As an AF veteran who was serving in the IRR during wartime, am I allowed to wear my uniform to a funeral?

2018-04-06T11:09:07-04:00

According to AF regs, a veteran Airman can only wear their uniform to special ceremonial events (like a funeral of another veteran) if they served during wartime. The question is, does Individual Ready Reserve count as actually serving? Specifically, I got out of the USAF in January 1990, but the Gulf War Wartime start date is August 2, 1990. I was on IRR until 1994, so did I technically serve during the Gulf War Wartime, thereby allowing me to wear my uniform to this friend's funeral?

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 6 at 2018 11:15 AM

2018-04-06T11:15:39-04:00

Honestly I would say if you want to wear your uniform to a friends funeral go for it, just make sure its up to snuff. I understand wanting to follow regs but a fellow veterans funeral IMO is a time to honor the man/woman rather than be a regulation nazi.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Apr 6 at 2018 11:28 AM

2018-04-06T11:28:41-04:00

Completely concur. Like a couple of recent uniform questions, the point is honoring a friend on a special day, not gaining unmerited bennies like stolen valor warriors.

Response by SFC Sid Grant made Apr 6 at 2018 11:44 AM

2018-04-06T11:44:01-04:00

Wear it! But wear it with respect and within regulations.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2018 12:43 PM

2018-04-06T12:43:43-04:00

What an odd regulation. I would like to know the misguided thought process behind it.
You served, you can wear your uniform to whatever appropriate function you’d like. Especially a funeral.

Response by SGT Jake Miller made Apr 6 at 2018 1:27 PM

2018-04-06T13:27:39-04:00

I am medically retired and I wear my uniform to the Memorial Day ceremony at the local grave yard for all the fallen Veterans. As long as you don't look like a dirt bag. Go,for,it

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 6 at 2018 3:01 PM

2018-04-06T15:01:23-04:00

I think you are good to go, Sgt. I have wanted to do the same thing but I'm not shaving to put my uniform back on. Sorry about your friend.

Response by Cpl David Cooper made Apr 13 at 2018 3:59 PM

2018-04-13T15:59:21-04:00

Wear it.
What are they going to do, kick you out?

Response by CCMSgt Amy Rocheleau made Apr 13 at 2018 7:17 PM

2018-04-13T19:17:30-04:00

As long as you are a veteran you are authorized to wear your uniform to military functions, cerimonys, weddings, funerals. However it needs to be in accordance with current regs.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2018 6:02 PM

2018-04-22T18:02:57-04:00

Wear it! Who's going to "inspect" your DD-214 and if if they did, what can they do about it!

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Apr 22 at 2018 6:16 PM

2018-04-22T18:16:40-04:00

If you wear your uniform with pride and within regulation, I say wear it. On the side note...I don't know about you, but I know my uniform doesn't fit anymore, and I've only been out since 2010. Lol.

Response by SPC Robert DeVolld made Sep 5 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-09-05T16:27:00-04:00

I'm surprised they didnt recall you to active duty