Proper Way to Wear the Merchant Marine Patch
Merchant marine patches are used to show rank and specialties and must be properly worn at all times. According to the U.S. Merchant Marines, merchant mariners support the U.S. Navy by transporting passengers and goods during peace time. During war times, they deliver supplies and move troops. Like the regular military, merchant mariners wear patches and insignia that identify their positions, and they must follow strict guidelines on how they must be displayed.
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Instructions
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Wear the correct cap with wreaths and insignia depending on rank. For example, a trainee's cap is plain black with a small gold anchor, while a captain's cap has wreaths along the brim and an U.S. Merchant Marine symbol, which is an anchor inside a wreath, at the front.
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Wear shoulder boards, or epaulets on the shoulders of khaki uniforms, white dress uniforms, and bridge coats. The number of sleeve stripes depends on the rank. For example, a chief mate has three stripes on each shoulder and a captain has four.
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Pin a rank device on the right collar tip to display officer rank, such as an eagle for captain and a silver star for commodore. Pin on the left collar tip a specialty pin, such as a crescent for a cook or a cross for a hospital apprentice.
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Wear a U.S. Merchant Marine button on the right lapel of a bridge coat or white dress uniform jacket. Chief officers also wear their rank on buttons on the right lapel.
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Add a patch on the top of the right sleeve of shirts and jackets for ceremonial dress uniforms. The patch signifies the U.S. Merchant Marines.
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Tips & Warnings
Awards and ribbons are also worn on the jacket lapel for special occasions.
Some merchant marines wear casual dress while working on board their ships, but proper insignia is typically worn at all times.
Women are allowed to wear skirts rather than pants.
References
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