Infantry Blue Cord

For you junkies who just have to know why...

Eighteenth Century European armies used cords and aguilettes to distinguish service branches and officers from enlisted. Many Continental Army units adopted this custom. After the American Revolution, cords fell into disuse until the Mexican War. During this war some Mexican military leaders threatened to hang any captured U.S. Officers. Many gallant men defiantly wore short ropes on their shoulders as they pressed home the attack in mocking tribute to their enemy's empty threat. Cords and aguilettes soon officially reappeared to denote various positions and awards and have remained with our Army until this day
General Washington selected the color blue to distinguish his tough and resolute infantry in the Continental Army from other types of soldiers. General LaFayette chose a light blue color to outfit his American Infantry Corps. For the next 120 years, the official Infantry color alternated between blue and white until 1904 when the Army officially adopted what we now know as "Infantry Blue."

In 1951, the Army leadership sought to encourage and recognize foot soldiers who were bravely fighting intense battles in Korea. They soon adopted the Infantry Blue Cord. This cord would only be worn by fully qualified Infantrymen and would announce for all to see that these men would be on the front line when our nation was at war.

Today, enlisted graduates of Infantry Basic Training receive their blue cord at the end of their final FTX. Graduates of the Infantry Officer Basic Course complete their weeklong final FTX and after road marching back to building 76 have their blue cords pinned on them by their platoon trainer NCOs. The SSG or SFC who pins on the blue cord then renders an honorary salute in symbolic recognition of their welcoming the Lieutenant into the ranks of the Infantry.
http://www.benning.army.mil/iobc/cad..._blue_cord.htm

[RR691983]

Today, enlisted graduates of Infantry Basic Training receive their blue cord at the end of their final FTX. Graduates of the Infantry Officer Basic Course complete their weeklong final FTX and after road marching back to building 76 have their blue cords pinned on them by their platoon trainer NCOs. The SSG or SFC who pins on the blue cord then renders an honorary salute in symbolic recognition of their welcoming the Lieutenant into the ranks of the Infantry.

I just wanted to point out that that is false. After the final roadmarch back the "Bayonet" a new 11B had his crossed rifles pinned on. The blue cord isnt put on until the Turning Blue ceremony the day before graduation.
-Jr

Originally Posted by RR691983

I just wanted to point out that that is false. After the final roadmarch back the "Bayonet" a new 11B had his crossed rifles pinned on. The blue cord isnt put on until the Turning Blue ceremony the day before graduation.
-Jr

I will vouch for this as well. The final part of the FTX is to march up 'Victory Hill' where the ceremony takes place in which the new infantrymen recieve their crossed rifles.

Arbitragio - Good tech on the history of the Blue Cord though. Thanks.

[rchiruck]

Clear that up, it's Honor Hill.

That's right, it's honor hill, and there's no experience like the end of that ruckmarch when the rest of the battalion is lined up the street cheering you on and then going up the hill, seeing the signs bearing the names of all the battles fought by the Infantry. Then, of course, the crossed rifles ceremony makes everything you've done in the past fourteen weeks worthwhile. After that begins the worst week in Infantry OSUT, the recovery period(cleanup) for graduation. Graduation is cool too, with the bradleys and demonstration squad etc. Forgive me for rambling, just reflecting on good ole' Sand Hill.

[BrianP]

Originally Posted by recongrunt

That's right, it's honor hill, and there's no experience like the end of that ruckmarch when the rest of the battalion is lined up the street cheering you on and then going up the hill, seeing the signs bearing the names of all the battles fought by the Infantry. Then, of course, the crossed rifles ceremony makes everything you've done in the past fourteen weeks worthwhile. After that begins the worst week in Infantry OSUT, the recovery period(cleanup) for graduation. Graduation is cool too, with the bradleys and demonstration squad etc. Forgive me for rambling, just reflecting on good ole' Sand Hill.

Dont forget the gatorade you drink from your dirty sand filled cantine cup, im still spitting sand out of my mouth from that night

[Donald]

The Royal Marines and attached Arms wear cords around their left should while wearing their Lovets and Best Blue uniform, each a different colour for each Commando such as red for 45 Cdo, and white for the Artic & Mountain Warfare Cadre

[11bang_bang8387]

I don't remember all those ceremonies, probably because it was too long ago. But, I do remember living in Harmony Church, which I don't think is there anymore.

[Vangel108]

Good times. I remember wearing my uniform coming home from OSUT at Benning. Had 1 lousy "thanks for coming ribbon" on like all the rest, but my Expert Badge and those Infantry crossed rifles and that blue cord kept my head high and my chest out. What a feeling of accomplishment.

[BrianP]

When i got to the airport in Boston i had a bunch of kids and there parents asking me questions about my uniform and what the cord meant, it was great seeing the reactions on there faces when i told them it was an Infantry cord. i could have drank for weeks from all the free beers i was offered