Questions for the military veterans here

**Nighthawk** · 8th December 07, 05:57 PM

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** · 8th December 07, 06:14 PM

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** · 8th December 07, 06:51 PM

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** · 8th December 07, 07:25 PM

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.

**slohairt** · 8th December 07, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**sharpdressedscot** · 9th December 07, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by slohairt

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

Oh, I guess it was for the tartan then. I thought it was the hat, for a sec it had me.

**Woodsheal** · 9th December 07, 01:43 PM

Here's a look at the Federal Memorial Tartan:

http://www.tartansauthority.com/Web/site/cart2.asp

**thescot** · 8th December 07, 08:35 PM

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.

**James MacMillan** · 9th December 07, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

Jim said it very well - Ditto!

**kiltedsawyer** · 12th December 07, 11:04 AM

NightHawk,
This has been discussed on other threads as mentioned, but if you don't want to read all of those, just let me say that you can wear what you want, but not being a veteran of any kind, I would not wear any of the U.S. military tartans out of respect for those who have served. I would not for one second want to mislead anyone into thinking that I had done what these brave men and women have done when in fact I have not. There are so many other tartans, so many other ways to honor one's ancestors, I just don't see the need to wear a military tartan when I have not been a part of the military. I am a civiliam employee of the U.S. Navy but still would not wear the Navy tartan. That's my two cents worth.
Respectfully,
David