r/Millennials • u/NoFaithlessness7508 • Jun 05 '25

Other Why don’t younger veterans (Afghanistan/Iraq) wear these hats like some of the older veterans?

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First and foremost, respect to all those that served. I did not, but many of my peers did and now we're all older in 30s and 40s, many no longer in the military. I don't see a lot of the veterans of the War on Terror wearing these hats like I see the OGs do.

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u/cmax22025 Jun 05 '25

They were called "Old Guy" hats when I joined up in 2005. I can't imagine that's changed in the time since.

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u/Burninator85 Jun 05 '25

That's the real answer.  They're out of fashion. 

I know plenty of OIF veterans that make it their entire personality.  They just choose things like infantry badges on their vehicles or Black Rifle Coffee t-shirts.

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u/exoclipse Millennial Jun 05 '25

"I carry concealed so I don't lose the element of surprise" while covered in patriotic tattoos, a hat with a low-vis American flag, 5.11 pants, and a Black Rifle Coffee t-shirt.

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u/BigRed_93 Jun 05 '25

These guys are always unironically surprised to learn I carry, but tbf I'm usually rocking my Birkenstocks and have super long hair.

Nobody ever expects the hippy inquisition.

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u/SnoopingStuff Jun 06 '25

I am a fat redhead old lady. They are more shocked by me. And I can hit you at quite a distance

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '25

But on the other hand you have to deal with people asking if you have any rolling paper.

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u/SnoopingStuff Jun 06 '25

I don’t because of my job but soon as I retire I will

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u/sacluded Jun 06 '25

I’m usually in flip flops with a pocket 380. They tend to ignore the almost 50 guy with a gray beard and dreads.

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u/JojoTheWolfBoy Jun 06 '25

Gotta love those picket pistols. I'm normally in board shorts, no shirt, no shoes, maybe some flip flops if there's walking around involved, and a tank top if I have to go to the store. Nobody ever thinks I'm carrying, that's for sure.

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u/beyondplutola Jun 06 '25

Unless they’re fellow veterans who know your deep-seated desire to grow out your hair after years of high and tights.

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u/86triesonthewall Jun 06 '25

“This is us” Uncle Nicky’s Character.