SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 137309 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don't want to be "That guy" who, to the annoyance of other people here, brings Civil Air Patrol into the discussion pages, but I do love the program and I think it is a great opportunity for the young ones. That being said, here is my question:<br /><br />On a CAP discussion group a cadet mentioned he was wearing his blues to a memorial day parade as a spectator and that his squadron and wing commander gave him permission to do so. <br />I personally did not agree with this, as I think it's kind of showing that you want attention, and thus detracting from the vets in the parade. I don't think many military personnel would wear their uniform as a spectator. <br /><br />What is your opinion on this? Would you wear your uniform as a spectator to a memorial day parade? I'm just curious if I'm in the wrong here and shouldn't care so much! After all, his commanders gave him permission. Wear of the uniform to a parade? 2014-05-28T21:15:06-04:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 137309 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don't want to be "That guy" who, to the annoyance of other people here, brings Civil Air Patrol into the discussion pages, but I do love the program and I think it is a great opportunity for the young ones. That being said, here is my question:<br /><br />On a CAP discussion group a cadet mentioned he was wearing his blues to a memorial day parade as a spectator and that his squadron and wing commander gave him permission to do so. <br />I personally did not agree with this, as I think it's kind of showing that you want attention, and thus detracting from the vets in the parade. I don't think many military personnel would wear their uniform as a spectator. <br /><br />What is your opinion on this? Would you wear your uniform as a spectator to a memorial day parade? I'm just curious if I'm in the wrong here and shouldn't care so much! After all, his commanders gave him permission. Wear of the uniform to a parade? 2014-05-28T21:15:06-04:00 2014-05-28T21:15:06-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 137315 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I suspect that the youth (pronounced yute) sincerely admires veterans and the military and wants to demonstrate his pride in being part of the Air Force Auxiliary. If he were gadding about with a ranger tab an an Army Service Ribbon with V device it would be something else entirely. Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 9:22 PM 2014-05-28T21:22:09-04:00 2014-05-28T21:22:09-04:00 Sgt Seth Busse 137322 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm of the opinion the military personnel should not be allowed to wear uniforms off duty. I know, I'm showing my marine side. I just think it makes us a target to some Looney with a little too much crazy. I know you guys are thinking, "this is America, not some combat zone," but face that facts. The only real difference between here and there is that we let our guard down. Response by Sgt Seth Busse made May 28 at 2014 9:30 PM 2014-05-28T21:30:06-04:00 2014-05-28T21:30:06-04:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 164777 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I do. Routinely. Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 10:49 PM 2014-06-26T22:49:36-04:00 2014-06-26T22:49:36-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 201394 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Let the cadet wear it. Even if he is looking for the attention, it's still nice to know that people out there still care and respect what the military does and are willing to stand up for it (go out in public in it). Furthermore, putting him down or asking him not to wear it might be enough for him to turn from the military as so many already have. If he was telling people that didn't know the military very well that he was in the service, then I would have a problem, but other than that, the more the US civilian population see's other civilians supporting us, the better. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 12:17 PM 2014-08-12T12:17:49-04:00 2014-08-12T12:17:49-04:00 CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member 473673 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I believe as long as it is respectful then represent your pride and support.<br /><br />--Veteran's Day parade, yes! <br />--Mardi Gras, not so much. Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 9:51 AM 2015-02-13T09:51:54-05:00 2015-02-13T09:51:54-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 473882 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This youth probably in his mind thinks he is showing respect. Like CPT Carraway says Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. These young men want to be just like us. I don't have a problem with this at all. Its the guy who when wearing the uniform has it all jacked up or presents an unprofessional image to the general public. The stolen valor posers need some wall to wall counseling too. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 11:12 AM 2015-02-13T11:12:40-05:00 2015-02-13T11:12:40-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 1051914 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I belong to Civil Air Patrol myself. Dept of the Air Force authorized cadets and senior (adult) members to wear an Air Force uniform modified with CAP insignia. <br /><br />Here is the reg from Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Uniform Manual (39-1):<br /><br />CAP members attending a military or civilian event representing CAP must <br />determine whether wear of the uniform is appropriate, must obtain their commander’s permission to attend the event in uniform, and must wear the uniform most appropriate to the situation based on formality and the commander’s direction. Members will make every effort to comply with local installation uniform policy, or ask the CAP<br />-Liaison Region, the CAP Wing Coordinator, or the<br />installation’s public affairs office for guidance. <br /><br />The way I read that if the cadet had permission from his squadron commander, he is good to go. As long as he is wearing it properly, behaving properly and showing military courtesy (saluting colors and officers, etc) and it complies with the organization's reg, I think it appropriate in shows his pride in being part of CAP/USAF Auxiliary and supporting our veterans. Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 12:04 AM 2015-10-20T00:04:53-04:00 2015-10-20T00:04:53-04:00 SrA Private RallyPoint Member 1138078 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You can wear your blues just about anywhere, but per reg there are restrictions. You cannot wear any uniform to show support for any political party or participate in strikes. You cannot advocate anything on behalf of the military, and if a reporter aproaches you while in uniform. You direct questions to the base Public Affairs to answer any and all questions. ABUs are very restricted as you know. You can only wear them to work, a quick stop to run an errand or whenever the UOD specifies that you must wear that specific uniform. Wearing blues to a memorial parade is just fine in my eyes! Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2015 6:20 AM 2015-11-29T06:20:52-05:00 2015-11-29T06:20:52-05:00 CPL Aloysius Grimaudo 2596215 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;m a disabled veteran and I&#39;m a member of brave heart estates which is a 250 acre ranch for disabled veterans to take their families and stay the weekends and everything is free.. I was invited to wear my uniform to a gathering and parade.. if I want to walk in parade I. Lips but I don&#39;t have to and I don&#39;t see anything wrong with wearing your uniform.. isn&#39;t this the point of Memorial Day.. is to honor the past and present.. Response by CPL Aloysius Grimaudo made May 24 at 2017 2:49 PM 2017-05-24T14:49:01-04:00 2017-05-24T14:49:01-04:00 SGM Bill Frazer 3666657 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Why not- isn&#39;t here honoring those folks, don&#39;t we march in parades for such things in uniform? Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 28 at 2018 11:10 AM 2018-05-28T11:10:03-04:00 2018-05-28T11:10:03-04:00 SPC Jackson Stevens 4498123 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The vast majority of members of CAP, Junior ROTC, and other such organizations that wear their uniforms in public are doing so out of respect and pride of the organization. There is no disrespect intended. This is even more true for those with family members in the parent organization. Response by SPC Jackson Stevens made Mar 30 at 2019 12:06 PM 2019-03-30T12:06:04-04:00 2019-03-30T12:06:04-04:00 CSM Stuart Fuller 6304726 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I dont Response by CSM Stuart Fuller made Sep 12 at 2020 8:10 PM 2020-09-12T20:10:38-04:00 2020-09-12T20:10:38-04:00 2014-05-28T21:15:06-04:00