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

Sgt Jeffrey Grubb — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 11:09:07 -0400

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

SPC David Willis — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 11:15:39 -0400

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

MSgt George Cater — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 11:28:41 -0400

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

SFC Sid Grant — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 11:44:01 -0400

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

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

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:43:43 -0400

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

SGT Jake Miller — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 13:27:39 -0400

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

TSgt David L. — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 15:01:23 -0400

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

Cpl David Cooper — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:59:21 -0400

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

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

CCMSgt Amy Rocheleau — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 19:17:30 -0400

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

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 18:02:57 -0400

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

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 18:16:40 -0400

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

SPC Robert DeVolld — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 16:27:00 -0400

I'm surprised they didnt recall you to active duty