Posted on Nov 27, 2020
LTC Martin Metz
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Military veterans can wear their medals during appropriate times on civilian attire, but many are uncomfortable doing so. It demonstrates pride of service and can possibly assist in bridging the military-civilian divide. Is there reluctance because those who do so might be considered "posers"? Here is an article to stimulate discussion on this topic: https://havokjournal.com/culture/veterans-wont-wear-earned/
Posted in these groups: Ribbons banner2 MedalsUs medals Awards
Edited 4 y ago
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Responses: 184
Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
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128
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I'm one of those who only wore them when I had to in the military. Sure I'm proud of them but I retired from that life and see no need to attach them to civilian formal wear, no matter the occasion.
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1SG James Kelly
1SG James Kelly
>1 y
Sgt Dave VonAllmen - Got mine 1SG stripes and Master Gunner Instructor
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SP5 James Elmore
SP5 James Elmore
3 y
I have not only the medals I earned while in the Army but medals I earned working for the Navy and later DoD. I never wore them on lapels or on any occasion. I suspect it was attention I didn't want perhaps I felt it was pretentious. Unsure. Didn't see colleagues or anyone else wearing them even in DoD, and I know they earned medals as military and civilians, too.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
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PO2 Robert Cuminale
PO2 Robert Cuminale
3 y
This is a custom with the veterans in Great Britain. Prince Philip wore his in civvies on occasions. I used to think it silly that they don't stagger them but wear them in a line one after the other no matter how many there are. Of course they don't have a lot medals like officers here in the US. I've seen some flag officers with almost 30 of them. Even with the mini-medals they sound like they're wearing spurs.
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CWO3 Us Marine
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Retirees always wore tuxedos and miniature medals at any such formal occasion that dictated. Some wear hats and other pride in public. Most Veterans can spot a poser really quick. I'm not big on regalia, but respect everyone's service. Sometimes it's just a wink and nod when two pass alongside, but know the face, or stare.
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Capt Leo Glover
Capt Leo Glover
>1 y
PO3 Kenneth Suvanto - What the hell does getting political have to do with a question. Grow up mister.
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PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
>1 y
Capt Leo Glover - Grow up, really? You don't know what a poser is and I should grow up? You may have a lot more growing up to do than I do, to not think there is a political element to this. I can only assume you must be one of their appointee's as you are clearly offended. You just lost SOME of the respect I did have for you...Sincerely, Ken
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Capt Leo Glover
Capt Leo Glover
>1 y
Like I said "grow up" . You are looking more juvenile with each statement. Respect from you is something I never want or requested. This conversation is ended.
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PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
>1 y
Capt Leo Glover - Like it or not Capt Sir, the conversation is ended when I agree it's ended...not just because you say so. Respect is usually given to those who earn it...not something you WANT or REQUEST. Furthermore, I really don't care how I look to you, I know who and what I am. Have you figured out what a POSER is? Maybe you are one lol. On a more serious note, God Bless and take care, Sincerely, Ken
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
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I wear my medals on certain holidays and events directly related to the military. I have, however, had a number of fellow vets voice that they feel wearing medals and such with civilian attire is, in a way, braggadocious. I, obviously, don't share the sentiment.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
SGT Joseph Gunderson
>1 y
SSG Bob Teachout let me ask you this: why should I, or any veteran for that matter, limit the wear of their authorized decorations to a single medal?
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SSG Bob Teachout
SSG Bob Teachout
>1 y
I never said you have to - - wearing a single medal is simply one option
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
SGT Joseph Gunderson
>1 y
SSG Bob Teachout yes, but why? What's the point? Why would one choose to wear a single award as opposed to the entire rack?
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SSG Bob Teachout
SSG Bob Teachout
>1 y
IDK - Ask the full Bird whom I worked for that wore only one his top medal on
his Class B's - Its not a big deal - its simply a choice - "I'm out of here
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