Tell it to the Marines!

[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.