Are ribbons optional on Army uniforms?

2017-05-30T14:10:55-04:00

Yesterday I saw a Brigadier General wearing what I'm assuming was Army class B uniform, but he had no ribbons and only a name tag and a small badge or unit icon above the name tag. I could not make it out very well. Is this something that is standard practice or optional? Please help feed my curiosity.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 2:36 PM

2017-05-30T14:36:00-04:00

According to AR 670-1, the wear of ribbons on the Class B uniform is optional.

22–2. Authorization
a. Commanders may require the wear of authorized awards on the following occasions:
(1) Parades, reviews, inspections, and funerals.
(2) Ceremonial and social occasions.
b. Unless directed by a commander IAW paragraph 22–2(a), authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer, when not prohibited, during normal duty hours. Personnel also may wear authorized awards on appropriate uniforms when off duty. Personnel are encouraged to wear authorized awards on the service, dress, and mess uniforms.
c. Soldiers may wear authorized awards on the Class B version of the service uniform during duty hours and when off duty, at their option.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made May 30 at 2017 2:36 PM

2017-05-30T14:36:44-04:00

Yes, they are optional for wear on the Class B uniform, per AR 670-1:

"c. Soldiers may wear authorized awards on the Class B version of the service uniform during duty hours and when off duty, at their option."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-05-30T14:46:27-04:00

It seems to be a "may" not a "will" or "shall".

Chapter 22
Wear of Decorations, Service Medals, Badges, Unit Awards, and Appurtenances
22–1. General
This chapter covers decorations, service medals, badges, unit awards and appurtenances, both U.S. and foreign,
authorized for wear on Army uniforms. The term “award” is an all-inclusive term, covering any decoration, service
medal, badge, ribbon, or appurtenance bestowed on an individual or unit. The term “ribbon” is an all-inclusive term
covering that portion of the suspension ribbon of a service medal or decoration that is worn instead of the service
medal or decoration.
22–2. Authorization
a. Commanders may require the wear of authorized awards on the following occasions:
(1) Parades, reviews, inspections, and funerals.
(2) Ceremonial and social occasions.
b. Unless directed by a commander IAW paragraph 22–2(a), authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer,
when not prohibited, during normal duty hours. Personnel also may wear authorized awards on appropriate uniforms
when off duty. Personnel are encouraged to wear authorized awards on the service, dress, and mess uniforms.
c. Soldiers may wear authorized awards on the Class B version of the service uniform during duty hours and when
off duty, at their option.
22–3. When wearing awards is prohibited
Wearing awards is prohibited in the following circumstances:
a. On any uniform other than those authorized in this regulation. (See 18 USC 704 for the penalty for unauthorized
wear of the uniform.)
b. When serving a sentence of confinement.
c. When wearing civilian clothing, except for civilian awards, lapel buttons, or rosettes intended for wear with
civilian clothing. Soldiers may wear miniature medals on formal civilian attire at formal social functions, when wearing
the Army uniform is inappropriate or not authorized.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 2:59 PM

2017-05-30T14:59:18-04:00

It is optional as those who have cited already have shown.

Culturally, it is often referred to as "Super B's" to have everything on a class B uniform. It is not uncommon in warm-weather locations, but in many places it is considered a half measure. Class A's to be actually formal with awards and decorations, Class B's to be business casual.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 30 at 2017 4:33 PM

2017-05-30T16:33:39-04:00

Air Force has all or none rule on ribbons.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 31 at 2017 8:37 AM

2017-05-31T08:37:22-04:00

"Unless directed by a commander IAW paragraph 22–2(a), authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer, when not prohibited, during normal duty hours. Personnel also may wear authorized awards on appropriate uniforms when off duty."

Response by MAJ Brad D'Angelo made May 31 at 2017 11:44 AM

2017-05-31T11:44:31-04:00

Aside from wearing what you choose thats authorized, name rank are a minimum. I always heard general officers could set their own uniform standards. Is that true?

Response by LTC Marc King made May 31 at 2017 5:32 PM

2017-05-31T17:32:52-04:00

General officers can design and wear their own uniforms... Ever see some of the outfits that George Patton used to sport around? One piece tankers coveralls, football helmet and boots with straps replacing laces...

Applicability: This regulation applies to the active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated. Also, it applies to the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the Corps of Cadets, United States Military Academy, only when their respective uniform regulations do not include sufficient guidance or instruction.

It does not apply to generals of the Army, the Chief of Staff of the Army, or former Chiefs of Staff of the Army, each of whom may prescribe his or her own uniform. During mobilization, the proponent may modify chapters and policies contained in this regulation.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 31 at 2017 8:43 PM

2017-05-31T20:43:56-04:00

Once upon a time, before Vietnam, Soldiers were retiring with a NDSM, possibly a Good Conduct and maybe an Arcom. So start at the Arcom and discard.

Response by SGT Eric Hawkins made May 31 at 2017 11:44 PM

2017-05-31T23:44:17-04:00

When I was in (when Jesus was just a buck Sergeant), you could wear the class B uniform with no awards (just rank insignia and nametag). I also remember hearing (may have been a rumor) that General Officers could alter the wear of their uniform (although most did not).

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 12:48 AM

2017-06-01T00:48:03-04:00

The only time it's mandatory to wear all authorized awards and decorations is in your DA photo. All other times, cl A or B, wearing any of your awards is optional

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Jun 1 at 2017 1:45 AM

2017-06-01T01:45:37-04:00

Okay, I'm going to piggy back on this thread, and hopefully a squared away Sergeant can provide me some insight and edification.

Q. Can a Commander direct those in their charge to wear any patch or scroll that the Commander had made for the identification of the unit or a special skill?

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Sep 29 at 2018 10:23 PM

2018-09-29T22:23:31-04:00

He didn’t wear that many ribbons, did he!

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 5 at 2019 11:34 AM

2019-08-05T11:34:56-04:00

Thanks for sharing this!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 31 at 2021 1:02 AM

2021-03-31T01:02:40-04:00

Optional. The “Icon” above his name tag is his regimental distinctive insignia RDI. The requirement on class B is rank and name tag. You have the option of wearing badges and/or your top three awards. Most just wear name plate, RDI and rank

We have another uniform in the ASU family called Class A Tropical. That’s the SS shirt with full ribbons and badges.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 24 at 2021 12:27 AM

2021-05-24T00:27:18-04:00

There is no regulation that requires soldiers to wear all of their awards. They are required, however, for official photographs.

The general probably felt that his stars were enough to establish his credibility - and he was right.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 23 at 2024 9:43 PM

2024-01-23T21:43:09-05:00

Optional to wear some, none or all, unless dictated otherwise by local or higher authority.