Am I right to be suspicious that a lot of people wearing this type of gear may not be veterans?

2019-11-04T10:27:43-05:00

I suspect it may be a fashion statement for some and just jumping on the "want to look tough" bandwagon.

I personally don't do a lot to advertise that I'm a veteran. But to be fair I do have veterans plates on my car and RV, but that's mostly to draw attention away from the fact that they are Florida plates. ;)

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Nov 4 at 2019 10:36 AM

2019-11-04T10:36:49-05:00

I see no issue with people, veteran or otherwise, wearing this line of clothes.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 4 at 2019 10:48 AM

2019-11-04T10:48:49-05:00

yes!

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Nov 4 at 2019 11:16 AM

2019-11-04T11:16:10-05:00

I think such customers fall into 1 of 3 categories:
1. Veterans and Service members
2. 'Merica!
3. Both

In any case, I don't see any problems; and if I were to own one of these companies, I definitely wouldn't see a problem with a breadth of customers!

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 4 at 2019 11:25 AM

2019-11-04T11:25:15-05:00

Unless it says I am a veteran, why shouldn't other people (non vets wear patriotic stuff)

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2019 11:43 AM

2019-11-04T11:43:42-05:00

It's simply a trend. All that grunt style and 9line stuff plays to a niche and makes money, so it continues to sell.
I feel that it is a bit much and falls into the usual "new soldier" who is proud of being a Soldier, but doesnt realize that sometimes its best to not be seen as a typical Soldier, they cant separate work from play essentially.
Also theres the people who "support" by buying clothes, rather than just sign up.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 4 at 2019 12:42 PM

2019-11-04T12:42:15-05:00

Several people I know that wear this hat aren't veterans.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2019 1:01 PM

2019-11-04T13:01:29-05:00

I’m near Nine Line’s mains store and the majority of the people I see wearing their stuff haven’t served.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2019 1:33 PM

2019-11-04T13:33:04-05:00

Something I have realized lately, is that type of gear is often for veterans, or people who want to show respect for veterans. I remind myself that it is like a civilian saluting me, it's there way of saying thanks. They didn't go through basic and might not realize the significance of their actions.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Nov 4 at 2019 3:43 PM

2019-11-04T15:43:02-05:00

Could just be patriotic and proud of the flag.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2019 6:27 PM

2019-11-04T18:27:26-05:00

I usually wear one of my Marine caps when I am out. I have no problem with folks wearing this line of clothing.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 4 at 2019 7:13 PM

2019-11-04T19:13:52-05:00

Some stickers on veteran's car look like a DD 214.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2019 7:36 PM

2019-11-04T19:36:07-05:00

Who cares? IMHO, most of them are people who want to show support for this country and for the military and first responders. I have no problem with that. That being said, I generally don't wear anything military related unless I'm actually in uniform, and the only sticker on my car is an EMT patch.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Nov 4 at 2019 7:41 PM

2019-11-04T19:41:15-05:00

I always just assume most of them are POGs, not valor thiefs.

Response by MAJ Rj M made Nov 5 at 2019 8:59 AM

2019-11-05T08:59:03-05:00

I suggest YOU STOP WORRY ABOUT THIS MILLENIAL PARTICIPATION TROPHY BULLSHIT and focus on your own life. (especially with Florida plates :-P ) But seriously I see stuff like this all the time... NOTHING in this clothing SAYS veteran..NOTHING!!! ITS A FLAG and a cap with a FLAG. People may see it and like it, people may see it and not like it. (Personally I don't like caps, and dont like printed shirts--but that's me) Because if you and people like you want to bitch about stolen valor, I know of a LONG line of 90 year olds and 60-70 year olds that bitch that anyone who has been "deployed" since 1975 hasn't seen "the real shit" Put it this way. About 7500 dead since 2003. In June 1944, we lost 4414 on June 6th on Omaha beach alone. Over 12,000 died during the month of June. In the long run its all bullshit. In the past people have tried to pass themselves off as soldiers. Most of us ignored them. It just seems weird that this stolen valor BS phenomena has come to light in the past 10 years sort of like an adult participation trophy. Here's a clue. YOU DID WHAT YOU DID FOR YOUR ULTIMATELY. If you say anything else, you're full of it brother. I know tons of men and some women who fought an enemy in the ETO/PTO, in Korea, Vietnam. I know men who pulled their friends out of the rubble in Beirut, and in each of the UN or US actions since then. It seems only recently that the bitching was about a piece of metal they wear on their chest. THose that came before bitched because they were in a meat grinder. Lets put it in perspective. You made it..others that came before you didn't......

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Nov 5 at 2019 10:01 AM

2019-11-05T10:01:07-05:00

Last time I checked anyone can wear anything they want. I've never seen wearing military-looking fashion as a negative.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Nov 5 at 2019 4:15 PM

2019-11-05T16:15:09-05:00

Do you need to be a veteran to wear that stuff?

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 5 at 2019 9:13 PM

2019-11-05T21:13:28-05:00

You don't have to be a Vet to love our flag and nation,

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Nov 10 at 2019 9:18 PM

2019-11-10T21:18:36-05:00

I don't see an issue with it. Not my personal preference as far as wearing it, but I have numerous Veteran family members & friends that wear this and similar. Also, I know several non-military people who wear it in support of family/friends that are in the military.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2019 11:48 AM

2019-11-22T11:48:31-05:00

I have two brothers who are not vets but wear the grunt style T’s they also wear the WWP shirts. These people feel they are supporting the troops. Some may just like the style. The apparel does not say “I am a vet”. I guess we can ban camo clothing to non vets also. Some of this stolen valor stuff is getting out of control.