Posted on May 19, 2016
Does anyone know of a tradition/regulation governing wear of only one's highest personal award?
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Uniforms
Uniforms
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 10
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I don’t know what the Navy Regulations are, but in The Army, Commanders may require the wear of authorized awards on the following occasions: (1) Parades, reviews, inspections, and funerals. (2) Ceremonial and social occasions. Unless directed by a commander, authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC James Bozeman - wear of awards on civilian tux follows general guidelines of mess dress: mini badges and badges on left lapel.
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LCDR (Join to see)
My reference was Section 7 of current Navy Regs Sir; LTC Tongret seems to have provided the Army equivalent.
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SFC John Hill
LTC James Bozeman - I believe the answer you are looking for can be found here: AR 670-1, Chapter 23-Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel. See also: DA PAM 670–1 Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, Chapter 23- Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel for details. Both of these are available on-line, unclassified, for further reading and clarification, to include wearing of authorized awards on/in civilian attire.
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PO3 Terry Miller
Often in more formal settings it is proper to wear the three highest awards though I am unable to cite the specific regulation.
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Article 5312 of the Navy uniform regs governs wear of medals, ribbons, and badges. Under 3. Arrangement - "...Arrange ribbons in order of precedence in rows from top down, inboard to outboard. Wear either the three senior ribbons, or all ribbons if you have earned three or more..."
I have never seen anything about wearing only the top one ribbon (unless you only have one) while in uniform.
I have never seen anything about wearing only the top one ribbon (unless you only have one) while in uniform.
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PO1 John Dworske
I retired back in '88 after 23. years in the Navy. I wore my senior 3 ribbons one time and it drove my shipmates nuts! They'd seen me with all of them before and they said I'd better be wearing all of them from now on as I looked stupid with only 3 ribbons. Myself and my Chief had aa good laugh over it. On the positive side it made some of the guys go check to see that it was done properly.
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LT (Join to see)
PO1 John Dworske - I switched to my top three when I realized that buying three ribbons was way less-painful to buy than a dozen or so!
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PO1 John Dworske
LT (Join to see) - You are so right. Buying three is a lot cheaper than all of them. Especially when you have to add in the stars and other things that denote multiple awards of the same ribbons(medals). Have a great day Sir!
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CAPT Charles Weishar
Appreciate your ref. to the Uniform Regs. I normally wore only the top row of my ribbons -- but then I didn't have many others.
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There's been a tradition in the Navy for folk to wear, at their option, the top three. I did that because it was easier for everyday khaki wear. As Always, the Army has a reg for everything in more excruciating detail.
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PO1 John Dworske
CAPT Kevin B. - Amen to you on this Sir! Having been around SEALs during my career; I learned that they seldom wear most of their ribbons as the missions that earned them the awards are all classified. They do things that can not be talked about. It's for their safety; and the safety of the families. They truly are great patriots of our country. I have the upmost respect for these brave sailors!
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CAPT Charles Weishar
Amusing comment, Capt. As I recall, Navy Regs include at most two manuals while Army Regs take a wall size bookcase.
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