Question for Vets, how do y'all feel about civilians wearing military stuff?

[crazyphil]

Army green and Navy blue are my two favorite colors in Carhartt's
pocket T shirts. But it has nothing to do with military. Just that I
like the colors. I did like Duluth and Berne for the extra length, but
found that Carhartt has the length and wears much longer than the
other two.

I have a bunch of baseball caps with various patches, logos, badges,
etc. from military units, gov't agencies, etc. but I don't wear them.
They just hang on a hat rack in my office.

Nothing about my appearance would lead anyone to think I had anything
to do with military (except maybe my haircut). I like it high and tight.

When I see someone wearing military stuff I thank them for their
service and then ask where they served. It's usually easy to flush
out the pretenders.

The Air Force gave us 3 "career choices". I chose airial gunnery first,
radio operator 2nd (I wanted flying status). Didn't know what to pick
for third. The guy asked can you type. I said I had typing in high
school. He said pick that, you never get your third choice anyway.

So I did. Sure enough I got sent to Warren AFB for basic clerical and
became a Remington Ranger. "We never retreat. We just backspace."
Well, I was really bummed out. Then I was a "casual" for what seemed
like an eternity. Found out I was on hold pending a security clearance.
Then I went to Scott AFB for cryptography and things got a little more
interesting.

After school they gave me another 3 choices. Far East first, and Europe
second. Couldn't choose a 3rd. The guy said pick Alaska, you never get
your 3rd choice anyway. (I'm a slow learner, so I did. Alaska was
not a state at that time and considered overseas by the military).
You guessed it. Got the third choice again.

This is probably more than you every wanted to know, so I will just
close by saying I have heard you should never volunteer for anything.
I say don't make a third choice for anything.

 

[M E Morrison]

Army green and Navy blue are my two favorite colors in Carhartt's
pocket T shirts. But it has nothing to do with military. Just that I
like the colors. I did like Duluth and Berne for the extra length, but
found that Carhartt has the length and wears much longer than the
other two.

I have a bunch of baseball caps with various patches, logos, badges,
etc. from military units, gov't agencies, etc. but I don't wear them.
They just hang on a hat rack in my office.

Nothing about my appearance would lead anyone to think I had anything
to do with military (except maybe my haircut). I like it high and tight.

When I see someone wearing military stuff I thank them for their
service and then ask where they served. It's usually easy to flush
out the pretenders.

The Air Force gave us 3 "career choices". I chose airial gunnery first,
radio operator 2nd (I wanted flying status). Didn't know what to pick
for third. The guy asked can you type. I said I had typing in high
school. He said pick that, you never get your third choice anyway.

So I did. Sure enough I got sent to Warren AFB for basic clerical and
became a Remington Ranger. "We never retreat. We just backspace."
Well, I was really bummed out. Then I was a "casual" for what seemed
like an eternity. Found out I was on hold pending a security clearance.
Then I went to Scott AFB for cryptography and things got a little more
interesting.

After school they gave me another 3 choices. Far East first, and Europe
second. Couldn't choose a 3rd. The guy said pick Alaska, you never get
your 3rd choice anyway. (I'm a slow learner, so I did. Alaska was
not a state at that time and considered overseas by the military).
You guessed it. Got the third choice again.

This is probably more than you every wanted to know, so I will just
close by saying I have heard you should never volunteer for anything.
I say don't make a third choice for anything.

Pretty much the same thing happened to me. I wanted to get into the Sea Bees, and qualified for two jobs.

Yep, you guessed it - pick this for third - you never get your third choice. Lying *** - there was a great demand for operations types, and a two (or more) year backlog for Sea Bees.

Off to radar school I went.

 

[Targets Guy]

Many organizations sell hats and stuff to raise funds. The Iowa battleship, the USS Hornet, the Red Tails, the CAF and on and on. The USS Hornet cap is a great one.

 

[jlrhiner]

I recently let my GrandKids buy me a hat at the war museum in Branson. It was the "All Gave Some" hat. They had fun buying some pins for it, my rank, my rating, a duty pin, "PBR boats" and a pin that says "NAVY". My only stipulation was the hat had to be "Made in America". Out of a hundred or so, they found two. (The other one said "Dysfunctional Veteran; Leave me alone". Mom said no.)

I've worn it a few times, but I dis-like the attention it generates. It now rides on the dashboard of the truck where the kids can see it.

I still have an original ships cap from the TARAWA (LHA-1) commissioning, and one from the reunion group of the TARAWA (CV-40). They're put up.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I have boxes of hats from units I was in. Haven't had 'em out of the boxes in more than 20 years. I wear my USAF Retired hat pin on my ball cap (not military related), but it's so small and hard to read nobody knows what it is. I am bust-my-buttons proud of my service, but I don't need (or want) to be thanked or even acknowledged for it. My banker retired last spring; I don't thank him for his lifelong service when I see him.

I'm happy, though, that America has come to the point where Americans want to thank Vets for their service. My first years in the 'Force were spent at an Army post right outside our nation's capital, and the commanding general's orders were that we couldn't wear our uniforms off post for fear of being beaten, or worse.

When I see a Vet wearing his (never see gals with military caps) Vietnam, ship, or other military pride caps I always give 'em a nod, and they seem to know.

One of the shops I frequent is owned by a friend, a Vietnam vet (Army). Last time I was in, there was an old Navy guy in there, too, so naturally we each got in a few inter-service digs. But the shop keeper was telling us about one of his customers who comes in wearing "Seal" gear and telling stories about his "Seal" experiences. I've known a fair number of Seals. I can't recall one who told tales without being asked, and even then the stories were pretty vanilla because, as one of the guys told me, most people can't relate. The shop keeper is pretty sure the guy is as phony as his gear. I've got nothin' for it!

Bob

 

[Mike G 0351]

I'm with Ozark Marine....
I have issues with people wearing the EGA "Eagle Globe & Anchor"
That did not earn it..

 

[rog8732]

Ringo,as bad as you feel about the other person buying you a sweet pie; just offset the feeling by how good HE must feel for helping who he surely thought was a Vet.

Don't be troubled.

 

[the ringo kid]

I thought your question was going to be more along the lines of how do I feel when civilians wear military garb, bits of uniforms, shirts, jackets, and the like, with insignia on it.

In that case...well, it would depend. If it were a son wearing his Father's field jacket or shirt/blouse, that is fine. If it's just some guy wearing a random piece of uniform, with rank and other insignia on it...I'm not so keen on it. Civilians wearing field jackets and such surplus clothing, without any insignia, that seems fine also.

I suppose the biggest thing for me would be, if the civilian in question is either, A) wearing the piece of uniform in some less-than-respectful manner (again, I wouldn't feel so bad if it was unadorned with any real military insignia...as say, just a surplus field jacket), or B) trying to use the uniform to suggest or imply that they had served...then yeah, I would likely have a problem with that!

However, what you described, simply wearing a hat that displays a particular branch of service, or a certain naval vessel...you can't be held responsible for what other people assume. You sound as though you're going out of your way to inform them of the truth of the situation. I don't think you should feel at all badly because you're wearing a hat that some vet friend gave to you, and others are making assumptions.

So, personally...I see nothing at all wrong with anything you are doing or have done. Wear your caps, and enjoy them! Tell your veteran friend(s) that I thank them for their service!

Tim

Hi Tim and many thanks. Your assumption is one I also thought about but didnt because of the other-being used for many purposes. The only other gear I ever had-non German military--was things I used when working-like a medics pouch to carry a voice operated taperecorder in it--ammo pouches for ear phones etc. But the thing on the ball caps did have me wondering. Usually, when a vet/friend of mine passes St. Peters gate--I try to find something advertising the unit he served in--cap pins etc--and will wear those. Im currently looking for a Huey chopper pin-as my friend Frank--passed away last year and the pin represents the unit he served in in Vietnam.

 

[OFT II]

I don't have a problem with someone who never served wearing surplus clothes as long as they don't act like they're Audie Murphy.

I have a cap with the Marine Corps emblem on it that was gave to me by one of my grand kids who is a Marine sergeant. It sits on my hat rack as I wouldn't feel right about wearing it.

 

[the ringo kid]

Ringo, I see so many of these veteran's hats that people wear that I've gotten to the point of not paying attention to them. I don't own but one hat of that nature and I only wear it on special occasions. It is a ball cap type that was presented to me by Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Three's CPO Association when I was the Operations Chief for the Western Pacific during 2003 War in Iraq and was on an inspection tour of all Navy/Marine construction in the Pacific AO. I've only worn that cover maybe three times. I have a cammo utility cover that I wear to the Ft. Bliss Rod & Gun Club when I go shooting just so the Doggies don't confuse me with the Army types. I have a number of friends that have combat scars that never wear a vet hat and the other day, a vet who was a Viet Nam era vet apologized for wearing a Viet Nam Veteran hat that his family had given him. None of that stuff bothers me unless some dude is running off at the mouth about his phony heroics. I have enough buddies with battle scars that the fakes can get under my skin pretty quick.

Thank you and same here. My former roommate-Sarge Bill, had been in both 1st and 3rd battalions 7th Cavalry-so I try honoring his memory--and he WAS a chracter to boot--)) by wearing a Garry Owen pin on one of my caps. Id like to also find something to wear in Ron J's memory as well. He passed away about 2 years ago? was a good standing member here. He was in ASA if I recall?

 

[the ringo kid]

Over the years, occasionally when I've paid for something with my USAA Visa card I've been thanked for my service. I'll say nah... I had nothing to do with selecting my father.

Though ill be 50 nxt May, ive neverv asker or expected any discounts at restaurants. Once in awhile when getting unsweet tea at mcds--the young girl behind the register assums im over 55--and gives me a 15 cent discount off the tea. Ive told them before im not old enough, but since their manager is a friend of mine--I get an automatic discount any way.

 

[the ringo kid]

Carl, folks can wear military garb and it bothers me not.

I have more dire issues to fret over such as old people smoking while on oxygen, fast food workers unable to make change and people holding up express lanes.

Heh heh, most here have worse math skills than I, and that's not saying much. Ive always had a learning problem, and I solved it by using numbers in terms of 10-or 100. These kids cant count these days and many times they give me way too much in change. I point it out to them, but they dont understand. Once I was at the electronics counter at WM, had two employees trying to count the paper and coin, I usedb to make a purchase--just over $15 and change. On their 4th or 5th attempt to add it up--I grabbed the money and slowly counted it out for them.

 

[the ringo kid]

Many people around here wear ballcaps from ships and subs built at the local yard in Newport News.

I had a couple of those too. It had an embroidered side view of two Aircraft carriers-and one with U.S.S. Enterprise-the other U.S.S. Lexington. I bought these around 25 years ago at thge Lex's shop.

 

[the ringo kid]

Do you mean wearing a military jacket like this?

I see alot of those worn here too-mainly by those in the "grunge or gothic" groups. Many have Sergeants stripes, and about 10 or so Divisional and other ptches. That is something I dont want to wear.

 

[the ringo kid]

If you aren’t military or a veteran then wearing an article of military clothing will not make you one. It’s like wearing a Stetson or a pair of western boots will not make you a cowboy if you’re not one. People can wear whatever they want so long as they don’t lie to me about who they are.

I like that. It also reminds me of a joke: "I'm not a Cowboy, just found the hat."

 

[the ringo kid]

The MA-1's are still available.

Are you talking about the George Washington's and Abe Lincoln's? If so, where can I getb them? both of mine are worn and tearing.

 

[the ringo kid]

I support lots of causes. I am grateful for Americans honoring our military. Imitation is the best form of flattery; however, when wearing military paraphernalia it can cause embarrassing situations if you never served in them. I served for 27 years and have been involved with various agencies and forces but I do not choose to wear paraphernalia that I did not earn. It is my choice and my character... which is a personal matter. Thanks for the question... most would not even ask. It is a matter of respect. Good luck.

Thank you and very much. Im kinda the same on not wearing any State of Tx LE stuff. Its mostly de to the fact that approx 60% of the adult males in my county-have served significant time in county, state and fed lock-up.

 

[the ringo kid]

This is a complex question, to which the answer is "it depends."

I wear a Navy Veteran ball cap. I am a Navy veteran, but it is not and never was Navy issue...so it is civilian gear, in a way. I've been thanked a number of times for my service while wearing it, and one occasion, a man asked me if I could prove it. I said yes, but he never asked me how or to do it, he just thanked me. (I have one of my dog tags on my key ring, which could be faked...and I don't carry a copy of my DD-214, which I guess could also be faked.) Would I have an issue with someone who wasn't a veteran wearing a veteran ball cap? I guess I would...if I knew what their motivation was. Since I don't, unless I ask, which I won't, I don't guess I mind that much. If I know for a fact someone is trying to pass themselves off as something they are not in order to gain something, then I'd call them on it.

What I do have a problem with is some civilian wearing military gear (or even pseudo-military gear) as an act of protest. I remember seeing John Lennon wearing a army-style shirt...at that time, surplus military gear was a sort of fashion statement, ironically usually by those who were against the war, of which he was a vocal critic (there was plenty he could have stayed in England to gripe about, if he chose.) If a veteran wants to speak against war, then he or she has earned that right. A civilian can express an opinion, but not posing as a veteran.

Amen to the above. AlsoI cant stand to see non military types wearing gear-while protesting or committing a criminal act.

 

[the ringo kid]

For a long time now I see east block camo and surplus clothing at flea markets and gun shows. Does that mean anyone wearing it is a commie?

Around here, mostly I see u.n. stuff-blue berets etc, but mostly West German Pea Dot Camo.

 

[the ringo kid]

A simple question with a somewhat complex answer. Personally, if I see an older adult and his ball cap says: USS MIDWAY, I automatically assume he served on the MIDWAY. I saw a man wearing a 8th Air Force, Bomb Wing cap and when I asked him what Wing he served with he told me his story. He was a crewman on a B-17, shot down and was a captured POW. Maybe it's just me, but I always assume the wearing of any military ball cap (not clothing) is proudly displaying his/her time in military service. My father-in-law wore his WWll Purple Heart cap proudly. He earned that right. It's more than just a wrinkled dirty sweaty ball cap, it's that civilian wearers past symbol of pride, dedication and service.

Having said all that, during a vacation to Florida I visited the Navy SEAL museum. I bought a SEAL cap for my young son. It's a great looking cap, but no way would I have worn that cap. I did not want anyone thinking I was a SEAL because I did not earn such an honor.

All I'm saying is I believe when a civilian see's someone wearing a military ball cap representing a branch of service they automatically assume the wearer is prior military. Does it make it wrong for a person who has not served to wear such an identifiable ball cap, of course not. As stated by other members, there all many other reasons to wear such a cap. If honest and legit, then wear it proudly. Of course nowadays, you might have to defend wearing anything military.

I know a guy locally-who wears a black t-shirt that says "WWII Veteran" on it and displays 3-4 service ribbons on it. He's about 30 years of age-so guessing his Grandad or some vet, gave it to him.