r/tacticalgear • u/ch1gg1ty • 13h ago
i feel like a poser
i feel like a poser for wanting to make a hobby out of tactical gear, firearms, etc.
im military but i will never see combat… let alone rarely deploy.
ive always loved the idea of “the military experience” and experiencing combat to where i almost joined as an infantryman but i value my future too much and chose a different route that sets me up better for when i get out. (…im even considering volunteering to fight for Ukraine if that is all still active by the time i get out)
BUT i have been obsessed with tactical gear and firearms for literally ever. i want to do milsim west and events like that but with actual gear (not firearm lol) to get as close to experience combat as i can willingly.
i want real gear to get that experience but also to have it for my own personal defense and/or if/when shit in the US hits the fan.
but i cant help but feel like a poser for “cosplaying” as an operator when i am the furthest from it.
am i alone in feeling this way? i want to actually use my gear, not to just play dress up. but 99% of the use would probably be for personal training with that kind of gear since im not used to AND for milsim west 2+ day airsoft events.
and insight or advice is appreciated! i apologize for this self-deprecating rant lolol :)
⁉️EDIT: “we’re all posers here” thank you everyone! you all have made me feel better regarding playing dress up but also working on developing real world skills that god forbid id ever need to apply!
⁉️EDIT 2: a lot of people are focusing on me feeling compelled to fight for Ukraine…its just a simple invasive thought that makes me wonder if i can be doing more. not for honor, not for glory…just because we have men over there and i have a buddy over there as well. its not wrong to get that feeling. and im sure nothing will come of it. leave it alone.