MrStiv Posted June 4, 2018 Share #1 Posted June 4, 2018 I'm reviewing the Navy regulations regarding the wear of pin-on metal rank insignia for Apprentices and Seamen (E2 and E3) to settle a disagreement I have with a friend who says there are instances where these Sailors wear a single rate device rather than a pair. As far as I can tell, E2s and E3s only wear the metal insignia in pairs on the collar points of the khaki shirt/overblouse. E2s and E3s aren't authorized to wear insignia on the garrison cap or the Navy/Command Ball Cap, and just can't think of another case where a single rate device is worn. Perhaps it was permitted in the past? Any info, as always is greatly appreciated.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin B. Posted June 4, 2018 Share #2 Posted June 4, 2018 I think recruit acting petty officers have been wearing collar devices on one side in the coverall/NWU era, but I don't know what the rules are. Boot camp only, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrStiv Posted June 4, 2018 Author Share #3 Posted June 4, 2018 Very interesting, Justin, I will check it out -- and thank you for the lead! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin B. Posted June 4, 2018 Share #4 Posted June 4, 2018 Very interesting, Justin, I will check it out -- and thank you for the lead! Sure, let us know what you find out! Justin B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MastersMate Posted June 4, 2018 Share #5 Posted June 4, 2018 May want to also check on those that are designated as Corpsmen, Dental Techs and Religious Program Assistants. Thought they wear the E-2 or E-3 on the right collar and a designater insignia on the left collar.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrStiv Posted June 4, 2018 Author Share #6 Posted June 4, 2018 Good guess, but: “Sailors in paygrade E-2 to E-6 will wear their rank device on both their collars of the new Service Uniform. Rate specialty marks, to include Corpsmen caduceus, RP's rose/compass/globe/anchor, etc. will NOT be worn on the collar of the new Service Uniforms.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRIS FORD Posted June 4, 2018 Share #7 Posted June 4, 2018 I guess I was in the slick-sleeve era..there weren't E2 or E3 pin on anything! The poor guy would have been ridiculed to pieces if seen wearing anything like that... In fact, I'd be lucky to have a pin on E4 crow when I wore my coveralls..things can get loose on a cruise..hell..sometimes I'd even just throw a hat pin E-4 crow on and call it good. I remember when the Chief was telling us: "Guys..you gotta start wearing belts with your coveralls." but a year or so after I made HT3..at first, I wore them both ALL the time..had them everywhere I could pin them.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MastersMate Posted June 5, 2018 Share #8 Posted June 5, 2018 Ah, for the khaki service dress collar. Back in the BDU days and the fatigues back to the VN fracas, they wore the subdued collar stripe pin ons and an AF styled shield with a HM or DT specialty mark on it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MastersMate Posted June 5, 2018 Share #9 Posted June 5, 2018 When wearing USMC uniforms, there is a section in USMC uniform regs concerning wear by USN personnel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrStiv Posted June 5, 2018 Author Share #10 Posted June 5, 2018 The USMC angle would seem to be the key to the puzzle. The only problem is that the insignia I'm referring to is non-black metal, and in checking the USMC regulations -- both 2003 and yes, 1976 -- the insignia must be black. What makes it even more maddening is the specific wording in the Navy regulations: "Rate specialty marks, to include Corpsmen caduceus, RP's rose/compass/globe/anchor, etc will NOT be worn on the collar of the new Service Uniforms." The fact that (1) they specifically mention Corpsmen and Religious Program Specialists and (2) capitalize the word "NOT" seems to me to indicate that at one time they were worn on the collars of some uniform. It's like they're going out of their way to warn those two groups that things have changed with the intro of the Service Uniform.... When wearing USMC uniforms, there is a section in USMC uniform regs concerning wear by USN personnel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MastersMate Posted June 5, 2018 Share #11 Posted June 5, 2018 Sounds like a conflict with the interpretation of the Geneva Convention. Has always been my understanding that non combatant medical personnel must be identified by specific recognized insignia.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MastersMate Posted June 7, 2018 Share #12 Posted June 7, 2018 Not sure if this is a USN or USMC uniform.. The 1976 corpsman shows the shield in use back then.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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