Should military symbols/rank be allowed for use as fashion statements?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 18:51:19 -0500

I recently saw this shirt for sale in a outlet store. Captain-Specialist Sergeant? It made me wonder, should military symbols/rank/uniforms be allowed for use as fashion statements? Is there a difference between a commercial retailer manufacturing such items for sale, vs. civilians wearing military surplus?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 27 at 2016 6:54 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 18:54:00 -0500

They're not exclusive to us.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 6:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 18:54:35 -0500

I personally don't think they should be. However we can't expect civilians to see the rank how us service members do. Civilians don't see it like we see it. It doesn't represent hard work, achievements, pride, responsibility, etc. To them it's an opportunity of money, popularity, compliments on how fashionable it is, etc.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 7:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:11:40 -0500

Imitation is the purest form of flattery. Besides if it looked like a real uniform some zealot would be filming them screaming stolen valor.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 7:14 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:14:24 -0500

Sir, that shirt is strange, and would be worn by someone I probably would not associate with.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 27 at 2016 7:21 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:21:10 -0500

Its cute when people want to play dress up.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jan 27 at 2016 7:21 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:21:56 -0500

I sday nope pissed me off seeing it on some one seven they did not serve stolen valor which well is legal by freedom of speech is a blow to all of us who served honorably

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 7:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:25:36 -0500

Sometimes I wear a baseball hat that is identical to the one our professional team wears on the field. But I've been lucky so far that a professional baseball player hasn't confronted me in Walmart about my stolen athletic ability, and lecture me about how hard it was to make it to the Major Leagues and how much sacrifice he had to make to get to wear that hat. I just think it's a cool hat. (But even though I'm 60, I'd like to think maybe some people could think I was really a pro baseball player--our team plays like it could be true) . ;)

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 27 at 2016 7:30 PM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:30:51 -0500

I think it looks stupid as hell, but apparently Stolen Valor is now protected under the First Amendment. :(

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Jan 27 at 2016 7:43 PM

Cpl Clinton Britt — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:43:34 -0500

Thats how they get away with freedom of speach

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jan 27 at 2016 7:44 PM

1SG David Niles — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:44:36 -0500

I could care less people have been wearing the rank of the military since before America. It promotes the military and keeps it mainstream.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 8:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 20:00:35 -0500

Personally, I don't think manufacturers should be utilizing the rank, and of course I would prefer if civilians didn't wear military clothing, but how would it be enforced? Also, there is the freedom of speech issue many have brought up. Overall, it is probably not something worth getting heated about, but the shirt sure is ridiculous!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 9:16 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 21:16:57 -0500

The military is not a fashion show!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 9:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 21:35:19 -0500

As much as I personally don't like it....it's litterally the freedom we fight for that allows for this to happen.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 27 at 2016 9:36 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 21:36:10 -0500

When I see one of these, should I salute, genuflect or go into NCO mode?

Response by PO2 Peter Wells made Jan 28 at 2016 1:14 AM

PO2 Peter Wells — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 01:14:42 -0500

Sure. There is a Difference between Stolen Valor and thinking Militaria Looks Cool. and hey... If they didn't we'd have less stuff to point and laugh at. Captian Specialist Staffseargent Soup Sammich might make my day if I saw her at the bar.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 1:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 01:27:31 -0500

As long as the symbol is not being used to convey an actual rank on someone in uniform, then they have that right.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 28 at 2016 1:28 AM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 01:28:57 -0500

Well, if I saw that shirt, I would have to buy it! I have always wanted to be a Captain Specialist SFC! That is like a O3E11!!! I would definitely be the "top RP influencer of the month then! LOL!

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jan 28 at 2016 6:21 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 06:21:15 -0500

I am not a fan of this type of "fashion" but this is less of an issue than seeing someone wearing an actual uniform with chevrons/ribbons or medals and other devices on an issue jacket/blouse etc. This is just lame fashion with no real attempt to pass someone of as being something they are not.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 8:07 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 08:07:29 -0500

It's lame, but unless used to falsely claim status...I say let the tasteless advertise themselves to the world.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 8:56 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 08:56:30 -0500

Even John Lennon was known to wear SGT rank. You can even buy a copy of the shirt he wore on eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-ARMY-VINTAGE-JOHN-LENNON-BEATLES-REVOLUTION-OLIVE-FATIGUE-SHIRT-/ [login to see] 42

It doesn't bother me though unless it is used to get something for free but then again, a business is free to give away stuff as they wish.

US ARMY VINTAGE JOHN LENNON BEATLES REVOLUTION OLIVE FATIGUE SHIRT

US $79.95 Pre-owned in Clothing, Shoes & Accessories, Men's Clothing, Casual Shirts

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 9:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 09:15:20 -0500

If someone wants to walk around looking like a jackass so be it. That shirt up above is RIDICULOUS

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 10:31 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 10:31:54 -0500

Military clothing has always started trends in fashion. When I see people wearing clothing with military emblems, and are obviously not trying to pose as a service members, I don't mind it at all. My inner NCO may cringe a little seeing everything out of order, but I quickly remember that the person is most likely not in the military. We tend to look at the negative, but what if something on the shirt sparks an interest in the military for some kid?

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jan 28 at 2016 10:56 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 10:56:00 -0500

I have seen upside down stripes with stars on the shoulders... As far as doctoring uniforms for fashion, that's a big NO-GO in my book. I guess these fashion designer ran out of imagination when they decide to use army-navy surplus to make a buck... Just look at the picture! Do I stand at ease, at attention or pay him no mind?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 11:35 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 11:35:11 -0500

I personally think most of these "fashionable" ideas are stupid, but don't have a problem with it.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jan 28 at 2016 12:08 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 12:08:13 -0500

As long as it's not an attempt to impersonate a real service member I really don't care.

Response by LT Erik Frederick made Jan 28 at 2016 1:31 PM

LT Erik Frederick — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 13:31:45 -0500

I think there is a big difference between surplus store items and say a national brand like The Gap developing mass producing and merchandising them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 28 at 2016 8:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 20:25:25 -0500

No but it's out of my hands.

Response by Cpl D L Parker made Jan 30 at 2016 2:48 PM

Cpl D L Parker — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 14:48:00 -0500

No. However a judge says a vet can wear a badge he didn't earn so military item for fashion will be around for ever.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 4:44 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 16:44:49 -0500

NO it kind of takes away from earning your stripes in a real branch of service. It takes from uniform apparel feel.

Response by SrA Paul Pfeil made Jun 12 at 2016 4:27 PM

SrA Paul Pfeil — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 16:27:59 -0400

Who would even want to wear it? Ugly and uncomfortable. No thanks. I see some punker or goth wearing this. I could care less as long as it is not an attempt at stolen valor.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Jun 12 at 2016 6:57 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 18:57:17 -0400

Just boys pretending to be men wear shirts like that.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jun 12 at 2016 7:53 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 19:53:08 -0400

A number of years ago when he was still a relative lad, British Prince Harry was photographed at a social event like a party, wearing a swastica arm-band. He was roundly criticized in the press and it was reported that Prince Charles counseled him on the error of his ways. Imagine it's possible and likely that a young person, boy or girl, would somehow see something 'chic' in a piece with military decorations, ribbons, badges, ranks etc. Didn't Michael Jackson strut around in pretend military type costumes?

Response by CW4 Scott Hyde made Jun 12 at 2016 11:38 PM

CW4 Scott Hyde — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 23:38:01 -0400

My son used to use my old rank insignia when he was six. He thought it was neat. I guess I should have had him arrested for stolen valor because everyone does it now.

People have been wearing old rank, uniforms, and patches for as long as I can remember. Why is everyone bent out of shape all of a sudden?

Response by SPC Jim Johnson made Jul 27 at 2016 12:22 AM

SPC Jim Johnson — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 00:22:26 -0400

I think that it should be only for those that have served. I usually do not agree with fashion trends.

Response by SPC Tom Maddox made Jul 27 at 2016 6:00 AM

SPC Tom Maddox — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 06:00:13 -0400

Personally I don't care, as long as long as it's not stolen valor it should fall under freedom of expression, speech.

Response by SSG Arron Daniels made Oct 13 at 2016 4:06 PM

SSG Arron Daniels — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 16:06:02 -0400

Fashion is fashion (never been "in fashion" myself). But it's not someone pretending to be a Soldier/Veteran, so it doesn't bother me. Probably not my style or for anyone I hang with.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Jan 2 at 2018 10:32 PM

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 22:32:00 -0500

You know, when I was a kid growing up back in the 1970's, my Dad would take me to the Army Surplus Store around Parole Plaza in Annapolis, Maryland. I don't think the store is there anymore, but I always liked going to the store to see what new stuff was for sale. I'd pick up stuff like old helmet liners, gas masks, and other nonsense like that. But I was gung ho about all of it. There were old uniforms still with the patches on, dress uniforms, jungle fatigues, boots, shoes, field gear, camping gear, and other things like that. A lot of it was Vietnam War-era stuff and represented all of the services.
I also picked up old patches. Unit patches, rank insignia, badges, etc. What does a kid do with all of that stuff? Sew it on jackets, or use clothing glue/tape to put it on clothing, and then wear it! I'd wear it everywhere. I was eaten up with it all. My best find in the surplus store was a USAF Shade 84 Ike Jacket, which I wore as a Civil Air Patrol cadet. At the time, I didn't know the jacket was obsolete, but I did like it.
A lot of my thinking at the time was because I come from a long line of family serving in the military, and I thought the greatest thing to do was to go into the Army and be an old soldier with a lot of stripes on my arms. I did stupid stuff like wear khakis in Junior High School (hint: not really attractive to young girls). I joined the Army's Delayed Entry Program in between my Junior and Senior year of High School. If I hadn't been accepted, I would have been devastated and never looked at the stuff again. But I was young then and quite a bit immature.
I suppose what I'm getting at is people need to get a grip on this stuff. Does it bother me? Speaking from this side of the fence, if I let it, yes, but most of the time, it's harmless. It's pretty obvious when some civilian who has never served dresses up like a Centurion. There's an old adage that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". It's supposed to be a compliment.