Military uniform as a Halloween costume?

Sgt Alvin P. Liendo "Tanto" — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 12:36:58 -0400

As a veteran, I personally think it would be disrespectful to wear my military uniform as a Halloween costume. I also hate to see civilian adults wearing them, because I think they should know better. However, I realize that some civilians may think it's a sign of respect and not realize that it offends some people.

Of course, the children are an exception. I appreciate their parents taking the time to dress the little tykes up from privates all the way up the chain to 4 and even 5 star General. I genuinely appreciate their little salutes. There are few things more satisfying than being saluted by a 4 foot tall 4 star General.

Here's an article about what others think on this issue:

http://usmilitary.about.com/u/ua/theorderlyroom/Holloween.htm

What do you think?

military uniform wear holloween military costumes legal military laws legislation military wear...

On October 31st of each year, small children (and some not-so-small "children") dress up in costumes and go door-to-door begging strangers for candy. Some of these folks, both small and tall will be wearing replicas of United States Military Uniforms. Is that legal?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 1:42 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:42:16 -0400

Sgt Alvin P. Liendo "Tanto", I don't see a problem with civilians wearing military "costumes" for Halloween. It's a fun holiday and I don't think military costumes purchased by civilians are a problem. It doesn't offend me. In fact, you could see it as a sign of respect to our military (that they want to dress up in a military uniform/costume).

I can certainly see both sides of the debate. And I agree with you about children. It's great to see them dressed up as soldiers!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 1 at 2014 1:58 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 01:58:24 -0400

I had my daughter in an OD green flight suit (old pickle suit) and sitting in the cockpit of my OH-58D at Fort Drum.....then my son at Fort Carson.....then my youngest son at Fort Lewis. When they outgrew it I was very sad but donated it to the newest CAV pappa there. The condition was that he had to pass it along when it no longer fit. It was too adorable to keep. It's coming up on 20 years now.....

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 1 at 2014 8:19 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 08:19:53 -0400

"Mimickery is the highest form of flattery", so long as they are not being "posers".

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Nov 1 at 2014 8:37 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 08:37:19 -0400

My daughters wore my uniforms, without the EGA on them... and when they were very small, we had itty bitty UDs for them to wear, but EVERYONE's kids had those... at least it seemed like it.
I personally, would never wear my uniform as a costume, because I worked too damned hard to attain it, to disrespect it in that manner... HOWEVER, I know of many Marines who have worn their blues as a sign of respect at times... so I'd say, its in the attitude of the wearer.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 9:40 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 09:40:12 -0400

I saw one guy, probably high school age, dressed up last night. I wanted to mess with him and tell him to blouse his pants but it wasn't worth it. It doesn't bother me when its done in fun and not trying to get special attention and concessions.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Nov 1 at 2014 10:04 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 10:04:33 -0400

Thank goodness I can't get into my uniform anymore... I don't mind the kids wearing a uniform because it is not only adorable, but most kids respect the uniform and understand what it stands for. Myself, personally, I would only use my most beat-up ones for theatrics, not to show off.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 1 at 2014 10:17 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 10:17:30 -0400

As a costume on Halloween, I am ok with it. At the airport, the bar, the club, not so much!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Nov 1 at 2014 10:31 AM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 10:31:12 -0400

Try looking at it this way: Many people use Halloween as an excuse to dress up as something they wish they really were. This also explains Pirate and Ninja costumes.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 11:04 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 11:04:49 -0400

I personally don't have an issue with people wearing military uniforms on Halloween. Now when they use uniforms for personal gain etc... that's when I have an issue with it.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Nov 1 at 2014 12:21 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 12:21:05 -0400

Last night at our church we had tailgate trick or treating and I wore my ACUs with everything ,My wife and son wore ACUs with NOTHING on them and my grandson wore BDUs with his face painted. We had a blast and a lot of people actually thanked me for my service and everyone loved the way we were dressed. So I see no problem with people dressing up as military once or twice a year as long as they are respectful of the uniform and do NOT pose as something they are not or ever were.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Nov 1 at 2014 12:39 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 12:39:42 -0400

Funny story. When my unit was doing trunk or treat and i was a private, i thought it would be hilarious if someone put an E-5 rank on and and came dressed up as an NCO for their Halloween costume.

I got the dog shit smoked out of me for joking around about it. Rolled around in the rock's for like an hour. I deserved it though.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Nov 2 at 2014 9:09 AM

SPC James Mcneil — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 09:09:46 -0500

I personally don't like it. I have a friend that dressed up as a soldier for Halloween in 2012. He continued to wear the coat for months afterward until I told him enough was enough. I said, "That is part of a uniform, not a freaking fashion accessory!"

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Nov 2 at 2014 3:07 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:07:35 -0500

This topic, while quite serious, reminded me of this cartoon.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 3:46 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:46:12 -0500

I am personally a little confused when someone who IS in the military, or was, wears their uniform on Halloween.

Nothing wrong, in my opinion, if a non-military adult wears a military uniform for halloween as long as they are respectful to the meaning of it.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Sep 24 at 2015 5:51 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 17:51:36 -0400

There were Halloweens when I wore my uniform; I didn't get the day off. Having said that, I don't mind children dressing up when their heroes are military members instead of mutant teenage ninja turtles. I don't like the skank look of some of the female camo pseudo uniforms. And I don't like the "cute little nurse" costume either. I worked too hard to earn the right to wear these properly and professionally. I volunteer at a local botanical park where they have a Bootanica for the little ones and I do dress up because when someone is 3, anything is magic!

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Sep 24 at 2015 6:00 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 18:00:45 -0400

Depends on what they're wearing. Me, I may dig out my DCUs this year; two years ago it was BDUs.

Gotta love wear-out dates...

Response by SSG Samuel Cedeno made Sep 24 at 2015 6:21 PM

SSG Samuel Cedeno — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 18:21:21 -0400

I agree that it can be a sign of respect, but to wear the uniform on a holiday that is meant to instill fear. Bad judgement at best and a worse political statement at worse. The uniform of any service member is not a costume. Many have gave their lives in those uniforms so that others may enjoy their precious freedom. People should understand the full bearing of what the uniform stands for before laying a finger on one. I myself will not even wear my uniform on veterans day out of respect and aw for those who continue to serve.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Oct 19 at 2015 8:46 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 08:46:05 -0400

Its just pretend! Do you have a problem with movie stars playing military members in movies? I think you are confusing actions with intentions. Its not wearing the uniform that matters, it is the reason behind wearing it.

Response by SGT Mark Seymour made Oct 30 at 2015 8:32 AM

SGT Mark Seymour — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 08:32:03 -0400

I'm not sure on adults, but I would certainly have no problem with children dressing up in military uniforms. I think it can be flattering that others want to or see the military life as a great opportunity. I do not see this as stolen valor if done correctly.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 2:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 14:03:11 -0400

I agree Sgt. Liendo. Children, sure. Adults... if you want to wear a military uniform... join the branch of your choice! THEN you can earn the honor of wearing the uniform every day!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2016 1:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 13:30:21 -0400

Halloween is a day to use your imagination. This year I will dress as uncle Sam although I am not in fact uncle Sam. In my adult life I have been a zombie, Mick(the old coach from rocky) twoface, and a werewolf. I am also not anyone of those things. It seems crazy to think anyone would be upset with someone "dressing up"in a costume for Halloween. Maybe we should cancel all military movies and tv shows because those actors are not really soldiers. Seems petty to me. The year I was a zombie I was a soldier zombie. But on general rank with a fake name. I am SSG Schmidt everyday why can't I pretend to be something I will never be?

Response by PO1 Pete Sikes made Oct 29 at 2016 1:35 PM

PO1 Pete Sikes — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 13:35:11 -0400

It's a 'COSTUME"!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2016 2:46 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 14:46:01 -0400

We as a culture need to get over ourselves. We don't see this kind of outrage from Doctors, nurses, firefighters, police or astronauts that are also noble professions. It's Halloween, people will dress as they will and that is their choice and we as the military are part of the reason they get to make that choice.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2016 3:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 15:23:10 -0400

I think they is the stupidiest discussion we've had yet. It's Halloween. "I mean, he isn't really a ghost, so why would he mimic one..." "he isn't a real super hero, why would he dress like one" Get over yourselfs. Any other day I'd support this. But it's Halloween, stop being so easily offended.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made Oct 29 at 2016 5:55 PM

SFC Shane Funkhouser — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 17:55:07 -0400

I got no problem with it as long as they are not trying to portray themselves as actual military members. He'll it's the one day of the year you can dress up and pretend to be anything you want. If some civilians wish they were us I'd say that's pretty flattering.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2016 6:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 18:17:44 -0400

I have absolutely no problem with civilians doing it on Halloween. I think the gray area comes in when service members wear the uniform as part of their costume. To be honest though, I feel like there could be cases where it's acceptable and others that aren't. This topic actually came up earlier this week with some of my Soldiers and I'm curious about everyone's opinion: what does everyone think about an enlisted Soldier dressing up as a "2LT lost on a land-nav course" (LBV, compass, protractor, map, just walking around looking confused)? We all thought it was a hilarious idea, but left it at that. Opinions?

Response by MSgt Scott Azbell made Oct 29 at 2016 10:10 PM

MSgt Scott Azbell — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 22:10:32 -0400

Really? Lol. Princesses must get really pissed off this time of year. I bet cops and firemen do too. Sorry, but this is one of those posts that makes me shake my head out loud.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Oct 29 at 2016 10:47 PM

SFC Don Ward — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 22:47:39 -0400

Common sense check - it's Halloween, get over yourself.

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Oct 30 at 2016 1:02 AM

SGT Justin Singleton — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 01:02:22 -0400

If people want to dress as heroes for Halloween, why stop them?

Response by SPC J.R. McCarthy made Oct 30 at 2016 2:06 PM

SPC J.R. McCarthy — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 14:06:16 -0400

As long as it isn't an active uniform in really don't care, I'll just out my old BDU's for Halloween because I'm lazy an it it works, and there sterile as well so nobpatches or rank

Response by SFC James Wiley made Aug 14 at 2017 9:16 AM

SFC James Wiley — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 09:16:55 -0400

I have 2 in college right now and it just seems like yesterday I was having to leave my youngest to go to ntc when she was just born and she is 20 now

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2017 4:12 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 04:12:04 -0400

I normally don't care as long as they are not trying to benefit off the uniform.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2017 1:11 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 01:11:24 -0400

Private here, three months fresh out of basic. 74D, National Guard. I'm a full time college student, taking 19 credits, in 9 campus organizations, all four bands, holding a job, and in student government as well. For our Student Government, we have a casual meeting. People are allowed to wear tasteful Halloween costumes and casual wear, rather than our normal expensive formal clothes. Can I wear my OCPs? I'll wear my US Army shoulder patch, because I don't have anything to put there other than past RSP patches. E-1, so I don't have a rank to wear. I could just strip all patches but Galvin and leave it?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2017 6:04 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 06:04:33 -0400

Maybe times have changed. In the 1950's the Navy Command Master Chief loaned me his massively oversized dress blue jacket and hat - which I wore like a dress down to my ankles - as very young girl - all day long on halloween. It was kind of sign of respect - yet no one mistook my slim short stature or tiny little head framed with blonde curls as any attempted impersonation - in spite of his uniform. He was a kind, warm, and nice man. I never ever thought I would be allowed to fill his shoes. Maybe I really wanted to be a leader, be kind and gentle, and counsel and help sailors and families like him. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by SSgt Scotty Marks made Oct 18 at 2017 2:15 PM

SSgt Scotty Marks — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 14:15:12 -0400

I think a little kid in a Marine costume is perfectly fine; a teenager or adult in Marine uniform is likely to get me arrested.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Oct 18 at 2017 5:10 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 17:10:05 -0400

I can remember when I was very young I was dressed as a Sailor by my parents (Foreshadowing?). I was about 6 or 7 when I went Trick or Treating in a Class A Uniform, I think I was supposed to be an SSgt, but not sure. For a kid those were great Costumes, as an adult, my Uniform was what I wore to show people what I did as a Sailor in the United States Navy. From Seaman Recruit to Master Chief I wore a UNIFORM, not a Costume. After I retired I also wore that Uniform a few times on Veterans Day to Parades and, unfortunately, a few Military Funerals as well.

Response by SPC Paul Golden made Aug 30 at 2018 10:00 PM

SPC Paul Golden — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 22:00:01 -0400

For Halloween, I'm okay with it. I had someone ask me a few years ago if it was okay, my response was "Wear it correctly and with honor and it's fine by me."

Response by SGT Joshua Bressel made Sep 4 at 2018 8:48 PM

SGT Joshua Bressel — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 20:48:54 -0400

I think kids, dressed as military personnel, is adorable. I think civilians dressed as military personnel, for Halloween is...ok, if it's done respectfully, and they don't claim to actually be military. I think service members wearing their uniforms, for Halloween, is ridiculous, and, you have to be a toolbag, to do it. Now, I used a set of BDUs, I had, along with a lot of work, to do a Colonial Marine uniform, from the movie, Aliens, but that's different. I didn't just gear up, and go.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Jan 10 at 2019 12:15 PM

SPC Kevin Ford — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:15:27 -0500

I think historic uniforms are perfectly fine for Halloween. I wouldn't even mind a modern one. As long as it is obviously a costume for something like Halloween and not an attempt to pass themselves off as active military.