Was eating breakfast at a diner this morning, and saw an older gentleman wearing a 61st Airborne (not sure on the number) ball cap. It made me think... what is the decorum on wearing military hats, like baseball caps?
Most people see a hat like that and assume the person served, especially the ones like this man had on that have specific regiments. However, I do know the sell them at Army/Navy stores and people who haven't served probably buy them.
I always figured generic hats like "Army" or "Air Force" were okay to wear and show support, but the more individualized ones stating specific units were off limits. Not really a stolen valor situation, but more just in poor taste? Of course, that was just my own assumption... was interested to hear what you guys think? What is "too far" for military clothing... some people may just want to support the military and not realize they kinda stepped over the line into dressing like they are/were in the military. You know what I mean?
I am a vet and other than stolen valor, this fellow and others like him don’t phase me in the least. Maybe his brother, son, or best friend served in that unit and he is wearing the hat to honor that person.
God Bless America
I didn't say the gentleman didn't serve, I only saw him so how would I even know if he did or not?
I stated it made me think about it.
Never really thought about it Roam. It's kind of like seeing a PSU ball cap on someone, you may think they have/had some affiliation with Penn State, but it may or may not be true, other than being a fan... just as you surmised.
I will say I don't particularly care for people wearing parts of military uniforms as casual wear. But that's just me and stay off my grass!
I am a vet and other than stolen valor, this fellow and others like him don’t phase me in the least. Maybe his brother, son, or best friend served in that unit and he is wearing the hat to honor that person.
God Bless America
I didn't say the gentleman didn't serve, I only saw him so how would I even know if he did or not?
I stated it made me think about it.
Holy smokes! Another example of your unnecessary heightened level of distress. It’s not healthy to constantly get your bloomers in an uproar! Maybe transcendental meditation would help.
Roam,
There is nothing wrong with it or against any regulations. Every command I served in over my 30 years I always bought my dad a ball cap from my unit that he would wear. I also bought him a green flight jacket and had my ship or squadron patches sewn on it. People often asked him if he served and he would always tell them his son did and told them the patches were from the units he served in. No issues with that either and it is NOT stolen valor.
The big issue now a days is people actually wearing a uniform or uniform items or devices like a Seal trident, medals or ribbons they never earned or because they didn’t even serve. That is an issue and a slap in the face to those that served!
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2019/04/did-you-know-stolen-valor-penalty-is-a-year-in-jail/
Roam,
There is nothing wrong with it or against any regulations. Every command I served in over my 30 years I always bought my dad a ball cap from my unit that he would wear. I also bought him a green flight jacket and had my ship or squadron patches sewn on it. People often asked him if he served and he would always tell them his son did and told them the patches were from the units he served in. No issues with that either and it is NOT stolen valor.
The big issue now a days is people actually wearing a uniform or uniform items or devices like a Seal trident, medals or ribbons they never earned or because they didn’t even serve. That is an issue and a slap in the face to those that served!
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2019/04/did-you-know-stolen-valor-penalty-is-a-year-in-jail/
Thanks Navylion!
The “Stolen Valor” guys are mentally ill. They are generally sad people. The senator from Connecticut who claimed to be a Vietnam vet for political benefit is a loser.
