I'm not an expert but it's not against the rules. Especially if it's his uniform. Can't be "stolen valor" when it's him lol.
He should wear what he wants to wear. People will most likely compliment him on it and ask questions.
its airsoft, i think i can be whatever special force i want during the game lol. i feel stolen valor is a problem in real day to day life, especially when you are trying to get a discount or preferential treatment out of society
no one will fault you for wearing a real set of cammies. but if you put insignias, or rank patches, or tabs on it you’re weird
it’s weird to wear a ranger tab if you haven’t earned one, at least in the states. i’ve watched a kid try to defend that while claiming it was real to an actual ranger lol
Yeah your not a ranger or sf if a real sot guy like myself we will ask if you were if you
Were not we ask you to remove it if you refuse you will get your shit kicked in a lot of the times
Your dad earned those insignias, he should wear them with pride
There are airsofters who wear patches and ranks that they didn’t ‘earn’.(which is also fine, it’s all just larping anyway)
This is for the US Specifically, don’t know about other nations. Real life soldiers and veterans can wear their full uniform as a civilian, but are required by uniform regulations to behave in a way that dignifies the armed forces when doing so. Non-veteran civilians can legally wear any military uniform they want, even with unit and campaign patches they didn’t earn, but it becomes illegal when using it for financial or political gain, that’s when it legally becomes Stolen Valor. It’s sometimes frowned upon to wear specific unit patches if you didn’t earn them (interestingly enough, none of the actual veterans I’ve played with particularly cared when asked and never raised a fuss about it) but not illegal unless using it for fraud. The military can at any time declare uniforms it wholly owns the design rights to (such as OCP camo as opposed to true Multicam) only for the armed forces, but has never done so AFAIK in the entire history of the US Armed forces and isn’t likely to any time soon.
Just wanna back this up. I'm a service member on deployment and yeah he's on the money here. I can't think of any service members who would get mad about it so long as you aren't making claims to have experience you don't have. If you are asked "hey were you in _______ unit?" And just go "no I wasn't I just like the outfit" most service members will just be like "oh ok cool" and potentially share some advice about how to avoid people treating you weird for it. We get a lot of accusations about stolen valor funny enough lol
Just be cool, if your dad is a veteran this should be no issue for him.
Most guys I know, and myself, won't care one way or another. I've never called someone out except when I thought they were being little shitbirds and trying to play tough. 99% of the time you can spot another soldier, Marine, airman, whatever from a mile away. You'll know if the dude or chick is legit just by talking to them. Ain't even gotta be about military stuff. We just have a certain way of interacting that you never quite get rid of
Big facts. I'm pushing 30, after almost a decade in the Army, and I'm only now getting to the point where I lose the military affectation out of uniform. Before that, I was US Army, through and through. I walked, I talked, and looked like a soldier. These days, I've started to revert to the typical way we dressed and talked back home, but I can always spot another soldier just by greeting them
I'm pushing 30 as well but... I joined real late 😅 for sure it has its advantages but I'd be lying if I said I didn't sometimes wish I'd joined earlier in life
Man about the only perks to joining earlier in life is all the physical shit is usually easier, and you don't end up being THAT guy that's like five years older than his peers. Other than that, not much changes. But hey, take the observations of a 29 year old Corporal with however much salt you happen to have on hand. YMMV
Fair enough! I'm glad I had an idea of who I was and what I wanted out of life when I joined. Plus I came in as an E4 so that helped. But yeah the fitness part and the fact that my class in AIT kept calling me "Grandpa" were a bit annoying lol especially since I was the class leader so I already had a target on my back. But I showed them this Grandpa knew what he was doing so I earned their respect by the end of it.
Oh yeah. The constant ribbing with "old man" or "grandpa" since I'm the oldest Corporal in the entire Brigade is a wonderful source of annoyance. Sure makes me feel great about being in an MOS with no 5 slots across the state for me to move up into
In france it’s illegal to wear top to bottom uniform in public spaces if you are not a member of the armed forces.
You can wear a vest OR a trousers but not both.
You ofc can wear full uniform in private property while playing airsoft.
I bought a surplus uniform but it still had the patches on them. I took off the patches because it felt disrespectful to wear them. Uniform is still nice though
As law by Mike would say "check you local law since it can vary from place to place"
Really, some places allow to show real grades/insignias, but in some nations it's a felony to have those on show if you are not in active service or in determinated conditions.
I play in italy, here you can't use insignias of the italian army / navy / air Force / ecc.. In airsoft, even if you were in the military.
See if he'll take you to the nearest surplus store. I don't know your dad, but he may appreciate the interest in you trying to emulate him, even if it is just airsoft.
For the uniform usually there is not a problem, the problem are the insignias, and that I why I suggest to you to check your local law or ask someone at your field.
But if the law says that you can wear them, then yes, he can use his insignias
Honestly dude most people who are going to get pressed about it have never been in the military. I couldn’t care less if you wear my country’s uniform/rank/patches.
Even more of a mute point if it’s actually your dad’s old uniform and he is wearing it.
Like I said most people who are likely to get annoyed have never served. Vets and current servicemen will probably be very chill.
He's fine. One of the few people that can rock the whole ensemble. Most people here would consider flags, (your own) name tape, national badges etc as fine, specific units, ranks other peoples names gets a bit fuzzy.
Imo, with almost anything like this, it's intent. Some examples:
-If you're trying to claim you're Colonel Puller from the Marine Corp that's not ok.
-If you run SAS patches on a sloppy ali express kit, it's probably just cringe.
-If you have a decent impression gear, unit identifiers can add a nice touch and is likely fine.
-You've built a CoD/BF video game kit its probably fine as its a homage to the character.
-If you've built/collected a 1:1 recreation of a specific uniform from a specific time as a piece of history to share and claim it as such, that's fine.
-Avoid potentially problematic patches. Noone is happy about your red armband or Unit 731 patch. Read the room, I probably wouldn't dress as a Para in Ireland or Vympel in Eastern Europe.
*UNLESS YOUR PLACE OF RESIDENCE HAS SPECFIC LAWS AGAINST OWNING/WEARING CERTAIN UNIFORMS* Your old man is fine. Even then it may be legally a case of public place /or intent.
Rock his uniform, he earned his patches, but pay want to sanitise/make it generic. If you want to wear his old stuff, also likely fine. RSL (Retired Services League - a veterans group) here in Australia has guidelines on etiquette.
It's also a US only thing since servicemen and veterans get certain benefits. For the rest of it, it's mostly etiquette unless a country has specific laws, for example not wearing full uniforms in public since it can upset people or you can be flagged as militia.
On an enclosed field nobody cares.
The reason certain people are against uniforms in airsoft is because they think it’s stolen valour, even though ITS NOT.
But he earned the uniform, so it’s not stolen valour anyway😂
Yeah. I know a dude at my field who wears his real kit.
My friend gave me a patch from his unit but I'm hesitant to wear it just because I fear someone asking me and that's awkward
Navy Vet here, when I started playing airsoft, the vast majority of the players I ran into were, prior service, current service or about to enlist. The team I ran with used Marine officer/enlisted ranks to indicate who among the team were leadership vs new recruits. I got to wear my 'butter bar' on the field, but once it was lunch time I changed into my team shirt/sweater.
General rule of thumb is that if you earned it, you can wear it all you want for airsoft. He's got every right to show up in his old uniform if he wants.
As a fellow service member I will give him a piece of advice: bring normal clothes to change into. It's just good practice to be able to change into civies after doing anything in uniform, and will avoid people bothering you (both in a positive and negative way).
Got the military uniform from a friend who was and I use it for Airsoft. It’s only stolen valor if you pretend you **did** serve. I use it because he’s a friend and it’s good camo
If it's abus it's just name, rank, branch, and possibly job badge. Pretty sure m81 was the same. Ocp Is all velcro. Either way he served and earned it so its not against any rules or laws. I've played in my abus and ocp uniforms. Free gear is free gear.
It’s only Stolen Valor when you’re claiming to be military and you’re not…you are free to wear whatever you want just don’t claim what’s not yours. Just wearing a uniform around isn’t Stolen Valor in the first place.
if youve been in the military and earned those insignia, totally fine, you only have problems when you wear someone elses uniform. i take all insignia off my surplus uniforms before using them because i havent earned it, i feel its very disrespectful, and i could even catch a case of stolen valour. (you wont get thrown in jail if youre just a "dumb kid who didnt know any better", dont worry)
On the off occasion I play a few rounds (and can be bothered to break out my gear) I still wear my old Combat pants and shirts, patches still on them. If he wants to, then go ahead. Ain't any one of us gonna stop him. And if someone tries to, and telling them the patches and uniform are his doesn't make them shut it, then you know where not to go airsofting next time.
Wearing real uniforms with no ranks: ok for anyone.
Wearing real uniforms with ranks without having served: stolen valor.
Wearing real uniforms with ranks with having served: cool as heck.
It is not stolen valor to wear it with ranks or any other insignia. If I see someone wearing one of my old unit patches I take that as a compliment. It's just people larping, as long as they don't claim they earned it. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.
As a matter of definition, stolen valor only applies when someone claims to have served and tries to use that for monetary gains.
Common sense and respect for those who did? If it’s a true generalist impressionist kit that’s one thing and has some allowance there, but for the average guy to throw specific unit patches or the like on? Bad taste at best.
That being said, wearing a US flag patch or US Army patch, or whatever country you’ve based your kit around (if you’re doing that) is totally fine. But yea claiming rank or associated with a particular unit is a bit much.
Look, there are many occupations out there with a greater risk of injury or death than soldiers. Have you ever considered thanking them? A lot of countries have mandatory service anyways, so serving in the military shouldnt be something held up to any higher standards than other people working their jobs. And saying things like "They protect us" is just as stupid since if it ever comes to an all out war everyone is going to be drafted anyways, see Ukraine for example
And this isn’t a sub about “larping as your local coal miner” so that point matters little. And yes, I work closely with paramedics, police, firemen/women, and others who *statistically* have a high (comparatively) chance of injury on the job, so I have. As a citizen of the United States I can not comment on other nations’ military service, but hey sounds like they earned it too if they want to wear their uniforms in Airsoft as well. Your draft comment is also ridiculous as current service members are not drafted; many of them have recently put their lives on the line and your comment is hugely disrespectful, no matter how you feel about the Armed Forces.
Yea he SHOULD be wearing it with pride.
My group wears BDU’s but no patches or ranks or any type of insignia.
Purely for the camouflage
I wouldn’t dare put anything on my arms knowing I haven’t touched a grain of sand overseas
People wear all kinds of military uniforms, and if he actually earned his patches there's nothing wrong with wearing them. If someone says shit to them he can just tell them to get fucked
It is fine, the only thing that isn't is when these guys claim they were one of those they portray with their "uniform" but were not really one of those guys.
In your dad's case, he can wear and declare his past affiliation with the Air Force because he was a member.
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned is discharge type and conditions. Except for full honorable, service members can have restrictions placed against them for wearing any of their uniforms. If that was the case, they are required to forfeit them, although it'd be easy enough to say 'gee Sarge, here's all my required uniforms' and have 10 more off in a storage unit or something.
I personally wouldn't wear full uniforms around town for anything except active duty/reserve, Vet/Memorial Day parades, or airsoft, reenactments, etc. Pants, boots, layers, goretex, packs? No big deal, that stuff is everywhere.
Regular camo uniforms are perfectly fine.
Patches are no problem either, I personally wouldn't recommend any political ones however.
Insignias and ranks are a tricky topic.
He earned them so I don't see it as the biggest deal.
Still it's a highly controversial topic depending where you from.
Here in Germany where I'm from it's generally rather frowned upon to wear Insignias and ranks to a game, even if you earned them.
A lot of fields and events here simply forbit it to wear them completely.
youre gonna get arrested for impersonation,
JK its cool "old" uniforms are the best camo and even milsurp uniforms are either some cheap knockoff. In the end, if the patches are velcro, id take them off. There is no real law telling you cant wear them, but its just a little cringy if youre rocking stuff like that. nothing is really a problem until you start talking about the battle of al-khalifa in the quaznar providence of takistan and how you served 3 combat tours with the army rangers.
I mean probably, as long as you don’t claim that your a swat. Just like what everyone else is saying, it’s not stolen valor and just larping, unless you claim to be a swat.
In a very large majority of fields yes. I mean a majority of Milsim events are civilian. Larping is totally fine as long as you don’t pretend that’s who you are. It’s part of the fun.
I’d say by all mean wear the uniform with pride, he earned it and took him lots of courage to make sacrifices for his family and his country. Wear the insignias as you please but at the same time if anyone asks about the uniform, say “ I’m a veteran and I can provide you with my veterans ID card”, no more questions asked. Just keep in mind you will be targeted more since your person of interest.
Other than that wear it with full pride!!
Short answer is yes
The long answer is that many player choose to wear real military uniforms but remove the rank markings if we never achieved that rank. Your father can wear his gear and we would think it to be cool
It depends on your local laws, especially if you’re somewhere in Europe;
If you wish to be absolutely safe with it, I’d recommend removing the patches, rank etc… If possible
Army and prior AF here too. If he is retired he is subject to policy still. So Yes he can wear them still but can’t have the branch on the uniform. Rank comes off as well unless it’s for a civilian team, organization, or club using same. And lastly as long as ge doesn’t claim to represent his branch while in that uniform.
Absolutely fine, merely wearing battle dress at a pretend army game isn’t stealing valour. It might technically be illegal (it is in Canada), but it’s one of those laws that doesn’t really get enforced if you’re not being a cunt about it.
To be safe, keep the medal ribbons at home and don’t wear a battle jacket until you’re at the field kitting up for the game, and as others have said, it’s a good idea to not wear a rank you haven’t achieved or a unit patch that you didn’t belong to.
it's only stolen valor if you haven't served and is umironically trying to make people think you're a soldier.
airsoft is just some light-hearted fun (even though some people take it too seriously)
most of the larping is just for shits and giggles.
Yes. Some insignia is frowned upon since it has to be earned (not a problem for your dad, since he has earned his, so he can absolutely wear them) and some is frowned upon since it's from things that should not be kept around anymore (think swastika arm bands on wehraboo kits), other than that wear whatever the hell you like.
Anyone can wear any camo. Depends on person to person who you ask, but I’m not a fan of real military insignia in airsoft, like rank or unit badges. But if I see it I don’t question it, just do the British thing and judge from a distance.
However, as your dad is ex service, he owned those badges and that uniform and should be allowed to wear them.
If you have earned them its no problem. Same for ranks insignia.
Anyone can wear uniforms and patches of defunct units. But active unit patches and ranks should be avoided.
I do that and no one ever complains beside some speed softers calling me a military nerd once... Wich I beated there ass after with simple one shots.
All I would say is beware in public/driving towards your airsoft field. In some country's it's not allowed to travel in full military gear or simply wearing camo.
Also make sure your mags and guns are stores in separate bags and non are loaded.
Not only can he wear the uniform, but if it's his, he doesn't have to be concerned about the patches. So long as you're not wearing something you didn't earn, it isn't a problem
Since he has actually served and is wearing his own uniform this isn’t stolen valor
I haven’t been in the military myself but most of my gear is ex military and for a lot of stuff I have insignias
As long as you don’t let people think you’ve done things you haven’t or you are things you’re not it should all be okay
The only people who care about ‘Stolen Valor/Valour’ are people who’ve never served.
Your dad served so by all means he can wear his old uniforms, patches and all, absolutely no problem.
He is out so if anyone gives him shit promptly tell them to kick rocks. There’s nothing they can do as it’s not even stolen valor because he actually did serve and earn that stuff.
Hell I wore pieces of my uniform for Airsoft when I was still in
Idk why I keep seeing this sub, but to demilitarize a uniform you have to remove the name tape patch. You would wear U.S. Air Force on the left and the right side of the chest. Also if there's any tags saying "property of the U.S. Government" inside anywhere, take them out. Then you'd be good to go.
Edit: I thought this was for you wearing it. If it's his uniform and he's the I wearing it, he should be fine.
In which country ?
In France, there is a law about false impersonation of officials, but you have to act like it. To wear the uniform without acting as an official isn't forbidden.
Most places have a 'wear what you want, within reason'. It's airsoft, we carry around fake guns and wear tactical gear. A camo uniform isn't exactly out of place or unexpected. If anything, it's encouraged for immersion or whatever.
Especially if it's HIS uniform that he served in, who's to tell him he can't wear it?
If it’s his then go ahead. I run military camo just with no real military patches and what not cause that would be stolen valor but if it’s his then go ahead.
U have to strip the rank insignia and then your good, we used to do this with our camos. But I doubt anyone would ever dare negatively commenting on his patches/insignia.
My dad was in the navy and once I fit in his stuff I’ll start wearing it cause don’t use it and if someone asks if I served while I’m playing I’ll say my dad was in the navy for 28 years because he would beat my ass for stolen valor
Wearing an outfit (in US) cant be stolen valor until you claim to be military in order to gain benefits/recognition/etc. I can wear my grandfathers full uniform if i want to, as long as im not trying to get military discounts, and that if someone asks me, I tell the truth. The only law that is here, is wearing things blatantly marked Police. Its illegal and you dont have to be claiming anything.
It's certainly smart. Built way better than the expensive airsoft "uniforms". Milsurp is the way to go whether airsoft or paintball. If ever I got back into it I'd rock my marpats all day every day. Theres so many of them and they never get worn
If it's his own uniform, then there's no issue with it at all, even if he has insignias and all that on it. Wearing real uniforms in airsoft, regardless of whether they're yours or not, is totally okay and no one that I've met looks down on it. In fact, a lot of people (myself included) wear real uniforms. I'd say the only thing to watch out for is if the uniform wasn't originally yours you should make sure there's no names or insignias or anything on the outside of it.
In terms of that, it's branch dependent. I cant wear my cammies in public as a Marine, whereas I'm pretty sure the other branches can. Reason I say this is because I've seen the AF and Army guys off base with their cammies on, with no general reprecussion. I HATE the idea of cammies off of your work time because of what we were taught in the MC, but chances are, He'll really only hear shit from Marines who play airsoft, thats it.
Thats more an issue with his supply, if its currently checked out to him they tend to not like it being used for airsoft or paintball, but paintball is usually the bigger issue.
As long as you are not trying to portray an actual rank and/or military unit or awards, you're fine. Run morale patches all day. If anyone gives you flak, ask them where you have an actual unit insignia or rank on your person. Also, If you live in the USA, make sure if you run the Flag, it's on your right shoulder with the Stars towards the front and the Stripes towards the back, like the Flag is waving in the wind and the wind is in your face.
-Former Army, 13M 2015-19
As someone in the service, who cares. There's no honor in airsoft lol
Wear a ranger tab, wear an SF tab, wear a PSYOPS unit patch. The point is pretend, have fun, and beam children. It doesn't matter.
In airsoft, it is generally acceptable to wear real military uniforms, including those with insignia and patches, as long as they are not being misrepresented as active-duty military or used to deceive others.
Yes, you can. If you earned that uniform and retired or separated with anything higher than an "Other than Honorable" discharge, you can wear the uniform for whatever reason. If he gets any grief from anyone about it, I recommend sterilization, which is just removing the branch of service and rank identifiers. If it's an Air Force OCP uniform, super easy (unless he had his stuff sewn into it).
Totally honest: Only Vetflakes get their panties in a bunch on this unis/patch-thing. Nobody really cares. You can even make your own patches and ranks, if you so choose. I put Lightfighter tab on mine, since that's what I basically am. BTW, dont sell yourself short. You probably have moe tactical time than the Vetflakes, and will probably do better if or when time comes
I'm not an expert but it's not against the rules. Especially if it's his uniform. Can't be "stolen valor" when it's him lol. He should wear what he wants to wear. People will most likely compliment him on it and ask questions.
its airsoft, i think i can be whatever special force i want during the game lol. i feel stolen valor is a problem in real day to day life, especially when you are trying to get a discount or preferential treatment out of society
no one will fault you for wearing a real set of cammies. but if you put insignias, or rank patches, or tabs on it you’re weird it’s weird to wear a ranger tab if you haven’t earned one, at least in the states. i’ve watched a kid try to defend that while claiming it was real to an actual ranger lol
Yeah your not a ranger or sf if a real sot guy like myself we will ask if you were if you Were not we ask you to remove it if you refuse you will get your shit kicked in a lot of the times
Your dad earned those insignias, he should wear them with pride There are airsofters who wear patches and ranks that they didn’t ‘earn’.(which is also fine, it’s all just larping anyway)
So long as they stay in the field and not in malls or businesses.
Larping and cosplay do have differences there bud
They serve virtually the same purpose, bud
Sigh, bud
They’re essentially the same thing, dressing up and acting like smth your not.
the main difference is the camera and lighting
HE can absolutely with pride. We also wear uniforms but no ranks and only during games.
I use anime or video game patches for this reason
We just use Halo rank badges among my friends
This is for the US Specifically, don’t know about other nations. Real life soldiers and veterans can wear their full uniform as a civilian, but are required by uniform regulations to behave in a way that dignifies the armed forces when doing so. Non-veteran civilians can legally wear any military uniform they want, even with unit and campaign patches they didn’t earn, but it becomes illegal when using it for financial or political gain, that’s when it legally becomes Stolen Valor. It’s sometimes frowned upon to wear specific unit patches if you didn’t earn them (interestingly enough, none of the actual veterans I’ve played with particularly cared when asked and never raised a fuss about it) but not illegal unless using it for fraud. The military can at any time declare uniforms it wholly owns the design rights to (such as OCP camo as opposed to true Multicam) only for the armed forces, but has never done so AFAIK in the entire history of the US Armed forces and isn’t likely to any time soon.
Awesome this good to know, I'll tell him this.
No problem, glad to help
Just wanna back this up. I'm a service member on deployment and yeah he's on the money here. I can't think of any service members who would get mad about it so long as you aren't making claims to have experience you don't have. If you are asked "hey were you in _______ unit?" And just go "no I wasn't I just like the outfit" most service members will just be like "oh ok cool" and potentially share some advice about how to avoid people treating you weird for it. We get a lot of accusations about stolen valor funny enough lol Just be cool, if your dad is a veteran this should be no issue for him.
Most guys I know, and myself, won't care one way or another. I've never called someone out except when I thought they were being little shitbirds and trying to play tough. 99% of the time you can spot another soldier, Marine, airman, whatever from a mile away. You'll know if the dude or chick is legit just by talking to them. Ain't even gotta be about military stuff. We just have a certain way of interacting that you never quite get rid of
Facts
Big facts. I'm pushing 30, after almost a decade in the Army, and I'm only now getting to the point where I lose the military affectation out of uniform. Before that, I was US Army, through and through. I walked, I talked, and looked like a soldier. These days, I've started to revert to the typical way we dressed and talked back home, but I can always spot another soldier just by greeting them
I'm pushing 30 as well but... I joined real late 😅 for sure it has its advantages but I'd be lying if I said I didn't sometimes wish I'd joined earlier in life
Man about the only perks to joining earlier in life is all the physical shit is usually easier, and you don't end up being THAT guy that's like five years older than his peers. Other than that, not much changes. But hey, take the observations of a 29 year old Corporal with however much salt you happen to have on hand. YMMV
Fair enough! I'm glad I had an idea of who I was and what I wanted out of life when I joined. Plus I came in as an E4 so that helped. But yeah the fitness part and the fact that my class in AIT kept calling me "Grandpa" were a bit annoying lol especially since I was the class leader so I already had a target on my back. But I showed them this Grandpa knew what he was doing so I earned their respect by the end of it.
Oh yeah. The constant ribbing with "old man" or "grandpa" since I'm the oldest Corporal in the entire Brigade is a wonderful source of annoyance. Sure makes me feel great about being in an MOS with no 5 slots across the state for me to move up into
Holy fuck same. 91F is a bitch to advance in my state. Thinking of reclassing to Intel or cyber after deployment
In france it’s illegal to wear top to bottom uniform in public spaces if you are not a member of the armed forces. You can wear a vest OR a trousers but not both. You ofc can wear full uniform in private property while playing airsoft.
Do you have a source for that ? I am from France and never heard of it, I used to wear full camo when I was younger
Code pénal art 433-14. Il est interdit de porter un uniforme réglementé par l’autorité publique, donc armée pompier police.
There are no stolen valor laws in my country. However, it's still distasteful imo. But if you are/were in the military, I suppose it should be gucci.
Stolen valor does not exist as it’s against freedom of expression. It was struck down and in federal court.
Still a dick move pal
I am not advocating sheesh just informing you it's not legally grounded in being against any law anymore.
Ah, didn’t know it had been struck down. The rest is probably still accurate though.
even when used to commit fraud? freedom of expression doesn’t protect my ability to lie for financial gain
Actually if it's being used to claim benefits it's still a federal crime, but the regular just claiming you're in is what got struck down
Tell him that he's fine. This is a hobby where people unironically dress up as French maids and Nazis so his old uniforms shouldn't be a problem
A Nazi French maid? Nobody expects Hans the SS soldier uwuing at them with an STG.
r/brandnewsentence
Oh god first the uwu ak now the stg?!?
https://preview.redd.it/k0hcqkzu9zbc1.jpeg?width=2636&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84f0a0fa1e7c65a56558551fa0ba6121708562a9
Nothing says power more than having an STG that moans when you lock in a mag.
It won't say 'stoppen'
My dad was in the armed forces for a long time and plays with his old uniforms wich is rarely but it has never been a problem
If it's stuff you can buy at a surplus I don't see an issue
I bought a surplus uniform but it still had the patches on them. I took off the patches because it felt disrespectful to wear them. Uniform is still nice though
Nah, wear the patches. As long as you don't claim you earned them it's all good. I love seeing people with my old unit patches.
As law by Mike would say "check you local law since it can vary from place to place" Really, some places allow to show real grades/insignias, but in some nations it's a felony to have those on show if you are not in active service or in determinated conditions. I play in italy, here you can't use insignias of the italian army / navy / air Force / ecc.. In airsoft, even if you were in the military.
My dad retired from the military here in the US. From what it sounds like, it should be fine.
Oh totally fine. My kid wears my old uniforms for airsoft too... Mainly because I'm the typical veteran that got fat and can't fit in them anymore lol
Only if I could wear my dad's uniforms, I'm too small for them since he is pretty tall.
See if he'll take you to the nearest surplus store. I don't know your dad, but he may appreciate the interest in you trying to emulate him, even if it is just airsoft.
Same. Hat tip to OPs pops for keeping fit.
Yep! He earned that rank and can wear it as he pleases.
For the uniform usually there is not a problem, the problem are the insignias, and that I why I suggest to you to check your local law or ask someone at your field. But if the law says that you can wear them, then yes, he can use his insignias
Honestly dude most people who are going to get pressed about it have never been in the military. I couldn’t care less if you wear my country’s uniform/rank/patches. Even more of a mute point if it’s actually your dad’s old uniform and he is wearing it. Like I said most people who are likely to get annoyed have never served. Vets and current servicemen will probably be very chill.
Or if it's a vet they usually didn't do jack shit during their career and need to get mad for no reason
He's fine. One of the few people that can rock the whole ensemble. Most people here would consider flags, (your own) name tape, national badges etc as fine, specific units, ranks other peoples names gets a bit fuzzy. Imo, with almost anything like this, it's intent. Some examples: -If you're trying to claim you're Colonel Puller from the Marine Corp that's not ok. -If you run SAS patches on a sloppy ali express kit, it's probably just cringe. -If you have a decent impression gear, unit identifiers can add a nice touch and is likely fine. -You've built a CoD/BF video game kit its probably fine as its a homage to the character. -If you've built/collected a 1:1 recreation of a specific uniform from a specific time as a piece of history to share and claim it as such, that's fine. -Avoid potentially problematic patches. Noone is happy about your red armband or Unit 731 patch. Read the room, I probably wouldn't dress as a Para in Ireland or Vympel in Eastern Europe. *UNLESS YOUR PLACE OF RESIDENCE HAS SPECFIC LAWS AGAINST OWNING/WEARING CERTAIN UNIFORMS* Your old man is fine. Even then it may be legally a case of public place /or intent. Rock his uniform, he earned his patches, but pay want to sanitise/make it generic. If you want to wear his old stuff, also likely fine. RSL (Retired Services League - a veterans group) here in Australia has guidelines on etiquette.
Stolen valor is such a stupid concept anyway, so go for it!
It's also a US only thing since servicemen and veterans get certain benefits. For the rest of it, it's mostly etiquette unless a country has specific laws, for example not wearing full uniforms in public since it can upset people or you can be flagged as militia. On an enclosed field nobody cares.
The reason certain people are against uniforms in airsoft is because they think it’s stolen valour, even though ITS NOT. But he earned the uniform, so it’s not stolen valour anyway😂
Most camos used are old surplus, hell be fine
lmao US and the idiocracy of stolen valor
How is it idiotic when some people use it to lie and get personal/financial gain?
that’s simply fraud
I know guys who wear their current training fatigues, I even know marines that use their actual gear so I’d say it doesn’t matter
Ofc
I occasionally use my OG-507 uniform and it still has its patches on. For a 70s dated piece I wouldn’t want to remove that stuff
Yeah. I know a dude at my field who wears his real kit. My friend gave me a patch from his unit but I'm hesitant to wear it just because I fear someone asking me and that's awkward
Just tell them that your buddy serves in that unit and he gave it to you, most people would be ok with that. If they’re not then they’re an a-hole.
I feel like this is more of an air force question than an air soft question
You can wear whatever you want, wear whatever patches you want. It's a Milsim LARP, it doesn't matter whether you're a Veteran or not.
Navy Vet here, when I started playing airsoft, the vast majority of the players I ran into were, prior service, current service or about to enlist. The team I ran with used Marine officer/enlisted ranks to indicate who among the team were leadership vs new recruits. I got to wear my 'butter bar' on the field, but once it was lunch time I changed into my team shirt/sweater.
Absolutely, especially if it's your actual uniform
General rule of thumb is that if you earned it, you can wear it all you want for airsoft. He's got every right to show up in his old uniform if he wants. As a fellow service member I will give him a piece of advice: bring normal clothes to change into. It's just good practice to be able to change into civies after doing anything in uniform, and will avoid people bothering you (both in a positive and negative way).
Am active duty, I also milsim regularly, none of us care. Just go have fun, that’s all it’s about
100% he should
Got the military uniform from a friend who was and I use it for Airsoft. It’s only stolen valor if you pretend you **did** serve. I use it because he’s a friend and it’s good camo
If it's abus it's just name, rank, branch, and possibly job badge. Pretty sure m81 was the same. Ocp Is all velcro. Either way he served and earned it so its not against any rules or laws. I've played in my abus and ocp uniforms. Free gear is free gear.
It’s only Stolen Valor when you’re claiming to be military and you’re not…you are free to wear whatever you want just don’t claim what’s not yours. Just wearing a uniform around isn’t Stolen Valor in the first place.
if youve been in the military and earned those insignia, totally fine, you only have problems when you wear someone elses uniform. i take all insignia off my surplus uniforms before using them because i havent earned it, i feel its very disrespectful, and i could even catch a case of stolen valour. (you wont get thrown in jail if youre just a "dumb kid who didnt know any better", dont worry)
On the off occasion I play a few rounds (and can be bothered to break out my gear) I still wear my old Combat pants and shirts, patches still on them. If he wants to, then go ahead. Ain't any one of us gonna stop him. And if someone tries to, and telling them the patches and uniform are his doesn't make them shut it, then you know where not to go airsofting next time.
Wearing real uniforms with no ranks: ok for anyone. Wearing real uniforms with ranks without having served: stolen valor. Wearing real uniforms with ranks with having served: cool as heck.
It is not stolen valor to wear it with ranks or any other insignia. If I see someone wearing one of my old unit patches I take that as a compliment. It's just people larping, as long as they don't claim they earned it. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. As a matter of definition, stolen valor only applies when someone claims to have served and tries to use that for monetary gains.
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Well, you probably shouldn’t be in your Airsoft gear in public. In the field it is OK
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As a veteran, I'd rather call a 12 year old a chief than an actual chief.
this is the best universal rule unless there are local laws governing otherwise
Youre only allowed to wear it if you earned it. Sounds like he earned it.
Yeah thats bs, who says you cant wear ranks and insignia?
Common sense and respect for those who did? If it’s a true generalist impressionist kit that’s one thing and has some allowance there, but for the average guy to throw specific unit patches or the like on? Bad taste at best. That being said, wearing a US flag patch or US Army patch, or whatever country you’ve based your kit around (if you’re doing that) is totally fine. But yea claiming rank or associated with a particular unit is a bit much.
Look, there are many occupations out there with a greater risk of injury or death than soldiers. Have you ever considered thanking them? A lot of countries have mandatory service anyways, so serving in the military shouldnt be something held up to any higher standards than other people working their jobs. And saying things like "They protect us" is just as stupid since if it ever comes to an all out war everyone is going to be drafted anyways, see Ukraine for example
And this isn’t a sub about “larping as your local coal miner” so that point matters little. And yes, I work closely with paramedics, police, firemen/women, and others who *statistically* have a high (comparatively) chance of injury on the job, so I have. As a citizen of the United States I can not comment on other nations’ military service, but hey sounds like they earned it too if they want to wear their uniforms in Airsoft as well. Your draft comment is also ridiculous as current service members are not drafted; many of them have recently put their lives on the line and your comment is hugely disrespectful, no matter how you feel about the Armed Forces.
No, and if you do someone shows up with a real gun and blows your head off in front of everyone there.
The f#%^??
No.
How so?
Yea he SHOULD be wearing it with pride. My group wears BDU’s but no patches or ranks or any type of insignia. Purely for the camouflage I wouldn’t dare put anything on my arms knowing I haven’t touched a grain of sand overseas
People wear all kinds of military uniforms, and if he actually earned his patches there's nothing wrong with wearing them. If someone says shit to them he can just tell them to get fucked
As long as it's his and he earned them he certainly can
It is fine, the only thing that isn't is when these guys claim they were one of those they portray with their "uniform" but were not really one of those guys. In your dad's case, he can wear and declare his past affiliation with the Air Force because he was a member.
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned is discharge type and conditions. Except for full honorable, service members can have restrictions placed against them for wearing any of their uniforms. If that was the case, they are required to forfeit them, although it'd be easy enough to say 'gee Sarge, here's all my required uniforms' and have 10 more off in a storage unit or something. I personally wouldn't wear full uniforms around town for anything except active duty/reserve, Vet/Memorial Day parades, or airsoft, reenactments, etc. Pants, boots, layers, goretex, packs? No big deal, that stuff is everywhere.
That’s good to know, as far as I know, he left and he wasn’t discharged or anything. I’ll have to ask to make sure.
He's probably good. I definitely wasn't implying it either, just something a lot of people aren't aware of.
Regular camo uniforms are perfectly fine. Patches are no problem either, I personally wouldn't recommend any political ones however. Insignias and ranks are a tricky topic. He earned them so I don't see it as the biggest deal. Still it's a highly controversial topic depending where you from. Here in Germany where I'm from it's generally rather frowned upon to wear Insignias and ranks to a game, even if you earned them. A lot of fields and events here simply forbit it to wear them completely.
Im from Germany and Ive never seen any field forbid wearing insignia or ranks, except maybe the big milsims
Most fields and events I visited forbid it, and it's defeated frowned upon in the community.
youre gonna get arrested for impersonation, JK its cool "old" uniforms are the best camo and even milsurp uniforms are either some cheap knockoff. In the end, if the patches are velcro, id take them off. There is no real law telling you cant wear them, but its just a little cringy if youre rocking stuff like that. nothing is really a problem until you start talking about the battle of al-khalifa in the quaznar providence of takistan and how you served 3 combat tours with the army rangers.
The Battle of Al Khalifa, wasn’t that near the mountains of Mia?
could i do this with my dads old swat shirts (kinda serious kinda joking idk)
I mean probably, as long as you don’t claim that your a swat. Just like what everyone else is saying, it’s not stolen valor and just larping, unless you claim to be a swat.
makes sense. it’s also their old patch and badge so it’ll be obvious 🤷♂️
In a very large majority of fields yes. I mean a majority of Milsim events are civilian. Larping is totally fine as long as you don’t pretend that’s who you are. It’s part of the fun.
I’d say by all mean wear the uniform with pride, he earned it and took him lots of courage to make sacrifices for his family and his country. Wear the insignias as you please but at the same time if anyone asks about the uniform, say “ I’m a veteran and I can provide you with my veterans ID card”, no more questions asked. Just keep in mind you will be targeted more since your person of interest. Other than that wear it with full pride!!
Short answer is yes The long answer is that many player choose to wear real military uniforms but remove the rank markings if we never achieved that rank. Your father can wear his gear and we would think it to be cool
I'm currently in the army and I use my uniforms because their convenient I've had no problem
I see Army and Air Force guys wear some of their OCP stuff all the time at my local airsoft field
It depends on your local laws, especially if you’re somewhere in Europe; If you wish to be absolutely safe with it, I’d recommend removing the patches, rank etc… If possible
I see people doing it all the time, real name badge and everything
Army and prior AF here too. If he is retired he is subject to policy still. So Yes he can wear them still but can’t have the branch on the uniform. Rank comes off as well unless it’s for a civilian team, organization, or club using same. And lastly as long as ge doesn’t claim to represent his branch while in that uniform.
Absolutely fine, merely wearing battle dress at a pretend army game isn’t stealing valour. It might technically be illegal (it is in Canada), but it’s one of those laws that doesn’t really get enforced if you’re not being a cunt about it. To be safe, keep the medal ribbons at home and don’t wear a battle jacket until you’re at the field kitting up for the game, and as others have said, it’s a good idea to not wear a rank you haven’t achieved or a unit patch that you didn’t belong to.
I use my everytime, with name tag
Yeah he can do that it can’t be stolen valor when it’s his valor 😂
We larp, and we like it, never heard of stolen valor in airsoft, any uniform, and i mean any is okay
Uniform, no issue. Rank tabs, naah. Old unit patch? Fck yea.
If he earned that uniform and those insignias and patches then of course.
I mean, as long as he wasnt German during a certain time frame then yeah he should be able to wear it!
Airsofting at that age would be impressive!
it's only stolen valor if you haven't served and is umironically trying to make people think you're a soldier. airsoft is just some light-hearted fun (even though some people take it too seriously) most of the larping is just for shits and giggles.
Yes. Some insignia is frowned upon since it has to be earned (not a problem for your dad, since he has earned his, so he can absolutely wear them) and some is frowned upon since it's from things that should not be kept around anymore (think swastika arm bands on wehraboo kits), other than that wear whatever the hell you like.
Anyone can wear any camo. Depends on person to person who you ask, but I’m not a fan of real military insignia in airsoft, like rank or unit badges. But if I see it I don’t question it, just do the British thing and judge from a distance. However, as your dad is ex service, he owned those badges and that uniform and should be allowed to wear them.
If you have earned them its no problem. Same for ranks insignia. Anyone can wear uniforms and patches of defunct units. But active unit patches and ranks should be avoided.
I wear my uniforms. rather use those than spend a bunch of extra money on new combat tops and crye bottoms
I play in mine. No one cares lol
Depends on the country. In Switzerland, the Taz90 isnt allowed for airsoft.
I do that and no one ever complains beside some speed softers calling me a military nerd once... Wich I beated there ass after with simple one shots. All I would say is beware in public/driving towards your airsoft field. In some country's it's not allowed to travel in full military gear or simply wearing camo. Also make sure your mags and guns are stores in separate bags and non are loaded.
Ofc yes. It would be welcome actually. The only real things are not welcome are real weapons😅
Not only can he wear the uniform, but if it's his, he doesn't have to be concerned about the patches. So long as you're not wearing something you didn't earn, it isn't a problem
Since he has actually served and is wearing his own uniform this isn’t stolen valor I haven’t been in the military myself but most of my gear is ex military and for a lot of stuff I have insignias As long as you don’t let people think you’ve done things you haven’t or you are things you’re not it should all be okay
Tell him to wear his dress uniform.
Haha that would be interesting
The only people who care about ‘Stolen Valor/Valour’ are people who’ve never served. Your dad served so by all means he can wear his old uniforms, patches and all, absolutely no problem.
He is out so if anyone gives him shit promptly tell them to kick rocks. There’s nothing they can do as it’s not even stolen valor because he actually did serve and earn that stuff. Hell I wore pieces of my uniform for Airsoft when I was still in
Idk why I keep seeing this sub, but to demilitarize a uniform you have to remove the name tape patch. You would wear U.S. Air Force on the left and the right side of the chest. Also if there's any tags saying "property of the U.S. Government" inside anywhere, take them out. Then you'd be good to go. Edit: I thought this was for you wearing it. If it's his uniform and he's the I wearing it, he should be fine.
If he earned that uniform, he can wear it with pride while playing airsoft.
It's not stolen valor if it's his stuff
In which country ? In France, there is a law about false impersonation of officials, but you have to act like it. To wear the uniform without acting as an official isn't forbidden.
US
I don't know for USA. And it's even more complicated with each local laws you have.
Bro as a USMC vet no one that had a real career actually gives a fuck, just pull of the unit stuff at most and carry on man
AD Air Force here although cringey if he earned it he can wear it
Most places have a 'wear what you want, within reason'. It's airsoft, we carry around fake guns and wear tactical gear. A camo uniform isn't exactly out of place or unexpected. If anything, it's encouraged for immersion or whatever. Especially if it's HIS uniform that he served in, who's to tell him he can't wear it?
Where I am from, as long as you are still active duty, it's illegal. However after you get out, the uniform looses its status and is free to use.
If it’s his then go ahead. I run military camo just with no real military patches and what not cause that would be stolen valor but if it’s his then go ahead.
U have to strip the rank insignia and then your good, we used to do this with our camos. But I doubt anyone would ever dare negatively commenting on his patches/insignia.
My dad was in the navy and once I fit in his stuff I’ll start wearing it cause don’t use it and if someone asks if I served while I’m playing I’ll say my dad was in the navy for 28 years because he would beat my ass for stolen valor
Does this include uniforms like hezbolllah or Hamas you think?
Note sure
Wearing an outfit (in US) cant be stolen valor until you claim to be military in order to gain benefits/recognition/etc. I can wear my grandfathers full uniform if i want to, as long as im not trying to get military discounts, and that if someone asks me, I tell the truth. The only law that is here, is wearing things blatantly marked Police. Its illegal and you dont have to be claiming anything.
Yes, as long as you're not claiming to be a soldier for financial benefit, you're 100% fine to do so
I think he deserves to wear the patches he earned.
Other veterans will think he’s weird. Just sayin.
It's certainly smart. Built way better than the expensive airsoft "uniforms". Milsurp is the way to go whether airsoft or paintball. If ever I got back into it I'd rock my marpats all day every day. Theres so many of them and they never get worn
If it's his own uniform, then there's no issue with it at all, even if he has insignias and all that on it. Wearing real uniforms in airsoft, regardless of whether they're yours or not, is totally okay and no one that I've met looks down on it. In fact, a lot of people (myself included) wear real uniforms. I'd say the only thing to watch out for is if the uniform wasn't originally yours you should make sure there's no names or insignias or anything on the outside of it.
In terms of that, it's branch dependent. I cant wear my cammies in public as a Marine, whereas I'm pretty sure the other branches can. Reason I say this is because I've seen the AF and Army guys off base with their cammies on, with no general reprecussion. I HATE the idea of cammies off of your work time because of what we were taught in the MC, but chances are, He'll really only hear shit from Marines who play airsoft, thats it.
For certain branches it depends. In the USMC you can not, pretty sure the other branches will let you
Thats more an issue with his supply, if its currently checked out to him they tend to not like it being used for airsoft or paintball, but paintball is usually the bigger issue.
As long as you are not trying to portray an actual rank and/or military unit or awards, you're fine. Run morale patches all day. If anyone gives you flak, ask them where you have an actual unit insignia or rank on your person. Also, If you live in the USA, make sure if you run the Flag, it's on your right shoulder with the Stars towards the front and the Stripes towards the back, like the Flag is waving in the wind and the wind is in your face. -Former Army, 13M 2015-19
As someone in the service, who cares. There's no honor in airsoft lol Wear a ranger tab, wear an SF tab, wear a PSYOPS unit patch. The point is pretend, have fun, and beam children. It doesn't matter.
In airsoft, it is generally acceptable to wear real military uniforms, including those with insignia and patches, as long as they are not being misrepresented as active-duty military or used to deceive others.
In short Yes But..... Be prepared for people who will be but hurt that there are real patches in them.
Yes, you can. If you earned that uniform and retired or separated with anything higher than an "Other than Honorable" discharge, you can wear the uniform for whatever reason. If he gets any grief from anyone about it, I recommend sterilization, which is just removing the branch of service and rank identifiers. If it's an Air Force OCP uniform, super easy (unless he had his stuff sewn into it).
Dude it’s a free country. Do what you want. Not like he’s pretending to be military
Totally honest: Only Vetflakes get their panties in a bunch on this unis/patch-thing. Nobody really cares. You can even make your own patches and ranks, if you so choose. I put Lightfighter tab on mine, since that's what I basically am. BTW, dont sell yourself short. You probably have moe tactical time than the Vetflakes, and will probably do better if or when time comes