I don't know...I served in the BRO for three years and don't find this objectionable...maybe if a brief unit history is sold with the clothing, it could encourage a little support for our soldiers, and maybe even be a little recruiting perk.
As far as the army is concerned, unit patches aren't exactly "won"...they're worn for identification on the left sleeve during one's period of assignment to that unit. When you're reassigned, you change to the patch of your new unit. If you serve in combat with a unit, you wear that patch on your right sleeve for the remainder of your career, and in that regard, I suppose it's "won" or earned.
As far as unit patches being used to market clothes, I'd kind of see it like a pro football player would see some kid wearing his team's jersey.
What I object to are the actual badges, tabs, patches, ribbons, medals, and distinctive uniform items (i.e. berets) that are earned.
BRO 1992-1995As far as unit patches being used to market clothes, I'd kind of see it like a pro football player would see some kid wearing his team's jersey.Exactly. I have a Carolina Panthers tire cover on my Jeep anda Panthers ballcap (and a Panthers jersey, keychain, T-shirt, etc LOL)but I've never played for the Panthers. I'm merely showing my support for that team. It's no different with someone wearing a unit patch logo shirt.
It'd be different if Sears was marketing something that could be mistaken for a uniform, or, like you said, the actual tabs, patches, medals, etc. I don't mind seeing someone wear a shirt with the jump wing logo on it to show they support the Airborne, but I would certainly have a problem with them wearing actual jump wings.