A question for veterans?

[12stones]

As a Marine, if I saw someone wearing the Leatherneck tartan, I might initially think they serve(d), but if the situation allowed and I was able to talk to them, I'd ask, but not be disappointed nor upset if they aren't/hadn't. Just like everyone has said, I'd just ask that they be respectful of the kilt and its meaning.

[IrishGodfather]

My uncle was a Marine in Vietnam, my dad was an Army officer during nam, and my grandfathers were both in the Navy during WW2. So I'd love to get the Leatherneck, Navy, and Army tartans to honor my family's military heritage. My great-uncle was also in the Army, 4th Infantry Div., and died in D+60 in Normandy. So I think since they aren't officially apart of military uniform in the US yet, I think anyone should be able to wear them, as long as they act respectfully about it.

[michaelbeeman]

Absolutely. As a Veteran myself, I'd be honored if I saw someone wearing one of our service tartans. However, as has been stated, respect is the key.

[attworth]

Can't really say much more on the subject other than say, Yes, by all means - wear it.

My brother is currently a Marine of 5 years, and will be re-enlisting in the fall. I plan to purchase a Leatherneck kilt in his honour very soon and wear it proudly.

My other brother served 4 years active duty in the US Army
My father served 4 years active duty in the US Air Force

I'll be leaving for BMT in November for the US Air Force.

When I see stickers or t-shirts of the different branches, my chest puffs up a little in pride. Whether or not the person has served is irrelevant - they take the time to show they support the troops, even if they don't support the cause.

[mcvarmit]

the subject of military tartans comes up quite a bit. especially the USMC tartan. one thing that has always confused me, is the concept of wearing the tartan with honor and respect. how does one do that? i ask this question because i'm a RVN vet, who served with the USMC, in the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force. i view these tartans as fashion, they have no real meaning in the armed forces. i'm not trying to stir the pot here, but i can never figure out what the big deal is. semper fi slick USMC 1964-1967 RVN 1965-1967

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

the subject of military tartans comes up quite a bit. especially the USMC tartan. one thing that has always confused me, is the concept of wearing the tartan with honor and respect. how does one do that? i ask this question because i'm a RVN vet, who served with the USMC, in the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force. i view these tartans as fashion, they have no real meaning in the armed forces. i'm not trying to stir the pot here, but i can never figure out what the big deal is. semper fi slick USMC 1964-1967 RVN 1965-1967

For the US Forces, this is very true.

Not sure if this statement applies to the Commonwealth Scottish regiments, as I keep pointing out they use mostly clan tartans.

[James MacMillan]

the subject of military tartans comes up quite a bit. especially the USMC tartan. one thing that has always confused me, is the concept of wearing the tartan with honor and respect. how does one do that? i ask this question because i'm a RVN vet, who served with the USMC, in the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force. i view these tartans as fashion, they have no real meaning in the armed forces. i'm not trying to stir the pot here, but i can never figure out what the big deal is. semper fi slick USMC 1964-1967 RVN 1965-1967

Easy answer, since you spent your time in the Corps - wear it so you wouldn't feel embarrassed to go kilted to the Commanding General's house!!!

Semper Fi!

[mcvarmit]

Easy answer, since you spent your time in the Corps - wear it so you wouldn't feel embarrassed to go kilted to the Commanding General's house!!!

Semper Fi!

oceanside, calif., got my first tattoo there, the old bird on a ball, cost me 8 bucks in 1964. actually in my time you would have been written up for being out of uniform, but that was then and this is now, your point is well taken. but how do i get the grass stains out of my leatherneck tartan? those highland games sure can raise hell with a kilt.

semper fi

slick

[sharpdressedscot]

Well, I'm not in the military (too young) nor do I think I will, but my father is serving in the Air Force and nearly all the men in mother's side of the family come from a long line of marines and naval men (however, it's wasn't US Forces). So I think as long as you wear it with pride, respect, and honour I'm fine with it. I'd like to get an Air Force tartan or something in the future.

[Birddog]

First, Attworth, good luck at BMT. What AFSPC are you going into?

My point about respecting the tartan would be much like what my Marine brother stated. Going to a renn fair and wearing a tail with the tartan, no shirt, and generally being an a** would qualify to me as disrespecting the tartan. Maybe us old leathernecks take our "uniforms" too seriously. I don't know, since I'm fairly new to kilts, if a Wallace or a MacAurthur or any other person proud of their clan saw someone wearing their tartan, and generally being a baffoon, would you feel the need to say something? I'll go back to chewing on bullets and await opinions.

Good Luck again Attworth, and get yourself an Air Force tartan when you graduate!