Posted on Aug 20, 2019
Are you required by regulation to wear your Drill Sergeant badge while serving as a Drill Sergeant?
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Posted >1 y ago
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It is, hands down my most cherished possession. Above my Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Jump Wings, even the President's Hundred tab. I couldn't begin to wonder why someone who earned it, wouldn't want to wear it. I will be buried with it, so that St. Peter knows who he's dealing with when I get to the pearly gates. (JK)...
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No, you are not required to wear the DS Identification Badge by AR 670-1 or DA Pam 670-1.
See DA Pam 670-1, 4-8. e.
Verify there is no TRADOC or installation requirement (I doubt it).
That's the "by regulation" answer. You've seen the former DS opinions, which I concur with.
Instead of asking why you wouldn't want to wear it, the first question that came to my mind was: Why a current DS didn't know, or didn't take the time to look?
(Based on initial post).
See DA Pam 670-1, 4-8. e.
Verify there is no TRADOC or installation requirement (I doubt it).
That's the "by regulation" answer. You've seen the former DS opinions, which I concur with.
Instead of asking why you wouldn't want to wear it, the first question that came to my mind was: Why a current DS didn't know, or didn't take the time to look?
(Based on initial post).
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1SG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) First, you are the DS who came here seeking an answer you were unable to find on your own. Yet, I'll provide additional information.
There is a regulation governing how regulations and other publications are written. Maybe a 25-series, but I've written in detail about that in a different post, and don't feel like looking it up. It's easily searchable.
One thing it covers is the use of specific words. Here is a quick general explanation.
Shall, will, must, and required are used when there is no option, other than an exception.
May and should are used when it is authorized, but NOT required.
4-8. e. Second word in that paragraph is "may," with regard to sew on badges.
Second word in second to last sentence is "may," with regard to pin on badges.
20-17 d. Personnel "may...."
20-17 e. (8) "Officers who were awarded....are authorized..."
There is no "are required," references.
But, then again, I already know the only time I am "required" to wear an award or ID badge appropriate for the uniform being worn is for DA photo and when directed by commander.
Again, you aren't required to wear it.
Finally, when interpreting regulations you should be aware that, as in this case, everything isn't in black and white.
There is a regulation governing how regulations and other publications are written. Maybe a 25-series, but I've written in detail about that in a different post, and don't feel like looking it up. It's easily searchable.
One thing it covers is the use of specific words. Here is a quick general explanation.
Shall, will, must, and required are used when there is no option, other than an exception.
May and should are used when it is authorized, but NOT required.
4-8. e. Second word in that paragraph is "may," with regard to sew on badges.
Second word in second to last sentence is "may," with regard to pin on badges.
20-17 d. Personnel "may...."
20-17 e. (8) "Officers who were awarded....are authorized..."
There is no "are required," references.
But, then again, I already know the only time I am "required" to wear an award or ID badge appropriate for the uniform being worn is for DA photo and when directed by commander.
Again, you aren't required to wear it.
Finally, when interpreting regulations you should be aware that, as in this case, everything isn't in black and white.
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SSG Shauna Holmes
SSG (Join to see)
Just be prepared for the ensuing disregard for your orders when out and about. The way these trainees are set up, they'll figure you bought a brown round and playing drill.
Just be prepared for the ensuing disregard for your orders when out and about. The way these trainees are set up, they'll figure you bought a brown round and playing drill.
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1SG (Join to see)
SSG Shauna Holmes all privates see is the hat. I had a BN Cdr complain that privates would walk past his vehicle without saluting, but would go to parade rest when they saw a DS half a block away.
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MSG Thomas Currie
SSG (Join to see) - "I just want to see that I am required to in black and white." Are you sure you aren't still a SP4
Just about every "Is there a regulation" question posted on RP is either from a SP4/SPC or a SGT who never changed gears mentally after being promoted.
I say that despite having been a life-long stickler for "show me in black and white where it says that"
Throughout my military career and then as a DA Civilian, I was usually the guy finding, reading and interpreting the regulations for others, and later often the guy writing either the regulation or the implementing instructions, BUT the big point in finding, reviewing, and interpreting any regulation is knowing what you are looking for -- the question you posted comes across as "Do I really have to wear this badge?" which obviously implies either that you don't want to or just possibly that you want to come down on someone else who you once saw not wearing it. The reactions here show that most people reading your question made the logical assumption that you were talking about yourself when you asked the question as you did.
You will find that there are many things in the Army that are presumed without being stated specifically in some regulation. Would you ask which regulation requires that your rank insignia be right-side-up or which regulation prohibits swapping your right and left shoes? Of course not, but you won't find either of those topics stated in black and white in any regulation.
Just about every "Is there a regulation" question posted on RP is either from a SP4/SPC or a SGT who never changed gears mentally after being promoted.
I say that despite having been a life-long stickler for "show me in black and white where it says that"
Throughout my military career and then as a DA Civilian, I was usually the guy finding, reading and interpreting the regulations for others, and later often the guy writing either the regulation or the implementing instructions, BUT the big point in finding, reviewing, and interpreting any regulation is knowing what you are looking for -- the question you posted comes across as "Do I really have to wear this badge?" which obviously implies either that you don't want to or just possibly that you want to come down on someone else who you once saw not wearing it. The reactions here show that most people reading your question made the logical assumption that you were talking about yourself when you asked the question as you did.
You will find that there are many things in the Army that are presumed without being stated specifically in some regulation. Would you ask which regulation requires that your rank insignia be right-side-up or which regulation prohibits swapping your right and left shoes? Of course not, but you won't find either of those topics stated in black and white in any regulation.
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Under what circumstance would you not wish to wear it? Talk about confusing a trainee!
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