Sale of SEAL hats & T-shirts

[tomahawk]

A question for real SEALs please,
I came upon this site to enquire about SEAL fitness training principles. I'm too old for BUD/S, but have a keen interest in and respect for the Teams. This site offers a fascinating glimpse into the Team community -thanks for that. My question relates to the sale of shirts, hats etc. I was going to order a t-shirt, naively thinking that would show my interest, support and enthusiasm for the SEALs, until I came upon an earlier post where there was a concensus from real SEALs that to so was to dis-honor the Trident that you guys had sacrificed dearly to achieve. I totally understand that position, and out of respect to that, have trashed my t-shirt order. What I do not understand is, why are those items offered for sale at all, seeing that it is a sensitive issue within the community ? Aren't the folks selling that stuff also former SEAls ? Isn't there some action, legal or otherwise, that you guys could take to prevent the commercialization of something that you all hold in honor ? It honestly appears somewhat hypocritical to offer such items for sale, then elsewhere on the same website issue a warning that those who wear them will be severely dressed down if encountered by the real deal. I admit having been unaware that there are individuals out there pretending to be SEALs; I assure you, that was NOT my intention at all. It was more along the lines of showing support, similar to my wearing a Yankee shirt, not pretending I play for the team, just a fan. But I do understand, that is a very poor analogy - athletes play a game, SEALs are involved in dangerous combat missions, BIG difference. Please clarify your position on this. Again, I respect that position, and will NOT be wearing any paraphanalia. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Respectfully,

Tom

[BJJCOP]

Tom,
I am not a SEAL, don't claim to be one. I do sometimes wear SEAL t's and things of that nature. What I do not do is wear a T-shirt such as the blue and gold with the Trident on the upper left breast. This to me shows disrespect as that is their issue. I have a t-shirt that says "The only easy day was yesterday" and another that says "It pays to be a winner". They both have frogmen on the back. I don't think that shows any disrespect towards them. To me it is honoring them. If I got mad at every person that wore something that said IPD (Indianapolis Police Dept), which they did not earn . I would be mad 24 hours, seven days a week. I take it as honoring us for what we do everyday.

[rossburnham]

i was also thinking of buying a SEAL shirt but i think ill wait to see what a real SEAL has to say befor i go doing that. i dont want to disrespect anyone

[Wazz]

Tomahawk
The wear of SEAL reflective clothing is not illegal or will it take you to any punishment. SEAL garments are for sale at the official UDT-SEAL store for not only SEALs, but also for SEAL wives, parents, and children. Also, SEAL garments are worn by friends of SEALs when the garment is a gift from a SEAL.

What is frowned upon by SEALs is when male persons wear the SEAL garment with such fashion as to refelct the wearer as being a SEAL. To counter this reflection a SEAL will almost every time ask the garment wearer several simple questions to validate if the garment wearer is or is not a SEAL. When it is determined the garment wearer is not a SEAL, the SEAL will often ask why is the garment being worn. And here is where the garment wearer must have a satisfactory reply ready.

BJJCOP's point is well taken that people often wear garments reflecting Police logos. However, the difference of encourgement of the basic entity is different. Police wish to have outward support of their mission, i.e. Protect and Serve. Support your Local Police Force. In comparison the SEALs do not seek such outward support and wish their support be limited to those they, the SEALs, choose as supporters.

Many commericial stores and Web Sites (a plug for our Mark) sell SEAL garments. There is some division and protection of copyright if the vendor sells official SEAL garments. I am not versed on what logos the UDT-SEAL Assn., has under copyright.

For those that are not SEAL connected and also wish to wear SEAL reflecting garments I do suggest you be ready to answer those few questions that a SEAL may ask you, and when you get down to your reason for wearing a SEAL garment that you advise that you support the SEALs. And with this statement lace it with an unassuming tone.

[tomahawk]

Wazz,
Thanks for taking the time to answer. As I said, I'm not going to buy any SEAL gear - I wouldn't want to offend any SEALS in my area (western MA). But, I never would have been aware that it was an issue without stumbling onto it on this site, and if I had been questioned, would cetainly have told the truth. I really don't understand the mindset of someone trying to pass themselves off as a SEAL, and I agree that is a slap in the face to you guys who have paid your dues and deserve respect.

Thanks again,

Tom

[Laxmom723]

The wear of SEAL reflective clothing is not illegal or will it take you to any punishment. SEAL garments are for sale at the official UDT-SEAL store for not only SEALs, but also for SEAL wives, parents, and children. Also, SEAL garments are worn by friends of SEALs when the garment is a gift from a SEAL.


Thank you for that very helpful discussion of the acceptable reasons for wearing SEAL reflective clothing. I have looked for the answer to that very question. You did a great job of discussing the various categories of possible wearers and the acceptability/or not of each.

Thank you again. I've love to see that answer prominently displayed everywhere SEAL reflective gear is sold!

[Wazz]

Navy Mom
My explination about the wear of SEAL reflective garments is a near must. Approx 2 miles from the SEAL compound is one of the largest privately owned SEAL apparell stores that I know of (Orange St., Coronado). However, this store as with other outlets, do not sell the authentic UDT-SEAL Assn. logos. But anyone may buy from these type outlets and some understanding of their wear and their meeting with SEAL personnel should be surfaced.

And your son is where?

[roadtoad32000]

I have bought a blue Navy SEALs t-shirt with gold letters and a Trident on the chest, left side . I bought it to support what the SEAL store said that the proceeds go to special warriors fund. I did not pick it out, my wife said it was prettier than the one that I had picked out. I have worn it in public at times, but no one around here pays it any attention any way. If the Navy SEALs are offended by people wearing these t-shirts, then why has this site been selling them? I for one did not buy it to offend anyone. It is a source of inspiration for me , "if they can go though what they did in Buds or hell week I can do this." I think it is worse than t- shirts, that gold Trident replicas are sold. If a Navy SEAL ever sees me in my t-shirt, I will tell him the same thing. If he gets mad and kicks my ***, then so be it. No disrespect intended or implied. SEAL supporter like it or not, Roadtoad32000 out!!!!!!!!!!

[Laxmom723]

Replied to you in email <g>

[Doug]

if they can go though what they did in Buds or hell week I can do this.


You will never know that nor can you say that unless you get there and try.....



If a Navy SEAL ever sees me in my t-shirt, I will tell him the same thing. If he gets mad and kicks my ***, then so be it. No disrespect intended or implied.


Well it is disrespectful whether it is intended or not. If you want to support us, then why dont you support us in the way we would like to be supported - not wearing our pride and joy of what we busted our asses to earn. Its not just a picture - to us it is much, much more. And unless you have been there, you will never understand. So if you are a TRUE SEAL Supporter, show us that support by not wearing it.

Whay is all this stuff sold? In addition to the excellent answers provided by Wazz, what does every business in America come down to? Money. Sad but true. But re-read Wazz's post on why places like the museum and this site sell it.

I hope this clears stuff up. Wazz - OUTSTANDING response!

[roadtoad32000]

Well Sir Doug and Sir Wazz. Since you guys feel so strongly about it. I will not wear the t-shirt. I offer my most humble apology to all SEALs past and present. I do understand totally about it is not all about the money, because I could have a better paying job personally, but I chose to do a job I love. I did understand what ya'll were saying, but if neet stuff like that is waved in front of you, some times it is hard to resist the temptation to buy it, but I will for now on. Ya'll do not know me personally, so you do not know really what I have achieved in my life or what I am capible of achieving. I did not put my whole life in my bio because it is nun-yu. Gone for now, roadtoad32000

[nick3282]

okay so ive wanted to be a SEAL since i was 6 or7 years old. my parents bought me a flag that says ''U.S. Navy SEALs'' and has the trident on it, i hung it above my bed and was wondering that if doing so out of respect was okay or not.

[Wazz]

Nick
If I ever walk into your bedroom I will not ask why the SEAL flag is hung. You have already replied to that thought.

[Wetwash]

Excellent answers Wazz.

Here is one additional faction. Right now the AuthentiSEAL team is averaging over 200 hits a day on our web site.
we are receiving 20 to 40 inquiries a day, seven days a week on Phonys. We DO NOT solicit.. this is JUST what comes through our website. These are not stumble bums for the most part. There are teachers, police officers, college professors, ministers, truck drivers, priests, customs officers, the head of sececurity for a national dept store chain..etc etc etc.....If you wear anything with a Trident on it in public...you should always be expecting some burly guy with strange eyes to ask, not always very politely, WHERE YOU IN THE TEAMS..there is alot of SEAL reflective clothing on the market, if you have not earned it, I highly recommend avoiding clothing displaying the Trident.

A.L. (Nasty) Nash, MAC(SEAL), Ret
Director: AuthentiSEAL Team
"The only service where all investigators are US Navy SEALs"

[roadtoad32000]

Wetwash, I have put away any objects (and the t-shirt!) with a Trident on them, gone for good never to be seen again. Since I know what the deal is ,I apoligize once again. I truly never wanted to offend anyone. I bought a t-shirt out of respect for SEAL teams and what they stand for. Maybe a special military ID or SEAL ID should be needed to purchase these items out of the SEAL store? Sorry and very humble apology, roadtoad32000

[Wetwash]

Roadtoad.. as long as you have the stuff at home and are not displaying it in Public no apol;ogy is necessary. there are SEAL hats without the Trident.. there are some Great T Shirts and sweatshirts without the trident.

[tomahawk]

Wetwash, Wazz, Doug,
From the guy who started this thread, thanks for taking the time to reveal a glimpse into the SEAL mindset. I would not have know where you stand on this issue, and would have ended up buying a T-shirt that could have offended any SEAL that saw it. You guys have paid the dues to display the Trident; I did not, so I won't. I understand committment, honor and respect. Thanks again for the insight guys.

Hoo-yah!

Tom

[pam]

I'm pretty glad this was brought up, because I'm planning on buying a few t-shirts as gifts, but it wasn't reallly to support Seals per se but more of support for this site. I'm assuming the store is associated with this site :)

I am going to buy myself a few shirts, and a few for some male friends, one a former Marine.

Now I'm aware of what to purchase, and what not to purchase

Thanks :)

Ciao

[roadtoad32000]

Thanks very much sir, Roadtoad.