Proper Dress Blues attire
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  1. #1

    Proper Dress Blues attire

    Its been a few years since my active duty days in the Corps. About 27 years ago. I have an idea on I want to do in regards of paying homage to some of our fallen ones. With this I am looking at the idea that part of this ceremonial even may include me to be wearing a set of Dress Blues. Since its been so long and I accumulated quite a few pounds so I'm looking at going to get fitted for a completely new set. As far as my rank, badges and ribbons would be that of when I left my active duty service. My question on whether or not what to include with my Dress Blues. I signed up for a 6year contract, the first three years were active duty at which time I made it up to L/Cpl before receiving my honorable discharge. (And with the exception of being called to a reservist conference one weekend and received credit for attending)The next three years was inactive reserves basically civilian life unless called back for duty. So just to be clear I'm not to sure with a couple of items 1) I'm not sure if I would be eligible for the four year hash stripe on the cuff of the dress blouse Since I only served three years active but I was still under contract for the six years. 2) The second question is whether as only an e-3 non NCO if the blood stripe would still be appropriate to have on the pants or not.

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  2. #2
    josephd
    Guest Free Member
    I am sure someone else will correct me if I am wrong but I don't believe you rate a service stripe, you have to serve 4 years on active duty, as a drilling reservist in the SMCR, or combination of both. That said I don't think anyone would question you if you put a set on.

    And no a LCpl/non-nco does not rate to wear blood stripes. That is something that isn't flexible, so no it would not be appropriate.

    I completely understand your desire to wear a pair of dress blues again and as a retired Marine you have more than the right to do so. That said if you are "heavy" or what would be considered out of height/weight standards for active duty Marines, my personal opinion would be to NOT wear a pair of dress blues even if you get them tailored to fit properly.....don't forget a proper hair cut.

    ...just my $.02


  3. #3
    I agree with josephd. Appreciate and understand your intent but if you can't present the appropriate image of a Marine in uniform you shouldn't do it (I personally wouldn't).

    There is a local organization/group comprised of vets from all the services who provide color guard/honor guard services. Like you, they try and have the right intentions but just don't cut it. Besides poor military appearance and bearing, a couple are so old they can barely walk. Have instructed my sister to not request their services for my burial detail (her first request will be to the local I-I unit).


  4. #4
    If I could fit into my Blues, I'd post a pic ...


  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by Kegler300 View Post
    If I could fit into my Blues, I'd post a pic ...
    Keg you could still post a pic of the ultimate uniform, Semper Fidelis.


  6. #6
    To make this clear for myself - the OP didn't say he's retired, did he? Just formerly active, which is what I am (I had 10 qualified years in the USMCR).

    Do we former Marines rate wearing Blues (or any other uniform)? I thought you had to complete 20 and have an actual retired ID/CAC to be authorized to wear service uniforms.

    Cuz if I rate, I just might get my old Blues tailored to fit (I weigh 5 lb more than when I was in 'em last, oo-rah!) and have them on standby for appropriate occasions!

    My wife might not like the haircut they'd bring on, but some things can be negotiated...


  7. #7
    Thanks for that MCO, that's just about what my memory said. But not quite as much detail left in my old head 8-)


  8. #8
    Marine Free Member m14ed's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kegler300 View Post

    If I could fit into my Blues,

    I'd post a pic ...

    Kegs.........

    Just what makes you think IF you POSTED it
    we'd be dumb enough to LOOK at it ???


  9. #9
    Thanks guys for your input and advice. As much as I would like to dawn the Dress Blues again. I think I may have to pass on it. Next year I may be going to the Middle East region with my wife to see some friends in Dubai. And since I would be in the neighborhood during the 31st anniversary of the Beirut bombing of the Marine barracks that took 241 of our brothers. I thought about taking a puddle jumper into Lebanon and go to the site of the bombing and perform a one man ceremonial service for those lost. That would consist of lying a wreath and the reading out the names of those killed while having it filmed. Even though this would be considered a memorial service (Although private) The fact that this being in a foreign country and unless invited It doesn't look like I'll be in uniform. I know many of you are wondering If I'm crazy or not to even think about going into what most would perceive as a hostile country in an even more assumingly hostile part of the world. I can tell you that I have been doing my research on the country and unlike a few years ago when there was still some internal strife going on. Things have calmed down. Currently some parts of Lebanon is still a no go, especially near the Israeli or Syrian borders where there's a lot of spill over fighting from its neighbor on the east, but right now it looks like Beirut and the surrounding area is now somewhat relatively safe and is even enjoying a growing influx of tourism. So unless things start going south again next year. I feel that I should at least stop by and pay whatever tribute I could to those lost on that October morning. Finally to answer those who wonder why Lebanon. And not say, Iraq. I just got out of grunt school at Camp Geiger back in 83' While awaiting orders to our permanent unit many of us were attached to 8th Mar Reg. on Mess Duty. It was then when one Sunday morning we got word on what just happened. The unit that was in Beirut that got hit was 1st Bat 8th Mar reg. Although I was a young green boot and I did not directly know any of those Marines killed. I knew plenty whom I worked with who did know some of those loss. So this event has been something that I have deep feelings about, not to mention that this was one of the highest mass casualty rate at one time in Marine Corps history. And now I may have a chance to be able to go to the very spot where it all went down. There's no way that I can not go and pay my respects in whatever way I can.


  10. #10
    you should show a little more respect for the elderly and anybody who supports our troops. I am sure you don't look like you did when you first joined. Don't mean any disrespect but we all grow old some not as gracefully as others. I do understand and relate to what your saying, I also serve with the organization and another one that I think your referring to and do it out of respect to the fallen nothing more. Sorry If it sounds like I am disrespecting you Iam not.


  11. #11
    Physical appearance aside, wearing a uniform in a foreign country -- and not sanctioned by the host country is a no-no. Doing it draws a lot of attention, some of which may be copper jacket at supersonic speed, ruining your afternoon or evening. Understand your motives but don't tease the snake.
    Semper fi.


  12. #12
    I don't know but that retired Marine Sgt that sang at the world series game looked over weight in his dress blues didn't see him getting handcuffed,lol, Semper Fidelis.


  13. #13
    It turns out that the guy who sang at the World Series was a former Marine (served from 1980 - 1984) but was not a retired Marine. I thought it was weird that as a "retired" Marine he only had two hash marks and a Good Conduct Medal. He is (according to Google) a retired Massachusetts State Trooper and was given special permission by the Corps to wear the blues at the event.

    http://blogs.militarytimes.com/offdu...t-not-retired/


  14. #14
    Phantom Blooper
    Guest Free Member
    ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: Passports and visas are required. U.S. citizens coming to Lebanon for tourism can purchase a short-term one-month visa at the land border with Syria, the port of Beirut, or Beirut International airport. However, official U.S. government travelers need to arrange for a visa in advance of their travel. U.S. citizens also holding Lebanese citizenship are subject to the requirements and responsibilities of that citizenship under Lebanese law. Travelers holding passports that contain visas or entry/exit stamps for Israel will likely be refused entry into Lebanon and may be subject to arrest and imprisonment. Persons seeking entry into Lebanon who have previously traveled to Israel may face arrest and/or detention even if the travel documents they are currently using do not have Israeli stamps or visas. Note that the Government of Lebanon has the authority to refuse admission to U.S. citizens and to detain U.S. citizen travelers for further inspection. Travelers who have overstayed their entry visa validity in Lebanon must adjust their status with the Central Department of Sûreté Générale (Department of Passport and Immigration), and receive an exit visa, prior to their departure. Note that individuals who are detained pending deportation are expected to pay the cost of their own airline ticket and will remain under detention until they have gathered the necessary funds.

    Due to security concerns, unofficial travel to Lebanon by U.S. government employees and their family members is discouraged, strictly limited, and requires prior approval by the Department of State. This is also true for U.S. government employees planning to transit through Beirut, whether for official or unofficial travel.



    http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...s/cis_948.html


    More info can be found on this website.

    Personally I would not visit this shiathole. There are plenty memorials in the USA to honor these Marines,sailors and soldiers.

    There was parents years back of one of the victims who were able to get into the country and place a plaque on the site of the BLT blast in which killed their son.

    However they were escorted by a local for big bucks (American $) and were on constant guard for fear of their lives. They did what they had to do and got out.

    By no means do not wear dress blues....or any other part of a US uniform!

    If you value your head...your neck.....or your kin.


  15. #15
    Hi. New member here and I want to ask a few questions here rather than create a new thread.

    My father (20yr CW3 Army Helicopter Pilot) passed away yesterday. I want to honor him in wearing my Dress Blues "B" at his memorial service.

    I've been getting in shape for over a year (not quite fit yet) and don't believe I'll be "disgraceful" in uniform.

    I've already got my measurements ready and I'll be ordering a set from the naval exchange, (USC Customer Service, 1-800-368-4088).

    Ribbons/badges are also being ordered.

    Questions:
    1) What will the USC be providing in terms of the uniform? I know they don't provide rank insignia, but what about blood stripes on the pants? Cover?
    2) Is there a checklist somewhere that I can use to make sure I have everything I need for the uniform? Collar emblems, cufflinks, belt buckle (NCO) etc? I never attended NCO school, so I don't believe I'm authorized for the swords.

    I need answers soonish so I can get everything ordered in time for his service.

    Thanks for any help.

    Semper Fi.


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