A Semper Fi Kind of Guy - You WILL like him!

[IndyOp]

From - http://www.1angrypatriot.blogspot.com

[phusion]

1. Brave dude!

ooorah!

[IndyOp]

2. THIS is who we need --

when the soldiers decide that they won't lift a gun, then war will be over.

:patriot:

[donheld]

3. This is the kind of troop i love supporting

:yourock:

[crispini]

4. damn! Nominated!

[MADem]

5. I do, but I worry about him--what he is doing is against the UCMJ

He shoulda worn a mask, doggone it.

You cannot affiliate yourself with a political cause in uniform, and YES, I am fully aware that the chimp forces kids in uniform to be his backdrop all the time. What he does is WRONG, craven, and disrespectful to the troops that he forces to stand and listen to his shit.

When some clown gets up in his uniform in church and talks about the evil muslims, that is wrong, too.

If this is an act of civil disobedience, well, good for him, assuming he knows the consequences.

I know some of you will think I am nitpicking, but it is a goose-gander situation--I found the actions of some senior leaders in church environments reprehensible, because they knew full well they were going against a longstanding regulation.

If the kid is clear on the consequences and is doing it anyway, well, that is brave. If he is just clueless, I feel sad for him.

[ohio_liberal]

6. He might not be active duty

n/t

[DS1]

7. and wearing a mask would also be violating the UCMJ

has some form of trumped up uniform modification

[ohio_liberal]

10. Self-delete

[MADem]

14. Yeah, that is true, but how would they ID him?

If you are gonna break the rules, break 'em all the way!

[MADem]

12. If he is a reservist, it is still wrong--trust me on this

[ohio_liberal]

13. Yeah I know that

I'm saying he might be a "former" marine.

[MADem]

17. He got thru boot camp

He has his ND ribbon.

And the USMC has a thing about former Marines--the only ones who are so classified are those convicted of heinous crimes, like, say, child molestation.

The ole "Once a Marine, always a Marine, Semper Fi!" attitude applies.

[catnhatnh]

8. Yeah,but if he's been discharged....It's all fair game....

...as in old vets marching in parades etc...if active duty,different rules...

[MADem]

11. If he has been discharged, it is because he did not do a full tour

That kid is fresh--he has a national defense service ribbon, and nada else.

[catnhatnh]

19. Shit your right....

but (you knew there was a "but", right?) he MIGHT be entitled....like most other poster, I hope so....as ex-army I was dazzled by the bright colors....

[UncleSepp]

38. Maybe he doesn't want to wear his ribbons?

My father in law refused honors. My grandfather threw his medals in a box. Maybe this guy is like them - maybe he doesn't want to wear ribbons earned for experience he doesn't see as being something to celebrate.

[MADem]

45. He has on his ND service ribbon nt

[TahitiNut]

41. No way is a Lance Corporal "fresh".

Unless the Corps has changed a lot recently, it sometimes takes a full hitch to get to Lance Corporal. The minimum time-in-service is nine months. It's been my impression that quite a few enlisted Marines are still Lance Corporals after 3-4 years. I believe that 50% of all Marine enlisted personnel are E-3 (Lance Corporal) and below.

[MADem]

46. Not if he has college

You can get out of boot camp as an E-3 if you have 120 college credits. This applies across all branches, fwiw.

[susanna]

23. Is the same still true if he is a former Marine?

Just curious. He could be a former Marine who still fits into his uniform. :-)

[ohio_liberal]

25. I don't think so

Have you seen the old guys from the American Legion and VFW in parades? A lot of them only wear a part of a uniform.

[MADem]

29. He got out on a CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVT discharge, then

He doesn't have the fruit salad for anyone who has done any time.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

40. Whatever are you talking about?

I put in 4 years and the only ribbon I had was a "Good Conduct". (Completely and proudly undeserved). And, there were plenty like me.

[MADem]

44. You must have gotten out some time ago

The National Defense Service medal is an "auto-medal" and has been since sometime in the 90s. It was discontinued post Vietnam, and revived after Gulf One. The Good Conducts are doled out for appropriate length of service without any misconduct, and note he does not have that one either.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

47. 1965, at the start of that other lost war.

What makes you think that he should be loaded down with ribbons? And, what the hell difference does it make?

I don't give a rip if he's really girl scout dressing up. The point he's making is valid.

[MADem]

48. Why are you angry with me? And picking a fight????

Look, all I am doing is putting my considerable experience over decades in the service to work in examining that photo. That is all I am doing. I am OBSERVING, and commenting. Basta! What I see is an E3 with a NDS ribbon. If he did a tour, he would likely at least sport some sort of deployment ribbon, or a unit commendation, or some other fruit salad, as well as a GCM if he stayed out of trouble, and if he was really a spot-on kinda kid, maybe an achievement medal. He has none of that, which means he is either fresh as a daisy, or got out quick, or maybe he is wearing his dead brother's uniform.

If you look upthread, you will see that I was concerned FOR THIS KID--for him, mind you, not "agin" him.

I am NOT in OPPOSITION to his statement. My concern was that if he is fresh/active, some asshole could turn him in.

Why is there always so much goddamned drama here???

[cynatnite]

56. I got a good conduct in '90, I think it was, when I was Army...

This was before Gulf I, BTW.

[MADem]

60. Good conduct medals have ALWAYS been issued, it is the National Defense

Service ribbon (what that kid is wearing) that went on hiatus and then was brought back in 90 as a consequence of the Gulf War--the start date coincided with the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, in Aug 90.
See below:
Designed by the Army's Institute of Heraldry in Cameron Station, Va., the first medals were issued during the Korean War era and note active federal service performed as part of normal extended duty between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954, both dates inclusive.

The next period of eligibility coincided with that of the Vietnam War, with duty between 01 Jan. 1961 and 14 Aug. 1974 being the criteria for the award, both dates inclusive. This amended period of eligibility was established by Executive Order 11265 of 11 January 1966.

The most recent period of award encompasses Southwest Asia service, with eligibility beginning 02 Aug. 1990, based on Executive Order 12776 from President George Bush on 18 October 1991. The terminal eligibility date for this period later was set as 30 Nov. 1995. http://www.history.navy.mil/medals/ndsm.htm

But then, post 911, they brought it back again: http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2002/b05012002_bt224-02.html

[jmowreader]

50. That guy's about nineteen years old

The only way he is a "former" Marine is if he got kicked out.

Plus, he's a Lance Corporal. Very low rank.

No, this guy's an active duty jarhead...one who's not married; you have to buy Marine blues--the USMC blue uniform is not a clothing bag item--and they're expensive.

[MADem]

51. Maybe he was the recruit honor grad (they get a set as a reward)

Seriously! http://www.usmc.mil/directiv.nsf/0/822dfcfba219fde985256497006a0f0b/$FILE/MCO%2010120.61.pdf

And in DC, a lot of the junior personnel have the full kit--Marine Barracks, Henderson Hall, Ceremonial Guard, WH, Marine One Det, Naval Observatory, Navy Yard, etc....they are frequently called on for ceremonial duties, they always suffer the worst during inaguarations, poor sods, so they all seem to have a full seabag (maybe because marching around in a parade beats work...)--the ones assigned to Ceremonial Guard get an extra allowance for that uni, too.

I wish the picture didn't show his face quite so clearly, in the event that he is a kid fresh out of boot and reporting to the Marine Barracks...

[Dogmudgeon]

9. Carrying on the tradition of "Old Gimlet Eye" himself

"Old Gimlet Eye" was Major-General Smedley Darlington Butler of the USMC, who wrote War Is A Racket.

Just when I despaired that they didn't make Marines like that any more, along came a number of them to prove me wrong. For which I'm grateful.

Semper Fidelis is more than just a "tribal" slogan. It's a relief to find out that it's still a living spirit that has the power to challenge evil.

--p!

[spuddonna]

27. Yes! Butler was a real hero! For anyone who doesn't know his story...

read up on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler
"An immensely popular figure in the United States at the time, Butler led the Bonus Army and came forward to the U.S. Congress in 1933 to report that a failed coup had been plotted by wealthy industrialists to overthrow the government of President Franklin D. Roosevelt with the help of General Butler. According to journalist John Spivak, Congress investigated the Business Plot after Butler's testimony and confirmed his story <1>."

[susanna]

31. Goodness, Pigwidgeon.

I have so much to say in that very same vein. Unfortunately, I am exceedingly tired and have a job to go to tomorrow. If this thread is completely buried, look for a PM.

BTW: you are right.

[obxhead]

15. there's 5 for ya

great pic.

[Mr_Spock]

16. He know where da woman are

:D

[cynatnite]

18. Well, he may not even be a marine...out of uniform

He should have a few more ribbons and a nametag. Check the pants. They are not straight. They are supposed to be perfect with no crinkles when standing.

Does not appear to be a legit marine, IMO.

[MADem]

21. What would be sad is if it is his dead brother's dress uni

And who knows, could be....

[cynatnite]

26. If it is...that would be a major ick factor for me...

sad, yes. I can't see it, but I could be wrong, too.

[MADem]

28. Well, ya know, that one you get out of boot camp or OCS

...is fitted to a T, and you are at the top of your game. It is the rare servicemember who is the same size six months after finishing training, even with the PT requirements.

That could be the one he left at home....just saying.

I left one or three behind, myself.

[5thGenDemocrat]

30. Marines don't wear name tags on a full-dress uniform

I had to look it up, but there you are. Can't comment on the pants -- though they look okay to me.
Also, is there some reason this Marine couldn't be stationed in Washington (say, at an embassy) and just passing through (that would be my excuse anyhow, if I was him).
John
US Army, 1974-76.

[cynatnite]

32. I didn't realize that...I thought it was a service wide requirement

I did find the reg on trousers:

3034
a. Service and dress trousers will be full cut, straight hanging, zipper fly front, and without cuffs. Trouser legs will provide easy fit and will be long enough to break slightly over the shoe in front and to reach the juncture of the welt of the shoe in the rear. A variation of 1/4 inch above/below the welt is acceptable. Hems will be from 2 inches to 3 inches wide.

b. Trousers will be pressed to present a smooth vertical crease at about the center front and rear of each leg. The crease will extend from the bottom of the hem to about 2 inches above the trouser crotch.

http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/mcub/PAGES/Uniform%20Regs%20Chapters/Chapter%203_files/Chapter%203.htm

[5thGenDemocrat]

33. I believe it is a requirement

On the Army greens or khakis (Class "A" uniforms) and on the fatigues (work uniforms) we wore nametags. Not on the full-dress blues, though.
John
The guy cuts a dashing figure, though. Good on him -- and I hope to hell his superiors don't see the photo or he'll be in his fatigues for the next year or so.

[cynatnite]

34. If he's legit...it might be difficult to find out who he is

No offense to marines or former marines, but some of you guys look a lot alike with the high and tight haircuts. :)

[Captain Hilts]

57. You don't wear a name badge on dress uniform.

You wear your name on battle dress utilities and on your Class "A," . But I don't think you do so on your dress uniform.

[ohio_liberal]

35. Is that a weapons qualification badge on his chest?

n/t

[cynatnite]

36. Looks like a marksman badge n/t

[MADem]

52. He could have been going from point A to point B on leave

BWA is a major troop transport airport, and they are just a subway ride connected to a bus ride away (or, he could go straight shot to BWA via AMTRAK).

[nashbridges]

54. Is he wearing sneakers?

Or are they dirty dress? I can't believe he'd go to the trouble of putting on full dress and then wear sensible shoes.

Is my memory failing me, or have they changed the shoe requirement? My brother in law was a marine for 12 years, and he never wore anything except the most uncomfortable shoes when he got all gussied up.

[cynatnite]

55. It doesn't look like sneakers, but the crappy pants makes it hard to tell

They aren't pressed or tailered according to regulation.

Everything else appears to be from what I can see.

[FM Arouet666]

20. Oooo-Rah Jar Head.

As an ex-jar head myself, I am impressed. I wouldn't have had the gonads to do this. Then again, in my youth I was brain washed and claimed to be a conservative. There is a cure for conservatism, it is called education and exposure to other lifestyles and cultures.

[Kolesar]

42. Jar Head sounds a bit insulting

Like what a sailor yells right before starting a fist fight. However, from your post I gather that Marines call themselves that. I still have misgivings about the blog using that word for the filename for the jpeg.

[MADem]

53. It's all in how you say it

If said with affection, no problem. It is only a slur if it has a naughty word ahead or behind it!

[FM Arouet666]

58. Jar head is better than skillet head.

A friend of mine kept calling me skillet head after I got out of boot camp, irked the hell out me.

Jar Head is a friendly term among Marines. However, you are quite right, a sailor using the term could expect a violent response.

[onager]

49. Et tu, FM?!?

Another former Marine here! 6 years, including nearly 2 as a Drill Instructor at San Diego.

:hi:

On the "former Marine" thing: I always taught that as the proper title:

There are dead Marines and former Marines. But there are no ex-Marines.

In fact, I would gladly nominate a few asshats for "ex-Marine" status. Ollie North and Joe McCarthy come to mind...

If the L/Cpl in the photo is legit, he has been in less than 3 years or screwed up. Unless the regs have changed (which is possible), you only get a Good Conduct Medal after 3 years with no problems.

[FM Arouet666]

59. I was wondering why you were such a mean son of a gun. ;)

Yep, I was enlisted 84' to 88', stationed at Twenty Nine Palms and El Toro. Spent most of the time preparing for desert warfare, countless operations in Yuma.

Even though I have been out 17 years, my dad loves to remind me of the former Marine quote. Once a Marine, always a Marine, to some extent.

Someone posted a thread a few months ago asking former and active military to be counted. I was a bit surprised, a large number of respondents. Serving in the military does not make one a goose-stepping republican, a fact I hope all on DU can appreciate.

Semper Fi liberal Jar Head :patriot:

[UrbScotty]

22. Democrats support the troops! (nt)

[Raster]

24. Bless his heart! And da-yum, he looks fine in that uniform!

[AuntiBush]

37. Oh, Wow. God Bless Him!

Now, that's a true American. Brave, honorable and courageous, he's standing-up for our true MORALS & VALUES!

Salute to this solider!

[genieroze]

39. Kick

[Kolesar]

43. Look at the woman with the hearts on her sign and the American Friends lit

The sign must say "make love not war", unless it was the "make levees not war". That's classic Americana. They should put that on the cover of Time.