Is it illegal for a civilian to wear any part of the ACUs (as I don't fall under AR670-1, but I do fall under the 1st amendment)?

2016-04-22T19:53:12-04:00

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Apr 22 at 2016 8:38 PM

2016-04-22T20:38:51-04:00

Depends on what you are trying to do...they make excellent work clothing, wear like iron (my Services Do). Make sure the name of taken off and any other patches. You want to stir the pot keep saying First Amendment. Some Retired Military folks just might remove them from your person by exercising their First Amendment rights. First amendment does not apply to wearing military clothing, and in short order I am hopeful it will also apply to anyone wearing a military medal or award who in fact was not awarded it. This is a slippery slope if you want to go down that rabbit hole.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 22 at 2016 8:46 PM

2016-04-22T20:46:04-04:00

Its only a uniform when worn by those authorised to wear it as such, to others its funny looking clothing.
Its not what you wear,,, its what you represent... if you represent yourself as a service member for profit or gain while wearing the clothing,,, then you have an issue

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 22 at 2016 9:05 PM

2016-04-22T21:05:28-04:00

It's just cloth. It's not a "uniform" until you start putting all the pieces together and you intentionally represent it as such.

That said, it does have very special meaning to those of us that went through the trials to wear it. The idea of "You didn't earn it" comes to mind very quickly. But...

Take a look at the old BDU (Woodland Cammie Pattern) which is no longer in service (by Active Duty). It makes a great hunting clothing. The Army is transitioning out of the ACU now into the new pattern. The same logic applies. It's not illegal to wear, but "why would you want to?" It's not a really effective pattern. Sure you can... but people might question motive, especially if you have nametapes, or patches.

Response by SPC Michael Mullins made Apr 22 at 2016 9:37 PM

2016-04-22T21:37:15-04:00

Frank Ricciardi You can wear the ACUs fully if you wish and are only breaking any laws if you are wearing them with the following a US military unit patch, US military rank or insignia, or any combination that would give a person the impression that you are currently acting on behalf of the united states military. As said by many people in this thread current and former military could take differing levels of offense to this and not just because you didn't earn it. Basically as long as you do not imply either by action, wear or statement that you are affiliated with the military, and you do not take advantage of anything meant for the military i.e. military discounts you are legal.

One quick note about you statement of You falling under the first amendment, If you do wear ACUs within the legal limitations and you are confronted by a soldier that is offended I would not suggest using this as an excuse.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 22 at 2016 9:44 PM

2016-04-22T21:44:37-04:00

Is it really important? Why would you want to wear ACUs anyhow? Cheap clothing or just suggestive clothing? I admit to purchasing an ACU Field Cap, size 7 -5/8. That stopped the dreams about not having a head cover!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 23 at 2016 4:57 AM

2016-04-23T04:57:25-04:00

Sir, all versions of the Military uniform since the BDU has great utility, comfortable fit, ample pockets for any number of items and breathable material. As long as civilians do not represent themselves as Soldiers they are fine. Without the name tapes, badges and patches it is simply clothing.

Response by PO2 Joseph Hodges made Apr 23 at 2016 6:07 AM

2016-04-23T06:07:22-04:00

I see many people wearing different parts and it does not become a problem unless wearing it as a civilian and trying to pass yourself off as military. If you can but this clothing at anyplace other then a military base then it is fine to wear.

Response by SFC Carey Cox made Apr 23 at 2016 9:13 AM

2016-04-23T09:13:46-04:00

No it's not illegal.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Apr 23 at 2016 7:07 PM

2016-04-23T19:07:10-04:00

As a Veteran I wear my uniform on Memorial and Veterans Day. As for civilians, some are going to do it regardless. Besides, there's no AR670-1 Police in every country and state to check EVERY person that has a piece on.
Stolen Valor will continue to happen. Some people have a real ignorant view of military; especially when they've never served and don't know the basic things about it. The people who do it don't care either. I can only hope some Active Duty and Veterans put them in their place.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2016 11:12 AM

2016-04-27T11:12:02-04:00

Only if you are wearing the entire uniform or parts of it to gain some sort of favor or personal gain. I never served in the Army or Marine Corps, but I have ACU pants and MARPat pants that I wear on the range and while in training.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made May 14 at 2016 4:25 PM

2016-05-14T16:25:06-04:00

The only thing I have worn of my uniform since I have been out is my Gortex jacket on a rain day. I think it's just more comfortable than the carhart my employer got me. Not a fashion statement.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2016 6:32 PM

2016-05-14T18:32:07-04:00

No.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-05-31T12:32:27-04:00

Why are you wearing them? Are you placing patches and name tapes on them? Are you posing as a Service Member?

Wear what you want. It is nothing more than a terrible pattern on some comfortable shirts and pants.

Response by PO2 Loren Gilmore made Jul 14 at 2016 9:31 PM

2016-07-14T21:31:58-04:00

Serving as a Hospital Corpsman with VF-33 I was called at the dispensary where I worked to come down to the hanger bay to get my foul weather coat in preparation for a deployment aboard the USS America to the North Atlantic. Having arrive at the hanger bay I see an Army deuce and a half loaded with M65 Field Jackets. The Chief told me to take as many as I wanted but remove the US Army Patch above the chest pocket. Well I took two, liners and all, removed the patch and still have one of them tucked away in a closet. They work well in the Kansas winters that I now face in my life. Wear what you choose to wear as I always told my Officers that were assigned to me in the Nuclear world of Security as long as it keeps you warm and is presentable underneath your assigned duty clothing.

Response by SSG Paul Carrier made Nov 2 at 2017 6:21 PM

2017-11-02T18:21:01-04:00

I currently use my old BDU for work clothes around the house.
When they are all worn out I will dig into the two duffels of ACU and use then for the same.

Response by PFC Robert Rice made Nov 2 at 2017 11:11 PM

2017-11-02T23:11:00-04:00

I think this has got to be one of the most stupid discussions the military has had in many years. No offense to those in this discussion but who the hell cares if someone wears BDU uniforms as long as they aren't wearing patches such as the Ranger Tab for instance. Some people take this particular thing to serious. I can see if it is a blatant case of Stolen Valor, but to say that someone shouldn't wear a uniform that is no longer in use is crazy. Maybe that person likes wearing those uniforms for hunting or just feel comfortable wearing them. Whatever their feelings are I thought we lived in a free society.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2017 12:14 PM

2017-12-06T12:14:52-05:00

If you have not served then refrain from wearing military clothing as often as possible. Growing up I used to wear my fathers m81 as a jacket after he retired and that is alright, but don’t wear any more than that. Never wear their dress uniform or jacket. If the the pattern has been discontinued from use, you may wear it, however exercise caution. I don’t advise wearing more than one item. I wore trousers for paint balling and airsoft but never had a combination going. In the event you are given a discount because you were thought to be in the service inform them you aren’t and pay the remainder.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2017 12:18 PM

2017-12-06T12:18:17-05:00

Only wear the uniform if you’ve served. It is disrespectful to our fallen. If the cammies have been discontinued it is fine, however limit it. I wore my father’s old m81 after he retired but as jacket when it was cold or trousers to paintball/airsoft. In the event you received a discount you pay the difference and inform them you haven’t served. Never wear dress uniforms, even if it is just one article if you have not served.

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 6 at 2017 1:51 PM

2017-12-06T13:51:51-05:00

Depends, I will beg of you though please don't wear the ACU pattern. Its maybe the dumbest thing the military has ever done. If you want to wear BDU or multicam pants while hunting or hiking its not a big deal at all. However I would have to question someone's motives for walking around in public with a full set of fatigues on in place of regular clothing.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Feb 10 at 2018 7:13 PM

2018-02-10T19:13:45-05:00

Only if you stole them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 2:38 AM

2018-02-11T02:38:46-05:00

If you are not in the Army. You can wear lipstick and sandals with your ACUs. Its a free country. Just don't pretend to be someone you are not. That is the key. Soldiers have regulations. Civilians (I'm assuming you are) can do what ever you want. Just please don't put medals and badges that you didn't earn. That just might get your butt kicked.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 9:26 AM

2018-03-31T09:26:04-04:00

My 14 year old brother loves all things military . He also loves dirt bikes . Would it be ok to give him an old pair of my acus to wear so he doesn't tear up his "good clothes" ?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2020 5:29 AM

2020-03-30T05:29:55-04:00

I am in the army so if you not in the army you can't wear the ACU or the army service uniform

Response by Jaysen Daniel-Dodge III made Jun 7 at 2022 5:30 PM

2022-06-07T17:30:38-04:00

I have a similar question to this one. My grandpa gave me some of his old Army gear, and I want to know if it’s illegal for me wear it while it his old patches on it.

I have no intentions of any tangible or monetary benefits whatsoever, I’m not a very greedy person, I’m purely wearing it to show my respect for him and those in my family who served and who are still serving.