Non Naval aviator wearing squadron swag??? Cool or Uncool???

[dilbert123]

I don't know whether "it's cool or uncool" ... I just know what I'd do/what I did ...

When asked by some EOD guys at an airshow @ 10 years back to buy an EOD ballcap and/or T-shirt ... I demurred.

I said: "No thanks, guys ... I haven't EARNED it. I'm certain you wouldn't wear Naval Aviator Wings for the same reason".

A4sForever has it right on the nose. If you didn't earn it, don't wear it. I really get chapped seeing guys wearing military garb, flight jackets usually, with wings and squadron patches when it is obvious they never served a day, shades of old Skeeter who went down in flames (Bravo Zulu, A4'sForever). Ball caps and T shirts are different in my opinion as they don't display your name along with the unit. I wouldn't feel comfortable in one but I don't think it is flying false colors. I have a ball cap that displays the U S Equestrian Team logo and I wear it in support of the organization but I don't think anyone is going to mistake me for a competitor (I'm 65) nor would I represent myself as one.

 

[jmcquate]

Can I still use my Pukin-Dogs beer coolie?

 

[phrogdriver]

So that chick who did the walk of shame in my OCS T-shirt 15 years ago needs to give it back?

I freakin' knew it! Non-rate!

 

[HackerF15E]

I agree with the folks that say t-shirts, ballcaps, and other squadron swag are full up -- we sell that stuff to the public to generate cash for our own benefit, so it would be stupid for us to turn around and be pissed when people wear it but hadn't "earned it."

On the other hand, I do get pissed when people are wearing real uniform items, with things like nametags with wings on 'em, or rank on them, etc. Same reason A4s gives in his post.

I don't see it as a double standard in any way...seems like a clear-cut difference to me.

 

[phrogpilot73]

On the other hand, I do get pissed when people are wearing real uniform items, with things like nametags with wings on 'em, or rank on them, etc. Same reason A4s gives in his post.

I saw a guy at an airshow once wearing a leather flight jacket, complete with wings on nametag, and squadron patch. Of course - he was a HUGE WWII buff and the nametag bore that of one Pappy Boyington. I didn't have a problem with it - because anyone who would know to question him would know the significance of it (and the squadron patch on the leather jacket was that of the Black Sheep)...

 

[phrogdriver]

Reasonable man theory should be in effect. If you are using swag to pass for military and you aren't, you're a d-bag. If you're just wearing a squadron t-shirt or something, no sweat.

 

[jmcquate]

I'm wearing a Cleveland Indians cap and I'm not invited to spring training..............just saying.

 

[fc2spyguy]

I'm wearing a Cleveland Indians cap and I'm not invited to spring training..............just saying.

Huh, pretty sure they're having an open camp this year. . .

In all seriousness I looks at swag like supporting a team. Like the above post. You're adding to their coffer because you support them. If someone takes offense in that they're stupid.

 

[IRfly]

If I ever saw someone wearing P-3 schwag who wasn't a P-3 guy...........I would heave a sad, sad, sigh......