Should I Wear My Kilt?

[ShawnT]

My best friend of 7 years is graduating from Army basic training in a few weeks and I had planned to wear my kilt to the ceremony. After talking with a few family friends I'm starting to second guess my decision. I am not ashamed of my kilt and understand I wear it to express pride in my heritage but I also don't want the soldiers graduating or their families to get the idea that I am mocking them or the military. Any advice?

[Grouse Claw]

I'd be interested in what the folks have been saying, Shawn. I take it you live in a free country. Don't get down about it. I'd wear it, nevertheless.

[The Wizard of BC]

It is highly unlikely that anyone in the US Military would take offense to you wearing a kilt as no US military branch has a kilt in its history. Most do have a kilted pipe band but the kilts worn are not regular issue uniforms. The kilts are only worn while performing in the band.

Most in the US Military will understand the military history of the British kilted units and respect them for that but as you are not representing those units again, no offense could be taken.

Unless of course you are wearing one of the Tartans that are named for the US Military branches such as the Army Tartan. You may be asked about that kilt but most would not recognize the Tartan or care. They are not officially recognized or issued as part of the uniforms. (The only branch to officially recognize a Tartan is the US Coast Guard, still only the pipe band wear them in any official capacity.)

[Spartan Tartan]

no one there will care anymore than anywhere else you might wear your kilt. But if wearing it make YOU uncomfortable, then wear something else. Otherwise wear it a nd enjoy the eceremny.

[Llama]

Don't let the haters get you down. Wear it proudly.

[tulloch]

Ask your friend.

[seanachie]

My best friend of 7 years is graduating from Army basic training in a few weeks and I had planned to wear my kilt to the ceremony. After talking with a few family friends I'm starting to second guess my decision. I am not ashamed of my kilt and understand I wear it to express pride in my heritage but I also don't want the soldiers graduating or their families to get the idea that I am mocking them or the military. Any advice?

Wow! A ceremony for graduating boot camp. I seem to remember a top to bottom cleaning of the barracks and a march with all my gear across base to the Security Police Academy barracks. I can't imagine the level of formality would preclude you wearing a kilt.

[flyrod6057]

Wear the kilt, if you feel so inclined. You needn't be concerned about being a distraction; all of the moms, dads, and girlfriends are going to be looking for their soldier. As soon as the graduation is over, everyone heads for the hills. You could show up in a clown suit and no one would notice. Having attended dozens of boot camp graduations, I can tell you that whatever you choose to wear will be fine.

[Really a McQueen]

... I seem to remember a top to bottom cleaning of the barracks and a march with all my gear across base to the Security Police Academy barracks. ...

Sounds like you spent some time at Lackland. Although a lifetime after my mother went through there. In her day, your people were nicknamed 'apes'. But that was back in 1950.

[ShawnT]

Thanks for all of the help you guys. I've decided since there are 2 days to the ceremony, a family day and the actual ceremony, that on family day I'll dress normally and bring my kilt and see what my friend wants me to wear to the ceremony. This is not a matter of not feeling comfortable in my kilt. I've worn it to high school, college, and much more so I'm perfectly fine wearing it. However I feel like this is my friends special day and I should do what he wants. And if he wants me to wear it then I have a solid defense to anyone who wants to make a big deal out of it.