How do you feel about wearing insignia on civilian clothes?

Personally, I think it's kinda stupid. If you're a vet and earned it, why go around asking someone for drama? On the other hand, if you're 93, and landed on Omaha Beach... rock on aged brother-rock on.

If you're active duty-well, then it's unprofessional, idiotic, and I'm pretty sure totally un-reg, even in today's changing world. Just a flame session waiting to happen.

Honestly, it irks me. But, it's their life and if they want to, then so be it.

You guys have only JUST NOW seen that? I live in motorcycle Florida and I see it everywhere on everyone. Saw the entire Third Army one bike-week! Seen sailors with ship patches and USAF vets with plane/base patches, wings, etc. Never seen any Marine bikers, but I know they exist...

1st Amendment. You can wear whatever you want

It’s called pride. They are proud of their country in a time when most people are ambivalent and way too many people enjoy the fruit and privilege of the country they hate. While I don’t wear all my stuff, I say “Wear it with pride”!!!

You could get a very severe backlash wearing it with a uniform, but not if its just civilian attire like a motorcycle jacket or tuxedo... then meh.

However, if you're Army dude (not sure about anybody else)... but AR 670-1 (31 March 2014) states:

23–6. Medals on civilian clothes Retired personnel and former members of the Army (as described above) may wear all categories of medals described in this regulation on appropriate civilian clothing. This includes clothes designed for veteran and patriotic organizations on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day, as well as at formal occasions of ceremony and social functions of a military nature. Personnel may wear either full-sized or miniature medals. Personnel who wear medals on civilian clothes should place the medals on the clothing in approximately the same location and in the same manner as for the Army uniform, so they look similar to medals worn on the Army uniform.

Note this doesn't cover the non-standard military medals/ribbons/patches you can buy that are either miniaturized, made as a decorative decal, or one of those fancy hybrid patches, etc. Also, note the bit about "military nature" can be interpreted very loosely in the veteran/retiree community. For instance the monthly motorcycle ride at 0500 to wake up all the deadbeats who talk sh*** about the military.

I agree with LTC Tongue. He's right on the mark. I was infantry squad leader, I earned it for life, not just for the years I was in. Lifetime. I wear my stuff on my vest. I'm also a biker. 90% of bikers are Vet's and proud of their service to their country. There are plenty of Marine bikers, trust me, when you active duty guys get out you'll find there's no brotherhood stronger than service Vets, especially Vet bikers. And my last thought, I'd feel sorry for anyone, civilian or active duty to tell a Vet they can't wear or they should take off their insignias.

Members of different veteran organizations often wear leather vests or jackets with patches and ribbons on them have you ever heard of the legion riders

Oh, Hell no! In my mind it’s a security risk. I prefer not to be a target.

I’ve seen many prior service members who have chosen to memorialize their service in this way. I met a former Navy Seal who wore his ribbon rack and Triton on his leather vest. I thought this was normal so I still won’t see a problem with this.