Stencils and Patches *Sigh*

[WolfofStateSt]

Stencils have been discussed a lot on here, particularly the USN and ARMY stencils. I’m starting to understand why they get so much hate. When I entered into this hobby, I had the mindset of oh, military stencils are just a fun Easter Egg, nobody’s going to actually notice or care. Nonetheless, I avoided getting any USAAF patches on my A-2 and B-3, or any USN stencils on my Deck Jacket and Chambray shirt. Just in case.

The other day I was out with my friend, sometimes when they get done with work they come over and we go out flying by the airfield or sailing as a hobby. I sometimes wear my Blue Angels baseball cap which I got at one of their air shows or my Philippine Seas baseball cap which was the boat my grandpa served on. I figured since it’s just me and my friend nobody will care.

Still coming into my apartment the other day, I’m in the elevator and some old guy asks me because I’m in the Navy cause of the Blue Angels hat. The embarrassment I had when I said no made me want to puke. My gut says it’s time to retire the hats and switch to plain baseball caps.

No one asks you if you play for Yankees if you wear one of their hats, but you wear a blue angels hat and apparently people think you’re a fighter pilot or something.

I’m 100% going to get rid of these hats. Sorry guys I didn’t know. Thank god I didn’t get any junk tattooed on my jackets.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Stencils have been discussed a lot on here, particularly the USN and ARMY stencils. I’m starting to understand why they get so much hate. When I entered into this hobby, I had the mindset of oh, military stencils are just a fun Easter Egg, nobody’s going to actually notice or care. Nonetheless, I avoided getting any USAAF patches on my A-2 and B-3, or any USN stencils on my Deck Jacket and Chambray shirt. Just in case.

The other day I was out with my friend, sometimes when they get done with work they come over and we go out flying by the airfield or sailing as a hobby. I sometimes wear my Blue Angels baseball cap which I got at one of their air shows or my Philippine Seas baseball cap which was the boat my grandpa served on. I figured since it’s just me and my friend nobody will care.

Still coming into my apartment the other day, I’m in the elevator and some old guy asks me because I’m in the Navy cause of the Blue Angels hat. The embarrassment I had when I said no made me want to puke. My gut says it’s time to retire the hats and switch to plain baseball caps.

No one asks you if you play for Yankees if you wear one of their hats, but you wear a blue angels hat and apparently people think you’re a fighter pilot or something.

I’m 100% going to get rid of these hats. Sorry guys I didn’t know. Thank god I didn’t get any junk tattooed on my jackets.

Just say "no, I just want to show my support for them" or "no, I just like the hat." As a Navy vet, I have zero problem with that.

I personally would feel uncomfortable wearing a Navy SEAL hat, simply because I've only ever seen SEALs wear them. But lots of people wear Blue Angels and other Navy gear.

But yeah, I get it - I don't wear Marine Corps gear even though I love the Marine anchor. But if I weren't a Navy vet, I might be more willing to indulge that appreciation.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Just say "no, I just want to show my support for them" or "no, I just like the hat." As a Navy vet, I have zero problem with that.

I personally would feel uncomfortable wearing a Navy SEAL hat, simply because I've only ever seen SEALs wear them. But lots of people wear Blue Angels and other Navy gear.

But yeah, I get it - I don't wear Marine Corps gear even though I love the Marine anchor. But if I weren't a Navy vet, I might be more willing to indulge that appreciation.

I don’t wear Marine gear because I don’t want to get punched lol.

I thought the Blue Angels were a safe bet because they sell their merch at their shows.

“No, I just like the hat” has been what I have been saying every time.

Maybe what I don’t like about it is the fact that wearing it invites strangers to come up and talk to me when mostly I want to be left alone and fly under the radar these days.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I don’t wear Marine gear because I don’t want to get punched lol.

I thought the Blue Angels were a safe bet because they sell their merch at their shows.

Man, I've seen civilians of all types wear Blue Angels merch (I grew up in the Navy as well as being a vet). I mean, they are a PR unit designed to entertain civilian crowds. The guy's question to you might not have been a challenge, he might have just been curious. I wouldn't stress it and just be honest if ever asked something like that again. There's no shame in supporting our Armed Forces, even if you never served. Shows good character, imo. So thanks!

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Man, I've seen civilians of all types wear Blue Angels merch (I grew up in the Navy as well as being a vet). I mean, they are a PR unit designed to entertain civilian crowds. The guy's question to you might not have been a challenge, he might have just been curious. I wouldn't stress it and just be honest if ever asked something like that again. There's no shame in supporting our Armed Forces, even if you never served. Shows good character, imo. So thanks!

I mean I do wear because I’m kind of a fan you could say. Also a big history nerd.