Posted on Apr 19, 2015
LTC Substitute Teacher
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I belong to several groups that wear military uniforms with modified insignia: Naval Sea Cadets (adult leader), Coast Guard Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol and formerly California State Military Reserve. They all have their own ribbon awards as well. They are authorized by their respective services to wear them and I am proud to wear those uniforms and representing myself a a member of these respective groups; however, I still sometimes wonder if it goes too far since the public usually thinks they are actual military members. However, where I really think is really crosses the line are a couple of organizations that are formed to provide military honors to deceased veterans that wear modified Army uniforms and make themselves "generals" and "colonels" Yes they provide a valuable service and I know a few people in them. However, unlike the formerly mentioned groups I don't believe they ever had official permission to wear them by they Army and there is very little vetting/screening to people who join them. Prior military service is not required Many who join those groups seem to be "wannabes" either never been in the service or was in at much lower rank than what they are offered. I know its nice to have people in military-style uniform provide funeral honors, however if a military active or reserve group cant be found, American Legion and VFW have honor guard uniforms that they wear for them. What your thoughts about the wear of such uniforms particularly of the latter mentioned groups.
Posted in these groups: 4276e14c Uniforms524395 331088503647420 191451722 n Stolen Valor
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 6
MAJ Ronnie Reams
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The USCG Aux and the USAF Aux (CAP) wear uniforms as dictated by the parent service. So I can't see a complaint about them. Army MARS wears/wore the Civilian uniform as prescribed by the uniform AR for civilians accompanying troops (fatigues with the civilian patch and name and organization tapes over pockets), as CDRs did not want folks running around their AO in civies. Do not have experience with the rest.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
>1 y
I was a member of Civil Air patrol for over 40 years, they are the official Auxiliary of the US Air Force which prescribes by Regulation authorization to wear the USAF uniform with certain prescribed insignia. They are required to maintain the same grooming standards in uniform as the parent service as a requirement to wear that uniform.
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SSG Parachute Rigger
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I do not have an issue with the first part of your post Sir.

As for the second part there is no need. Funeral Honors are performed by Military members within the state. It can be Active Duty, National Guard or Reservist.

I know a bud who is exclusively performing them from the National Guard in Florida.
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SSG George Husted
SSG George Husted
>1 y
I served in many military funerals when I was a member of the Army National Guard. I always felt it was an honor to serve the veteran and their family by providing Funeral Honors. I used to carry an acorn in my pocket from Arlington when I did these funeral details. It can be heart wrenching duty as you see the family grieve, but we provided a catharsis for them so that it became "real" and they could begin the grieving process and heal. Sometimes it was Taps. Sometimes it was the weapon Salute. But the tears started falling in the family and friends and I would get pretty choked up.
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SFC Don Ward
SFC Don Ward
>1 y
VFW and Legion perform military burials also.
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LTC Substitute Teacher
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I know the unofficial organizations that do funeral honors do provide a service as military units and even Legion/VFW cannot provide enough. However, many wannables join them and put colonel and general rank on. That is wrong. If an honorably discharged/retired veteran they could wear a uniform with their highest rank. IF not a veteran wear a generic military-looking uniform without any rank. Putting on unauthorized rank is stolen valor and should not be allowed by the services (except of course CAP, CG Aux, Sea Cadets and state defense forces as authorized by law)
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