Posted on Sep 9, 2015
Why not allow former Infantrymen (11B's) to wear the blue Infantry cord?
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I went to basic, infantry and airborne school at Ft. Benning and served as an infantryman for four years on active duty, why not let guys like me wear the blue infantry cord if we change MOS's? We earned it. I'm not talking about any other infantry accoutrements like the blue discs or crossed rifles, just the cord. I suppose I'm viewing this similarly to earning a badge or a tab.
This is a "what if" discussion - I know what they regs say. The post is meant to stimulate discussion and opinions.
This is a "what if" discussion - I know what they regs say. The post is meant to stimulate discussion and opinions.
Infantry
Badges
Dress Uniform
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 89
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A SM should retain wear of the blue cord throughout his/her career, regardless of changing MOS/units, if the SM at one time or another in the military completed the 11-series MOS-producing training, or equivalent from other service, and served a minimum of one peace-time or war-time tour in an AD infantry unit, unless properly released earlier, but not less than 1-year unless injured in peace-time or war-time and subsequently released from 11-series, or served in a NG/RC infantry unit for an equivalent increased duration to adjust to the AD tour length requirement. SMs with combined prior 11-series training and service should be recognized for their prior Infantry accomplishment that is not easily displayed on the uniform when SMs transition to another branch of the Army. There is no better way to display without medals a SMs past and/or present Infantry training and service hardship than to allow SMs to continue to wear the Infantry blue cord. Once an Infantryman, always an Infantryman!!! Change the regulation.
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SGT Scott Coleman
I agree, it identifies a special skill set that could be useful. After 4 years in the 2/504 inf 82nd abn, I joined the reserves when I went to college and proudly served my country as the Brigade photographer lol I was a sgt with jump wings and an EIB. When they had a problem in the arms room, they called me! :) It was kinda fun being a REMF :)
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SSG Bill McCoy
SGT Tim Mikles - Not quite the same reasoning. A former DS doesn't have to wear a campaign hat to be recognized as a former DS. They can wear the DS Badge.
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Without digging into regs, It is authorized if your primary MOS is 11 series, period. Once you re-classify to another MOS and it becomes your primary and you are no longer managed under the 11 CMF proponent. In other words, it is not a permanent award. The Expert Infantryman's Badge, however, is, which was my link to the "old world" after I had to give up the blue cord and discs.
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SGT (Join to see)
Until as an NCO that rated EFMB training did I appreciate how infantry men do their best to stay True Blue in their CIB where we as medics hate that anyone can try to study for their EFMB.
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Special Forces Weapons Sergeants (heavy and light), originally held 11 series MOSs before they became a separate branch in the early 1980's were not allowed to wear the blue cord. The decision was made in direct acknowledgement of the sacrifice of the Infantry. Only those who are Infantry, serving in an Infantry billet, can wear the blue cord.
Even today, as closely tied as the MOS 18B is to 11B and 11C, the blue cord is reserved only for the Infantry. They do after all, still suffer the brunt of warfare, no matter how many artilleryman or MPs have done "infantry patrols".
On a more direct note, as a CW4, how long ago was it that you were an Infantryman? Do you really think that what you have been doing for the last 15-20 years (because there is no warrant position in the Infantry) merits the blue cord? Not an insulting question, just trying to see your point of view. You obviously put the blue cord on a high pedestal. Do you think that the job you do now merits the recognition that the blue cord was originally designed for, or do you just miss the flair?
Even today, as closely tied as the MOS 18B is to 11B and 11C, the blue cord is reserved only for the Infantry. They do after all, still suffer the brunt of warfare, no matter how many artilleryman or MPs have done "infantry patrols".
On a more direct note, as a CW4, how long ago was it that you were an Infantryman? Do you really think that what you have been doing for the last 15-20 years (because there is no warrant position in the Infantry) merits the blue cord? Not an insulting question, just trying to see your point of view. You obviously put the blue cord on a high pedestal. Do you think that the job you do now merits the recognition that the blue cord was originally designed for, or do you just miss the flair?
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CW2 Donald Loughrey
It used to be that you had to serve in an Airborne unit and/or be on Jump status for 18 months to wear you jump wings if you went off status. Once that was fulfilled you got to wear them much as those who completed Ranger School could wear the tab. It made no difference if you hadn't jumped from an aircraft for years, you had earned the wings. I am much like the CW4 who originally posted with regards to this issue. I joined the Army in 1974 and went to Ft Polk La. for Infantry School. The "turning Blue" ceremony after the two day event that culminated in getting our Braid is something I'll always remember. I did 4 years as an 11B before moving on to 05H/Morse Intercept Operator, where my there was as a Radio Op for a SOT-A. My Infantry background was a plus and I did much the same with regards to patrolling etc. My point is, the Braid is a decoration that shows your accomplishment and part of your Army qualification. I think it should be worn if you earned it. I have Jump Wings...I don't and didn't need "flair". A need for such would not have kept me serving for 22 years.
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CPL Nathan Hollingsworth
Yeah I think I agree with you , I was Ordnance Branch , wheel mechanic , ( so no fancy cord but if we had one ) , if I changed MOS how long as a different MOS would I remain “Tactically and Technically Proficient “ in my original MOS ?
Leave the baubles with the serving grunts !
Leave the baubles with the serving grunts !
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LTC Marlen Ramirez
You can say the same for any other badge, device, award, or item worn on the uniform. Do you really think that have you been doing for the last 15-20 years merits you wearing the badge, device, award, item, whatever?
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Suspended Profile
Once awarded should not be taken away, not because of flair, but because it was earned, I spent 14 years in the I fantry, 12 in MI (6 as a Warrant) I believe I earned the honor of retaining the blue cord! The 2 most difficult days in my career were removing the cord and removing SFC stripes to go Warrant, best decision I made, but gut wrenching, took me longer and far more intensity to be an Infantry SFC than Warrant
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