As a retired soldier, what uniform can I wear to a military graduation ceremony (OSUT)?

1SG Dennis Hicks — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 21:47:45 -0400

In the past I have been told I can wear one my issued dress uniforms, Greens/Dress Blues as long as I wear them correctly and don’t look like a soup sandwich. Part of that seems correct because I have seen veterans wear WWI and WWII dress uniforms at ceremonies and even Dress Greens. While that may be so, other than the retired patch on my greens it doesn’t cover headgear. I am hoping I am not going to have to buy that new abomination ASU then spend a month figuring out what has changed in the wear and appearance categories. The Reg’s AR-670-1 are about as clear as mud and a most Army regulations leave grey areas the size of Texas.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Apr 3 at 2018 11:38 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 23:38:16 -0400

Wear the uniform as per respective regulations. No need to provide explanations other than stand up and look good and damed proud of it!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2018 6:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 06:13:54 -0400

From AR 670-1: In regards to "C" you may wear the uniform reflecting the grade and branch on the date of your retirement. So if you retired with pinks and greens, greens, blues, ASUs, you should be good.

21–3. 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 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

From DA Pam 670-1:

21–3. Retired personnel
a. See AR 670–1 for general wear of the Army uniform by retired personnel.
b. Retired personnel not on active duty are not authorized to wear SSI, except as follows:
(1) Personnel performing instructor duties at an educational institution conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces will wear the SSI of the command that is responsible for the course of instruction. Senior and junior ROTC instructors will wear the Cadet Command SSI on their left shoulder (see AR 145–1 and 145–2 for wear of the uniform by senior and junior ROTC instructors, respectively).
(2) Retired personnel are authorized to wear the SSI for U.S. Army retirees on the left shoulder of the Army green service uniform. The insignia consists of a white cloth disc with a blue border, and an inner white disc with a red border, which bears a blue and white adaptation of the coat of arms of the United States. The outer disk that surrounds the coat of arms contains the inscription “UNITED STATES ARMY” in red letters at the top, and the word “RETIRED” in blue letters at the bottom (see fig –1). On the blue service and dress uniforms, retired personnel will wear the retired service ID badge (see para20–17 and fig 20–79).
Figure 21–1. Shoulder sleeve insignia, retirees
(3) Retired personnel may wear the SSI–FWTS on the right shoulder of the Army green service uniform if they were authorized wear of the SSI–FWTS while on active duty (see para 19–17). On the Army blue service/dress uniforms, retired personnel may wear the combat service ID badge (see para 20–17 and fig 20–71) if they were authorized wear of the SSI–FWTS while on active duty.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Apr 4 at 2018 11:17 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 11:17:20 -0400

The new 670-1 says you can wear the dress uniform you wore on retirement or the new one as worn by the Active Army. You just can' mix them. Hope this is helpful. I wear the new style blues.

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
21–3. 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 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.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Apr 4 at 2018 11:26 AM

SPC Steven Depuy — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 11:26:20 -0400

Only thing I ever wore after was an old fatigue shirt once in a while in cold weather. I have no problem with someone doing it, just never had that desire.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Apr 4 at 2018 12:48 PM

Jerry Rivas — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 12:48:11 -0400

When my Friend(0-5) Retired, his father (USAF Senior Master Sergeant) Wore his full dress uniform. Nobody bitched.

Response by CSM Greg Clancy made Apr 9 at 2018 11:16 AM

CSM Greg Clancy — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 11:16:38 -0400

I second the new AR 670-1 reference above. Wear the uniform IAW regulatory requirements and you'll never go wrong. The big thing to remember is the occasion or event. Once again the AR covers when a retired Soldier is authorized to wear their uniform. Just remember to wear it correctly and know that at a OSUT graduation everyone is watching. Set the best example possible since young new Soldiers will be watching .

Response by 1SG Michael Brooks made Dec 20 at 2018 6:01 PM

1SG Michael Brooks — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:01:18 -0500

Are Class B's considered dress uniform. It is hot as balls here in Virginia, and I would like to wear ASU Class B Uniform with my Army Retired badge on Right Pocket and the the miniature Army retired button on my beret. I know as long as I don't look like a douche no one will anything.... But I'd like to right. or at least know what rules I'm breaking.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2019 5:48 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 17:48:35 -0500

so I am a retired (2014) Active Army Colonel and my daughter is graduating Basic Training. I still comform to all military appearance standards and have my dress uniform in exactly regulation with current policies. My question is does there AR670 support me wearing it at here BT graduation?

Response by 1LT Junior Forkpah made Sep 8 at 2020 6:31 PM

1LT Junior Forkpah — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 18:31:58 -0400

I'm concern about veteran wearing in my country Liberia because some active soldiers don't know if a veteran can wear anything like military uniform. Even civilians are sometimes harass wearing anything like military uniform or colors. Myself while in active service make such mistake before. Information helps to prevent mistakes.