Military stickers/decals on your car. When is it too much?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 14:54:29 -0500

Today at a well known base and home of the majority of the Army's paratroopers; I was walking through a parking lot and was amazed. Some have all of their personnel file on their back window. I understand some pride like a Ranger tab or wings but when you add every crest of every unit you have been in within the last ten years it may be a bit much. I have a national guard license plate especially since I found out it is cheaper than a regular license plate. The worst I have seen is the rank on the windshield. I can understand generals or maybe even field grades but not a Sgt.

What have you seen, whether it be bad or good? Or maybe I'm wrong and the sticker of the army service ribbon and the National Defence medal is worth showing everyone you drive by.

Response by SFC Rocky Gannon made Dec 3 at 2013 2:57 PM

SFC Rocky Gannon — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 14:57:07 -0500

LT Rosa an most people never think how that kind of "stuff" on the car can make them a traget off base.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 2:59 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 14:59:32 -0500

I'm guilty of this to some extent. ICM & ACM ribbon magnets on the back of
my car.

My old truck had unit patches as well.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 3 at 2013 3:01 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 15:01:52 -0500

I have to admit, when I first saw this discussion I laughed a little bit. It reminds me of those crazy stick families with names people blaster all over their "soccer parent vans". The same can be said for both of these situations. Yes, having pride in your service (or the fact your child plays for the middle school baseball team) is understandable. Hard work has gone into that stuff but there is a line. Sometimes that information can be used against you and set you as a target. Than again, if you can't see out the window because you have your entire 201 file as stickers on your back window, there might be an issue.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Dec 3 at 2013 3:50 PM

CPT Mike M. — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 15:50:36 -0500

I think it's mainly when your vehicle looks like a graphical depiction of your ORB/ERB then you have a problem. I've got a license plate bracket from school and a cavalry and an armor window sticker. Those are on my old Nitro which is now my wife's and I've got nothing on the truck. It's not that I'm not proud of them, but y'all are right, it makes you a target when you're outside military friendly areas. Not to mention I love my vehicles and can't fathom sticking anything but the most easily removeable of things onto them!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 3:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 15:55:24 -0500

This is what I am talking about. They went full hooah, you never go full hooah.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 3 at 2013 4:03 PM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 16:03:19 -0500

Sir, this has to be an Army thing (I say that because I live just off of an Army post), and I have observed exactly what you're talking about. It's like checking somebody's ribbon rack and knowing their career history. For me, I have my sticker that says we love the Coast Guard and another that my stepson gave when he finished Marine boot camp, but that's pretty much it. Maybe a little bling is a good thing as long as it doesn't take on a life of its own.

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Dec 3 at 2013 4:15 PM

1SG Johnny Carter — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 16:15:09 -0500

Just the other day I saw a car on post and you couldn't tell what color it was becasue they had so many stickers on it from deployment stickers to unit stickers! RAKKASANS really love to over do it! lol But seriously having pride and showing it is great BUT remember...You just because am easy target for terrorist and haters. So please be careful with the pride!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 5:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 17:38:34 -0500

The only military decal I have on my car is a 10th MTN Euro oval. The rest are sports decals of my NY Sports teams.

BTW, I can still see out of my rear window, LOL!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 5:46 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 17:46:19 -0500

Now that my car has passed the 10 year old point and has LOTS of character on it, I don't mind having stickers it. As a vet, I simply have a U.S. Navy Veteran sticker with regards to military service. I have a couple others, but they relate to sorority and church/volunteer affiliation. I guess technically, the things I have could really single me out, if you already knew who I was. But I don't have any name info anywhere, so hopefully I won't be lumped in with the crazy soccer moms....

One thing I noticed in Columbus GA/Ft Benning when I moved here 5 years ago... this town is crazy. I swear everywhere you look you see the monogram initials on the car windows EVERYWHERE. That's a bit creepy for me. Too close to the name thing...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 6:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 18:06:58 -0500

I got one of those on my Jeep and I think that that's more than enough. Cops stay off my back that way, lol.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 9:39 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 21:39:58 -0500

When is it too much? When you have your ERB/ORB on your back window.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Apr 10 at 2014 3:41 PM

SGT James Elphick — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 15:41:01 -0400

I never had any on my vehicle while in the service but after I got out I had a cib, jump wings, and sgt rank. I called it "fuzz buster" and it got me out of alot of tickets

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 10 at 2014 4:24 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:24:52 -0400

Well I have a Maltese Cross in the center of my back glass, Operations Deseert storm/Enduring Freedom /Iraqi Freedom stickers, CIB on the bottom center and SGT stripes next to it, and on the top left there is MP cross pistols, bottom left is my springfield arms sticker. On the wind shield there is a banner that says Combat Infantry man and CIB, and underneath is an anmerican flag.

To much I say not enough glass!! HAHAHAHA

One or more have gotten me outta a couple of tickets! ANd a couple of curtesy slow downs!

Oh almost forgot, I have an army of one decal on my tail gate and a US Army plates.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Apr 10 at 2014 4:30 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:30:37 -0400

I believe in "Full Hooah", coming from generations that have served in every war, that makes you "FULL Hooah"!.

Getting married and the next day going to Israel , I think the question should be why are other's not sold out and "Full Hooah"!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 4:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:55:48 -0400

I think it becomes too much when the SM has their stuff on one side of the car and then the spouse has their stuff that says, "Hey I am a spouse and I supported him/her through all that so I am pretty much equal. Love me," with an arrow pointing to the other side of the car.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 10 at 2014 5:14 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 17:14:35 -0400

Meh...maybe tacky in the eyes of some, but if you wanna display your entire ERB on your POV go for it, just be prepared for the ribbing to follow.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 5:40 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 17:40:27 -0400

I had my certificate of training in information assurance posted in my car window, but thanks to this thread I am going to take it down...

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Apr 11 at 2014 9:58 AM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 09:58:43 -0400

Their's nothing wroing with having wings, tabs, or badges, but don't let your low self esteem show by having your ERB on your vic. I don't have anything due to the fact that I don't want my military accomplishments to become my identity. I have thought about having a CIB ready for when I go on leave to put on my rental. Like I've seen in this thread, it helps with the police. Not that I have run-ins with the fuzz.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2014 11:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 11:37:26 -0400

I've never been one to have army stickers on my car. Its not really special when everyone else is in the army, or has deployed. <br><br>But I will be proud as heck when I slap on a US Army Retired sticker on my car.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 11:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 23:13:00 -0400

Holy Cow. Today i was driving around and a former marine had his trucking looking like a moving copy of his personnel records. He had every rank he has held on his rear window. From PVT to Gunny. What is wrong this these people. How do you even drive. The back window was covered up.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 12:09 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:09:32 -0400

OPSEC......should not put stickers of how big your family is, especially their names!.....when will we practice what we preach and listen? Bronze star been awarded to you? Great put it on your wall at work if you want to show it off. Otherwise just put it on your uniform, ERB/ORB/ARB, and leave it off your license plate. There are people watching and well...if you do not believe me watch 24!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 2:14 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 02:14:04 -0400

My wife and I decided from day one that we would not put that stuff on our cars. It advertises way too much, making you and your family a target. Adversaries know when you are gone and it gives them an open invite to do your family harm. Also not all people are fond of the military and they will vandalize your car. There is just way too much that can go wrong with advertising your indivudal achivements and service pride.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Sep 2 at 2014 10:17 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:17:34 -0400

Saw a truck with the entire ERB or "201 file" as some of remember it being called this, in Alabama. NCO had each division unit decal he served with and his entire ribbon rack. Had each badge and how many times he scored above 275, and 290 for APFT. He had a number of other patriotic decals on his back window too.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2014 8:28 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 08:28:46 -0400

I am just going to leave this right here.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Sep 28 at 2014 5:15 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 17:15:25 -0400

When the military goes the way of 'War Inc.'

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Sep 28 at 2014 10:55 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 22:55:44 -0400

There is a popular textbook used by cops called Tactics for Criminal Patrol. I would recommend reading exactly what cops are taught about 'good guy' stickers. If you are putting stickers on your car to ward off cops, you are probably going to find it has the opposite effect. My advice is to stick with a military service plate such as a veteran plate, Purple Heart plate, or any other plate that you qualify for as long as it is state issued.

Response by SFC Richard Haugh made Sep 29 at 2014 11:28 AM

SFC Richard Haugh — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:28:21 -0400

My favorite has always been the precision cut MRE box that fills in the gap of a busted out window! Only at Ft. Bragg where that is the norm...

Response by SGT Aja Johnson made Oct 12 at 2014 1:30 AM

SGT Aja Johnson — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 01:30:25 -0400

I don't have any military affiliation on my car, not because I'm not proud but because it makes someone a target. A lot of people don't like the military and let's not forget the terrorists out there. The last thing I want is to go off post shopping and some hippy/military hating citizen has smashed my windows. Happened to a friend of mine and it got me paranoid. I'm kind of glad I don't need a DOD sticker to get on base anymore!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 10:49 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 10:49:56 -0400

Some folks do go overboard. I have "some":

1. Crossed Rifle front plate (I know, not a decal)
2. POW/MIA sticker on back window.
3. CSM Rank on lower corner of windshield (So I can score a good parking spot).
4. Stick figure family parody decal (Photo below, it was raining)

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 29 at 2014 5:32 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 17:32:03 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, less is more. Zip, zilch, nothing on my cars. Think about it. Wouldn't you rather have people not know there's a Ranger driving your car?!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 1:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 13:24:04 -0500

I think this is an individual choice. I have a few stickers on my truck. They have helped me with our LEO brothers when I was going a little faster than I should. I am proud of my service and display my wings, cross rifles, and CIB with pride. those who disagree with that view have a right to do so. The only reason I would consider taking them off is because of the new threats given the current situation with ISIS. That said, we live in the USA. I wasn't afraid of those cowards when I was on their turf, I am not scared of them now.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Dec 30 at 2014 5:07 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:07:06 -0500

Any award license plate that cites "Meritorious"

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Dec 30 at 2014 5:10 PM

SSG Timothy McCoy — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:10:36 -0500

This is a little off subject, but you will get the jest of it;

I was in Panama City the other day and I saw a bumper sticker on a
parked car that read: " I miss Chicago "

So I broke the window, stole the radio, shot out two of the tires,
added an Obama bumper sticker
and left a note that read, "Hope this helps.��

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 4:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:12:31 -0500

I would be happy if every service member had that much pride. As far as being a target off post, I put stickers on mine to say come and try. Also CPT Private RallyPoint Member nobody is required to wear all there ornaments on their uniform but yet they will criticize a few stickers. I say who cares. I like to see when I travel others with common experiences.

I have stickers and no tattoos. If you accomplish something celebrate otherwise why be successful. Some wear badges, so put stickers are the car, so get tattoos, so get mugs and t-shirts, but some think smuggly to themselves how much better they are until they see the same accomplishments on someone elses windshield. I laugh at all of this because who really cares.

Response by SPC Lukas Jones made Feb 23 at 2015 4:22 PM

SPC Lukas Jones — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:22:52 -0500

So I was briefed that this is more of a risk to yourself than showing pride in your service. OPSEC/INFOSEC should always be at the front of our minds. My unit told me to never travel in uniform, stow my gear inconspicuously (duffle bag in the trunk, no uniforms hanging in the back seat, et cetera) basically, when we have all those stickers, magnets and plates on our cars, we are putting a huge neon sign over our heads that say "HERE I AM!" and that is something we want to avoid. Soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines are being kidnapped and data farmed so that the enemy can gain intelligence off of us. Facebook, Twitter, and even just a passing conversation at the gas station can be an attempt to gain intelligence off of us.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Mar 7 at 2015 1:08 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:08:28 -0500

I love my window stickers, however when I go back to the states to pick up my truck, I have to sanitize it. The rules in Germany have changed and you can no longer have your "bling" on your bumper or windows...

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 7 at 2015 1:15 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:15:04 -0500

hahahaha got to admit...never thought of it as a debatable item....don't really care...as long as it not them stupid stick family thing of a ma jigs.... :)

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 1:15 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:15:55 -0500

I would have to say it depends. I'm not a big fan of SM having stuff all over their car, but it never bothers me to see a veteran or retiree doing so. In this day and age, I would prefer to see our SM practice discretion.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 7 at 2015 1:19 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:19:37 -0500

I see it as a violation of personal OPSEC.

My Disabled Vet plates are about as far as I would go, I'm not gonna put my entire service record on my car in sticker form...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 1:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:51:54 -0500

My Favorite, so far, military related car decoration...

Car tag personalized to say "VBIED1"

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 7 at 2015 1:54 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 13:54:44 -0500

I have a USMC bumper sticker. That's it.

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Mar 7 at 2015 2:05 PM

GySgt Joe Strong — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 14:05:08 -0500

I think they shouldn't impede the drivers view or be an OPSEC issue, outside of that, have at it.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 12 at 2015 5:05 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 17:05:06 -0400

Its a personal thing, much like the wearing of military service emblazoned hats, shirts, ect.

For me, I choose not to wear such things.. nor would I ever put a sticker on one of my Mustangs or bikes.. but that is any type, not just limited to military service.

Others choose to express themselves via mobile billboard. So long as it's not embarrassing, immoral or illegal to the service, why not. It affects me not in the slightest, so I have no position on if they should or should not, or what is too much.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 5:08 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 17:08:07 -0400

I'm one of those who put nothing on my vehicle that affiliates me with the military. Most people don't mind us, a few don't like us at all, and others think we make boatloads of money and have nice things in it home that they might like. I was delighted when post decals went away. Hell, I don't even feel comfortable with walking into the grocery store, or stopping at a gas station in uniform. Of course on occasion I do...something like twice a year haha. Not really paranoid, but honestly...no one cares. At all. Not even a little. Most of the time it just makes me think "that guy is new...or a tool...or both." That's probably just the little a-hole that dwells within me whom I must constantly suppress. Maybe my parents should hands hugged me more. I'm just being silly now.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 5:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 17:20:58 -0400

Every car needs at least 30 pieces of flair.

Response by CSM Ralph Hernandez made Mar 12 at 2015 5:31 PM

CSM Ralph Hernandez — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 17:31:36 -0400

Hello everyone,

Here is my nickels worth. I have been in the US Army for a couple of days and I believe like some others that it is a personal choice. If you really think about it, it is a form of Freedom of speech and as we know it is one of the Constitutional rights. Ok, with that being said I will tell you what stickers I have on my pick up. I have my SGM sticker on the lower left corner of my back windshield like one of the other Service members said, it does help with our brethren who serve and protect. I also have the Bronze Star License plates. The reason I have the license plate is because in the Great State of Texas if you have a Bronze Star you don't have to pay for vehicle registration. Not only for that reason but I am also proud of it. I am getting ready to Retire after 35 Great years in service to our Nation then I am going to display my Retired Army Sticker. When we become afraid to display stickers of our accomplishments on our vehicles I believe we are showing our enemy that he is winning in our country. We will always have those guys that have never served or got kicked out in Basic Training who display there stolen valor but, you can always stop and ask them questions about there stickers and you will find that not all of them have earned them. I once asked a young man about his stickers on his vehicle and he told me that he displayed them in Honor of his deceased Father so, before you are to quick to judge, ask questions. Just my nickels worth. Thank you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 12:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:42:20 -0400

I have some. I really like my NRA one. I get that it makes you think your a target - but damn everything thing is on Google now. If you have a linkedin - target, fb - target, target shopper - target... go to the movies? target. Walk down a dark lit street - target.

"Oh you carry? What are you afraid of?" My reply "Nothing."

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 8:03 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:03:40 -0400

'Merica?

I don't do it but don't think ill of anyone who does.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 12:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:35:03 -0400

Not my thing but there's nothing wrong in being proud of personal achievements and showing patriotism

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 1 at 2015 12:35 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:35:13 -0400

1LT Eric Rosa, Are we qualified to judge the dedication and Hoorah of a Troop that cares enough to place all of those stickers? They are we'uns give or take a few years.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 1 at 2015 12:37 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:37:06 -0400

I have a personalize plate (not a military plate) on my HD that says RGR MP.

We have an Army Strong Sticker on the back of my wife's car; she wanted it, because she is Army Strong.

I have a small Ranger Tab on my truck back window, and the patches of the units I have served with in Combat; my combat patches.

Response by PO2 David Hagwood made Apr 1 at 2015 12:59 AM

PO2 David Hagwood — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:59:56 -0400

One is enough. Showing your pride with a sticker is good; but you seem a bit obsessed if you have more stickers than a sponsored racecar.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 1 at 2015 10:30 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:30:28 -0400

I'm thinken any vehicle with more that one (1) Marine Meatball is over the top.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 12:05 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 12:05:27 -0400

When it literally matches your ERB/ORB.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Apr 1 at 2015 1:08 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 13:08:04 -0400

When your entire ORB or ERB can be known..too much.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 11:57 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 11:57:43 -0500

I want to get a license plate that shows one of my AAMs from my enlisted days. That would be classic.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 10 at 2015 12:55 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:55:41 -0500

A generally good composite of stickers will indicate the branch of service, all the jobs, and PCS moves.