Terry: The headlines seem that way because that is more controversial and sells more newspapers than a headline like: "Navy directive aimed at ensuring senior retired officers do not get mistaken for active members at public functions". That would sell very few newspapers, and even then, likely just to those who raised the complaints against their former bosses.
The criminal code offense printed out would appear to be aimed at current uniforms, and not period and obsolete uniforms. But even the recently obsolescent olive green combats or the (shudder) garrison jackets, when worn with the appropriate badging, headress and footwear, could easily be mistaken for something current, and I suspect could fall under the criminal code. The law may be aimed at preventing subterfuge or may well just be trying to prevent the wannabees from having fun.
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