Have you ever "offended" anyone by wearing your uniform?

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:24:43 -0400

I just came across this News article. Needless to say the actions of the security guard really pisses me off?

Have any of you come across someone that is "offended" by your uniform or military service?

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/26491600/army-officer-is-told-he-cant-enter-his-daughters-high-school-because-hes-wearing-his-uniform

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Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 10 at 2014 12:26 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:26:16 -0400

If they were offended, I really don't care.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 10 at 2014 12:33 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:33:13 -0400

The "situation" was resolved in about 10 minutes. This isn't a news story. Just typical Fox poop stirring...

Response by PO2 Tony Casler made Sep 10 at 2014 12:40 PM

PO2 Tony Casler — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:40:55 -0400

I once had a TSA agent try to confiscate my ribbons and nametag while flying on orders in my blues with the excuse that the pins on the back were weapons. Luckily the supervisor was still in possession of common sense and put a quick end to the situation.

As far as the uniform being offensive, I don't care. Anyone who doesn't like it is not someone I want to associate with anyway.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Dec 22 at 2014 2:22 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 14:22:21 -0500

Ignorant civilians... I don't care what they think... If the guard wants to be an arse about me wearing my uniform that I have earned the right to wear, then he should not wear his...

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 22 at 2014 4:12 PM

SSG Tim Everett — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:12:30 -0500

I'm sure I offended the sensibilities of many Afghan terrorist sympathisers when I wore my uniform.

They'll live.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 10:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 22:53:34 -0500

makes me blood boil

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Dec 22 at 2014 11:05 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 23:05:55 -0500

As I Soldier, I wore my uniform with pride. I didn't worry about other people thought.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Dec 22 at 2014 11:17 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 23:17:31 -0500

Actually yes! When I was recruiting in SW Missouri in 93 a number of times. Two memorable ones were a high school would only allow me in the main office. They did not want me in uniform talking to the students in the hallway as some students and teachers felt threatened. When the superintendent.... A reserve MAJ discovered this.... It was corrected. Also, was asked not to wear my uniform to a college class by a instructor... while i was out recruitung.... I complained to the college... And he relented... And then tried to stick it to me through the grades... I was one step ahead of him... It back fired on him and he almost lost his job.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 9:48 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:48:43 -0500

I will say yes. I was called baby killer when in ROTC on my college campus. I was also given dirty mean looks. I shrugged it off. No need to get upset because they are exercising the rights they have and enjoy because of those before us who fought for them and then those who fought to defend them.

Response by SFC Parry Brooks made Jan 22 at 2015 9:49 AM

SFC Parry Brooks — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:49:58 -0500

I can only say only one time in my career, did someone give grief about my uniform. I was on a supply run in Korea with my KATUSA soldier. We were pricing furniture for the battalion when my soldier told me the furniture owner said the next time I come there do not wear my uniform. No problem for me I took my Government Credit Card next door to that old goat’s competitor and spent a few thousand there instead. The other old man didn’t mind me or my soldier’s uniform, problem solved.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 28 at 2015 2:30 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:30:43 -0500

2 incidents in the same town....Eugene, OR (circa 1999). 1st time was on the parade field across from student housing. During our D & C (we are in BDU's) some morons were yelling out a plethora of insults I won't repeat. 2nd incident was when my now-ex didn't pick me up from final day at drill and I had to walk home in uniform thru downtown. Again, when I got near the University of Oregon, I had a beer bottle thrown at me from a moving car along with the same kind of insults. The town burned down the National Guard armory there like 8 times during the Vietnam War.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 2:35 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:35:48 -0500

If "they" were, I didn't give a rat's a$$. #sorrynotsorry
:)

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 28 at 2015 2:48 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:48:44 -0500

When I was assigned as an Army ROTC instructor at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), we covered several other schools in the Colorado Springs area. While, typically, most of the classes were held at UCCS, we had reasons to visit the other campuses on occasion. On one such visit, I was asked by a member of the faculty not to wear my military uniform (always Class A or B) on campus as it was deemed by him to be "threatening" to some of the students.

The next time I went to that campus, I made sure to wear the camouflage jungle fatigues (this was before BDUs or ACUs) I had worn when assigned to the Ranger Department at Fort Benning, complete with full color Ranger Tab. I made it a point to have some business with the faculty member who had previously mentioned my uniform.

As can be expected, the jerk had no moral courage, so he said nothing to me about it, but he did send a letter of concern to the college administration. Unfortunately for him, the person he sent it to was a retired USAF Major General (which I assume the complainant was unaware of). He forwarded the letter to my Professor of Military Science, with a note that said we are free to wear whatever we want on campus. I went back to Class A and B, but never, ever went there out of uniform.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 4:47 PM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:47:25 -0500

My haircut! I wasn't even in uniform when, in Boulder, CO, some jerk spat on me and started hurling anti-military insults.
Restraint won the day and everyone was able to go home...though I doubt granola-boy will be pulling that foolishness ever again.

Response by SPC Stephen Riddle made Jul 5 at 2015 11:49 AM

SPC Stephen Riddle — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 11:49:50 -0400

The only person I offended (that I am aware of) was an Army Reservist who only had 3 months in and assumed I was stealing valor because of my unit patches. Tried to set him straight but he didn't want to believe me so instead of acting on my anger I went to his boss.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 3 at 2015 6:44 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 18:44:55 -0400

I had a German National Tell me his Grand Father had been SS, and that the Americans should go home. I told him if his grandfather had done his job right we would not be here.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Aug 3 at 2015 11:37 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 23:37:07 -0400

I offended most of the officers in my unit when I would put on my dress greens and go out to formation. I only have 4 rows but most of these guys had one or two ribbons and always challenged me on orders to which I always had a 3 ring binder to toss on a desk and simply say "Read em and weap SIR!!!!"

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Aug 5 at 2015 11:50 AM

Maj Mike Sciales — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 11:50:21 -0400

One time while passing through New Jersey in my blues I had an angry cop tell me to move my bus. I was offended.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 5:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:13:52 -0400

I guess I never really cared if I offended someone by wearing my uniform. I was a proud soldier, and we are in America! Not to mention this is what the military wears! Period! Also, what kind of communist school does his daughter go to? Might be time for her to transfer!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 10:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 22:04:43 -0400

I'd be a smart ass if someone said something to me. "You're Welcome" Because of my fellow brothers and sisters that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. You get to stand their and make stupid comments or say ignorant things. Have a great day!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 10:10 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 22:10:16 -0400

Only in the 60s. Like others I did not care.

If this security guard knew the policy and still did this he/she should not longer be employed.

Sounds like the school acted and corrected the problem.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 15 at 2017 10:32 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 15 May 2017 10:32:25 -0400

If I had known that anyone was offended by the wearing of my uniform, it would have pleased me greatly.

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 15 at 2017 12:28 PM

SN Greg Wright — Mon, 15 May 2017 12:28:39 -0400

Never personally, but when GW1 kicked off, we weren't allowed to go off base in uniform. (NSC Oakland, CA.)

Response by SFC Charles Temm made May 19 at 2017 6:12 PM

SFC Charles Temm — Fri, 19 May 2017 18:12:22 -0400

Once when I was on recruiter duty, took my wife and toddler son to a restaurant. All cool until we sat down and the woman at the table next to us started complaining about "baby killers"...between my now ex's glares and her own husband's obvious embarrassment, not to mention comments from other tables (this was in Hickory N. Carolina about 89) she shut up but I still remember that....

Response by MSgt Edward Hayes made Aug 8 at 2018 7:27 PM

MSgt Edward Hayes — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 19:27:51 -0400

It was 1970s and wear of dress blues coming and going off base was mandatory in most cases. Standing in line at department stores could lead to some interesting comments from civilians. Not all comments were pleasant and some were down right hateful. Later in life the AF thought most members would present a better public reaction if we wore battle dress as often as possible. That was during the first golf war and pubic acceptance was far more positive.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Aug 12 at 2018 11:07 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 23:07:13 -0400

When I was stationed at the ALS in Monterey, California in 1956-57, I was “spoken to” by a “proper” elderly lady in Carmel by the sea for wearing my uniform on the street and in fact, the town tried to pass an ordinance banning uniforms. It was a snobby town and they, apparently thought that soldiers from Ft Ord and the Presideo were “riff raff”. I presume that someone decided that such a law would be unconstitutional. Years later when Clint Eastwood was elected mayor, uniforms would be welcomed!!!

Response by LT Tucker Lake made Aug 31 at 2018 8:12 PM

LT Tucker Lake — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 20:12:03 -0400

Yup, 1970 walking through JFK on way home on leave from flight school. Called names and spit on. I was a new ensign at the time.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 1 at 2018 12:23 AM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 00:23:36 -0400

In the early 80's, a Marine Corps high and tight haircut was enough to get you denied access to almost every bar and full service restaurant in DC.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2018 3:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 15:27:00 -0400

It sounds like the guard was enforcing a dress code. (Albeit, a dumb one).

According to the the LTC, he was, “turned away at the doors because he was not wearing a tie.”

The wife seems to be more upset and possibly making an issue of it. Let’s wife face it’s...military spouses have been known to overreact from time to time. Either way, its a non-issue, as the Superintendent apologized, and a meeting between the parents and principal has been arranged.

A mistake happened, an apology took place, and a remedy installed. Why take offense?

Response by SSgt Gerald Davis Jr made Sep 3 at 2018 5:56 PM

SSgt Gerald Davis Jr — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 17:56:57 -0400

1968 I was enjoying a local band at a bar in San Diego. I started talking to a girl. Listening to her bad mouth the Military and Vietnam. I was a Sgt. back from my first tour. I made a date with her. Went to pick her up in my class A greens. Her dad answered the door and smiled as he called her. She freaked as her dad laughed.

Response by TSgt Marie Pintar made Sep 3 at 2018 9:05 PM

TSgt Marie Pintar — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 21:05:25 -0400

Yes. Some fool thought everyone who participated in OEF was a war criminal and should go to prison.

Response by LCpl Roger Garcia made Feb 16 at 2019 8:52 AM

LCpl Roger Garcia — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 08:52:43 -0500

I live in South Texas, the home of Naval Flight Training. This is NAVY country. We live our military people. If anyone were to give a military man any crap, they dont need to worry about HIM, they need to worry about the CIVILIANS. Cause they gonna be pulling all kinda cowboy boots, oilfield boots, etc., out their ass.

Response by SSgt Gordon Olayvar made Apr 8 at 2019 2:12 AM

SSgt Gordon Olayvar — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 02:12:12 -0400

I offended this Air Force guy, he then offended me....we offended each other all night long....then the Bar closed, we then went to a 711 and purchased a case of Heinekins and started to offend each other all over again, we've been offending each other that way for over 30yrs now.....LOL!

Response by LTC John Griscom made Apr 8 at 2019 7:57 AM

LTC John Griscom — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 07:57:40 -0400

Apparently I did when I traveled through San Francisco in the 60s and 70s.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Apr 8 at 2019 2:58 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 14:58:00 -0400

A guy that I went through basic with had someone throw pop on him

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 8 at 2019 4:30 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 16:30:19 -0400

Wow...I can certainly understand him and his family getting ticked off about that one...once, after I'd finished USAF OTS, I had a voc-ed high-school electronics teacher, my favorite instructor, I'd gone over in my blues to see him, he was, I think, in retrospect, rather blown away when I'd walked in, he actually let me yak with the high-school students he had with him for that year for awhile...I gotta tell ya, that was obv one of those really good days you always remember, you know?

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Apr 8 at 2019 6:50 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 18:50:18 -0400

I came home in 1974 and was spit at in a concourse at the airport on my return. Didn't stop to ask if he was offended, but he sure didn't like it

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Jul 17 at 2019 4:33 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 16:33:47 -0400

While stationed at the Army Language School in Monterey, CA in 1957, the town of Carmel tried to ban uniforms because they reflected badly on their “snooty “ town. We soldiers often got the cold shoulder.