Is it disrespectful for a civilian to wear a digital camo ACU jacket?

Zack Baron — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 01:51:48 -0400

I'm currently residing outside the United States, but is it disrespectful to get an ACU jacket online because i like the pattern of it? It has a flag patch and branch tag (US Army) velcroed on it. There are no rank or honor insignias. I don't intend to get or wear with ACU pants and look like i'm in full uniform. If i want to wear it in public do i have to remove all patches and tags?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2017 4:29 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 04:29:35 -0400

Zack Baron I would not recommend wearing a jacket with an Army tag on it. Here are previous discussions that might help.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-are-your-thoughts-on-civilians-wearing-part-of-a-military-uniform-or-military-uniform-esque-clothing

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/civilians-in-acus

What are your thoughts on civilians wearing part of a military uniform or military uniform-esque...

I was rocking it out at the Halestorm and the Pretty Reckless concert in Nashville when I realized the guitarist from The Pretty Reckless was wearing an old Vietnam era OD green uniform jacket complete with sergeant stripes. Recently I've seem a trend in Urban Culture with people wearing military uniform style clothing. Is this wrong, disgraceful, or disrespectful to service members or is it just am acceptable fashion tend? Thoughts? To me...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2017 6:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 18:21:43 -0400

There is nothing illegal about it so long as you don't misrepresent yourself as a Veteran and attempt to get some form of gain from it.
As for being right... That's a mater of debate. Why do you want to wear it? Just because of the pattern?
If you want to wear it, wear it. My recommendation, if it goes along with your beliefs, turn it into a patch jacket. In place of the Army tape you can put something else on there. I've seen some remove that and replace it with "CIVILIAN" or "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" things like that.

As a side note there has been an increase in military style clothing at clothing stores across America, not necessarily with the ACU-UCP (Digital) pattern, but in how it's designed. Some go so far as to have inverted Sergeants Chevrons sewn on, with airborne and special forces looking patches that are just different enough to not actually be it.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Oct 9 at 2017 11:37 AM

Cpl John Barker — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 11:37:32 -0400

Some motards get touchy about it, if you want to be safe just get the old tri color or the newier multi cam, those are worn by many different branches/ countries but ACU is pretty much distinctive of army guys who served during the height of the wars in Iraq/ Afghanistan

Response by SFC Steve Christian made Oct 10 at 2017 1:07 PM

SFC Steve Christian — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 13:07:08 -0400

We used to give our terps old DCU uniforms to wear. They could look the part but not be in ACU's

Response by SSG James Swarr made Oct 10 at 2017 1:31 PM

SSG James Swarr — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 13:31:56 -0400

Remove the US ARMY patch and you can wear the thing to church if you want to.

Response by SSgt Julius Bob Midgett made Oct 10 at 2017 1:36 PM

SSgt Julius Bob Midgett — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 13:36:01 -0400

If they are wearing all the accoutrements of an active duty person to include rank it is unlawful

Response by PO3 David Davis made Oct 10 at 2017 2:00 PM

PO3 David Davis — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 14:00:03 -0400

I don't have a problem with civilians wearing ACU's as long as there's no patches on it. Some people buy them to play paintball games and various things.

Response by PO3 Scot Fahey made Oct 10 at 2017 2:22 PM

PO3 Scot Fahey — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 14:22:32 -0400

I still have my US Navy issue P-coat with silver buttons, as a Vet it is a good coat for the 3 weeks it gets cold in Texas. I doubt most will look up from a phone to notice what you wear 2017

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2017 3:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:06:26 -0400

If ur an American citizen then u paid for it and u can wear it

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2017 3:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:54:42 -0400

My buddy got some multicam uniforms to wear while paint balling or hunting. He never served, and asked if I could get some name tapes made for him, I asked if he wanted some US Army tapes too. He said no, he didn't want to get accused of stolen valor, so I got US civilian printed instead

Response by LCpl Barney Gaumer made Oct 10 at 2017 3:58 PM

LCpl Barney Gaumer — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:58:23 -0400

Jacket? no issues. Full Uniform whether dress or duty, Not so much!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2017 7:57 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 19:57:57 -0400

Off topic a bit, but I am proud of my former Navy enlisted career. I was wearing a non uniform Navy tea shirt with my civilians clothes, while travelling through the airport, and stopped to say hello to the CG and CSM at the USO. We were all departing the same day :) As I am a primary staff member, the CG gave me a funny look as he was on his cell phone, while I shook hands with the CSM. I didn't catch it until I was on the plane.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2017 9:36 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 21:36:57 -0400

I would agree with not wearing unearned patches and ranks etc.

If you are in another country you may want to see if they have stolen valor laws. Or if your in a unfriendly country like the Islamic State, Iran, North Korea etc. then wearing a US uniform may not be a good choice.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2017 10:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 22:57:14 -0400

If you reside outside the US, especially if that means overseas, I would highly suggest removing the 'US Army' patch and flag. This is more for your safety and those around you. The world is not a perfect place. There are groups of people that are disgruntled with the US. Extremists may even try something if they see you wearing something that identifies you as a US citizen or Army.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Oct 11 at 2017 12:33 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 12:33:17 -0400

If you notice these guys in the picture had an insignia for a DoD civilian instead of their rank. That's legit. Maybe not the best picture to use. However, civilians have long been embedded with military units. In WW-II, members of the press wore uniforms. So did the Red Cross. In Iraq we had US govt people from a whole myriad of agencies embedded with the US military for all kinds of missions. DOD, DOE, USAID, & of course....OGA, Other Govt Agency types just to mention a few who were running around in uniforms.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Oct 11 at 2017 12:45 PM

SPC Robert Coventry — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 12:45:42 -0400

I think ANY part of the uniform should be reserved for those that have served.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Oct 11 at 2017 2:40 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 14:40:54 -0400

No. They are "Buffalo Soldiers."

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 11 at 2017 2:43 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 14:43:01 -0400

Response by CPT John Sheridan made Oct 11 at 2017 9:20 PM

CPT John Sheridan — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 21:20:53 -0400

Take off the US Army and you're good.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 11 at 2017 9:35 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 21:35:08 -0400

I would say, nothing wrong with wearing military clothing as long as you're not misrepresenting yourself by as a Servicemember.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Oct 12 at 2017 11:54 PM

SSG John Jensen — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 23:54:11 -0400

I frequently wear my old PT jacket during the California version of winter - someone who claimed to be current Nat'l Guard kept telling me that I couldn't wear it, I replied to her that it was issued to me and I'm retired - she kept at it, at which point I ignored her

Response by CPL James Petty made Feb 22 at 2018 2:06 PM

CPL James Petty — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:06:03 -0500

THEY SHOULD NOT BE WORN PERIOD BY CIVILIANS...THAT'S THE WAY I FEEL

Response by TSgt Dave Nance made Feb 22 at 2018 3:01 PM

TSgt Dave Nance — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:01:18 -0500

What is the deal with the Beards? Is this a result of Obama allowing Muslims to do whatever they say they are supposed to do according to Allah?

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 22 at 2018 3:03 PM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:03:38 -0500

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Feb 22 at 2018 3:04 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:04:24 -0500

I don't feel it is, after I retired I gave some of my old uniforms to hunting friends etc.

Response by Sgt Ray Fico made Feb 22 at 2018 3:17 PM

Sgt Ray Fico — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:17:51 -0500

As long as you don’t display medals,awards,combat ribbons

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Feb 22 at 2018 6:22 PM

SMSgt Jeff Kyle — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:22:36 -0500

To begin, I go to a lot of yard sales every summer. I retired and disabled so it gets me out of the house. Every year for the past three years as I’ve gone from sale to sale I’ve been collecting clothes to donate to the VA homeless outreach program, also known as their Standown. I live near a large base so quite frequently I find old uniforms for sale that go very cheaply. I don’t worry too much about stolen valor or anything like that as I remove all the patches from them. When I turn over the collected stuff at the end of the summer, the homeless folks are extremely grateful to have good solid clothes to wear in the coming winter. I’ve probably donated around 500-ish pieces of both civilian and ex military clothing. This includes winter clothing, boots, socks, coats, occasionally sleeping bags, anything they may need. Once all the name tapes, patches and stripes are removed, they’re just used clothes.

Response by SSG Jb King made Feb 22 at 2018 8:12 PM

SSG Jb King — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 20:12:52 -0500

Its just clothes bro, i mean i know vets get wrapped up about it but a tab doesnt make the soldier and a uniform doesnt make you a vet. I dont care who wears what or even claims what, in the end it is what it is. Funny thing is no one claims to be a cool mos like WOFT PILOT, or army salvage diver, etc.. its always 11B or 18 series WTF? our rigger had the best job in our group, and he wasnt 18 series. Any kid wear what you want its just clothes thats all

Response by Ronda Gehr made Feb 22 at 2018 9:59 PM

Ronda Gehr — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 21:59:57 -0500

I wear my dad's dog tags on my motorcycle vest. He served in WWII. I do a lot of volunteer work for motorcycle rides that raise money for Veterans. This is a way to take my dad along on the ride with me and to be around other veterans

Response by SPC Mike Hopkins made Feb 23 at 2018 12:27 AM

SPC Mike Hopkins — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 00:27:53 -0500

No problem aside from maybe getting your ass kicked from some foreigner who don’t like Americans,

Response by SSG Robert Thomas made Feb 23 at 2018 10:43 PM

SSG Robert Thomas — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 22:43:52 -0500

If you did not wear that uniform while serving in the US Army, you should not wear the USARMY tag. The shirt is alright without any tags or patches unless you earned them.

Response by MSgt Keith Beshears made Feb 24 at 2018 8:52 PM

MSgt Keith Beshears — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 20:52:29 -0500

Dont worry about it wear it. You earned it. Im retired AF and would wear mine if i could get in it.

Response by Maj Michael Castle made Feb 25 at 2018 12:53 AM

Maj Michael Castle — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 00:53:42 -0500

I've worn mine ever since I left the service. When my kids entered service, I bought their camo patterns. I've hunted in them, camped in them, mowed the yard in them. I wear them when not wearing Wranglers or my kilt. I travel with them on. No serving member has ever challenged me for wearing them, much to their good fortune. Civilians have always migrated to what the military uses or wears. Didn't bother me when I served, and still doesn't now that I'm retired from the service.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Feb 25 at 2018 5:07 AM

SPC Brian Mason — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 05:07:03 -0500

I'm out but I see no problem in wearing my own stuff. I don't know the regs but I feel altering it after getting out isn't right.
It's illegal to do it for financial gain or portray oneself as military when one never has. Sure we could wear hats, but many don't want or like to. I have a hat with a Veteran pin on it. Only the ignorant would behave erratically like some I've seen and heard.

Response by SPC Lawrence Leber made Feb 26 at 2018 12:46 PM

SPC Lawrence Leber — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:46:05 -0500

I wil dress as I wish, I served three x’s... I’ve received three DD-214’s
I like Militay stuff and have way before I enlisted while in HS.

Response by Isaac Vonfeldt made Dec 26 at 2018 4:41 PM

Isaac Vonfeldt — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 16:41:18 -0500

Hello I just want to ask this very question cause it’s been on my mind every day is it bad to wear marine camouflage pants. Cause I love to collect I’m big on getting stuff from military stores just because I grew up loving the military. I plan on joining the marine core once I’m out of high school I’m a senior. And I just want to ask if it’s wrong to walk out the door into the public with marine pants or any uniform for the matter. Like I have no intentions to disrespect our forces. I respect you guys dearly and I’m grateful for everything. with out our military there would be no freedom. I like to wear the camouflage because it’s comfy looks awesome and in my in my opinion it gives me that motivation I’m excited to join the marines and I want nothing more than to join. Please tell me if its bad to wear it cause I don’t want to disrespect our military and if I can’t wear it I will respect that and I will earn that honor. Oh and if yall are wandering no I don’t buy the marine shirts to that just goes to far and I have no patches or anything just pants.