Can a military uniform be worn by a family member at a "Dress as your hero" day at work or similar event?

SPC Rich Stiltner — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 11:03:58 -0400

So my grandmothers work is doing a dress as your hero thing at work and asked if she could borrow my ACU's. Would it be acceptable to give her a set and not include patches/name tape? How should I go about this?

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 25 at 2015 11:07 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 11:07:48 -0400

I am pretty sure she isn't claiming to be a Soldier for financial gain so I don't see an issue with it but others may.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 25 at 2015 11:17 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 11:17:24 -0400

SPC Rich Stiltner - I see nothing wrong with this if it is limited to her place of work and for the purpose stated, as well as being done in a respectful manner.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 11:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 11:19:20 -0400

Go for it Brother! What an honor that you are your Grandmother's hero! I hope she has a great time!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Sep 25 at 2015 11:46 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 11:46:23 -0400

Dude wear it out, I dont think anyone would mistake her for a soldier! Relish the honor.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 12:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:39:53 -0400

My son's school had a "Boot Day", he wore mine to school, where he fielded may questions about them from teachers. He's never shy about telling someone about his Mom. :-). One year he wanted to dress up like a Soldier for Halloween and he used my uniform w/o rank/name. Another time he wore an authentic WWII uniform to honor Soldiers while playing in a Symphony Orchestra Concert. I think in those settings there isn't a problem with sharing your uniform. There's no disrespect intended and there's no stolen valor intent.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 1:06 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:06:47 -0400

Fully acceptable to me.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 25 at 2015 1:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:37:49 -0400

I would support her.

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Sep 25 at 2015 4:40 PM

Cpl James Waycasie — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 16:40:57 -0400

I think it would be ok. She is not saying I am this, but this is my hero.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 27 at 2015 12:02 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 00:02:06 -0400

I also don't see an issue with this as long as your grandmother wears the uniform with no rank/patches, etc.

Response by SGT Chris McDaniel made Oct 2 at 2015 3:46 PM

SGT Chris McDaniel — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 15:46:10 -0400

I guess I'm the lone crank today. I wouldn't do it, because personally I do not think it should be treated as a "costume". If she wants to wear a field jacket or an ACU top, without patches super.

I don't think the question is rude, or the sentiment. Just that the uniform shouldn't be treated like a costume.