TOP DOG PRESS
TOP DOG PRESS
Uniform Fetish Resources
Uniforms:
Fetish, Function, Fantasy
What is it about uniforms, anyway? Let's talk about why we find them so hot,
which uniforms turn us on, and what do we want to do in them. My specialty
is police uniforms, so I will take you through how to put together an
authentic police uniform, from your high-gloss duty oxfords to your
eight-point cap, with all the variations of style that will make your effect
exactly what you want it to be, whether that effect is strictly regulation
or a fantasy come true. I'll cover where to shop, what to look for, how it
works. I will also discuss other uniform fetishes including USMC,
Navy, firefighter, doctor, nurse, UPS delivery person, as well as forbidden
or taboo uniforms, and share information about getting the right stuff and
putting the pieces together. Bring your uniform to show off for inspection!
1. Introduction
A. What is it about uniforms, anyway? Why do we find them so hot? Which uniforms turn us on? What do we want to do in them? (Class participation)
B. Is authenticity necessary? Talk about Joansie’s view that one should have respect for the servicepeople in uniform and not imitate military uniforms exactly. Contrast the DUC (Dyke Uniform Corps). Wide latitude for police uniforms with so many local depts and so many styles; strict standards for USMC to hold up to fetish. Power of suggestion for distinctive types: police, sailor boy, drill sergeant, corrections officer.
2. What makes a uniform?
A. Police: mostly the duty belt and toys (cuffs, baton) plus badge, blues. Parts of a duty belt (also materials & types of finish). Types of hat, shoes. Blues. Badges and other insignia. Footwear. Extras – ties, whistles, etc. Replica weapons. (Safe play with police gear: why standard handcuffs are a must. Thumb cuffs. Batons, saps, sap gloves for impact play.) What’s legal for civilians and what’s not.
B. Marine Corps. Types of uniform – dress, undress, utes. Terminology peculiar to Corps. Men’s uniforms differ from women’s, does it matter for play?
C. Other uniforms – Navy, Army, Air Force. Historic. (class participation). Doctors/nurses. UPS!
D. The Forbidden Zone – what about the SS? Nazis?
3. Putting a uniform together – supply sources
A. Police supply and Army-Navy stores on-line (see handout) and brick-and-mortar; how to shop at both.
B. Used equipment on-line, thrift shops – the police fetish is expensive!
C. Improvising to good effect; the power of suggestion.
Uniform shirt – badge eyelets make it easy to put the badge in the right place. Most uniforms are polyester, but may be a poly blend (wool or cotton). Wide variety of colors and styles available, with button or snap or zip-front (hidden behind button front). Can include sewn-in creases, contrasting color epaulets & pocket flaps. (When improvising, military-style pocket flaps and epaulets make the shirt look most authentic.)
Trousers – any work pants will do, but uniform pants with a handy sap pocket are very desirable. Dickies cell-phone pants are a good substitute. Navy or midnight blue can be worn with nearly any color shirt, but should match a navy or midnight blue shirt as exactly as possible. State police uniforms often include trooper-style jodhpurs (but then you need the boots!).
Many departments now use tactical-style uniforms: military shirts with BDU pants. These are available from any Army/Navy store; navy blue, black or gray for civilian police.
Duty caps – Traditional Air Force style (round) or 8-point style have an eyelet for a hat badge. Tactical style uniforms use a ball cap or combat cap, or even (sometimes) a boonie hat! In terms of verisimilitude, headwear is optional. Troopers wear campaign hats; high fetish value!
Footwear – Most police these days wear duty oxfords that are basically black walking shoes (AKA sneakers). Duty (or combat) boots of various nylon/leather combinations are also frequently worn with the uniform. Chukkas (ankle-high shoes) are also worn, and come in plain leather or high-gloss finishes like traditional leather duty oxfords. Since the uppers of any given plain-toe boot are not visible, I feel that lickability is more important than authenticity, myself.
Ties – must be clip-on or break away to be truly authentic. Optional. Not worn with short sleeve uniform shirts.
Duty rig – the single most important determinant of authenticity. A duty rig consists of a trouser belt that goes through the trouser belt loops and a duty belt that attaches to the trouser belt by way of belt keepers, plus the items of equipment a working officer needs to do his/her job. It is very heavy and expensive to acquire new (but worth it if you have a major fetish). It is possible to buy the entire rig as a package either new or on eBay. If you buy it new through a police supply company, you can buy it a piece at a time and gradually acquire a very complete and very authentic uniform, which is what I did. Police leather comes in several finishes – plain, high-gloss (also called clarino), and basketweave. All the pieces MUST be the same finish! so check to be sure if you are buying items one at a time. Duty rigs also come in nylon and in synthetic leather, which are durable and sometimes less expensive.
Trouser belt – can be nylon even if the duty belt is leather, and is lighter that way. Choose a buckle-less velcro trouser belt for maximum comfort.
Duty gear – basics are the belt keepers (required!) to keep the duty belt on the trouser belt; a handcuff strap or case, a glove pouch (for latex gloves), a baton holder. Extras might be an adjustable glove keeper (for leather duty gloves), a key ring holder, and a holster for a replica handgun. The truly dedicated might add a defensive spray case (in which to carry a small bottle of lube, perhaps) and a speedloader or magazine case, for extreme verisimilitude – especially if your replica firearm has a replica speedloader or magazine!
Badges, patches, nameplates, collar insignia – Security badges are available in gold or silver finish, fairly inexpensive and easy to find. Collectible badges (including hat badges) are much more expensive and illegal to wear. A police patch on one shoulder and a flag on the other is acceptable; make sure the flag waves from front to back (they come in right- and left-hand designs). Nameplates (silver or gold to match badge) can be ordered from uniform supply companies. Collar insignia likewise (PD or SHERRIFF, etc.), also rank stripes and collar tabs.
Miscellaneous – Whistle, whistle chain, and whistle hook! Mirror shades!
Toys
– Handcuffs are the single most desirable item, in my opinion. IT IS
ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL that they be standard issue cuffs, which all use the
same key. Chain type is traditional but hinge type is becoming more common. Get
extra keys and put them in numerous places. (Thumb cuffs, if you get them,
should also be the standard type, which uses the same key as handcuffs.) Other
nice things to have are a side-handle baton, non-collapsible, which is more
easily cleanable than any collapsible baton. Collapsible batons are not good for
fucking, IMO, only bludgeoning. Sap and sap gloves (usually illegal) are good
for impact play. Automatic (illegal) and speed-open knives are also fun to play
with. Disposable Flexcufs are also fun but more prone to cutting and bruising
wrists.
http://www.galls.com/ -- the best prices and selection online, plus any order gets you a print catalog that is fun to pore over
http://www.policeone.com/ -- they call themselves “the one complete resource for law enforcement” and have lots of interesting info and articles, not just police supplies. One is “The Psychological Influence of the Police Uniform” at http://www.policeone.com/police-products/apparel/uniforms/articles/99417/
http://www.qmuniforms.com/ Quartermaster Uniform Company
http://police-uniforms.com/puframe.htm Police Gear
Ebay uniforms – ever-changing selection of a wide variety of items
http://clothing.search.ebay.com/police_Uniforms_W0QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQsacatZ28015
Various Army/Navy-type stores also have police and military equipment and uniforms, sometimes at very good prices:
things like handcuffs, disposable restraints, batons, saps, sap gloves at good prices
http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/index.tam?mailcall=ppjsy
Brigade Quartermasters is another good one. The print catalog is fun to get in the mail
Thrift Stores – Goodwill and Salvation Army often have uniform sections where the absolute best deal can be had on slightly worn pants and shirts
Local Police/EMT supply stores – these are a good source of things you don’t want to get without trying on. Rather than try to bluff your way through as a real police officer, just let them assume that you have been newly hired as a security officer. Most of the gear will be the same.
Replica weapons – Collectors’ Armory used to sell full-size full-weight metal replicas of a wide variety of handguns. They were non-firing and looked just like the real thing, which is why (I imagine) the company no longer seems to exist. Even with orange barrel inserts (required by law), a realistic toy gun is not a good thing to be carrying around in public. I have heard that these replicas can sometimes be found on eBay. Plastic, lightweight airsoft replicas are easy to find, even at the Wal-Mart. The only consideration is that you must know what it’s a replica of if you want to get a holster for it, which is why searching online may be the best bet.
Fancy equestrian boots – not cheap, but so gorgeous. And tasty.
http://www.classequestrian.com/ftr_boots_riding_olympic.htm
also breeches
http://www.classequestrian.com/breeches_menspatrol.htm
Mounted police boots & breeches – wow!
http://www.police-equipment-worldwide.com/
Badges are usually generic “Security” badges, and perfectly legal. Real or replica (theatrical) badges can be purchased from collector websites, but they are very expensive and usually illegal.
http://www.collectors-badges.com/
This site requires registration of personal information which could be used as evidence against you. I see it as a crime deterrent, not an impediment to purchase and have used this resource myself. They have an excellent selection.
http://ssl.maxsell.com/productlist.aspx?categoryid=16&sm=
I haven’t used this one but it’s got a good selection, too.
Patches are much easier to find. Several of mine are out of the barrel of manufacturer rejects in the Provincetown Army-Navy store; lots of Army/Navy stores have such bins and you can often find two (or more) of the same locality. If you can’t get two matching patches, one patch and a flag patch will make an authentic display, since many departments use this method anyway. Sources for new patches for just about any locality you might want can be found online:
http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/55200.shtml
The definitive word on the parts of a uniform. You can’t buy from this catalog unless you are in fact a Marine, but it is the best possible reference for what constitutes authenticity
http://www.usmc-mccs.org/uniforms/downloads/USMCUniformCatalog.pdf
Lots of things Marine, including dress blues
Dress Blues – variable but usually good selection on eBay
http://search.ebay.com/marine-corps-dress-blues_W0QQfclZ4QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQssPageNameZWLRS
Finnish Police Uniforms
http://www.poliisi.fi/poliisi/home.nsf/0/89F742EB024AFA10C2256BB8004469E7?opendocument
Models: A collection of 132 German police uniforms and how they should be worn
http://www.schaden.com/book/Mod03701.html
http://www.westom.com/leather/uniforms.htm --Great site!
http://www.bbcorps.org/ -- Boots & Breeches Corps
The Dyke Uniform Corps http://www.dykeuniformcorps.com/
If you like hot guys in all kinds of uniforms -- http://www.malecorps.com/ ($25/first month, $20/mo thereafter)
In Uniform magazine – both print and online issues available; wish I could afford all of them! ($8/issue)
http://www.inuniform.net/pages/content.asp
Dickies Cell Phone pants (available at Wal-Marts) either the industrial style (2112272 Industrial Cell phone pant) or the work pant version (8038) make a good substitute for sap-pocket uniform pants.
Home Depo sells cable cuffs that make a ratchet sound like handcuffs, can be linked together as handcuffs and – unlike handcuffs – are not illegal and can be carried on planes. Since they don’t lock, they aren’t secure, but neither do they need keys.
from
http//www.eye.net/eye/issue/issue_03.18.04/
Eye
- March 18, 2004
|
LOVE BITES |
I
am a woman in my thirties who has been going to fetish nights for years. I've
been in a relationship with the same man for three years and he knows about all
my fetishes. I won't bore you with the details. However, my boyfriend makes
movie costumes for a living, and he specializes in World War II German uniforms.
They drive me fucking crazy. The look of them really turns me on -- the riding
boots, the caps, wow! Every submissive fantasy should include one of these
uniforms. I want my boyfriend to wear one out to a fetish night -- but how
sensitive is this stuff? I mean, the Nazis are not the most respected people
around. I'm not a Nazi, just a freak who finds the shit they wore sexy. BOOT
GIRL
Oh
sure, don't bore me with all the saucy details, just leave me to contemplate the
ethical dilemma of wearing genocidal regalia to sex parties. Few people have an
ambiguous stance on this issue, but as George from Northbound Leather says:
"She wouldn't be the first. I've had guys show up [to fetish parties] in
full SS uniform. There has been issue taken by some attendees, but I have to
remind them that it's a game. It's a mindfuck. Our own designer, Marty, will be
the first to tell you that he's gay, he's Jewish and he's got a Nazi uniform
fetish."
Northbound
does make clothing that is clearly based on the aesthetic (and FYI, Hugo Boss
was the man who designed for the SS), but they stop short of embellishing it
with insignia. They also make police uniforms and army uniforms, and I have no
doubt that Marty could whip your boyfriend up some priestly vestments should the
mood strike you. Tyranny wears so many different hats, does it not?
I
went online and looked at some pieces written on the topic. One, by "David
TC" on the English fetish club Torture Garden's site (www.torturegarden.com),
makes some interesting, albeit overwrought points. That being: "A real Nazi
in 2001 is more likely to be wearing a pinstripe suit in an office ... than
posing at a fetish club in a kinky and very camp Nazi uniform, surrounded by
weirdos, perverts, punks, the tattooed and pierced, transsexuals, gays, gypsies,
blacks and every other diverse spectrum of humanity at its most colourful."
While
George says he has never prevented anyone from donning whatever turns their
crank, he draws the line if it's anything other than representative of a sexual
fetish. "If it appears they are political, they will be barred," he
says, and also warns that you should be prepared to deal with the shit you stir
up just by showing up in this garb. But again, you will certainly not be alone.
"I've had Communist generals. I know one man who shows up in a different
uniform every fetish party, and he is a uniform authority on the internet,"
says George. "I will not eject them, because I provide a forum for people
to play out their fantasy."
(From
Officer Wes’ uniforms http://www.westom.com/leather/uniforms.htm)
Public law #106-547, the Enhanced Federal Security Act of 2000 amends title 18 of the United States Code and became effective 12/19/2000. In short, it restricts badges more and creates Federal penalties for impersonating an officer. The amendment can be read at the Library of Congress' Law Library's Global Legal Information Network database at www.loc.gov/law/glin by searching on U.S. laws enacted 12/19/2000 and looking for the Enhanced Federal Security Act of 2000 or by clicking here.
o
In general, "collectors" are exempted from measures aimed at
reducing the availability of police-like gear. For example, here is the
exception wording from the summary for the above law:
Makes it a defense to a prosecution under this Act that the badge is used, or
intended to be used, exclusively
1.
as a memento or in a collection or exhibit,
2.
for decorative purposes, or
3.
for a dramatic presentation, or
4.
for any other recreational purpose.
o Impersonating an officer
§ Sometimes an offense is committed just by taking on the appearance of a local officer.
§ Sometimes there is the additional requirement that an officer-looking person perform an official duty.
§ To avoid the above
§ Do not wear uniforms of local police, at least in public. (I have noted more tolerant attitudes, however, during Halloween and at Folsom Street Fair. That was before 9/11/2001, however.)
§ Do not hold oneself out as a police officer.
o Different statutes (Federal, state, county, city) may apply depending on where you are. For example,
In the state of Texas, there is Section 37.12 of the Texas Penal Code, "False Identification as Peace Officer..."
(a) A person commits an
offense if:
(1) the person makes,
provides to another person, or possesses a card, document, badge, insignia,
shoulder emblem, or other item bearing an insignia of a law enforcement agency
that identifies a person as a peace officer or a reserve law enforcement
officer; and
(2) the person who makes,
provides, or possesses the item bearing the insignia knows that the person so
identified by the item is not commissioned as a peace officer or reserve law
enforcement officer as indicated on the item.
(b) It is a defense to
prosecution under this section that:
(3) the item was used or intended for use exclusively for decorative purposes or in an artistic or dramatic presentation.
§ My take on the above? I suspect a uniform afficionado wearing a non-local uniform would ultimately beat any charges by maintaining he/she was not wearing attire of a true "peace officer"; or alternatively could maintain the wearing was subject to the "dramatic presentation" exception. But, to avoid the hassle:
§ Try to be discreet in public. (For example, wear an outer jacket when outside.)
§ Especially do not wear uniforms of local police. And,
§ Do not hold oneself out as a police officer.
o Carrying a deadly weapon
§ "Deadly weapon" is a legal term whose definition can vary by jurisdiction. In essence, though, it can be distilled to an instrument likely to produce great bodily injury. Often there are permit requirements for carrying deadly weapons. To avoid problems, don't carry something that might fall under the definition unless you have a permit.
§ Police gear that might be included in a local definition:
§ guns
§ PR24 nightsticks
§ large flashlights
§ There may well be local prohibitions on bringing deadly weapons into establishments that sell liquor. Be aware of this if you want to go to a convenience store or bar.
o In many jurisdictions handcuffs, leg irons, SAP gloves (leather gloves with lead lined along the knuckles of the gloves) and blackjacks are illegal for civilians to possess and use.
[When I first began working on this presentation, I turned to gl-asb at www.queernet.org/lists/gl-asb.html for input and feedback. One of the members provided this viewpoint of which uniform afficionados should be aware. Robert's note is reprinted below with his kind permission.]
Dear Wes,
I used to to be somewhat of a stickler about uniforms. I did not believe anyone (with the exception of maybe Halloween) should wear a uniform that he or she had not earned. Law enforcement, soldier, fireman, sailor or Boy Scout. Each rank, each qualification, each medal and award on a uniform meant someone had to make the extraordinary effort-- in the case of medals of valor, perhaps even at great risk-- to earn the right to wear that emblem. I was quite adamant that a uniform was NOT to be considered costume, and to do so was to dilute and insult the very authority and authenticity that we find exciting about uniforms in the first place.
I have (not according to my friends) mellowed over the years. The dividing line: If one wants to put the research and the respect into wearing a uniform with authenticity. Don't "mix-n-match" whatever you want to. A uniform is the very opposite of free-form creative expression. Don't buy so many ribbons that you look like a double order of fruit salad. Wear only the appropriate awards for the service, the rank and the era of the uniform. If you want to wear a uniform, lose the ponytail and beard if they are not allowed by the authority issuing the uniform. To do less is the equivalent of skag drag, and don't be surprised if you deeply offend someone who actually earned those symbols. Do you really want to piss off people with hand-to-hand combat, artillery, weapons and demolitions skills? And that would just be the lesbians. . . .
Having spent six years in uniform, their sensual powers have somewhat waned for me. I find that most people who are excited by uniforms, like those who get off on prison fantasies, have never been in any service or in prison. As the Carthagian General Hanibal said, "No great expectation is to be place[d] on young soldier's eagerness for battle. War is agreeable only to those who are strangers to it."
I hope that you would present at least a few of these cautionary notes in your program.
Robert Davolt
[When TrooperKurt read the above, he understood. But he also wanted to make sure that I included fun in my presentation. His comments are reprinted with his kind permission.]
Robert Davolt is clearly passionate about his uniform collecting and wearing. I am as well. I enjoy all of my uniforms, but clearly feel differently about possibly widening the circle of prospective enthusiasts. A segment of the uniform fetish community seems bent on excluding someone who has an interest in collecting and wearing uniforms, but is intimidated by the thought of being scrutinized, inspected and criticized for mistakes in one's uniform appearance.
As uniform enthusiasts I feel we have a duty to assist those who come to us for help in assembling and collecting uniforms. We run the risk of closing off and killing a truly great and fulfilling hobby if we continue traveling down this path. I am someone who has done the research and has tried to assemble uniforms correct to form as they would be worn by someone who wears that uniform as part of daily life. But it is a long and expensive process. I am not in a position to criticize or judge someone who wears a police shirt and levis or someone in a dress blues blouse and leather breeches. That one article of uniform clothing might be that guy's first step into the world of uniforms and could lead to a deeper interest of collecting and researching aspects of the history and significance of the uniform and it's decorations. I for one do not want to kill that interest by pointing out flaws and inaccuracies in his appearance. If anything I want to encourage someone to dig deeper and expand on that piece of initial curiosity which lead him to this place so far.
My overwhelming message is that uniforms are fun. I love the look and thrill I get when looking at and wearing uniforms. Please keep fun in mind in everything you do in uniform.
Trooper Kurt
|
http://www.gmsma.org/newslink/uniform.html How
to Love a Man in Uniform
|
If I wear a police or fire uniform, am I
breaking any laws?
Yes! New York City has a law (AG 14-107) prohibiting the possession and
use of any "uniform, shield buttons, wreaths, numbers or other insignia or
emblem in any way resembling that worn by members of the police force."
Section 15-120 applies to Fire Department uniforms and badges. Violation of
these laws is a misdemeanor.
What about wearing a FedEx or UPS uniform?
As long as you are not attempting to deceive someone into thinking you
actually work for the private company whose uniform you are wearing in order to
commit some other crime, you are OK.
What is Criminal Impersonation?
Lets look at this in two categories:
A) Impersonation of Public Servants. Merely wearing the uniform of a
public servant is not criminal impersonation (although it may violate other
laws, as described above). You must also try and convince someone else that you
really are a public servant in order to get them to do something. So, wearing a
police uniform to a local bar is not criminal impersonation, but tricking
someone into giving you their phone number on the pretense that you really are a
cop constitutes criminal impersonation. This form of criminal impersonation is a
misdemeanor.
B) Impersonation of anyone else. If you impersonate anyone other than a
public servant it becomes a crime (Criminal Impersonation) if your intent is to
defraud them or gain some benefit for yourself by such deception. So, simply
put, wearing a UPS outfit to a uniform night at your local bar is OK, but
wearing a UPS uniform and picking up packages and keeping the contents for
yourself is a crime.
What about handcuffs and billy clubs?
Mere possession of billy clubs and a host of other "weapons" has
long been prohibited by the New York State Penal Law. Possession of handcuffs
and leg irons was recently raised from a violation to a misdemeanor in the New
York City Administrative Code. Penal law misdemeanors are generally looked upon
as more serious than New York City Administrative Code misdemeanors, but neither
one is a joke.
Does this mean I can expect to be arrested any
time I wear my uniforms at times other than Halloween?
Probably not. For the most part, New York City cops don't go into bars
looking for uniform and weapons (billy clubs) violations. But there are some
technical violations of the law, as described above. For the most part, if you
are discrete in public, you should be OK. But it is a good idea to wear a shirt
or jacket to cover your patches and badge out on the street
THE
LEATHERNECK
Dress Blues (from http://www.answers.com/topic/dress-blues-marine-lingo)
The famous blue uniform of the Marines with a standing collar. The uniform is
similar to the one worn by Marines in the Civil War. The "sky blue"
infantry trousers are adorned by a red "blood stripe" down the outside
seams on commissioned and non-commissioned officers. This uniform is worn with
medals (without medals it was at one time called Undress Blues). Current usage
refers to Blue Dress A (with medals), Blue Dress B (with ribbons), Blue Dress C
(sky blue trousers with khaki shirt, field scarf and ribbons) and Blue Dress C
(short sleeved khaki shirt and ribbons).
The
Marine Uniform
(from Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps
The
new camouflage 'Marine pattern', aka 'MARPAT',
used by the Marines. Shown here is the woodland pattern. There is also a desert
pattern.
Marines
are often confused with Soldiers,
who are members of United
States Army. Some differences in appearance are:
Differences
in the utility uniform include:
Mess
Dress is a formal set of attire specifically set aside for wear to banquets,
balls, and functions of state. While mainly worn by staff NCO's and officers, a
few junior enlisted personnel can have need of it such as embassy
Marines. As per Marine Corps uniform regulations, the mess dress uniform was
declared obsolete on 1 July 1992 and is no longer authorized for wear on any
occasion.
Enlisted
Marine blue dress uniform.
Marine's
Dress
uniform is the most elaborate of the United
States armed forces. The most formal of a Marine's uniforms, it is often
referred to as "Dress Blues", due to its color (as distinguished from
the green and khaki service uniforms), it can be worn in many forms.
All
the blues have the same trousers, cover and shoes, although the shoes do not
have to be of one brand they do have to be uniform. General officers will wear a
two-inch wide scarlet "blood
stripe" down the outer seam of each leg of blue dress
trousers/slacks, field and company grade officers will wear a 1 1/2-inch wide
scarlet stripe down the outer seam of each leg of blue dress trousers/slacks,
and SNCO's and NCO's will wear a 1 1/8-inch wide scarlet stripe down the outer
seam of each leg of blue dress trousers/slacks.
Certain
ceremonial Marine units, such as the Silent
Drill Platoon, substitute white trousers for blue while performing
ceremonial functions.
The
Marine motto "Semper
Fidelis" means "Always faithful" in Latin. This motto often
appears in the shortened form "Semper Fi!" It is also the name of the
official march of the Corps, composed by John
Phillip Sousa. Another motto
commonly used in recruiting is The Few. The Proud. The Marines..
The
colors of the Marine Corps are scarlet and gold. They appear on the flag
of the United States Marine Corps, along with the Marine Corps emblem: the
eagle, globe, and anchor, with the eagle representing service to the country,
the globe representing worldwide service, and the anchor representing naval
traditions. The emblem, adopted in its present form in 1868,
derives partially from ornaments worn by the Continental Marines and the British
Royal Marines, and is usually topped with a ribbon reading "Semper
Fidelis".
Two
styles of swords are worn by Marines. The Marine Corps officer sword is a Mameluke
sword, similar to the sword presented to Lt. Presley
O'Bannon after the capture
of Derne during the First
Barbary War. Noncommissioned officers carry a different style of sword,
similar in style to a Civil War, U.S. Army infantry officer's sword, making them
the only enlisted service members in the U.S. Armed Forces authorized to carry a
sword.
Marines
have several generic nicknames,
mildly derogatory when used by outsiders but complimentary when used by Marines
themselves. They include "jarhead" (it was said their hats on their
uniform made them look like mason jars, or that the regulation "high and
tight" haircut gave the appearance of a jar-lid), "gyrene"
(perhaps a combination of "G.I."
and "Marine"), "leatherneck", referring to the leather
collar that was a part of the Marine uniform during the Revolutionary War
period, and "Devil Dog" (German: Teufelshund) after the Battle
of Belleau Wood.
This
nicknaming extends to the Corps itself. The acronym 'USMC' is regularly reworked
into "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children," and even Marines themselves
have semi-derogatory nicknames for their Corps, with Marines during the Vietnam
era labeling it 'the Crotch' and Cold War era Marines preferring 'the Suck'.
A
spirited cry, "Oorah!",
is common among Marines, being similar in function and purpose to the Army's
"Hooah" cry, but is probably more commonly used among Marines than
"Hooah" would be in the Army. "Oorah!" is usually either a
reply in the affirmative to a question, an acknowledgment of an order, or an
expression of enthusiasm (real or false).
In
the 1991 Gulf
War, Iraqi
soldiers nicknamed the Marines "Angels of Death". Another so-called
term of endearment for Marines was "blackboots". This was due to
supply shortages, leaving tan, desert boots unavailable to most Marine units. Haitians
called Marines participating in relief operations "whitesleeves"
because of the way they roll up the sleeves of their utility
uniform, called "cammies" colloquially. In Somalia,
they were referred to as "The Devils in black boots", due to their
rapid deployment preventing them from acquiring desert boots.