Spouses/dependents wearing your uniform components in public?

Speaking as a Navy Veteran & as a Marine spouse & sister. I have worn Marine corps PT gear in public,( the track suits) but I also wore it within standards ie my hair in a bun etc. while my husband & sister were both serving at Paris Island as Drill Instructors. I was never told by their CO's etc that I could not wear it on the contrary they appreciated the fact that I carried myself with pride and kept within standards. I just respected the fact that it was a privilege for me to wear it. I do wear some my husband's clothing that only he should wear because he earned ie Martial Arts Ins etc, but he is retired now and when I wear it I wear it with pride and if people ask I tell them it's his. I think it's all about what the spouse wears and if it has a rank on it etc. I don't agree with a rank on a spouse because we don't have a rank. also if the exchange/ PX sells these items for them to wear then you can't really say much to them for wanting to fit in. Sometimes they want to know what it's like or they are just following suit to what others do.

When it's cold, my hubby loves the PT jacket. (Why, I don't know. I hate the noise it makes.)However, he is former Army himself. And he is in pretty good shape. When he shaves, is indistinguishable from every other soldier. No problems here. He also kept his fleece, name tapes and all...and I wear it during the winter over my ACUs. I don't have much comments on spouses that aren't prior service. Doesn't cross my mind unless a see a three-hundred pound woman rocking a PT shirt. The extent of my outrage is, "Eh. So wrong."

I have an old WAC Jacket, that doesn't fit me anymore. I gave it to my daughter to wear...it's okay...she refused to take it, it was too ugly for her taste. Is that allowed?

I cannot believe I am reading this. SSG Woods complaining that somehow a military spouse wearing a P.T. shirt jeopardizes the honor of the U.S military and threatens her “right to wear the uniform.” Is there a policy against that? If so, then I suggest we search every civilian business that sells them to the general public and shut them down. I am guessing that there is not and this is just a way that this spouse is showing her support for her husband. I don’t think she is parading around in full dress uniform pretending to be a soldier. I know there is a policy against that. Then SSG Woods you go on with a personal attack mocking her weight. Is this what the military teaches its soldiers to do? Attack citizens with whom they personally disagree shopping in the market? You explain how educated you are (President Delta Tau Alpha Honor Society) and have earned the right to wear that uniform. I don’t doubt that a bit and I bet that spouse’s husband has earned that right too. How many times have you deployed to combat? In your photo you have a backdrop that appears to be a deployment zone. Is that your “Combat Photo”? Being a CW4 with 28 years in I have four combat tours and still going. I know that there are those with less time in the Army than I and more deployments. Being in Public Affairs I would bet that war is hell remaining on the FOB (assuming you have deployed) taking college courses. The occasional rocket and having the internet shut down from time to time is known for its PTSD effects. Maybe you need to get your head out of academia for a bit and see what “real” soldiers are doing. They work hard, provide for their families and on their off time do what they want. You write that you want to become a SGM and a good leader. I sincerely hope that before that happens you spend some time with the soldiers and understand what it takes to be a good leader. To really be a good one you will need to earn the respect of your soldiers and publicly attacking their spouses with your opinion is not a good way to do it. PAO plays a very important role in the military and has its place. And you, being in a position whose duty it is to publicly represent the soldier need to really think about what is right before you go off and print it to the world. I also hope you find a way to apologize to this family for your incredibly stupid remarks and get it off a public website.

Agreed. I feel like it's disrespectful of the spouse to wear it and the military member to let them. If you can't have pride in what you do and what you stand for, quit. Pack your shit and go away.

I believe the soldier should be held accountable sir since it is his/her issued equipment being used against regulation and when the soldier signs for the equipment they agree to take responsibility for the equipment sir. I think that should include uniforms as well sir.

I think this speaks to a larger issue of family members getting recognition for the service of others. It irritates the crap out of me when I hear people say "I have a (brother, cousin, husband, etc) in the (Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, CG)". I just want to yell "well whoopee for you! What have YOU done for your country?" Yes, family members sacrifice in order to support their service member, and it's okay to be proud of THEIR service, but what i see many dependents doing is beyond pride. They are taking credit or at least something close to it. I get tired of seeing the "Army Wife" stuff. You don't see their husbands wearing shirts that say "base housing daycare provider's husband" It's just a way to draw attention to herself for HIS accomplishments. If you want the recognition, ship yourself off the basic ladies!

I don't approve of anyone wearing a military member's uniform, except the member themselves.
Now: I can understand the want to have that "connection" with a member, but to what limit?

My advice, would be to ask the member for a non-functioning (beyond repair/extremely faded) uniform and turn it into a purse or nap sack, have the service members name tape on it still, alignment with the branch stripe on it, that way you can carry it around in a respectful manner without calling unnecessary attention to yourself.
I also find it irritating when contractors (civilians) are where ing pieces of the Navy NWU to work. I understand that the uniform item is thick and durable, but it IS a regulated uniform item. I may not wear the Best looking uniform due to wear and tear, and depending on the job I am working on, but darnit it's my uniform and some civie working 9-5 all pierced up with long hair and a beard shouldn't be able to wear it on a government installation.

In 20 years of Naval Service the one thing that was constant was that all of the Sailors I worked for and with were diverse like no other place or business could imagine. This in my opinion is part of the Military's strength. However it is also a part of our weakness some spouses and i have seen both think that this is some how honoring the service or service member. I agree with you buy them something from the Mil Pride section at the Exchange or PX they always have better quality anyway.

I don't like it, but last time I checked (which was several years back) they sold PT gear and other gear to anyone who wanted one in the PX. Even if you can't get on base you can get one at any army/navy surplus store. Until that stops, we really can't stop them :/