What's your thought about civilian organizations that wear a uniform very similar to a military uniform?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:20:46 -0400

I belong to several groups that wear military uniforms with modified insignia: Naval Sea Cadets (adult leader), Coast Guard Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol and formerly California State Military Reserve. They all have their own ribbon awards as well. They are authorized by their respective services to wear them and I am proud to wear those uniforms and representing myself a a member of these respective groups; however, I still sometimes wonder if it goes too far since the public usually thinks they are actual military members. However, where I really think is really crosses the line are a couple of organizations that are formed to provide military honors to deceased veterans that wear modified Army uniforms and make themselves "generals" and "colonels" Yes they provide a valuable service and I know a few people in them. However, unlike the formerly mentioned groups I don't believe they ever had official permission to wear them by they Army and there is very little vetting/screening to people who join them. Prior military service is not required Many who join those groups seem to be "wannabes" either never been in the service or was in at much lower rank than what they are offered. I know its nice to have people in military-style uniform provide funeral honors, however if a military active or reserve group cant be found, American Legion and VFW have honor guard uniforms that they wear for them. What your thoughts about the wear of such uniforms particularly of the latter mentioned groups.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 10:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:53:03 -0400

I do not have an issue with the first part of your post Sir.

As for the second part there is no need. Funeral Honors are performed by Military members within the state. It can be Active Duty, National Guard or Reservist.

I know a bud who is exclusively performing them from the National Guard in Florida.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Oct 19 at 2015 6:31 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 18:31:42 -0400

The USCG Aux and the USAF Aux (CAP) wear uniforms as dictated by the parent service. So I can't see a complaint about them. Army MARS wears/wore the Civilian uniform as prescribed by the uniform AR for civilians accompanying troops (fatigues with the civilian patch and name and organization tapes over pockets), as CDRs did not want folks running around their AO in civies. Do not have experience with the rest.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jul 12 at 2016 8:24 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 08:24:59 -0400

I used to wonder (many time aloud) why I was not allowed to wear my working dungaree uniform (navy blue jeans, light blue shirt) off-base. Then it struck me. The same uniform was worn by prisoners. Instead of stenciling their name on the pockets they stenciled their social security number. Who is the idiot that came up with that?

Response by SFC Don Ward made Aug 30 at 2016 4:39 PM

SFC Don Ward — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:39:53 -0400

Like the DoD Police Forces??

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2017 6:58 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 18:58:51 -0400

I know the unofficial organizations that do funeral honors do provide a service as military units and even Legion/VFW cannot provide enough. However, many wannables join them and put colonel and general rank on. That is wrong. If an honorably discharged/retired veteran they could wear a uniform with their highest rank. IF not a veteran wear a generic military-looking uniform without any rank. Putting on unauthorized rank is stolen valor and should not be allowed by the services (except of course CAP, CG Aux, Sea Cadets and state defense forces as authorized by law)

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Jan 27 at 2020 2:18 PM

MSG Allan Davis — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 14:18:37 -0500

The only group that should not be wearing military style uniforms or using military equipment would be the police