If I'm a potential recruit for the army and the son of a Marine (which I am), is it stolen valor to wear military apparel?

Al Bay — Thu, 03 May 2018 20:31:16 -0400

Apparel including, but not limited to, old military jackets with no insignias, just the name of a branch and hats with branch insignias but not rank or veteran status branding.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 8:41 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 May 2018 20:41:24 -0400

Al Bay It is not stolen valor, but if you are wearing a Marine Corps cap, folks might assume that you have served, or are serving. You are the son of a Marine, so why are you not enlisting in the Marine Corps?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 3 at 2018 10:30 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 03 May 2018 22:30:19 -0400

NO unit Insignia, rank- you should be ok.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 3 at 2018 10:41 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Thu, 03 May 2018 22:41:20 -0400

I don't have a problem with people wearing military clothing or gear as long as it is insignia free and you don't seem to be trying to pass yourself off as a service member or a Veteran. Remember that military insignias all mean something and if they don't apply to you then you should not be wearing them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 11:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 May 2018 23:05:07 -0400

No it's fine. If anyone asks just be honest about, you have family in the military and you're showing support.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2018 8:50 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 May 2018 08:50:52 -0400

Al-There's a big difference between wearing your Dad's old jacket, and posing as an actual U.S. Marine-I think you're safe. Still, people used to have common sense, and could tell the difference between a proud son and a poser...These days, common sense is not so common.

I'd suggest that if you're close to enlisting yourself, try enjoying "civvies" as long as you can, and spend a few months sampling all of the things you might be leaving behind for awhile...get to know the "you" without the military in the background (take some advice from the son of an Army NCO).

When you show up for processing...leave all of that stuff behind. Wear clothing that stands out as little as possible, and definitely NO military items of any kind whatsoever-not even "Grunt Style" shirts! Within a few hours...you'll be in your own uniform and building your own career to be proud of.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 4 at 2018 1:22 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 04 May 2018 13:22:55 -0400

I don't recommend you wearing your dads old patches, but if he is ok with it. Just keep in mind there is a great big world out there, with tons of interesting people out there from all walks of life, just waiting to be offended by something you are wearing.

Response by SSG Dale London made May 4 at 2018 4:20 PM

SSG Dale London — Fri, 04 May 2018 16:20:24 -0400

So far as I understand the statue and my own personal proclivities, so long as you are not trying to pass yourself off as a recipient of a honor you did not receive or of possessing a status you are not entitled to, there is no problem. Wearing a jacket with nothing but USMC and the Globe and Anchor on it is, if you will pardon the phrase, a "Nothing Burger." Same goes for the cap.
Now, that said, strutting around the mall in your dad's dress blues, sporting a high and tight, pretending to be a Devil Dog will definitely get you into hot water.