What is a respectful military patch jacket?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Sat, 02 May 2015 07:56:18 -0400

When wearing a jacket with military patches on it, is there a respectful way to display them versus a disrespectful way? What about the photo above? Classy and appropriate? Or tacky and offensive? Just curious...

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 2 at 2015 8:00 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 02 May 2015 08:00:19 -0400

As long as the patches are earned and not bought because they "look cool" I don't think there is any real consensus. The only thing I would say is if you're going to have an American flag patch place it over your heart.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 8:21 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 08:21:09 -0400

Personally I think the jacket in the first 3 pics is horrible. I would never wear anything like that. But then again I am pretty sure the manufacturer, purchaser, and wearer have no clear understanding regarding the significance of each patch. Now, if one who has served and desires to make a respectful jacket with the patches they earned, that in my mind is tasteful. I am not sure about the jacket in the last picture, but that appears more reasonable.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 2 at 2015 8:21 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 02 May 2015 08:21:19 -0400

It's so subjective that I can't say there is a right or wrong way.

The first thought that came to mind was biker vests. Every year when the weather turns nice(r) and the bikes roll out, you'll start seeing the vests, and jackets. A lot of them sport patches.

But they sport patches with Pride. And you can feel it. There's respect there. Those patches are alive, and like our Flag discussions, they're "living symbols." The guys treat them correctly.

The image above however has turned the patches into "apparel" which is not the same thing.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 2 at 2015 9:57 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 02 May 2015 09:57:55 -0400

Well .. since I don't see a Big Red One, the SF Arrowhead, Jump Wings or a CMB ...
I am highly offended!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 2 at 2015 10:12 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sat, 02 May 2015 10:12:51 -0400

It's gonna be corny regardless ;0). I don't think I've ever seen one that doesn't scream "please pay attention to me!.".