Is it againist the law to wear a US Military uniform as a civilian?
Like the ones that they sell on
http://www.rangeroutfitters.com/acu.htm
I'm 13...
I heard of laws regarding medals and mess and formal military uniform but I never heard of one regarding ACUs... So here I am asking.
Thanks in advance
2006-09-27 19:27:42 · 18 answers · asked by Shadowfox 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
When you say impersonate, what do you mean?
Just wearing the uniform (ACU/Military Camo) or just coming up to some one and acting like a Marine?
And can some one please give me a source? Thank you
2006-09-27 19:32:26 · update #1
It's amazing reading some of these answers. Really.
United States Code, Title 10, Subtitle II, Part A, Section 771:
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00000771----000-.html
"Except as otherwise provided by law, no person except a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, as the case may be, may wear—
(1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps; or
(2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps."
Retirees and veterans get an exemption thanks to Section 772.
By the way, whether you find yourself under prosecution for violating this law depends entirely on the Office of the District Attorney in your area. Chances are, absolutely no enforcement will take place unless there is some sort of crime (fraudulent representation, identity theft, attempting to gain access to government property and such) that warrants prosecution.
So yes, go wear ACUs (though I sure the hell wouldn't if I was going hunting or such, I have better stuff than my everyday work clothes for such occasions). Just skip on the accoutrements; no need to look like Michael or Janet Jackson.
2006-09-28 02:05:52 · answer #1 · answered by Nat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paul S and frogface have it right. Civilians are not allowed to wear any sort of formal military uniforms (unless they are JROTC or ROTC or something of that nature). As for the standard BDU/ACU or any other combat uniform, as long as you dont have any rank or insignia, and you don't try to impersonate a soldier (to get benifits or for any reason) then you are fine. I used to wear camo to play paintball all the time. Noone will stop you unless you are impersonating a soldier, then you're in trouble. Anything else is fine, oh and have fun!
2006-09-27 20:58:23 · answer #2 · answered by Short Timer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only about half of the people have it half right. True you are not allowed to wear rank and medals, and while there is no law against you wearing civilian clothing with military printing or pattern on it, there is a law against you wearing a military uniform of any kind. Just as it is illegal to mix part of a military uniform with civilian clothing. Yes army and navy stores sell them, yes people do wear them, no people do not push the issue, but it is still against the law. I am not sure of the civial laws for each area that list this, but for the military the Regulation is AR 670-1, the wearing of military uniforms. After 15 years as a Logistical Manager for the military, believe me I am right.
2006-09-27 20:39:17 · answer #3 · answered by Artistic Prof. 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go for it. I'm active duty and my wife has BDUs and ACUs for hunting, fishing and paintball. As long as you aren't representing yourself as someone in the Army it's all good. And at 13 years old anyone who would believe you were impersonating an officer would need to rethink it. We go on post and she has even worn them in the PX and Commissary. She has been stopped and ask about it a few times but some of the more uptight people on post. Hers don't have any military insignia on them. Hope this helps some.
2006-09-27 23:25:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can wear any uniform you want. Whether you are military or not.
What you cannot do is wear rank insignia, name tag, devices, unit patches, badges, ribbons, or pilot wings. AND at the same time oresent yourself to someone as an actual military member.
This is a crime and may put you in prison for a long time depending on what all was done by the imposter.
If you are in doubt, don't do it. Better to err on the side of caution.
2006-09-27 20:13:50 · answer #5 · answered by Frogface53 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its unlegal to use insigna and so on. Especially if you have ones lilke medical and pilots. Their needs could be called upon when on the streets or flying an airplane. Its not unlegal to wear a none real uniform like star trek and simular. If you want to use a uniform try to find one of these. Johan
2006-09-27 23:32:54 · answer #6 · answered by Johan from Sweden 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if you wear rank insignia, medals and combat ribbons. The wearing of BDUs or Fatigues is ok, many do it and they are sold openly at Army surplus stores.
2006-09-27 19:32:45 · answer #7 · answered by Paul S 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Civilians are not authorized to wear military uniforms because it is impersonation as crime defined in the Penal Law.
2006-09-27 19:30:09 · answer #8 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Its not illegal as long as it doesnt have rank service or any affiliation with the military... as long as you are not trying to impersonate......I still use by bdu's to hunt with i have just removed all the patches....
2006-09-27 19:34:05 · answer #9 · answered by elihueagns 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure it would be ok for fancy dress parties, but attempting to decieve people for dishonest purposes will get you in trouble. Be careful.
2006-09-27 21:18:01 · answer #10 · answered by genghis41f 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋