Stripping Off Uniform Rank and Insigna

It probably happened very shortly after the enemy sniper took out the guy wearing the most stripes. :-)

In my experience, rank insignia is never dispensed with. When in the field, rank insignia is usually small and of a low-contrast to the rest of the uniform, but it is still present. However, formalities such as saluting officers are ignored as this could provide a lurking sniper with a high-value target.

Even on capture, servicemen should never rid themselves of their rank insignia - in theory. Having done so could theoretically lead to charges of being a spy, in which case the Geneva Conventions on prisoners of war may no longer apply. However, at the numerous CAC (Conduct After Capture) lectures that I attended, it was always made clear to us that the final choice was down to the particular serviceman. There may be situations where there was reason to believe that the enemy were torturing high ranking officers. Such a move could retain a measure of anonimity.

Unit insignia is another matter, however. You may have noticed that aircrew almost always have their unit insignia attached to velcro patches on their flight suits. This allows them to take all unit insignia off each time they fly into hostile airspace. Similarly, all unit insignia will be removed from their aircraft before the aircraft are deployed away from their home bases.

Reminds me of Bill Cosby's routine about the medics scroungng around for some steel wool after watching their fellow medics dropping like flies. That red cross on a white background makes a great target!

Tom

I love that routine, also the American-Indian NCO lecture! :o)

(kim)