Is it disrespectful for a civilian to wear a woodland camo pattern BDU?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 12:46:21 -0400

I tend to go to thrift shops and find good deals, a complete set of 1980s woodland camo uniform, minus the name tape, branch tape rank, unit and flag patches, and qualification badge being one of those deals with an 8-point cap. Is it disrespectful or illegal to wear the uniform to a Fourth of July parade as a salute to veterans and current service members? Just asking so no one screams “Stolen valor!” or gets the wrong idea. I myself am a civilian and my buddy and I want to join the military.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 1 at 2018 1:00 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 13:00:04 -0400

It's not illegal, and I don't think it's disrespectful, to buy uniforms components that are openly available in the civilian marketplace. Piecing everything together into an almost-complete uniform, especially at a parade saluting veterans, could be problematic for you though. Some people might see you as attempting to parade yourself as a vet, rather than simply honoring vets. I wouldn't, but I can see how others might.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 1 at 2018 1:06 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 13:06:00 -0400

Were I in your situation, PFC Private RallyPoint Member, I would not wear what you propose. I think a simple handshake and a “thank you” would be sufficient.
However, if there are no patches, badges, name tapes, branch of service tapes on the uniform or hat, they’re just clothes.
I still think it might be perceived incorrectly, and you might get the opposite result that you intend.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2018 2:15 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 14:15:15 -0400

I dont think it is disrespectful as long as civvies dont try any stolen valor

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jul 1 at 2018 3:03 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 15:03:31 -0400

1980s?! I wore BDUs when I first enlisted in 2003. You're making me feel old...

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 1 at 2018 7:08 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 19:08:11 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member, While I admire the intent you have, I will echo LTC Stephen C. and MSgt David Hoffman. As a retired veteran, I would rather see someone wear a patriotic pin or t-shirt and shake my hand as to simulate the uniform I sweat, bled, and shed tears in. Others might not see the tribute you intend and react in ways you are not expecting.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 2:13 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 02:13:18 -0400

It’s not necessarily disrespectful, but I’ve always found it to be a little weird and confusing.

I mean, doctors are awesome. They save lives every day. They are thanked every day. I don’t think anyone throws on a pair of scrubs and white lab coat and a stethoscope as a “salute to doctors”.
Additionally, it could be a bit confusing to others watching, thinking that that tributeer could actually be a doctor himself.

Disrespectful, no. Weird and confusing, yes.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 8:18 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 08:18:03 -0400

Logan-There's an old saying that holds true, "When in doubt...opt out". Wait till you join up; you'll be glad for any and every opportunity to NOT wear a utility uniform :)

That being said, I think it's important that we (both civilians and military) make a clear distinction between the utility and meaning of an article of clothing. Camouflage patterns are tools, and just as using a hammer doesn't make one a contractor, wearing camo clothing doesn't make one a Solider. Woodland BDUs are great for outdoor sports, are often used by hunters, and to the best of my knowledge...are not currently being used as a regular uniform by any component of the Armed Services (yes, I realize that it may still be used in certain operational environments). I have sets of camo that I use often when training, hiking or shooting, when appropriate to the task. In that sense, my personal feelings are that any active or veteran member who would come down on a civilian for using "sanitized" BDUs in these settings is taking things way too far.

On the other hand, any use of any uniform, or article thereof to present the impression of belonging to an organization one has no claim to? Obviously that is out of bounds. When I see someone at the grocery store wearing ACU pants...I assume they must have served at one point or time. That point could be taken further to address the wearing of certain headgear, tee-shirts, "morale patches", you name it. Bottom line, if the intent is to deceive...you've crossed a line.

A more recent development, that I personally think was a little extreme, was to incorporate organizational emblems into certain camo patterns...and this poses a new problem. I'm a veteran and was forward deployed...I won't ever put on anything in MARPAT for the simple reason that I never earned the Marine Corps "EGA"...which is incorporated into that pattern. Likewise, despite being a Navy vet, I won't wear the "AOR1" pattern...since as I understand it, it's considered organizational clothing of the SEALs and SWCC. Honestly, while I think the new "AOR2" is pretty cool, and I suppose the point could be made I "rate" it...I can't see spending the money for it when for a few dollars more...I can buy some of the best civilian hunting camo on the market and offend no one.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jul 2 at 2018 8:22 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 08:22:59 -0400

I wear'm when I go hunting, fishing and contract-work when teaching military or woodland skills, but no-one would mistake me for Active Duty. Retired 1993

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 11:03 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 11:03:46 -0400

NO, do not do that.
The perception from any observer will be that you are purporting to be a former service member.
That will lead to conversations.
That will lead to misunderstandings.
That will lead to the opposite of what your stated purpose is.

A handshake and a thank you will do the trick just fine.

Response by SSG Edward Joy made Jul 2 at 2018 4:50 PM

SSG Edward Joy — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 16:50:56 -0400

Back in the sixtys the hippie's favorite shop was the Army Navy store name tapes insignia and all. Army shirts Navy P coast looked aussum.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jul 2 at 2018 5:02 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 17:02:16 -0400

I wouldn't wear that for a salute to veterans. The Woodland BDU is a great pattern of you intend to do some hunting in a forested area. Other than that, it might be misconstrued if you wear it to a meeting or tribute to veterans. I recommend wearing your normal clothes and giving them a firm handshake. We like handshakes more than someone cosplaying with an old uniform. Also, don't be surprised if your admiration makes a veteran uncomfortable. A lot of us avoid these types of functions simply to avoid the phrase "Thank you for your service. "

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jul 2 at 2018 10:53 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 22:53:55 -0400

I'm not sure why you think that the outfit is a salute to veterans. I certainly don't see it that way Nor am I bothered by it if is as you describe it (without any military patches, etc). It is certainly not illegal to wear. While it is not disrespectful to some it may be to others. Want to show support? Get a T-shirt that says you support the military.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Jul 2 at 2018 11:42 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 23:42:38 -0400

Stick to civvies.

I feel more saluted by a civilian who wears a "Support ALL The Troops" shirt (the one with the vet in the wheelchair), but then I got used to being assaulted in airports and bus stations back in the '68 - '71 era.

When you return from a deployment, wear what you want. It probably won't be anything more flamboyant than a hat with a pin or two.

Response by CPO Randy McLaughlin made Jul 3 at 2018 12:01 PM

CPO Randy McLaughlin — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 12:01:36 -0400

No insignia, rank, unit identifiers, yeah, go ahead. I don't care. I did over 20, had my share of chest candy. I just wouldn't wear the whole get-up. You'd look like a tool.

Response by Cpl John DeConti made Jul 3 at 2018 3:38 PM

Cpl John DeConti — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 15:38:05 -0400

It's not illegal to do so as long as you are getting no monetary gain from it or employment, benefits etc etc. You are not bound by any of the rules pertaining to the uniform so what you propose is technically fine.. However I think it would be best to not wear the uniform as a lot of us know people who wore said uniform and never came back. I appreciate what you are doing, but its best not to potentially aggravate warriors in the crowd who saw people wear that uniform and not come home.

Response by TSgt Jennifer Disch made Jul 3 at 2018 4:32 PM

TSgt Jennifer Disch — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 16:32:34 -0400

I agree with MSgt Holt. Wearing “cammies” doesn’t show support or thanks. Just wear a t-shirt

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 3 at 2018 4:43 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 16:43:32 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Illegal, no. Disrespectful, maybe.
If you put something big, bright, and obvious on there that says "supporter" I can see that. Marching in a parade in uniform, even a replica, without being in some sort of re-enactment group is toeing up to a line IMO. I would prefer you didn't. If you're going to do it anyway just make sure everyone knows you are not a Veteran.
You said you are interested in joining. When you go through MEPs and enter the Delayed Entry Program, maybe you could march the route along side your recruiter and take one of your initial oath's of enlistment at the end of the route. Your recruiter would be a great guidepost in helping you from crossing any lines and could turn it into a recruiting mission assisting event.

Response by SFC Daniel Zelch made Jul 5 at 2018 9:08 PM

SFC Daniel Zelch — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 21:08:57 -0400

I am retired Army Infantry. I still have some woodland pattern uniforms. Sometimes I wear the jacket with jeans. Or I wear the trousers with a flannel shirt. I make it a point to mix, never match the two. I have been retired for 17 years, being able to fit into my old uniform is a constant battle. (one I'm willing to fight)

Response by Pvt Mike Bradshaw made Aug 12 at 2020 7:00 AM

Pvt Mike Bradshaw — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 07:00:29 -0400

Not a great idea I wouldn’t have thought regardless of intentions.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 15 at 2021 11:29 AM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 11:29:20 -0400

Why not? I don’t think most Vets would care a bit as long as your not trying to wear an actual uni with name tape, Branch, tank etc. Personally I wouldn’t show up to parades and such wearing cammies, it’s just a bit weird, but it’s close to hunting season and all the stores are already decked out in camouflage.

If you want to join then join, it’s a solid step for anyone to grow up and be responsible.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2021 12:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 12:00:48 -0400

I think this is a case of “just because you could doesn’t mean you should.” As others have said, while definitely not illegal given your intent, it could be potentially taken as disrespectful or weird. What you’re suggesting sounds akin to someone who might wear a “sanitized” jersey to a ballgame to show support for their favorite team. I actually get that and can appreciate it. But, it seems that sports jerseys are the only place in society where wearing part of a uniform that one has no actual claim to as a show of support is acceptable. People don’t wear police, doctor, paramedic, or fire fighter uniforms in support of those professions. As others have said, a hand shake and “thank you” are plenty. If you feel the need, a shirt or ball cap that expresses “support for the troops” will definitely get the job done. If you do join up, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to proudly wear a utility uniform. In fact, you’ll get sick of wearing it. If you don’t join and you still want to wear cammo, that’s cool. Wear it in the woods while you’re taking down a prized buck or catching a huge bass at the lake. Or, they make really comfy clothes for paintball and similar sports.