Buddy of mine and I are gearing up for prom

**Vafuth** · 12th April 08, 08:14 PM

ok...found another link...still only for coast guard but similar should apply to all branches

http://www.uscgpipeband.org/media/us...26_06draft.pdf

**JerseyLawyer** · 12th April 08, 08:24 PM

I'm relatively sure he's referring to the UK's regulations, since I don't think there are any kilted units in the US forces.

Though the USAF had a very good pipe band back in the day.

**Vafuth** · 12th April 08, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer

I'm relatively sure he's referring to the UK's regulations, since I don't think there are any kilted units in the US forces.

Though the USAF had a very good pipe band back in the day.

actually there are certain regs for all uniforms in the US Military...even the pipe bands.

though it seems to be mainly small adjustments to the normal uniform. and sadly from what info I've been able to gather...it looks like the more correct jacket for this dress would be a modified white dress jacket

something like this: http://www.marlowwhite.com/cgi-bin/c...ion&key=59-050

**JerseyLawyer** · 12th April 08, 08:50 PM

The Naval Academy has a pipe band as well - http://www.usna.edu/Pipes/. They're wearing either No. 1 dress or shirtsleeves in all the pictures, though.

I'm also not sure that bands don't have different rules from non-bandsmen. Though things like kilt length would be the same, of course.

I'll leave the rest of this to people with more experience in it than me.

**Cerebite** · 12th April 08, 10:22 PM

OK let us see here.....

I am basing my answer on my recollection that you said he is a Petty Officer Second Class [E4] in the Sea Cadets correct? If he is a "commisioned" officer or a "senior" enlisted the answer will be different.

The above links to Coast Guard uniform regulations are very good and helpful to the discussion and information that I myself was curious about. The Navy Chief, of which I and several others on this forum are one, is expected to know the answer or know where to find it. That information being the "answer" if someone challenges you that "you can't wear a kilt in uniform."

The below answers may seem "uncool" and not as fashionable as some of the other uniform options. Those gentlemens kilt uniforms [Rogerson785 and Jame MacMillian spring to mind] have through long and faithful years of service earned the uniform and insignia that they wear and BTW they are/ were both senior enlisted NCO [Non Commisioned Officers]. this is part of the price you must pay to be in uniform instead of in a costume.
If your friend does not want to truely keep it a uniform I understand and will take my advise elsewhere and he can go full bore into a "Modern Major General" dress.

That being said here is this Chiefs interpretation of your photo and how the uniform regulations would apply to this situation.

The proper hat, if one is worn before and after the event, would be a Dixie Cup or White Hat [traditional Sailor hat for those of you not familiar with Navy uniforms] as is appropriate for both the Dress Blue and Dress White uniforms, and by extension to the Dinner Dress Blue which is the "base" uniform, for enlisted E6 and below.

TAKE THE CUFF STRIPES OFF, that is a rank insignia in and of itself [Lieutenant, O3].

Sew your rank insignia onto the left sleeve halfway between the shoulder and the elbow.

Wear minature medals as discusseded here:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/p...908/index.html

and here:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/2...281/index.html

^^ both great threads where the "kilted military uniform" have been extensively discussed.

Do Not wear the rank insignia as a kilt pin.

I would go with dark hose [blue or black] with tartan, blue, black or possibly gold flashes [the gold being a stretch depending on how much shows in the Navy tartan] and black shinny shoes.

I look forward to seeing pictures of the final product.

v/r
ISC/SS Alden

**Tattoo Bradley** · 12th April 08, 11:32 PM

I've never been in the Navy. But, I've served as an enlisted man under two other branches of the US Military (USAF and US Army.) So, that jacket is screaming "wrong" to me. As previously stated, and quoted below, the cuff stripes NEED to come off. You might as well stroll in with the O3 bars on your hat. The stripes are very indeed rank insignia. I don't know... I personally, since opinion was asked, think the whole idea of the USN jacket needs to be rethought. Jr. Sea Cadets are one thing, but to take an officer's mess jacket and combine it with Jr. Sea Cadet ribbons and such just doesn't work. Again: my opinion, though I'm pretty sure there will be many who share it.

Originally Posted by Cerebite

TAKE THE CUFF STRIPES OFF, that is a rank insignia in and of itself [Lieutenant, O3].

v/r
ISC/SS Alden

**JerseyLawyer** · 12th April 08, 11:42 PM

Isn't he wearing Lieutenant's shoulder boards in the picture?

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 13th April 08, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Cerebite

OK let us see here.....

I am basing my answer on my recollection that you said he is a Petty Officer Second Class [E4] in the Sea Cadets correct?

Re-reading the posts I don't see any reference to being a cadet E4. The first post implies that the jacket is dressed for the appropriate rank in cadets (cadet O3), and if that's the case it's fine, as is.

Originally Posted by Cerebite

I would go with dark hose [blue or black] with tartan, blue, black or possibly gold flashes [the gold being a stretch depending on how much shows in the Navy tartan] and black shinny shoes.

I agree totally; a much more "navy" look.

Enjoy the prom!

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 13th April 08, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by Tattoo Bradley

I personally, since opinion was asked, think the whole idea of the USN jacket needs to be rethought. Jr. Sea Cadets are one thing, but to take an officer's mess jacket and combine it with Jr. Sea Cadet ribbons and such just doesn't work. Again: my opinion, though I'm pretty sure there will be many who share it.

I have no problem with this. I wonder if you would have the same opinion if he were wearing trousers, instead of a kilt? Pride of service is just that, pride of service regardless of branch of service. Casey indicated that the picture of his friend showed him with his Jr. Sea Cadet rank insignia applied to the jacket. It looks as if the young man is a Jr. Sea Cadet Officer, with the rank of Lieutenant.

Of course the young man is not wearing an authorized (or official) uniform of the USN. But it is respectful of the Navy, and adheres to naval traditions as regards the wearing of insignia. A Jr. Sea Cadet isn't a member of the naval forces of the United States, and as long as he is respectful of the uniform and traditions of the United States Navy, I doubt anyone could seriously object.

I know I don't.

**cwr89** · 13th April 08, 10:55 AM

Ok, heres the official rank and title:

petty officer 2nd class, NSCC devision leading petty officer
also he is the senior enlisted officer.

The Jacket arrived with the cuff stripes and I am sure he will take those off. He is just starting on getting things where they need to be for a uniform and for prom.
do you think he would do best with dark hose? if so I will advise him to get some. I think he wants to wear the USN tartan flashes that he got with the kilt.

thanks for the help!
~Casey