Is it okay for civilians to wear military acronym patches in public?

Jason Cervantes — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 21:17:35 -0400

Hello, I am 14 years old and a modern military and modern weaponry enthusiast, but lately I have been asking myself this question. Is it okay for civilians to wear military acronym patches in public? I tend to wear my hat with patches on it I put on that read something like "FNG" or "SSDD", but lately I have stopped because there is a part of me that deems it somehow disrespectful, and I'd like to hear anyone from here give me their insight on this. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 6 at 2018 9:24 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 21:24:48 -0400

Hi, Jason. In my humble estimation, it would be inappropriate for you, as a civilian, to wear military patches.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Jul 6 at 2018 9:29 PM

PO3 Michael James — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 21:29:42 -0400

Jason Cervantes, Young man.. Well, this is only my opinion.. I have Never objected to any young man RESPECTFULLY wearing Military Patches.. Frankly some of them are really neat !! (old word for cool) If is done with respect, I have NO issues with this.. Military Patches (in the 60's) was influential to me going into the service.. Also these "Patches" Encourage HONOR to those who have died for my freedoms.. HONOR is not to be DISMISSED or FORGOTTEN.. Just do your best to Honor and Respect these patches, and our Military !! Thank you, Respectfully, Mike

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2018 10:32 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 22:32:40 -0400

Jason Cervantes I know you are young, but as a military enthusiast, are you considering the military as a career option?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2018 10:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 22:55:52 -0400

Wearing patches with pride in knowing what you have learned about them, respecting what they mean is in my opinion fine. It is not like you are pretending to have earned them. Be careful in what you wear as they have very special meaning to those that have served to earn them. Show them with respect and honor to those that have.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2018 12:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 12:49:38 -0400

I would submit that the FNG patch could well be construed as disrespectful, considering what the acronym is for.
Same with FUBAR and BOHICA.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2018 4:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 16:05:19 -0400

A couple of things here. One, "FNG" and "SSDD" are not military patches. People in the military may have them but they are not military. Neither are the "Secret Squirrel" and "PowerPoint Ranger" patches. Two, if you wear actual military patches like the 101st or 82nd patches you need to be careful how you do it. If you're giving the perception that you were part of those organizations then people are going to take offense. But if you have some other tie to these patches than you can explain, then go for it. For instance, my grandfather flew bombers in WWII. I'd be proud to wear a shirt with his unit insignia on it. But I'd also explain to anyone who asks why I wear it. At that point if they get offended, oh well. You can't make everyone happy.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2019 4:54 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 16:54:03 -0500

Let your conscience be your guide. Part of you should never be violated by violating your own good intentions. When in doubt... don't. I am glad that you are guided towards respect!! Good for you! Yay 2A!