Is it acceptable for a civilian to be wearing military clothing in public?

Erik Brown — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 18:53:57 -0400

I received a pair of USMC pants when I went outdoors and my other pants were not appropriate outdoor wear and was wondering if it was acceptable to wear them in public? The reason being is I find them rather comfortable, but if it’s not acceptable to wear in public I’ll just wear around the house. There are not any patches or anything on them and I wouldn’t wear them with any other military clothing, probably a graphic T and tennis shoes, thank you for answering.

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Apr 27 at 2019 7:46 PM

SPC Joseph Wojcik — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 19:46:22 -0400

I don't see a problem with wearing uniform trousers, just don't go around in a full uniform LARPing.
But that's just my opinion as a fan of the first amendment, other people might take offense to anyone wearing even non-current vintage military gear.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Apr 28 at 2019 12:40 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 00:40:05 -0400

People have been wearing parts of old military uniforms for decades, you'll be fine. As long as you're not putting together a FULL uniform and trying to pass yourself off as a currently serving member of the military or a veteran no one should hassle you about it. Wear what you want.

Response by CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2019 1:02 AM

CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 01:02:42 -0400

To me it depends. If it's a shirt, or the pants, meh. As long as they arent trying to represent themselves as something they aren't it's not a big deal (to me.)

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 28 at 2019 9:59 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 09:59:19 -0400

Of course, you can.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Apr 28 at 2019 12:40 PM

LTC Gary Earls — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 12:40:38 -0400

I wear my grey and black "Army" jacket and during winter my MA-1 flight jacket with my patches and name badge on it. Most people never say anything about it. Occasionally I get someone that is former military will say something and we establish a relationship. BTW I bought both of them. If a young person asks about military service then I will encourage them to go into the military.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Apr 28 at 2019 7:33 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 19:33:05 -0400

Just don't wear the matching jacket and appear to be in a uniform. That jacket may be worn (without matching trousers), but may not have any branch ID, like USMC, or any unit patches, rank insignia or even a name tag.
I have to agree with the "no military patches/devices". That stuff belongs to the Military, but I think you do have the right to wear YOUR name tag --- If you REALLY want to.

P S -- I wear a U S Army belt in combination with a USMC buckle, just as my personal reminder of my service. There's no living creature on this earth who can accuse me of any sort of "impersonation" for doing so.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Apr 29 at 2019 8:44 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 08:44:54 -0400

The truth is that you can wear anything you want and it's acceptable. But with these pants I think it is pretty clear that you aren't trying to steal valor or anything like that, so go for it!

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Apr 29 at 2019 9:17 AM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 09:17:14 -0400

It's a free country (well, it's supposed to be anyway)...if you like MARPAT, wear it. Just remember though-the folks who wear it to work everyday worked VERY dang hard to earn the 'Eagle-Globe and Anchor' insignia that's worked into the pattern... and take a pretty dim view on people who wear it without belonging to the club (and probably those who wear it incorrectly even if they do).

Hey, Woodland pattern is pretty much "vintage" now...and for the moment, "unbranded".