Are there uniform regulations that apply to wear of uniform items by retirees?

LTC Vincent Moore — Thu, 07 May 2020 22:26:10 -0400

Specifically, I’m wondering about getting some use out of my PT uniform which I have only worn twice a year for a PT test since having to purchase a new one due to (another) uniform change a few years ago. The long pants are solid black, so nothing specifically Army, but all the other items say Army of course. I’ve seen older retirees wear the older PTs around, but can’t recall seeing any wearing the most current version.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 8 at 2020 12:20 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 08 May 2020 00:20:18 -0400

Here it is, LTC Vincent Moore:
AR 670-1
21-3
f. Retirees are authorized to wear the physical fitness uniform under the following provisions:
(1) With civilian attire off the installation.
(2) When wearing the physical fitness uniform as a complete uniform, retirees will—
(a) Wear only authorized accessories corresponding to those worn by personnel of the AA.
(b) Wear the uniform in accordance with the guidance provided to AA Soldiers in DA Pam 670–1.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 8 at 2020 12:30 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 08 May 2020 00:30:08 -0400

LTC Vincent Moore There are specified for retirees in AR670-1 and the DA Pam 670-1. You'll have people crowing on here that mean old regulation can't hurt you anymore. But the federal law could. I doubt it would ever come to that..but since you asked:

21–3. Retired personnel (AR670-1)
a. Personnel who will be advanced to a higher grade upon retirement have the option of wearing the insignia of that grade thereafter.
b.Retiredpersonnelonactivedutywillweartheiruniformandinsigniainthesamemannerasprescribedforpersonnel in the AA 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 prescribed for personnel in the AA 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.
d. Retired personnel not on active duty are not authorized to wear the Army uniform when they are instructors or responsible for military discipline at an educational institution, unless the educational institution is conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces.
e. In addition to the occasions for wear listed above, retired personnel are authorized to wear the uniform only on the following occasions:
(1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) 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.
f. Retirees are authorized to wear the physical fitness uniform under the following provisions: (1) With civilian attire off the installation.
(2) When wearing the physical fitness uniform as a complete uniform, retirees will—
(a) Wear only authorized accessories corresponding to those worn by personnel of the AA.
(b) Wear the uniform in accordance with the guidance provided to AA Soldiers in DA Pam 670–1.
g. Retirees are authorized to wear the Retired Service Identification Badge (see DA Pam 670–1).

Response by CPL Sarah Stilwell made May 8 at 2020 9:35 AM

CPL Sarah Stilwell — Fri, 08 May 2020 09:35:56 -0400

You can mix and match items off base. I kept my army shorts for a couple years but not the army shirt. If you wear both together, as if you were active duty it may seem odd to others. There only uniform reg I know off is the dress uniform: can only be worn by retirees heading to and from a military event and non retirees can only wear dress uniform if served honorably in a time of war and may 'wear the uniform that was issued to them during thier time in service (ww2 - pink n greens, vietnam - green class A uniform, etc.). Regulations change all the time so the only way to know is to look up the latest uniform field manual for your respective branch. Medal of honor recipients wear the medal and uniform and thier pleasure.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2020 10:44 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2020 10:44:06 -0400

Wear them. It's not like they're going to waste the time and money to recall you to active duty to court martial you for violating AR 670-1.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 8 at 2020 11:15 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Fri, 08 May 2020 11:15:05 -0400

I'd have to dust off my copy of 670-1 but I think you would be authorized to wear them. I doubt many outside of military communities would know the difference anyway. As long as you aren't wearing them to a KKK, ANTIFA, or RNC rally you should be fine.

Incidentally, I wish I could still wear some of my PT clothing. Those darn calorie gremlins got into my closet and shrunk most of my clothing after I retired.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made May 11 at 2020 6:24 PM

SGT Chris Padgett — Mon, 11 May 2020 18:24:26 -0400

Lemme tell ya a story about a guy who routinely wears his filed jacket (with name, USARMY, rank, and last unit patch), his boots, and occasionally other parts of his former uniforms whenever and wherever his likes.
Only once have I ever been confronted about it, and then I told that guy to go fuck himself.
I thought that SFC's head was going to pop, but in the end, what was he going to do about it?
Seriously? What? Nothing, that's what! Why? Because while there's this reg out there, who's the reporting authority?
Yeah, once you get out LTC Moore, your name is "hey mister" and you're going to find out just how little people care about what you wear or when you wear it.

Response by MSgt Gilbert Jones made May 15 at 2020 12:38 AM

MSgt Gilbert Jones — Fri, 15 May 2020 00:38:38 -0400

While in the service you aren't suppose to mix parts of your uniform with civilian clothes, but after you are out, just remove your rank. When I go to the VA I see all kinds of uniform parts being worn, in fact just about wear a complete uniform. I have been retired over 29 years and I still wear my field jacket - a little snug and boots in the winter.

Response by MSgt Gilbert Jones made May 15 at 2020 1:03 AM

MSgt Gilbert Jones — Fri, 15 May 2020 01:03:53 -0400

Unless rules have changed, retires are allowed to wear their complete uniforms on special occasions along with their medals. If you are like me, my uniforms wouldn't fit me today but I could wear my medals on a suit on those special days. At the church I attend on Veteran Day we have a ceremony and some of the old timers - WWII people will wear their uniform, medals, or caps.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2020 7:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2020 19:23:06 -0400

We are retired, we can basically do what we want. Just keep in mind who will see you, don't want to give the wrong impression to any young soldiers out there.