My opinion is that it’s not how well you perform, but how much you learn and take home with you.
And that your gear works - things don’t fall off, etc.
More along testing the water to see if anyone gets pissed off. I’ve seen some people blow up over stuff that’s even more simplistic and inconsequential…
To use a class as an example again, i’m going there to learn not have drama with somebody because I’m Joe Nobody, and they get insulted because I wore something they don’t think I belong in.
I had this happen a couple years back, not to me directly, but there were certain activities I was involved with, and some people got annoyed because a lot of folks would wear surplus BDU pants and jackets. Go figure…
There was a thread on another gun board maybe 2 years ago, where some folks (mostly mil) got their knickers in a serious knot about non-mil folks that wore mil clothing and gear to classes and the range.
I’m gonna have to say it was embarassing for the mil folks that could care less what other folks wear.
Guess my point of that is YMMV, and there are folks out there that will get wrapped around the axle.
Why give a flying fuck what someone thinks about the color of your gear? No matter what you do you’re bound to upset some snowflake somewhere. Unless you’re wearing that Ranger tab and CIB you picked up at the local surplus shop and telling bullshit war stories, who really cares?
I’ve got more important things to worry about than what someone else is wearing. Things like not getting shot by the guy who signed up for an advanced class when he should be in the remedial beginner class.
Ok, seriously…:agree:
I get what you’re saying, and I do agree.
Let me say it again though- this isn’t about how I ‘look’ per se, or having all my gear match, or buying a bunch of camo stuff I won’t ever need just to be one of the kool kids.
It’s about this sort of thing:
Maybe I should have changed the title of my original post to reflect this. :o
I don’t give a crap either about what people think of me as I’ve been around the block with that insanity. Let them eat cake!:laugh:
I also highly agree that your performance should speak for itself.
But if there was any conflict that could be avoided by me not wearing certain things, than I wanted to know, so I’d be more prudent in my color selection.
Apparently this is nothing to worry about, so I won’t anymore.
I usually wear blue jeans or cargos to any class I attend. A light colored shirt (white) also helps for sunnier climates. I do have a BFG SOC-C warbelt that is fully kitted up in Multicam. Besides, most of the stuff I got off the EE at a good deal.
I think for a pistol class, the concept of dress as you plan to fight is valid. For those, I’ll go with a OWB or IWB holster and a mag carrier. It’s much harder for me to effectively do an advanced carbine class with just stuff on my belt (although it’s possible). The warbelt is for carbine classes. I have a size 31-32 waist and there isn’t much real estate so the warbelt is great for that.
OP, I originally felt somewhat self conscious, being a civilian, and rocking a multicam warbelt. However, the belt really works for me and as long as I don’t suck too bad, I don’t look like a complete poser!
The other thing that’s a bit mil-flavored is wearing a tan boonie type hat. It’s hot and sunny as hell down here in AZ and boonie hats beat ball caps any day.
If you like it wear it. I’ve taken a few(lots) classes and can’t say I ever worried about it and I don’t remember anyone else getting beat up about it. FWIW before joiningnthe military I wouldn’t wear BDU’s for hunting or anything else. That was just me. After being in the military for a few years I couldn’t care less if somebody else does. The issue is if the gear works and you learn to use it. For me, on the military side we wear coyote, the sheriffs department we wear OD or RG for the tactical side, and as a sniper I like multicam, so my gear ends up being a combo of all plus the older woodland. I mix and match my stuff between several different set ups based on perceived needs or wants and it ends up a menagerie.
As far as clothing at classes whether it’s LEO or open enrollment I usually wear Mountain Khakis in earth tones. They are tough, comfortable, and don’t scream look at me. Pair those with some Danners or Merrells, a ball cap, and a t shirt of some sort and I’m good to go. Wear what you want…oh FWIW I hate black, anything black.
No matter what you wear or what kind of gear you have somebody will always judge you and talk about you. Those people are called douche bags so you shouldn’t worry about it anyway. Like most have already pointed out, have a good attitude and show up with an open mind ready to learn. A real D-bag is somebody with a chip on their shoulder and thinks they are better than they really are. Wear what is practical for your particular needs and enviroment. If you live in Nevada maybe Foliage green isn’t for you and on the same note FDE isn’t exactly helping you in North Carolina. Understand the gear you have, it’s particular limitations and WHY you use it…then nobody can say anything to you.
On a side do they make plate carriers in that new Navy issue blue color Street Fighter II digicami color? Cuz that would ROCK!! :dance3: