Just wear the damn thing properly

12/3/01 | FReeplancer

[Greg_99]

It kills me so much to see something I worked so hard to get, and was so proud of when I wore, be turned into a marketing ploy. My stomach turns when I see soldiers wear them like something a Frenchman would wear while painting. Please oh please God, do something about this

[tazman3]

PING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

[Arkinsaw]

I know two Arkansas National Guardsmen personally, one male, one female. Both of them have stated to me, without knowing each other, that they are embarassed to wear them. Neither of them feel that they have earned the right. One told me that if he sees someone wearing a tan beret he will have a hard time keeping it on his head out of shame. He says he makes it a point to think of the Rangers every single time he puts it on.

I'm not sure if its any comfort, but at least some have a great deal of respect for the beret they have to wear.

[tazman3]

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.

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.

[pgobrien]

Fancy hats, do not soldiers make.... Nor the honour, theirs to take.

HHC 1/505th 82d 71-73

[exmoor]

Just wear the damn thing properly..Didn't Hillery say that to Reno..

[Semper911]

It is embarassing that we had a "president" who could do such a thing.

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.

[Sunshine Sister]

I'm not from a military background, but I'd like to know how to spot a ranger without having to depend on a baret (sp?). Can you please advise? I support and honor all military, but it would be nice to recognize, as a special accomplishment, a ranger if I ever see one!

[Arkinsaw]

but I was Coast Guard

The Coast Guard always gets short shrift. Your service is appreciated.

[Ronin]

What is really interesting about this whole thing is the fact that back when Special Forces was just getting off the ground, the high brass in the Army trying to squish the wearing of berets completely.

Only direct intervention by JFK saved them. That is probably the only thing that Kennedy did that I appreciate.

[Arkinsaw]

I'd like to know how to spot a ranger

I'm not a Ranger, but.....

First, if they don't want you to spot them then you won't.
If you do spot what you think might be a Ranger you can verify it by saying "Hey Marine!". They will then identify themselves.

p.s. - I think they also wear a tab that says RANGER on it.

[SW6906]

I agree with you completely! BTTT, and thanks very much for your service to our country!

[Sunshine Sister]

I'm not a ranger either, thus the question. You say a tab. What does that mean? I tab in my world is a key on the typewriter. Please explain!

[Arkinsaw]

Some of these guys can probably tell you the real dope. The tab is a small patch just large enough for the word RANGER. To be honest, I am not exactly sure where they wear it though I think its on the sleeve underneath a unit patch. C'mon folks, help me out here my ignorance is showing.

[Chuckster]

I'm sure someone will post a graphic for you. Rangers wear a flash on the left shoulder seam above the unit patch that says, quite conveniently, "Ranger"

[Sunshine Sister]

"Our" ignorance is showing. I'm sure there are some ranger FReepers who will be glad to let us in on the secret! Grins!

[Arkinsaw]

Ranger Tab

[Sunshine Sister]

Thank you for the reply. Does "flash" mean a lightning bolt?

[Semper911]

The Coast Guard always gets short shrift. Your service is appreciated.

Thank you very much. That is the first time anyone ever said that to me.

USCG Motto: Semper Paratus (Always Ready)