I had considered the possibility of acquiring the Light Artillery Shako ("Ringgold Cap") for Dress wear - but, alas, I will only be bringing a field uniform. Upon reflection, the appearance of the Shako, with all its cords, and plume, and bits of shiny metal, it just seemed so ..... Army.
The cord would be handy after the Match if I wanted to hang myself ....
Which reminds me of a bit of USMC Triiva/Lore... A lovely green-and-red "rope", the fourragere, is presently worn over the shoulder by those members of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments. It is a dark green and red braided cord, worn over the shoulder (like the aiguellete), and has two metal tips on the ends of the cord, rather than the usual tassels or lozenges. This is to commemorate the awarding of multiple awards of the Croix de Guerre by France to the members of those units in WWI. The story of where the fourragere itself came into being is rather unusual, in itself. Many years ago, perhaps in Napoleon's time, or the Franco-Prussian War, France was in desparate need of fighting men. Supposedly a unit was made up of condemmed prisoners, to fight in the most dangerous parts of battle (i.e. - "cannon fodder"), with the promise that if they fought honorably and were victorious, they could earn pardon (Kinda like a 19th Century "Dirty Dozen", except, of course, there were more of them). On the other hand, one display of disobedience, insubordination, cowardice, or any other sign of dishonor, would result in immediate execution. To ensure the soldier/convict would remember this, he was required to wear around his neck a hangman's noose, along with two nails. At the first sign of trouble, the guilty one would be marched to the nearest tree, pole, building, whatever, the rope nailed to it, and he would be hung then and there. This outfit evidently took the threat to heart, and earned a reputation as both fierce and honorable warriors, for the symbolic rope (and nails) they wore is now considered the badge of highest honor and bravery.
Of course, I could be wrong ...