Navy Reserve Merchant Marine Badge
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The Navy Reserve Merchant Marine Badge is a decoration of the United States Navy which has been in existence since the Second World War. The badge is intended to recognize those naval officers who have received appointment commissions after previously having served as an officer in the United States Merchant Marine.
To receive the Navy Reserve Merchant Marine Badge, a service member must have completed at least two years of sea duty as a Merchant Marine officer, normally in the rate of Third Mate or above, or be enrolled as a Midshipman, Merchant Marine Reserve, United States Navy Reserve (i.e. at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy). Such officers are then appointed as either a Lieutenant Junior Grade, or a Lieutenant, upon which they are called to active duty in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Since the Navy Reserve Merchant Marine Badge is awarded for civilian service, some U.S. Navy commands frown upon and, in some cases, prohibit its general wear. This is particularly so in training commands, such as the Naval Surface Warfare School, who do not recognize the Naval Reserve Merchant Marine Badge as a valid warfare badge. The decoration is considered official under U.S. Navy regulations, however, and wear of the decoration is authorized under all circumstances for those qualified.
The slang term 'Tin Chicken' or 'Golden Chicken' has been applied to this decoration.
