Questions for the military veterans here

[Nighthawk]

Hey there folks-

I have no military background personally. I tried to enlist out of high school, but it was discovered in the initial physical that there was something wrong with my right knee (turned out to be arthritic). I do have a long and military heritage. One of my kilt pins is a badge from my great great grandfather from the Civil War. I have ancestors on my mothers side who were in the New York 69the (the Irish Brigade) and I want to get a military-style tartan, in honor of my own ancestors and as a way of honoring everyone else who has served. I really like the Leatherneck. I have been grappling with the idea of getting one. My question is- am I, not being a veteran, entitled to wear it? I know every site on the internet offers it, but just because one can do a thing does not mean that one SHOULD do that thing. I just wanted to get a sense of how the vets and people currently serving feel on the matter of a civilian wearing military tartans. You folks are the last people in the world I want to offend. Thanks!!

[Tattoo Bradley]

Well, I can tell you now you're fixing to get flooded with lots of "wear whatever you like" comments. And, I'll go ahead and start off by saying I feel the same way.

You've got the remember, that the Leatherneck is not actually an official tartan of the USMC first of all. The only US Military tartans that are official (meaning the branch has officially adopted them) are the USCG and soon the USArmy. The "USAF Tartan" has been adopted by the USAFR Pipe Band, but I'm unsure of it's actual officialness. All very confusing on the surface. lol.

Anyway, I see nothing wrong with you wearing ANY tartan (minus the Balmoral which has specific "rules" to it.) By all means, order yourself one.

[sharpdressedscot]

I think if people ask you if you're in the military, just say that you are honoring those in it right now or honoring your ancestors.

What are the rules for the Balmoral, I never knew any existed.

[Sir Robert]

If I were you then I would go with Black Watch tartan as it has several things going for it, first it is an "open tartan" which will mean less hassles from the kilt snobs.

Next it is unmistakeably military without specifying which military where.

Next BW is extreemly common and can be had for less $ than obscure tartans.

Your next best is to discover exactly what tartan your GGGrandpappy wore and go with that.

[thescot]

You can find quite a few similar threads, and the consensus has always been that as long as you don't represent yourself as a vet-or anything else you're not-no one cares. Don't wear ribbons or badges or medals you didn't earn (which is actually illegal), and ther rest is taken as a way of honoring the military and all vets.

As a Marine, I'd be tickled to see anyone in the Leatherneck tartan; it was designed by an acquaintance of mine.

As to bonnets, you can buy a regulation tam-o-shanter in olive drab wool on the open market (check out ebay and What Price Glory). I think they look good, and I wear one all the time. OR . . . you could get any black balmoral or glengarry.

[slohairt]

I think if people ask you if you're in the military, just say that you are honoring those in it right now or honoring your ancestors.

What are the rules for the Balmoral, I never knew any existed.

The Balmoral tartan is reserved for the Royal Family. Unless you mean the hat, in which case there are none!

[Archangel]

Aha, tickled, I thought it said ticked.

As a "military rule of thumb" keep in mind that only 6 (2 are Black Watch) have seen combat. Those ones have had blood spilled so more respect should be shown. As noted above, those military have become more common so there's less attachment to tradition. The one that stands out is the military Gordon, I don't believe that has a civilian counterpart.

The other military kilts are ceremonial/modern: they don't have a blood history.

After all that info, go for it.

[OFCJAX]

As a former Marine, I say "Do it."

The Tartan isn't official anyway and it doesn't have the EGA (Eagle, Globe and Anchor)on it which it what most Marines are touchy about non-Marines wearing.

[kiltimabar]

Since you mentioned your Civil War ancestors, I might mention there is a Federal Memorial tartan that is specifically designed to commemorate the service of those Boys in Blue who fought to preserve the Union. Matt Newsome made up a kilt for me from custom woven material sewn to the original design of the kilt of the 79th NY Cameron Highlanders, another celebrated Civil War regiment. It's not common, so when people ask what it is it gives you the opening to tell them about your ancestors and what they mean to you.

[Monkey@Arms]

Use the search feature, this issue has been discussed soooo many time in the past year.

For example, here and here.

Best regards,

Jake