Are retired Army personnel authorized to wear the blue mess uniform for formal military events where dinner dress or tuxedos are requested?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 09:06:32 -0400

AR 670-1 authorizes occasions for wear of the Army uniform by retired personnel. DA PAM 670-1 provides further information. Neither prohibit retirees from wearing the mess uniform or mention a requirement to wear only the ASU. The retiree handbook summarizes both and mentions service and dress uniforms, but not the mess uniform.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Mar 15 at 2018 9:36 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 09:36:45 -0400

I my humble opinion if you are retired wear what you want even if not addressed in AR 670-1. What are "they" going to do, make you join the ARMY?

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Mar 15 at 2018 9:43 AM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 09:43:38 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member If it is not mentioned and not specifically prohibited, then I would think you could wear it, based on the regulation for appropriate times to wear the mess uniform. Army retirees have a handbook. I do not ever recall receiving one when I retired from the Navy.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 15 at 2018 9:45 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 09:45:58 -0400

Why yes they may.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Mar 15 at 2018 10:09 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 10:09:38 -0400

Not sure about the Army, but the Navy allows retirees to wear uniforms if they are worn appropriately. For example, I can wear my Dress uniform to weddings, funerals, or other military retirements, as long as I'm within regulations (I.e. no beard or long hair) and the uniform is within regs (I.e. no partial uniform or not within standards). My son is at a service academy and if he wants me to be his "first salute" than I will put my uniform on one more time. I can't think of a reason to wear a non-dress uniform. Good luck.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 15 at 2018 10:38 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 10:38:51 -0400

If you have it ma'am, wear it with pride.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 11:01 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 11:01:30 -0400

April-Navy guidance is very similar; basically, a retired officer, or officer who served during time of war and was discharged honorably, can wear the uniform and highest rank earned under a few, sensible circumstances. My personal interpretation is this: If it is worn in full compliance with current guidance, gives credit to the Service, is not worn during a "political" or "commercial" event, and meets the "common sense" standard...go for it.

Some examples where I would and HAVE with great reception: Military weddings where a member of the wedding party, and requested. Military balls, Veteran's events or Military remembrances where requested or stipulated. Military Academy graduations where a family member is receiving their commission.

Here's some examples of what I "would not" do: I wouldn't wear my working uniforms EVER...unless the event specifically called for it, and there are few to none I can think of that would apply (ok, there is one...but it's a long shot). I wouldn't wear service dress to a "black tie" event, and wouldn't wear mess dress to a "white tie" event. I wouldn't wear miniature medals with civilian black or white tie...UNLESS the event had a patriotic or military theme, then I most certainly WOULD wear them. I wouldn't wear any uniform whatsoever, to any event whatever unless it was in the same condition (appearance, state of preservation, "fit") I'd have worn it during active duty.

One way to show your accomplishments, tastefully, respectfully, and with little to no chance of faux pas is miniatures. These are allowed ( I know for Navy, probably for everyone else) with civilian attire with some very basic guidelines, look sharp, and fit a wide range of events. I often wear my miniature "rack" with a dark blue blazer, blue & gold "regimental" tie, dress khaki slacks, white shirt and highly polished shoes whenever representing our American Legion Post, speaking at veterans' events, or attending veterans' oriented events.

When "less formal" attire is required (say a sport coat or civilian day suit), I wear an enamel pin of my highest award only. Most people "in the know", immediately "get" it.

For any event calling for "casual" attire, I try to avoid anything. Possibly a polo with a service, branch or unit crest.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 15 at 2018 11:43 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 11:43:08 -0400

Yes, as long as worn properly and is the appropriate dress for the occasion.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Mar 15 at 2018 12:27 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 12:27:18 -0400

The short answer is yes, I have worn my mess blues to a few military oriented events and weddings. I was intended on wearing my old dress greens to my sons jump school graduation one day soon as I was told by multiple sources that you can wear teh uniform that was issued at the time of your retirement as long as it is squared away. You constantly see WWII,Korea and Nam vets in their issue uniforms.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Mar 15 at 2018 3:52 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 15:52:31 -0400

If you wish you can ask the host if they approve of the military uniform in place of the other formal wear. Military ball or other formal military related event. Friends wedding or dance, you should ask the host.
You are retired but still a service member and if receiving retirement pay, you could be held accountable for material misrepresentations on your uniform. Of course, the military service would need to bring you on orders to do anything and it is highly unlikely to happen.
You may wear what you wish, service, dress or mess as long as you wear in accordance with the AR and it is reflective of your own awards. Usually you will get admiring glances and TY for your service.
If someone says something negative, tell them where to shove their opinion and enjoy your party.

If you need the documentation then download the most recent Army Retirement Handbook or search for it on the RP forum. Section 3-9 is Wear of Uniform and 3-10 is Awards.

3-9. Wearing of the Uniform.
a. Retired Soldiers may wear the Army uniform at occasions essentially of a military character, at which
the uniform is more appropriate than civilian clothing. These functions include, but are not limited to:
military balls, military parades, inaugurals, weddings, memorial services, and military funerals; memorial
services, meetings, conferences, or similar functions of associations formed for military purposes, of
which the membership is composed largely or entirely of current or honorably discharged Veterans of
the Armed Forces of the United States. Authority to wear the uniform includes wear while traveling
to and from the ceremony or function, provided the travel in uniform can be completed on the day of
the ceremony or function.
b. In addition to the occasions for wear listed above, retired personnel are authorized to wear the
uniform only when attending parades on national or State holidays, or other patriotic parades or
ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these
occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the combat uniform and physical fitness
uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose
than stated above, is prohibited.
c. Retired Soldiers are prohibited from wearing Army uniforms:
• When furthering any political or commercial interests, or when engaged in civilian employment.
• When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public
demonstrations.
• When attending any meeting or event that is a function of, or is sponsored by, an extremist
organization.
• When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army.
• When specifically prohibited by Army regulations.
• When not on active duty but acting as an instructor or responsible for military discipline at an
educational institution, unless the educational institution is conducting courses of instruction
approved by the Armed Forces.
d. All persons wearing the Army uniform will wear awards, decorations, and insignia in the same manner
as prescribed for active duty Soldiers. On the blue service and dress uniforms, Retired Soldiers will
wear the retired service ID badge and may wear the combat service ID badge if they were authorized
wear of the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia – Former Wartime Service while on active duty.
e. Retired personnel on active duty will wear their uniform and insignia in the same manner as prescribed
for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch.
15
f. Retired personnel not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on
the date of their retirement, or the uniform prescribed for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding
grade and branch, when appropriate, but may not mix the two uniforms. Personnel will wear the grade as
shown on the retired grade of rank line on their retirement order. Personnel who will be advanced to a
higher grade upon retirement have the option of wearing the insignia of that grade thereafter.
g. Retired Soldiers are authorized to wear military medals on appropriate civilian clothing. This includes
clothes designed for veteran and patriotic organizations on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Armed
Forces Day, as well as at formal occasions of ceremony and social functions of a military nature.
Personnel may wear either full-sized or miniature medals. Personnel who wear medals on civilian clothes
should place the medals on the clothing in approximately the same location and in the same manner as
for the Army uniform, so they look similar to medals worn on the Army uniform.
h. Retired Soldiers are authorized to wear the physical fitness uniform:
(1) With civilian attire off the installation.
(2) When wearing the physical fitness uniform as a complete uniform, Retired Soldiers will follow
the guidance in AR 670-1 par. 21-3f.
i. The guidance above is summarized from Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army
Uniforms and Insignia, and Department of the Army Pamphlet 670-1, Guide to the Wear and Appearance
of Army Uniforms and Insignia.
Retired insignia may be purchased at www shopmyexchange dot com or any installation military clothing
sales store.

Response by SFC Mike Elliott made Apr 16 at 2018 7:33 PM

SFC Mike Elliott — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 19:33:15 -0400

I do not have a retiree handbook. But, my opinion is if you are retired and are authorized to wear your ASU/Dress Blues then why not wear your dress mess for appropriate occasions.

Response by CW4 Eric Clayton made Jun 24 at 2018 3:19 PM

CW4 Eric Clayton — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 15:19:27 -0400

You’ve earned the right to wear the uniform so wear it proudly and if there isn’t something in the AR which addresses the wear, use common sense and try to adhere to what you’d wear if you were on active duty.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 3:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 15:25:00 -0400

After I retired, the greens and blues went into suit bags and into the back of the closet. The come out once a year or so to see if the still fit. I figure if I still fit (semi) comfortably into the Class A jacket I was issued in basic training all those years ago, I’ve got to be doing something right.

And then neatly back into the bags. I don’t understand the wearing of Army uniforms in retirement.

Response by CPT Chris Swatty made Dec 19 at 2018 1:12 PM

CPT Chris Swatty — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 13:12:46 -0500

From AR670-1: 30–3. Wear of the uniform by retired personnel
30–3. Wear of the uniform by retired personnel
a. Personnel who will be advanced to a higher grade upon retirement have the option of wearing the insignia of that grade thereafter.
b. Retired personnel on active duty will wear their uniform and insignia in the same manner as prescribed for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch.
c. Retired personnel not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on the date of their retirement, or the uniform for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate, but may not intermix the two uniforms. Personnel will wear the grade as shown on the retired grade of rank line on the retirement order.
f. In addition to the occasions for wear listed above, retired personnel are authorized to wear the uniform only on the following occasions. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the BDU and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn.
(1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.

Response by COL James Olsen made Mar 3 at 2019 8:50 PM

COL James Olsen — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 20:50:06 -0500

DA PAM 670-1
16-6: General guidelines
a. The blue mess uniform is worn for black-tie functions and corresponds to a civilian tuxedo. The blue evening mess uniform is the most formal uniform worn by Army personnel and corresponds to the civilian “white tie and tails.”
b. Personnel may wear the black dress gloves, black scarf, and the black all-weather coat. Personnel may wear white gloves with the basic uniforms. The black oxford shoes with black socks are the only authorized footwear for these uniforms.

AR 670-1
Chapter 21 Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel 21–1. Occasions of ceremony a. As used in this regulation, the phrase “occasions of ceremony” means occasions essentially of a military character, at which the uniform is more appropriate than civilian clothing. These functions include, but are not limited to, military balls, military parades, weddings, military funerals, memorial services, meetings, conferences, or similar functions of associations formed for military purposes, of which the membership is composed largely or entirely of current or honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. Authority to wear the uniform includes wear while traveling to and from the ceremony or function, provided the travel in uniform can be completed on the day of the ceremony or function and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c. b. All persons wearing the Army uniform will wear awards, decorations, and insignia in the same manner as prescribed in this regulation for active duty Soldiers. For civilian attire, individuals may wear only those awards, decorations, or insignia authorized by this regulation for wear on civilian clothing, in the same manner and approximate location as the equivalent military uniform.

Response by COL James Olsen made Mar 3 at 2019 8:50 PM

COL James Olsen — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 20:50:38 -0500

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made May 12 at 2019 7:18 AM

1LT Peter Duston — Sun, 12 May 2019 07:18:12 -0400

I wear my mess dress with pride to evening military events such as dining in, dining out, military balls, etc.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Jan 11 at 2021 5:57 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 17:57:28 -0500

I have worn my mess dress to many formal military events as a retiree.