Military 'complaints' about my balmoral

[Tommy Hunt]

Several weeks ago bought a very nice WWI Canadian Khaki Balmoral from www.glengarryhats.com and I am loving it.

Thing is, yesterday it was cloudy, slightly drizzy and cool, so I thought I would wear it, so I did.

Went to work with it, people loved it, it completes the look, now I understand why Panache and Glen love theirs so much.

Anyway, after work wife asked me to stop by the store and get some supplies so I did, and while there, a couple of military looking guys approached me to talk about the kilt and the look (one of them is a UK owner).

Then the conversation switched to how they were Army Rangers (there is a NG depot right across the store which is currently deployed to the sandbox) and they were wondering if I was one as well, and if not why was I wearing 'their beret'.

That took me by surprise because, the color of my balmoral is darker than the Ranger beret, my balmoral has a wool pompom, and I was also wearing my Clan badge in it.

So after telling them all of the above, they relented for a bit, all friendly but then they left me with this odd send-off:

'Be careful wearing that beret, it may get you in trouble'

I mean...c'mon...really?

I think some clearity is called for here. It's misguided attitudes like theirs that will get someone in trouble one day.

[Master K9]

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.

[cavscout]

Wear and enjoy your balmoral. It was an honest mistake on their part and I'm sure after they understood it was not an actual beret the "advise" was more playful than anything else. Considering the origins of much of our kilt outfits are from the military this is a common situation to be ready for though, even if it is just from a curious civilian.

[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.

[Master K9]

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....

[Brave Andrew]

Dear Hospitaller,

You seem to have a run in with your locals whilst kilted.
With respect to all Military Personal, it sounds like they might have been giving you a hazing/fagging/ taking a piss, as your Bunnet should Not be mistaken for a Rangers Beret, by a Ranger!
Politely stand your ground and say you do not wish to offend and respect their service, It is a Scottish/ Canadian Balmoral not a Ranger Beret.
Please help me understand, What do you mean by that Warning?
(A good Idea to heed a warning)
If it was meant to chastise, ask who their C.O. is (next time).
Or Better Yet wear a Ballcap!

[macwilkin]

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.

One account says that after the US Rangers trained with their British Commando counterparts at the Commando school at Achnacarry, Scotland, the Rangers were authorized to wear the British Commando Green Beret with a "flash" or square of Cameron of Erracht tartan (Achnacarry is Cameron country) --- but it was never approved by the higher-ups.

Regards,

Todd

[Pleater]

Hmmm

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

Anne the Pleater

[Geoff Withnell]

...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

[pdcorlis]

How odd - most Balmorals not only have toories but they also have "tails" - ribbons down the back. The ribbons may have been pre-tied or they may be loose. Not to put too fine a point on it - but a Balmoral is NOT a beret - it is in fact a Balmoral - though the difference may seem small to the untrained eye. I think Jock Scot's got this one right. A friendly conversation should put things right.

Not to hijack your thread but I was told by a Scots lass her in Idaho that no "real Scot" would wear a Glengarry to a college graduation. I was - along with gown, Isle of Skye kilt, white shirt and black tie - no jacket or waistcoat hiding under a master's gown... I wonder what some of our "real Scots" would say about that one too.

Hang in there Hector it will take us all some time to educate the masses me thinks!