What are the tabs called on a uniform?

[Bornagain]

What are the tab things called that are over the left side of the chest, and why do some Marines have medals on that side and tabs on the other? Please help Marines.

[USMC-SSGT]

Are you referring to a ribbon? Which uniform, cammies or any variant other than cammies?

I dont recall a tab on any of my uniforms, maybe I didnt try hard enough to be awarded one.

[Bornagain]

Are you referring to a ribbon? Which uniform, cammies or any variant other than cammies?

I dont recall a tab on any of my uniforms, maybe I didnt try hard enough to be awarded one.

I'm sorry for my ignorance, Sir. Yes it is a ribbon indeed. Thank you. Can you inform me on why some Marines have medals on the side where ribbons usually are?

[haebyungdae]

I think you are talking about ribbons. The reason for sometimes there being medals on one side and ribbons on the other is because while all medals have a corresponding ribbon, not all ribbons have a corresponding medal. Whether you wear just ribbons or a combo of medals and ribbons is dependent on the assigned uniform class.

[Bornagain]

I think you are talking about ribbons. The reason for sometimes there being medals on one side and ribbons on the other is because while all medals have a corresponding ribbon, not all ribbons have a corresponding medal. Whether you wear just ribbons or a combo of medals and ribbons is dependent on the assigned uniform class.
Thank you Marine. So how does one earn these ribbons and medals?

[Zulu 36]

Try this link. It's Wikipedia, but the information looks accurate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_milita ry


The first photo on the page is of retired Marine General Peter Pace wearing Dress Blues Alpha. His medals and jump wings are worn over the left breast pocket, his awards that do not have medals and worn over his right breast pocket. The circular thing on his left pocket is his Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff device.

Marines only wear medals when Dress Blues Alpha is appropriate or authorized. Ribbons are worn on all other Dress and Service uniforms. No medals or ribbons are worn on utility uniforms (although pilot wings, jump wings, and several other specialty devices can be worn above the left pocket of the utility blouse.

As an example, I rate 22 ribbons, but only 15 of those have medals too.

[Bornagain]

Try this link. It's Wikipedia, but the information looks accurate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_milita ry


The first photo on the page is of retired Marine General Peter Pace wearing Dress Blues Alpha. His medals and jump wings are worn over the left breast pocket, his awards that do not have medals and worn over his right breast pocket. The circular thing on his left pocket is his Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff device.

Marines only wear medals when Dress Blues Alpha is appropriate or authorized. Ribbons are worn on all other Dress and Service uniforms. No medals or ribbons are worn on utility uniforms (although pilot wings, jump wings, and several other specialty devices can be worn above the left pocket of the utility blouse.

As an example, I rate 22 ribbons, but only 15 of those have medals too.
22 ribbons? Wow. Well thank you for the information Sir. Thank you all Marines not only for the answer to my questions but for your service to this country. You deserve so much more than medals and ribbons.

[Zulu 36]

22 ribbons? Wow. Well thank you for the information Sir. Thank you all Marines not only for the answer to my questions but for your service to this country. You deserve so much more than medals and ribbons.

22 ribbons isn't terribly many for someone who has been in the Air Force. I only rated eight ribbons total from the Marines. The rest are Air Force or Air National Guard awards.

Most are nothing super special. Just been there-done that ribbons. In fact, after you get a certain number, (more than one) it starts to be a pain in the butt keeping them in order, pinning or gluing additional award devices on straight, and pinning the whole mess to your shirt or blouse straight and level.

My oldest daughter has been in the AF Reserves for about seven years (one trip to Afghanistan) and she looks like a Third World Dictator (she already has 14 ribbons). She just called me the other day to tell me she's getting put in for another award. Typical of most veterans, she said, "That's just what I need, ANOTHER ribbon." It usually means having to buy a new ribbon bar to fit all your awards, and since you're at it, buy all fresh new ribbons and devices, then putting it all together.

I'm glad I'm retired and don't have to mess with it at all anymore. :D

[Bornagain]

Well that sounds like a lot of work but to be able to show what you have done is a cool thing. I bet it gets hard remembering what they are all for, right? Anyways, the information you gave in just that one link provides the insight on nearly every, if not all of the ribbons and medals to date. It is very helpful and I thank you for it. By the way, how long have you been in scouting? It was fun while I was in, but I never made it to Eagle, only Star rank. One thing to the other I guess. It's just so interesting to me how the military has so many ways to recognize their service members, which is one of the appealing parts to enlistment and service. Thank you again for all the information.

[Bornagain]

One last question for you Zulu 36. Do the medals and ribbons that you earned in the Airforce apply to your Marine Corps dress blues or service uniform?

[Zulu 36]

One last question for you Zulu 36. Do the medals and ribbons that you earned in the Airforce apply to your Marine Corps dress blues or service uniform?


No, it went the other way around. I was a Marine first, then in the Air National Guard. All of my Marine Corps awards did transfer over.

I've been an adult leader in Scouting now for almost seven years. Right now I just work with Venturing Scouts as my youngest daughter is there.

[MarinesFTW]

I have to as you this Sgt as I've always wondered. Since you transfered services, did you ever wear your blues, or was it even authorized? I know its Marine until you die, but since you transfered services, I would find that almost weird that you would be in the air force but decided to wear your Marine Corps Dress Blues for something, and saying if you did, would you rate those medals that you were awarded in the air force that COULD transfer over to the Corps, or would you just wear what you earned in the Corps? That also covers the service stripes, would you rate more, or do the Corps blues only cover what you did before and while in, not after? Then on your air force would you rate service strips for your time in the Corps or is it only your time in the Air Force? Thats if they have service strips, not quite sure on that.

[Bornagain]

I have to as you this Sgt as I've always wondered. Since you transfered services, did you ever wear your blues, or was it even authorized? I know its Marine until you die, but since you transfered services, I would find that almost weird that you would be in the air force but decided to wear your Marine Corps Dress Blues for something, and saying if you did, would you rate those medals that you were awarded in the air force that COULD transfer over to the Corps, or would you just wear what you earned in the Corps? That also covers the service stripes, would you rate more, or do the Corps blues only cover what you did before and while in, not after? Then on your air force would you rate service strips for your time in the Corps or is it only your time in the Air Force? Thats if they have service strips, not quite sure on that.

Interesting. I'm curious about the same thing.

[Zulu 36]

Once I enlisted in the Air Guard, I wasn't authorized to wear the Marine Corps uniform. I even attended Marine Corps Birthday Balls in my Air Force uniform.

The AF does not wear hashmarks. Instead the Air Force issues a ribbon called the Longevity Ribbon. You get the ribbon after four-years of service and attach an oak leaf cluster device for every four years of service afterward. My seven years of Marine service (six active, one reserve) all transferred over. I retired with 21-total years of service, so I had four OLC devices on my Longevity Ribbon representing five four-year blocks of service. A Marine with 21-years of service would have five hashmarks.

If for some odd reason I went back into the Marine Corps I would only have 16 ribbons, of which 12 would have medals. I would lose the AF Longevity Ribbon, AF Expert Marksman Ribbon, AF Training Ribbon, and three State of Michigan Air Guard awards.

If I were to wear a uniform as a retired service member, it would be the Air Force uniform as that is the branch I retired from. People who know how to read ribbons will know I served as a Marine.

[MarinesFTW]

Thank you for answering all of that in a timely fashion Sgt. I figured that was the case but I got a little curious haha, thanks again brother. Semper Fi

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Concur. The ribbons you see on my sig line are only about a third of what I actually 'got' from my time in the Air Force and the Army reserve.

As far as the blues go, I DO wear mine, even though I'm USAF retired, since my service time as a Marine makes me eligible to do so. I only wear what I earned as a Marine (ribbon wise) and rank wise (Luckily enough or sorta, I retired as an E-5 LOL).

The Marine Corps has been notoriously stingy about awarding 'chest candy'. Back in the '80's I was considered a 'stud' for having 4 ribbons, jump wings, and rifle/pistol badges LOL.

I retired with 18 total ribbons BTW.

[YLDNDN6]

I got a MUC handed to me as soon as I arrived in Rota, Spain. Three years later, I got a GCM, so....let's see....add the one, carry the 7, divide by four.....yup...I had two ribbons....four if you were cross-eyed...and rifle expert.....

[Zulu 36]

I would have to wear an AF uniform because my highest Marine rank was Sergeant (E5), but my AF rank at retirement was MSgt (E7). It would be most inappropriate for me to wear Marine Dress Blues with Gunnery Sergeant insignia and a bit of a loss of dignity to wear Sergeant insignia.

As I said, anyone who can read ribbons will know I was a Marine, and a Marine for at least six-years.

I did like my Vietnam ribbons while I was in the Corps. I was very young looking, even as a 24-year old Sergeant. As an MP I learned I got much more cooperation from Staff NCOs and Officers when I wore my ribbons. It didn't matter anymore how young I looked. What mattered I was a member of the "Vietnam" club. I wasn't just some punk MP Sergeant throwing his brassard around.

[Bornagain]

Concur. The ribbons you see on my sig line are only about a third of what I actually 'got' from my time in the Air Force and the Army reserve.

As far as the blues go, I DO wear mine, even though I'm USAF retired, since my service time as a Marine makes me eligible to do so. I only wear what I earned as a Marine (ribbon wise) and rank wise (Luckily enough or sorta, I retired as an E-5 LOL).

The Marine Corps has been notoriously stingy about awarding 'chest candy'. Back in the '80's I was considered a 'stud' for having 4 ribbons, jump wings, and rifle/pistol badges LOL.

I retired with 18 total ribbons BTW.
Wow, Sgt., how many Services were you in? Needless to say you did your service to your country! Thank you for that Sir, and all members of the armed forces. Have a happy independence day!

[Zulu 36]

Wow, Sgt., how many Services were you in? Needless to say you did your service to your country! Thank you for that Sir, and all members of the armed forces. Have a happy independence day!


Sgt Lep really wanted to be a sailor too, but couldn't work out the timing. :D

[Bornagain]

How could one stand having to start over at e-1 over and over? That is how it works correct?

[Zulu 36]

How could one stand having to start over at e-1 over and over? That is how it works correct?

It depends on which way you're going. All other services accept Marine boot camp as acceptable basic training. The Marine Corps, however, does not recognize any other branch's basic training.

If you were an E-5 in the Army and enlisted in the Corps, you would drop to E-2 and be a "contract PFC" while you were in boot camp.

When I went from the Marines to the Air Guard I remained in my pay grade of E-5 as I did not have to attend basic training OR a technical school. I just had to take a correspondence course to bring myself up to speed on the Air Force way.

You may or may not stay in the exact pay grade when swapping services from the Marines to another branch, but quite frequently will.

[Bornagain]

It depends on which way you're going. All other services accept Marine boot camp as acceptable basic training. The Marine Corps, however, does not recognize any other branch's basic training.

If you were an E-5 in the Army and enlisted in the Corps, you would drop to E-2 and be a "contract PFC" while you were in boot camp.

When I went from the Marines to the Air Guard I remained in my pay grade of E-5 as I did not have to attend basic training OR a technical school. I just had to take a correspondence course to bring myself up to speed on the Air Force way.

You may or may not stay in the exact pay grade when swapping services from the Marines to another branch, but quite frequently will.

That just goes to show the Marine Corps is the best and toughest branch of all!

[Zulu 36]

That just goes to show the Marine Corps is the best and toughest branch of all!


It's not just about being tough, but more of a different mind set and culture. Boot camp is needed to instill it.

Believe me, the difference between the Marine Corps and the Air Force in warrior mind set is so great you have to experience it to believe it. I'm sure Sgt Lep will agree with that.

[Bornagain]

If the mindset of a warrior is not instilled then whats the point of Airforce recruit training? It doesnt make much sense to me, other than how to act like a non-civilian. But, hey, respect to all Branches who serve.

[MarinesFTW]

I cant say I've been in the air force, but Ive spend alot of time around them in school and going to their bases for DEPs and all I can say is I'm glad I joined the Corps. So many of them are over weight and nasty. Now I'm not saying all Airmen are, I have seen alot of squared away guys that make the Air Force look good, dont get me wrong though, they are the minority. To me the Air Force basic is basically teaching them how to wear their uniform and how the Air Force works, not really anything else. Ask them what condition do you keep your rifle in and they will almost all reply "clean".

[Zulu 36]

If the mindset of a warrior is not instilled then whats the point of Airforce recruit training? It doesnt make much sense to me, other than how to act like a non-civilian. But, hey, respect to all Branches who serve.

AF basic training used to be only six-weeks long. Shooting the M-16, merely for familiarization, was optional (except for a few trainees who were going to security forces, PJs, combat controllers, etc). The recent war kind of opened their eyes a bit.

So basic training is now a whopping eight-weeks long, M-16 shooting (still only for FAM), is mandatory for all and they do a sorta-kinda one week field exercise doing very basic grunt stuff (they live in shacks). PT is a little more extensive than it was, but 1/2 of the old guys here could probably make it OK.

Essentially AF basic training only teaches them how to wear their uniforms, basic AF operating procedures, some PT, some drill, how to salute, AF ranks (and, it seems, to call everyone from other services "Sarge").

The AF considers their people technicians and specialists, not warriors, (except security forces, PJs, and combat controllers who are considered a bunch of knuckle draggers because they carry guns AND like to shoot them).

Sadly, those few "technicians and specialists" who would like to get more range time, a little more "grunt" stuff, are either laughed at or told there are no slots available at the range. Only people who are deploying have to go qualify on the M16A2 or M-4, and/or the M-9 pistol.

My daughter has been in the AF Reserve for seven years and has only been on the range three times, once after joining her unit, and then just before her two deployments (one Germany and one Afghanistan). They would only let her qualify on the M-16A2. Plus the AF qualification course isn't difficult at all.

Still, you kind of got to like a service that mostly sends officers out to die. :D

[Tennessee Top]

I had airmen working for me when I was with the USCENTCOM Hq at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL (as well as soldiers). Talk about a leadership challenge! My boss was a USAF major too. Their uniforms typically looked like soup sandwiches and they liked to call each other by their first names. I got that squared-away finally but it took a long time and constantly staying on them because it's in their culture. Had to remind myself every single day I was not leading Marines and could not expect them to look, act, and perform like Marines (that was my last duty assignment...they drove me to retirement!).

[Bornagain]

AF basic training used to be only six-weeks long. Shooting the M-16, merely for familiarization, was optional (except for a few trainees who were going to security forces, PJs, combat controllers, etc). The recent war kind of opened their eyes a bit.

So basic training is now a whopping eight-weeks long, M-16 shooting (still only for FAM), is mandatory for all and they do a sorta-kinda one week field exercise doing very basic grunt stuff (they live in shacks). PT is a little more extensive than it was, but 1/2 of the old guys here could probably make it OK.

Essentially AF basic training only teaches them how to wear their uniforms, basic AF operating procedures, some PT, some drill, how to salute, AF ranks (and, it seems, to call everyone from other services "Sarge").

The AF considers their people technicians and specialists, not warriors, (except security forces, PJs, and combat controllers who are considered a bunch of knuckle draggers because they carry guns AND like to shoot them).

Sadly, those few "technicians and specialists" who would like to get more range time, a little more "grunt" stuff, are either laughed at or told there are no slots available at the range. Only people who are deploying have to go qualify on the M16A2 or M-4, and/or the M-9 pistol.

My daughter has been in the AF Reserve for seven years and has only been on the range three times, once after joining her unit, and then just before her two deployments (one Germany and one Afghanistan). They would only let her qualify on the M-16A2. Plus the AF qualification course isn't difficult at all.

Still, you kind of got to like a service that mostly sends officers out to die. :D
Well ya, all pilots are officers, right? They probably lose what little men they lose right there. Man, I'm glad I'm not joining the Airforce from the sound of things. I mean any branch would be better than being a civilian, but Marines have the best attitude, uniforms, and whatever a member of the Armed Forces can get.

[Tennessee Top]

Well ya, all pilots are officers, right? They probably lose what little men they lose right there. Man, I'm glad I'm not joining the Airforce from the sound of things. I mean any branch would be better than being a civilian, but Marines have the best attitude, uniforms, and whatever a member of the Armed Forces can get.

I agree with you about the Marines being the best...but I'm a little biased:marine:

[Zulu 36]

I had airmen working for me when I was with the USCENTCOM Hq at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL (as well as soldiers). Talk about a leadership challenge! My boss was a USAF major too. Their uniforms typically looked like soup sandwiches and they liked to call each other by their first names. I got that squared-away finally but it took a long time and constantly staying on them because it's in their culture. Had to remind myself every single day I was not leading Marines and could not expect them to look, act, and perform like Marines (that was my last duty assignment...they drove me to retirement!).

I have to say, it seems my Marine Corps ethos has rubbed off on my oldest daughter. She will not be seen in an unpressed ABU and when she wears a service uniform, she wears real leather shoes that she spit shines (just like I taught her). She refuses to tolerate sloppiness in anyone who works for her either.

Active duty AF people drove me to retire as well. My Air Guard unit was tight, motivated, and well skilled in our job (security police). It was much more like a Marine unit than an Air Force unit. We trained with Special Forces, Army, Marines, Canadian troops, and got on ranges every chance we got. The Canadians were very impressed with how seriously we took our field training and the Green Beanie training team preferred to work with us than their Army units.

Every year we shot a full USMC 500-yard KD range table. High shooter got his name on a publicly displayed plaque. By the time we went to Desert Storm, every member of our unit had thrown at least three real hand grenades, shot five or six live 40mm grenades (and a bunch of trainers), shot BZO on everything we owned, and cross-trained (again) on other weapons. Everyone brushed up shooting AK-47s and other Soviet weapons. We even got in some live fire and maneuver work on the KD range and night shooting with and without flares and with night vision gear.

Most of our guys already had a lot of experience with all of this stuff, but we had two brand new kids straight from tech school that had to be brought up to speed fast. We had only four days of pre-deployment training and it was jammed packed busy.

When we got to our deployment location, we found the active duty unit there was crap in nearly all skill levels, and NONE had even seen a live grenade, let alone thrown one. That included all of their senior NCOs. With the exception of about two or three active duty people, the rest were a leadership challenge without peer. I think the Chief of Security Police at Minot AFB dumped all of his worst sh*t birds into this flight and shipped them over. Scary to think he had that many.

Of course, since we were "only" Air Guard, we didn't know beans. So the AD ran the show. I came very close to butt stroking the active duty E-8 one night.

The fact we had no real security problems was probably more good luck than good management. But I decided I was not going to war with the active duty Air Force ever again - and I didn't. I have a lot more I could write, but it would probably blow the site's bandwidth apart.

[Bornagain]

I have to say, it seems my Marine Corps ethos has rubbed off on my oldest daughter. She will not be seen in an unpressed ABU and when she wears a service uniform, she wears real leather shoes that she spit shines (just like I taught her). She refuses to tolerate sloppiness in anyone who works for her either.

Active duty AF people drove me to retire as well. My Air Guard unit was tight, motivated, and well skilled in our job (security police). It was much more like a Marine unit than an Air Force unit. We trained with Special Forces, Army, Marines, Canadian troops, and got on ranges every chance we got. The Canadians were very impressed with how seriously we took our field training and the Green Beanie training team preferred to work with us than their Army units.

Every year we shot a full USMC 500-yard KD range table. High shooter got his name on a publicly displayed plaque. By the time we went to Desert Storm, every member of our unit had thrown at least three real hand grenades, shot five or six live 40mm grenades (and a bunch of trainers), shot BZO on everything we owned, and cross-trained (again) on other weapons. Everyone brushed up shooting AK-47s and other Soviet weapons. We even got in some live fire and maneuver work on the KD range and night shooting with and without flares and with night vision gear.

Most of our guys already had a lot of experience with all of this stuff, but we had two brand new kids straight from tech school that had to be brought up to speed fast. We had only four days of pre-deployment training and it was jammed packed busy.

When we got to our deployment location, we found the active duty unit there was crap in nearly all skill levels, and NONE had even seen a live grenade, let alone thrown one. That included all of their senior NCOs. With the exception of about two or three active duty people, the rest were a leadership challenge without peer. I think the Chief of Security Police at Minot AFB dumped all of his worst sh*t birds into this flight and shipped them over. Scary to think he had that many.

Of course, since we were "only" Air Guard, we didn't know beans. So the AD ran the show. I came very close to butt stroking the active duty E-8 one night.

The fact we had no real security problems was probably more good luck than good management. But I decided I was not going to war with the active duty Air Force ever again - and I didn't. I have a lot more I could write, but it would probably blow the site's bandwidth apart.

Don't worry Zulu, it's all very interesting.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Zulu, well said.

Yes, I made Sergeant the first time out 1 June, 1987. Just under my 5 year mark. (Actually promoted at Naval Station, Cubi Point, RP...LOL). Was up for SSgt (E-6) in 89 (actually made the list but was an idiot and got out don't get me started on THAT dumbazz decision).

Reenlisted IRR, remained Sgt.

Enlisted Army Reserves, Sgt, 11B 91-94. (Because there were no USMC reserve units at that time where I lived...not because I had a burning desire to join the army LOL).

Moved closer to DC and reenlisted into USMC Reserves, Sgt (E-5) 94-96.

97 reenlisted on to full active duty, took reduction since I'd been off AD for so long (The Marine Corps did that back in the day...not now) to LCpl E-3. At one time I was the oldest LCpl on active duty in the Corps.....Automatically promoted after 6 months to Cpl. The rest was up to me...made Sgt off the coast of Kosovo May 99.

In 'til 2001 when had to get out, oldest daughter had a medical condition that knocked me out of the deployment loop. Once that happens you WON'T get promoted no matter what you do...so again, out as a Sgt E-5 LOL.

Air Guard took me in '07, as an E-5 (no boot camp either as Zulu said). Since my hearing wasn't up to standard couldn't get the job I wanted so ended up a serious tech nerd (Bio-Environmental Engineer...not for the faint of heart if you don't know math I assure you...). Small MOS with even smaller promotional opportunities to E-6 in the Guard. Thus when I hit my 20, still an E-5. I also was at the point where I couldn't pass the physical due to hearing and other 'issues' so I knew it was time to bail. And so, I'm probably one of the very, very few actual 20 year no kidding E-5 retiree's left in the US Military from the modern era. BUT...don't feel bad for me...since my active duty time adds up to a considerable amount, my reserve retirement pay (if I live to draw it at 60) will be very, very nice. Likely as not, close to or above what Zulu will draw. (No kidding).

And there is my boring story :)

Oh, Zulu, yeah that makes sense (about the uniform). But now you see how I can get away with it :)

And I never even considered the navy (no offense 'docs).

[Bornagain]

Man, Sergeant Lep., you had it rough. All that reenlisting,- if you would have been active duty the whole time you probably would have made it to e-9! That's quite the interesting story. Even today you serve your country by being a moderator on this website. Keep on keeping on. Thumbs up to you.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Thanks...but I seriously doubt that. I would have liked to have made 'Gunny', but beyond that you move from the fun stuff into lots and lots of paperwork LOL.

[Bornagain]

Yea, it is farfetched, but who knows? Dreams do come true.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Naw, I'm retired now. All over for me...and in some ways that's a good thing. I still get to go out with Marines all the time in my part time job, so it's cool.

[Bornagain]

Naw, I'm retired now. All over for me...and in some ways that's a good thing. I still get to go out with Marines all the time in my part time job, so it's cool.

Really? Awesome. Well, if you don't mind me asking, how could one who has returned to the civvie life go on to go out with Marines, that is, like I said, if you don't mind me asking?

[Sgt Leprechaun]

It's a not for profit organization that works with the Marine Corps and the park service. United States Marine Corps Historical Company.