Posted on May 28, 2014
SSgt Team Member
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I don't want to be "That guy" who, to the annoyance of other people here, brings Civil Air Patrol into the discussion pages, but I do love the program and I think it is a great opportunity for the young ones. That being said, here is my question:

On a CAP discussion group a cadet mentioned he was wearing his blues to a memorial day parade as a spectator and that his squadron and wing commander gave him permission to do so.
I personally did not agree with this, as I think it's kind of showing that you want attention, and thus detracting from the vets in the parade. I don't think many military personnel would wear their uniform as a spectator.

What is your opinion on this? Would you wear your uniform as a spectator to a memorial day parade? I'm just curious if I'm in the wrong here and shouldn't care so much! After all, his commanders gave him permission.
Posted in these groups: 4276e14c Uniforms
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Responses: 12
MAJ Commander
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Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I suspect that the youth (pronounced yute) sincerely admires veterans and the military and wants to demonstrate his pride in being part of the Air Force Auxiliary. If he were gadding about with a ranger tab an an Army Service Ribbon with V device it would be something else entirely.
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MSG Wade Huffman
MSG Wade Huffman
>1 y
Best answer yet.
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CMSgt Senior Enlisted Leader
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10 y
MAJ (Join to see)
"Did you say "yoots"?" :)
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LTC Substitute Teacher
LTC (Join to see)
9 y
If that cadet were wearing any unauthorized ribbons, he would definitely be hearing about that from his Civil Air Patrol leaders!
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SPC Jackson Stevens
SPC Jackson Stevens
>1 y
When I was a “yoot” I desperately wanted to be like my hero, my dad!
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CMSgt Senior Enlisted Leader
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I believe as long as it is respectful then represent your pride and support.

--Veteran's Day parade, yes!
--Mardi Gras, not so much.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
TSgt Joshua Copeland
10 y
Hey, we just had a bunch of Airmen march in a Mardi Gras parade last week in uniform. Just depends on WHICH parade.
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CMSgt Senior Enlisted Leader
CMSgt (Join to see)
10 y
Apologies, you are quite right. I definitely meant to reference the worst of the debauched Mardi Gras parade (aka, the ones seen on "Cops". Lol). :)
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Sgt Seth Busse
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I'm of the opinion the military personnel should not be allowed to wear uniforms off duty. I know, I'm showing my marine side. I just think it makes us a target to some Looney with a little too much crazy. I know you guys are thinking, "this is America, not some combat zone," but face that facts. The only real difference between here and there is that we let our guard down.
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SSgt Team Member
SSgt (Join to see)
>1 y
I do agree in some ways. That's an interesting point you bring up Sgt. I've only been serving for a little over a year now but as a cadet I got cornered by some hippies who started calling me a baby killer and threatened me. The enemy isn't always an Al-Qaeda terrorist.
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CPT Company Commander
CPT (Join to see)
>1 y
I wish someone would try to corner me and try that. I think that wearing uniforms for public functions is reasonable as long as it is tasteful. I wouldn't wear it to an event and the CAP is not military and should not be worn on such a day. It is someone trying to gather attention.
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Capt Current Operations Officer (S 3)
Capt (Join to see)
>1 y
There is a reason that certain uniforms are authorized for liberty attire, such as our Bravos, Charlies ect. Plus its free advertising for that branch.
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CPT Johnny Vegas
CPT Johnny Vegas
>1 y
Id rather be the target by some pyscho than some innocent child with their whole life ahead of them
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