Posted on Mar 6, 2015
Do you often wear things in public to signify your military service/affiliation?
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I often wear shirts, baseball hats, my Marine cover, etc., to let others know of my service. I do this to meet other Marines, more so than being recognized by civilians.
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Recognition
Recognition
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 200
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I spoke with a retired vet recently who spoke about the importance of having something, anything, on our person at all times in public to signify our service. Subtle is fine. He felt it was a way to know, immediately, without a doubt, that if shit went down, if you needed help, a fellow veteran would be a trust-worthy person to make contact with. Not only that, but also someone to buy a beer for, strike up a quick conversation, or simply nod your head in silent appreciation.
It made sense to me.
I know that when I'm out in public, I am very aware of people who look military. I absolutely look for tell-tale signs, including service 'bling'. It is a comfort knowing that I am not alone in this world. My brothers and sisters are out there.
I know it sounds corny at times, but that's ok. I'll put it out "there" anyway.
It made sense to me.
I know that when I'm out in public, I am very aware of people who look military. I absolutely look for tell-tale signs, including service 'bling'. It is a comfort knowing that I am not alone in this world. My brothers and sisters are out there.
I know it sounds corny at times, but that's ok. I'll put it out "there" anyway.
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SPC Randy Torgerson
Most of the time I wear a hat signifying my Veteran status. I always carry my VA id and my drivers license has Veteran written in it by the State.
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PO2 Robert Carrillo
So I joined the navy and became a corpman eventually I ended up with the marines, I wish they would make an item that honored both the navy and the marines but I only find one or the other I haven't seen anything that would have both when I wear navy stuff I feel a little guilty because of my time with the marines besides getting shot at , my time with the marines was the best duty's I ever had especially recon training but then I wear marine gear I feel like an outsider, the marines never treated me like an outsider but because I really didn't earn the anchor and globe I feel a bit fake anyway I am very proud of my service especially with the marines.
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SFC Andy Gordon
I have US Army retired license plates on my truck. I sometimes wear the Grunt Style shirts with amusing sayings. One of my favorite is "Get Lost, It's Not an Insult it's a destination."
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Col Jonathan Brazee
PO2 Robert Carrillo - you are part of the Marine brotherhood. Please be sure of that. Google "Corpsman of Marines t-shirts." I've seen many different designs. Wear it to a Marine bar, and I bet someone buys you a drink!
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I rarely wear items that identify me as military when I am not on duty. Mainly because I feel uncomfortable with the praise that our non-military population continue to shower upon us. I think it is great that our military members are receiving these thanks, however, I prefer to serve my country without the need for constant accolades. It is for this reason, and not that I am not proud, that I do not wear items that identify me as military.
A lesser reason that I don't wear these items is the growing terrorist threat that is always around us.
A lesser reason that I don't wear these items is the growing terrorist threat that is always around us.
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1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR)
I usually wear a Special Operations Association ballcap. I have met a lot of Spec Ops guys just because of the hat. It identifies me as being one of them!
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1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR)
PO1 Helena Janice Ritz - I have seen lots of officers wearing ballcaps with their military affiliation on them... My son served 6 years. He was a Captain when on active duty and wears a 173rd Airborne cap... We are not looking for handouts or thanks, we are announcing our military affilliaton to others that served in the same organizations we did.
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SPC Randy Torgerson
I understand the General who is still active duty. But I very much agree with Col. Brazee, I love the connections I make now. I don't care about the non-military accolades. I just like to see other veterans with a hat (most common) or something showing their military connections. The other reason I wear a Veterans hat, is to show my support for the active duty.
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SGT Kevin Hughes
I understand the General...and unlike us grunts, those Flag Officers had to be well aware of personal threats by a host of bad guys. Every Division Commander I knew, had a Bodyguard. They are exposed to a much higher threat risk. So I get that part.
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CPT (Join to see)
1LT L S Don't worry. I won't tell you about all the other cool things I have from RP. It's not like they gave me an award..... my bad, they did give me an award.
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