Why it is dangerous to wear Military outfits as a civilian

In the US, you may wear any clothing you choose (as long as it doesn't violate local obscenity laws).  If you wear camouflage uniform pants and shirt, are you planning to wear patches, medals, and unit identifiers?  Those things are also legal to wear, but if you are found to be receiving any benefits from wearing the uniform, you might end up being charged with a "stolen valor" offense. 

So, for instance, if you receive a discount on a meal at the airport because the server believes you are currently serving in the military, you could face criminal charges.

Wearing just the camo clothing without any regalia shouldn't be a problem.

But Here in Nigeria.

 In Nigeria, it is an invitation for trouble. And for those who don't know, it is illegal to wear camo. It is in our (far from okay) constitution.

Section 110 & 111 of Nigeria Criminal Code Act states;

Any person who- Unlawfully wearing the uniform of forces, etc. L.N. 112 of 1964. 1967 No. 27.

(1)            not being a person serving in any of the armed forces of Nigeria, wears the uniform or any part of the uniform of such forces, or any the armed dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of such uniforms; or

(2)            not being a person holding any office or authority under the Government of Nigeria or of any part thereof, wears any uniform or distinctive badge or mark or carries any token calculated to convey the impression that such person holds any office or authority under the government;

                 is guilty of an offence and is liable to imprisonment for one month, or to a fine of ten naira, unless he proves that he had the permission of the President or of the Governor of a State or wear such uniform or dress, badge or mark or to carry such token:

                 Provided that this section shall not apply to the wearing of any uniform or dress in the course of a stage play or in any bona fide public entertainment.

111.         Any person who sells or gives any uniform, or part of a or any dress, badge or mark, as in the last preceding section mentioned, to any person who is not authorised to wear the same, is guilty of an offence and is liable to the penalties prescribed in the said section.

Section 251 of the Constitution also states;

  Any person who, not being a person serving in any of the armed or police forces of Nigeria, wears the uniform of any of these forces, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of any such uniform, in such manner or in such circumstances as to be likely to bring contempt on that uniform, or employs any other person so to wear such uniform or dress, is guilty of a simple offence, and is liable to imprisonment for three months or to a fine of forty naira.

The offence for wearing camo is laughable and indicates this part of the Constitution has not been updated. Ten Naira and Forty Naira might make this law seem laughable but in Section 110 (1) in Lagos State Law (2011) it is a serious business which says the penalty for wearing camo is 2 years imprisonment with no option of fine.

Pop stars such as M.I, Wizkid, Ice Prince and others have been documented numerous times wearing camo pants, jackets, shirts or caps. However, in July 2015, the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna (the institution that trains soldiers) warned rapper M.I and singer Charass about wearing camo. "we have noticed u! And the arm of bars must prevail."

The camouflage is the sacred clothing of a soldier and a Nigerian soldier is enraged when he sees a  civilian wear the same camouflage he shed blood for. Of course, this is silly. 

The more reasonable reason why camouflage is outlawed is because of security. Nigeria is a porous country security wise. If civilians are allowed to wear camouflage, the most outrageous of crimes would take place.

Nigeria isn't the only country that has outlawed camo for civilians. Caribbean nations and in India are on board with the outlaw of camo for civillians. Surprisingly, world powers such as America and Russia who have some of the most powerful armies in the world do not have this rule. In most countries on earth, civilians wearing camo is not outlawed. I guess in most countries around the world, most military men do not wear camouflage in public. They dress like civilians. It's only during martial law that you see soldiers on the streets of America. On a normal day, any individual seen wearing camo is believed to be a civilian.

In Finland, the law explicitly prohibits civilians from wearing any uniform that could imply that someone is a member of the Finnish defence forces. Additionally, the camouflage patterns created for the FDF are restricted to military usage by law.

When it comes to military personnel in international transit, the FDF's Logistic Department's guidelines state that the only case when a military staff member is allowed to travel wearing their service uniform is when they are expected to be received in official capacity as soon as they land. In all other cases, they are expected to travel wearing their civilian clothing and to change into their military uniform only for the part of their journey that requires them to officially represent the FDF abroad.

So you better know where you belong if you are a civilian. 

Know what the law says before trying out a Military camou in your country.

Have a nice day