What has me saying huh to the whole thing are the berets. Is that now authorized in the Riverines? Also notice the insignia on it. Additionally check out the patches on their left shoulders. "Don't tread on me" popularized by the Navy SEALs.
Despite being combined with Master at Arms for the port security mission it really looks like they're pushing real hard to be a quasi infantry force. I don't know if I'll be watching them but they have peaked my interests. I wonder what the end goal is.
http://www.amazon.com/Brown-Water-Black-Berets-Bluejacket/dp/1557501963
ReplyDeletewell aware that they wore them in Vietnam but it was never authorized wear if i remember correctly. still it doesn't explain it today. is this authorized head gear?
DeleteFor you information, the Gamewardens of Vietnam have been awarding Black Berets to outstanding sailors in the riverine group for years now. The sailors of TF-116 were authorized to wear a Black Beret back during the war. The official message is posted.
Deletesee this link there are others if you would look?
http://www.tf116.org/ scroll to Force Awards
IF you went to NECC website and read the Coastal Riverine Force pdf you might know WHAT they are doing?
http://www.public.navy.mil/necc/hq/Documents/CRF_FINAL.pdf
That quasi infantry and combined with MA talk is all BS!
This from a proud Brownwater sailor.
For you information, the Gamewardens of Vietnam have been awarding Black Berets to outstanding sailors in the riverine group for years now. The sailors of TF-116 were authorized to wear a Black Beret back during the war. Official message posted online.
Deletesee this link there are others if you would look?
http://www.tf116.org/ scroll to Force Awards
IF you went to NECC website and read the Coastal Riverine Force pdf you might know WHAT they are doing?
http://www.public.navy.mil/necc/hq/Documents/CRF_FINAL.pdf
That quasi infantry and combined with MA talk is all BS!
This from a proud Brownwater sailor.
awarding a piece of head gear and authorizing it for wear are two different things. as far as reading what they are doing? i have read it and they're confused as fuck.
Deletethe quasi infantry is hardly bullshit. they have been combined with master at arms and you can see that in their procurement if nothing else.
Sol,
ReplyDeleteIt's likely considered "organizational clothing." COs have broad authority to authorize modifications to uniforms not specifically prohibited by higher regs. The components are not to be worn off base - but Sailors bend the rules.
If you think riverine is interesting, take a look at Maritime Expeditionary Security Forces.
"Missions include but are not limited to: small boat support/escort, picket boat operations, close-in protection of shore parties in high threat areas, embarked security teams, oil-platform security, training with foreign national military, and other high threat protection missions. In addition, each sailor must maintain proficiency in field security operations in support of expeditionary warfare missions."
These guys may not be wearing EGAs, but would the general public know the difference?
http://www.eucom.mil/media-library/photo/24200/san-diego-based-maritime-expeditionary-security-squadron-3-provides-security-at-c
Special Boat Units have been wearing the black beret since Vietnam. Nothing new.
ReplyDeletecalling bullshit on that. i haven't seen it. no where have i seen riverines wearing berets until today.
DeleteWell you can consider yourself schooled. Here is a shot of me re-qualifying at Camp Roberts, middle '90s or so. At the time I was with SBU 11 out of Mare Island. Notice what I am wearing on my head. The fellow in the cammo shorts was a legend with our unit. Had fought in Africa, Jumped with the Israeli special forces, did some work in Asia and then made a fortune in the meat-packing business. His knowledge of weaponry was beyond compare and thanks to his personal armory, we were able to fire just about every known modern weapon that we were likely to encounter. He reenlisted at the age of 40 just so he could share his knowledge with our unit. Great times in California. http://www.warboats.org/images/jpg/GraySept2013/Dtxi8.jpg
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ReplyDeletehow is the new organization setup? is their a clear distinction between the Riverines and the MA's? what has me curious is the new boat. its appears optimized toward the port security role and NOT the Riverine mission so what gives? if its a complete merger does that mean that Riverines do the law enforcement thing sometimes and the MA's pickup Riverine missions? oh and thanks for being a contributor to the blog. i appreciate it.
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Deletethanks to pgator for all the good info. As in Vietnam, it didn't much matter what your rate was, you were expected to know the whole boat and fire its weapons.
DeleteThe CRF is now more disposed towards coastal ops and port protection. The RCB while a speedy boat is little large for riverine ops as is the RPB, but that is from my perspective as a 32 ft PBR patrol officer. The RAS aka SOC-R is just right as a riverine boat, hence its use by both NECC and NSWC units.
I call the Mk VI a Super Swift boat, at 85 ft its meant to go out aways and stay there for awhle.
Thanks for explaining the new patch. One other ID note, the riverines then and now have the flash on the right side of their berets.
Sol, whats wrong with any service men wearing berets as long as the color is not similar to other branch's beret
ReplyDeletei never said anything was wrong with it. stop attempting to interpret my words and simply take what is written at face value. nothing was implied. its simply unusual for the riverines in the modern era.
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