Ranger Tab
Posted on 12/03/2001 2:45:23 PM PST by dingram
It has been debated, dishonored, defended and despised. Now on a daily basis, all one has to do is watch any local news broadcast or read any newspaper to see it being desecrated on a consistant basis. It was once a symbol of hard work, prestige, teamwork, honor and most of all, sacrifice. It used to turn many heads in many airports and other public places. For someone to possess it, they had to leave all things average behind and elevate themselves to a level never before obtained, both physical and mental.
I am speaking of the black beret, which used to only be displayed on the proud and dedicated heads of United States Army Rangers. Thanks to an adminstration of degenerates and the lowest morale of any peace time American military, the once coveted black beret was pimped as a cure-all for all regular soldiers in the United States Army in the Clinton era.
In what can be compared to a communistic experiment, the black beret was turned into the ultimate equalizer for the common Army soldiers. By stripping the elite of their denotational motif and offering it to the masses, the "higher-ups" injected a temporary dose of spirit with the longevity of a band-aid. This action was representative of the Clinton administration's knack for commonly advancing cosmetic elixers to real problems.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army, I was fortunate enough to earn the rite to wear the red beret and later the green beret. While I was in Granada, my Brother completed Ranger School and earned the rite to wear the black beret. We were and still are proud of our past service. We both got to feel the artificial superiority complex from our berets as we walked with a little extra swagger with the rest of our "teams" or "Squads" we served with. In a normal social situation, we would have been considered full-of-ourselves, but in our respective units, we were right at home.
We also had a special tab on our shoulders, which notated our qualifications, but it was the berets that were the most visible. In one fluid motion, we would slip them on our heads and slide our hands down the creases to get them to look and feel just right, and they looked like a piece of art whenever we were lucky enough to catch our relflections in a window. As soon we did this, a twinkle would appear in each eye and a strong desire to walk as upright as possible would take over our bodies. It was magic and it was a constant reminder that we had worked hard for something and earned something special
When today's Army wears these berets, I don't get mad or too upset. After all, I don't blame them for the change in uniform, and besides, they are a beautiful sight. However, when I see soldiers and most of all, officers, in the news wearing these berets, most of them are not wearing them properly. This makes me mad.
It is like giving a teenager a new car and expecting them to take care of it and respect it like they earned the money to buy that car. It is like rental property or public telelphones. Oh sure, there are always responsible or courteous people in any situation, but for-crying-out-loud, wear the damn things right. Instead of works of art, most of the ones I see, look like turbans or even costume apparatus.
If any of you are soldiers, or if any of you know soldiers, please ask them to take a little extra time and turn their berets into something more than hats.
This is something that should never have happened. Thank the Clinton era. This is something President Bush needs to correct. But the damage has been done..... He would have to make a very big deal (production) out of giving the beret back to the rangers.
Is there another symbol that sets the Rangers apart and at the same time honors them the right way? Other than the tab.
I agree competely. I see them worn improperly every day. I still think something must be done about it. Maybe not a top priority now but in the near future. It's embarassing to see ordinary soldiers wear something they didn't earn AND not wear it right.
HHC 1/505th 82d 71-73
Forgive me, but I was Coast Guard, and I wouldn't know a properly worn beret from an improper one. Anyone have any pics? I would really like to know so I can be on the lookout for it.
Only direct intervention by JFK saved them. That is probably the only thing that Kennedy did that I appreciate.
Thank you very much. That is the first time anyone ever said that to me.
USCG Motto: Semper Paratus (Always Ready)
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