Which statement about the Marine NCO sword is true?

• A. Marine NCOs are the only NCOs in US troops allowed to carry a sword, and only when in charge of troops on ceremonial occasions
• B. All Marines can carry swords during parades
• C. Worn by officers only
• D. Not used anymore

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the Marine NCO sword is a ceremonial emblem of leadership reserved for noncommissioned officers, worn only during formal events and when an NCO is in charge of troops. This tradition designates NCOs as the only enlisted leaders who carry a symbolic blade in dress occasions, signaling command presence during parades, inspections, or other ceremonies. The sword isn’t a general-issue combat or daily-use weapon, and officers wear a different ceremonial sword rather than this NCO-specific one. It remains in use today to reflect long-standing Marine Corps customs, which is why the statement is true: NCOs are the only enlisted group permitted to carry it, and only when they’re leading troops in ceremonial settings.