Para beret badge

[sturm]

This was described as being approved by the MOD.

[grey_green_acorn]

Blackened metal badges are worn by serving soldiers but PRl or private purchase rather than issued.

Tim

[sturm]

Tim,

Is there any particular reason why these private purchased badges are blackened? Thank you.

[Royal]

To make it harder for people to see at a distance and so shoot you.

The cherry beret doesn't help much in that regard though.

[sturm]

Thanks for that. Same reason why there’s ‘subdued’ cloth insignia.

Just occurred to me. All RM issued beret badges - worn during ops - are blackened/subdued aren’t they? There is however a shiny version (pic below) which I’f I’m not mistaken is intended to be worn when not on ops or with dress uniforms?

[Royal]

There are two issued versions of the RM ORs beret badge:

Badge, Organisation. Cap. Royal Marines. Aluminium, anodised gold

and

Badge, Organisation, Cap. Royal Marines. Gilding metal, bronzed finish

the latter is the 'blackened' version which is worn in normal day-to-day working rig and (if berets are worn) on ops.