Referred to as a “collar ornament” in the April 1977 edition of Marine Corps Uniform Regulations (Marine Corps Order P1020.34C), the branch of service insignia is the Marine Corps emblem found on the USMC seal minus the “Semper Fidelis” motto ribbon being clutched in the Eagle’s beak. The Enlisted branch of service insignia is identical to the one worn by Officers except it is stamped of all gold-colored metal and the anchor chain/rope is continuously connected to the anchor, while the Officer’s version uses silver metal for the eagle, globe, and anchor chain/rope (which is connected at just two points) and gold-colored metal for the Western Hemisphere and the anchor.
The branch of insignia collar device comes with either a post backing with a milled screw and nut or a pin-back secured with a butterfly clutch. Post-back insignia are designed for wear on the hallmark Mandarin collars of the male Blue Dress coat, while the pin-back insignia were designed for wear on the collars of the female Blue Dress coat.
In 2018, however, the Marine Corps introduced a female coat manufactured in the same style as the male Blue Dress and set a date of 30 September 22 as the final wear date for the old female Blue Dress.
More USMC Enlisted Insignia/Devices
Enlisted Dress Cap Insignia
Enlisted Service / Garrison Cap Insignia
Enlisted Service Uniform Collar Device
Enlisted Gold Tie Tack
Enlisted / NCO Cuff Links
Service Stripes