After getting married, when is it appropriate to change my name tape?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 08:38:13 -0400

I am in the Reserves and I am getting married the weekend before drill. Am I allowed to wear my new name tapes to drill or do I have to wait until everything is changed on the Army side?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2016 8:39 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 08:39:43 -0400

O-L-S-o_n lol any questions! SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member

Response by PO2 Kristy Williams made Oct 5 at 2016 8:39 AM

PO2 Kristy Williams — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 08:39:44 -0400

You have to go to deers and to your admin within your command.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Oct 5 at 2016 8:44 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 08:44:34 -0400

Another thought might be to contact yr reserve unit cadre and ask if they could get started on the paperwork before drill weekend. You could fax/email them the data, marriage cert etc. If they were nice they might start the process for you. Good luck..and best wishes in yr new married life..

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 5 at 2016 8:55 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 08:55:39 -0400

Congratulations, Ma'am SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member!
My prayers are with you and your fiancé.
-With My Love in Him, SPC Margaret Higgins

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 5 at 2016 8:57 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 08:57:27 -0400

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member Wait....
Submit the required forms and supporting documentation though your command and the Admin section.
Then go to DEERs with the required supporting documentation and update DEERS, have a new ID card issued.

The real change was in your heart..... so go with that for the weekend....let the somewhat slower process of the admin work catch up to stay on the right side of the regulations as well as help yourself avoid pay screw ups, personal accountability issues (credit for drill) or worse case if you need to prove your identity and the name your presenting is not matched to your ID card.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2016 9:14 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 09:14:27 -0400

Congratulations on your marriage. May the Army recognize your new name.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Oct 5 at 2016 10:52 AM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 10:52:36 -0400

You can change the name tape any time you want.

Nobody is going to check DEERS or the S1 to ensure you filed the right paperwork.

They are velcro after all. ;-)

Congratulations

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2016 11:05 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 11:05:11 -0400

You can. But just be aware that the Army system won't see you as your new name until the papers are processed for name change. And congrats on your upcoming wedding.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Oct 5 at 2016 11:27 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 11:27:05 -0400

I had a Soldier show up once with his name on both sides of his field jacket. Sewn on. For that day he was the Army of Gast! I bet you'll be ok. Just get your records and dog tags caught up ASAP..

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Oct 5 at 2016 12:16 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 12:16:06 -0400

The sooner the better.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Oct 5 at 2016 3:15 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 15:15:27 -0400

Play is safe, wait until it is ARMY official. The ARMY functions on orders and documents.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2016 7:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 19:02:20 -0400

As soon as that is the name on your ERB,

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2016 8:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 20:48:22 -0400

I would play it safe and wait until it is in the books Army style. I'm sure your unit won't mind you doing it a little early if you're too excited to wait though! Congrats!