle, Globe and Anchor (Marine symbol) and on another my Combat Aircrew Wings, earned in Vietnam. I wear the wings if I know I going to be working with the Air Force, since they respect wings. One day I was going to lunch with two soldiers, one a straight leg (a non-jumper, non-spec ops type), and the other a full up Spec Ops guy, Ranger stripe, Green Beret, lots of been there done that ribbons, topped by the Combat Infantry Badge. As we went outside and put on our hats, the leg suggested I was pretty bold to be wearing a beret in that company. Before I could reply, the Green Beanie (term used with great affection) said "You're pretty bold to question a Marine wearing any !$%&* thing he wants to.

I agree it's the remfs (I am NOT going to translate) that will question you, unless you are obviously wearing something you have no right to.

Geoff Withnell

**Highlander31** · 14th September 08, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

I agree it's the remfs (I am NOT going to translate) that will question you, unless you are obviously wearing something you have no right to.

Geoff Withnell

I agree,...and no translation needed here.

**Pleater** · 10th September 08, 10:08 AM

Hmmm

Are the eyesight requirements perhaps a bit lax in this unit?

Anne the Pleater

**puffer** · 14th September 08, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by Drillagent

Well, here's my two cents worth. It's been my experience after almost 18 years in the Army (and still going) that the people who question someone's attire HAVEN'T been there/ done that. If you were in uniform, I would understand. But to be standing in obvious civilian attire, that was uncalled for. The two Soldiers you spoke to were probably either new or haven't been Rangers very long. And they either haven't been "down range" yet, or they're getting ready to go for the first time. It's the "I'm a bad *** Ranger" attitude. Real Rangers and SF operators like the guys I work with are quiet professionals. They're very good at what they do, they know they're good, and don't need to show off. You ran into what we call "PX Rangers". Guys who go and buy all the pretty stuff to put on their uniforms whether they earned it or not. Sorry for the rant, but unprofessional Soldiers really chaps by butt.

DITTO -

But on a more "HUMOROUS" note, In the VERY early 60s, I wore a "Green Beanie" At this date, Berets wer not "official" & rarely seen. I took a lot of "kidding" about being a "Frog" or a Brit. (no offence guys) How did I handle it ?? I just looked them up & down, smiled, shook my head & ignored them.

BTW - look @ my "avatar"
PUFFER

**Thunderbolt** · 14th September 08, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by georgeblack7

I think they ought to take more pride in their ranger beret, since they earned it... then take notice that it is not the same hat.

I believe they were over-reacting as well.

However, they (Rangers) were stung by the Army several years ago when the black beret was authorized for everyone to wear. So, I would imagine that the Rangers are very defensive of "their" (the Khaki one) berets now as well.

Right or wrong, I'm just sayin'....

T.