MisterCairo
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 7,005
- Location
- Gads Hill, Ontario
I've reviewed most of the prior comments with interest. Re-enactors do no harm wearing authentic uniforms complete with rank. If the issue is "should you wear rank, unit or other military insignia, ribbons, medals, etc., as part of your daily fashion wear", my response is an unequivocal NO.
In Canada, the Criminal Code at section 419 makes it an offence to wear certain aspects of a "uniform of the Canadian Forces" when not entitled to do so. Other legislation, such as the National Defence Act, and regulations made under these acts provide certain express limitations - use in a theatrical, tv or film production, for example.
Even former serving members are restricted in what they may do with uniforms after their service is done. Obviously, you can't continue to wear your uniform as if you were still on duty, and it is irrelevant that you "earned" your rank - as a civilian, you can't pass yourself off as a serving member.
One can wear mess kit as formal wear, as even though it has rank insignia, you paid for the kit and, while technicallly "uniform", its use in social settings is permitted.
Obviously you can wear ribbons and medals you earned - that is expressly authorized. NO ONE ELSE is allowed under Canadian law to wear ribbons or medals not earned by them. Not to "honour" grandad or Uncle Joe, not for any reason.
The Criminal Code doesn't prohibit the wearing of rank patches per se, but if worn in conjunction with any uniform that even looks like current pattern, it would be an offence.
Wearing historic uniforms would probably not be considered a criminal offence, and so this is where issues of taste, respect and protocol would come in.
As for those of us born after the second world war, obviously no one would think you actually served. But why in heaven's name would anyone want to walk around in battle dress, with rank and unit insignia, as day to day wear? Spare me any notions of honour, you're a prat, pure and simple.
I say all of this as a serving air force major, leaving the Regulars in exactly 18 days, with no intention of wearing anything further (unless I am able to join the Reserves) except my ribbons and medals on appropriate occasions, and my mess kit, again, on appropriate occasions.
Civilians, re-enactors and wannabes - fill your boots as your consciences dictate.
In Canada, the Criminal Code at section 419 makes it an offence to wear certain aspects of a "uniform of the Canadian Forces" when not entitled to do so. Other legislation, such as the National Defence Act, and regulations made under these acts provide certain express limitations - use in a theatrical, tv or film production, for example.
Even former serving members are restricted in what they may do with uniforms after their service is done. Obviously, you can't continue to wear your uniform as if you were still on duty, and it is irrelevant that you "earned" your rank - as a civilian, you can't pass yourself off as a serving member.
One can wear mess kit as formal wear, as even though it has rank insignia, you paid for the kit and, while technicallly "uniform", its use in social settings is permitted.
Obviously you can wear ribbons and medals you earned - that is expressly authorized. NO ONE ELSE is allowed under Canadian law to wear ribbons or medals not earned by them. Not to "honour" grandad or Uncle Joe, not for any reason.
The Criminal Code doesn't prohibit the wearing of rank patches per se, but if worn in conjunction with any uniform that even looks like current pattern, it would be an offence.
Wearing historic uniforms would probably not be considered a criminal offence, and so this is where issues of taste, respect and protocol would come in.
As for those of us born after the second world war, obviously no one would think you actually served. But why in heaven's name would anyone want to walk around in battle dress, with rank and unit insignia, as day to day wear? Spare me any notions of honour, you're a prat, pure and simple.
I say all of this as a serving air force major, leaving the Regulars in exactly 18 days, with no intention of wearing anything further (unless I am able to join the Reserves) except my ribbons and medals on appropriate occasions, and my mess kit, again, on appropriate occasions.
Civilians, re-enactors and wannabes - fill your boots as your consciences dictate.
