Tell it to the Marines!

[Charlie Mc.]

I was in the Marine Corps as well and did some time in the desert. IMHO wearing the Leatherneck tartan isn't like claiming to be a Marine. Its not like he is sporting an Eagle Globe and Anchor. As long as it is not worn under false pretenses I would say go for it! It is a great looking tartan and if someone wants to honor the Corps by wearing it, then I say more power to them.

[Sir William]

...IMHO wearing the Leatherneck tartan isn't like claiming to be a Marine. Its not like he is sporting an Eagle Globe and Anchor. As long as it is not worn under false pretenses I would say go for it! It is a great looking tartan and if someone wants to honor the Corps by wearing it, then I say more power to them.

Concur. I would object strongly if Colonel MacNeal wanted to wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. The Right to wear the EGA must be earned.

Naval personnel assigned to the Marines are authorized to wear Marine uniforms. Someone who served with Marines for an extended period and wants to honor that association by wearing the Leatherneck tartan in an honorable and respectful manner should not be discouraged.

The C&S course is 9 months long, meaning Colonel MacNeal was assigned to a Marine Corps installation and served alongside Marines for an extended period - not just a few days or weeks.

Besides, as pointed out, the Leatherneck tartan is not an officially sanctioned USMC tartan, which means anyone can wear it. However, the fact that Colonel MacNeal sought out the opinions of XMTS Marines speaks highly of his regard for the Corps. Somehow I don't see him as trying to pass himself off as a Marine.

Semper Fi -

[Detroitpete]

My opinion here is worth less than 2-bits, but here it is:

I spent most of my 8 years in the US Navy in combined units with Marines, most of it in Central and South America with a few side trips to sandy places. I have a true respect for any and all Marines. I haven't chosen to wear the leatherneck tartan, mostly because I'm proud of my Naval service, the history of the US Navy and wear the Edzell tartan.

But...

The one and only reason I would even consider wearing a leatherneck tartan, would be to honor the men who I served with: A Gunny who truely taught me the meaning of leadership and sacrifice for the good of the men and a Lance Corporal who taught me that devotion to duty was an honor and reward in itself.

That being said, I would do exactly the same as Col. Mac here, and ask the Marines who would have some insight. Its not being a poser if you honor, in my opinion. Funny thing, never minded having to wear their BDU's, but a leatherneck tartan (official or not) I'd still talk to the Marines.

Good on you Col. Mac.

[12stones]

Well, then let's make the negative percentage less. As a Marine myself, I say it's more than fine to wear it. You're not trying to claim yourself as a Marine. The fact that you've asked at all shows you'll do nothing to defame the name the tartan bears. Wear it with pride.

Semper Fi.

[Rogerson785]

The same can be said for those of us that wear the Gordon Highlander tartan, I was never a member of any Scottish regiment and yet I wear the WPG Gordon Highlander with pride because it represents my ancestry and the people who served as I have chosen to serve my country.

I wear the desert MARPAT Sports Kilt with the Marine Corps Marathon patch as my weighted kilt pin because that was my first marathon (4:05:20) and I make no claim to being a Marine, it is worn with pride.



Finally, I really like the Maple Leaf tartan but I am not Canadian but I would wear it for its beauty and to inform those that ask its origin etc...

So, I say do it, get the Leatherneck Tartan and wear it with pride.

[Colonel MacNeal]

Mission: Maintain a Living Memorial honoring Marines and other Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, including Regular and Reserve Components, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and their reserves; to educate and perpetuate the achievements and the sacrifices of these Veterans, and to aid and assist these Veterans.

Vision: The Marines' Memorial Association will be respected as an exemplary and unique living memorial distinguished by reverence for the sacrifice and achievement of past Marines, while making a positive impact on the lives of those Marines who serve today and into the future.

http://www.marineclub.com/mma.htm

Forgot to note that I'm a paid-up member ($100/year) of this fine organization, so I'm not all talk and no action.

Cheers, ColMac

[Dan R Porter]

Here in Saint Louis I read news stories of people lying about they're military service, even going as far as to purchase the clothing. A friend of mine, Vietnam Veteran who saw a lot of , had a man in his group therapy for over a year before they found out he was full of it. What a shame...

So your being honest, so from a civi I say go for it!

[MacAngus]

I usually stick to my guns pretty firmly. However after so many other leathernecks are on board with you wearing it I will retract my last post wear it with pride sir.
Dan R Porter are you suggesting that i am not a Marine. By your last post it seems that you are questioning it.

[Colonel MacNeal]

I usually stick to my guns pretty firmly. However after so many other leathernecks are on board with you wearing it I will retract my last post wear it with pride sir.
Dan R Porter are you suggesting that i am not a Marine. By your last post it seems that you are questioning it.

Thank you Angus. I respect your USMC service, and would do nothing to bring shame to the tartan or the Corps.

I'm sure Dan is not making any suggestions that you are not who you say you are.

Would a moderator close this thread before this gets too heated?

[MacAngus]

It's just how he put the HMMM above his post Col.