This is true but it was specifically brought up in boot camp, if you’re strolling along with a soldier and an airman and the three of you come upon an uncovered officer, don’t be That One Guy. Besides I was in her territory – an army building – and I didn’t want to stop and possibly explain to a second lieutenant about the subtleties of the sea services.
My five hashmarks were gold because I did my job and wasn’t a fuckup.
I’m not sure I understand the lesson. Whether the officer is covered or not is irrelevant. That’s true of any service. The only time covered vs. uncovered matters is when the person who would otherwise be expected to render a salute is uncovered, in which case the rule does vary by service.
Wouldn’t be the first time recruit training staff (trying to be service-neutral here) passed on bad gouge. After all, who is going to call them on it?
Also means you are old. The Navy dropped the good conduct requirement in 2019. Now every enlisted with more than 12 years of service get gold stripes.
So technically, if they reactivate my old fat ass to court-martial me, I could wear gold hashmarks to the proceedings. I think I’ll keep my red ones.