Can a Retiree with a shaving profile wear the ASU or AGSU with a beard?

SFC Jay Nolasco — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 11:24:02 -0400

I know this topic has been talked about here but my question is as follow: So AR 670-1 says that if a Retired person not on active duty wants to wear the Service uniform it needs to be done in the same matter as if they where Active Duty, no beard, no long hair (males), etc. But what happens to those who had a religious exemption (3–16(3)b.) or shaving profiles (TB Med 287) and did had a beard? do they have to carry their old profiles or exemptions with them if they do wear the uniform after retirement to show people why they have one if asked? what do you all think?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 9 at 2023 12:15 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:15:49 -0400

If you are retired you don't have a shaving profile or no shaving chit because you aren't in any longer. Anything you had while in has since expired because you left.

With that said, the expectation is to wear the uniform correctly and to look good in uniform according to policy. Will it make people mad to see someone in uniform with a beard regardless of anything else? Yes. Will veterans or retirees end up doing what they want anyways? Yes.

If somebody gets lifed out for having a beard in uniform and pulls out an ancient profile from a million years ago they will be laughed at directly in their face

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2023 12:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:38:54 -0400

If you're retired, you don't have a no shaving profile anymore. You're not on active duty...once you left active duty any profile you had issued from a provider won't apply anymore. Neither would the religious exemption.

This is what 670-1 has for the paragraph on retired personnel:

23–3. 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 RA 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 RA 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 Regular 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 RA.
(b) Wear the uniform in accordance with the guidance provided to RA Soldiers (see DA Pam 670–1).
g. Retirees are authorized to wear the Retired Service Identification Badge (see DA Pam 670–1).
h. Retirees are authorized to wear the Retired SSI (see DA Pam 670–1).

It says only "retired personnel on active duty" wear the unfiorm and insignia in the same manner as personnel on RA.

But you can only wear it in the instances listed...I bet if you have a neatly trimmed beard no one would care if they know you're retired. I honestly don't know why anyone would wear their uniforms after they retire but that's on them. I'm putting all my military stuff away when I retire.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2023 4:37 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 16:37:07 -0400

You know your personal situation as it relates to your particular military branch of service grooming regulations. If a particular person looking at you in your uniform thinks whatever negative thoughts about you, so what. They do not know your life story. If your beard is that major of a thing to them then that's pretty sad in my opinion, but if they do ask you about it then so be it. You can tell them whatever you want to tell them.

Response by 1SG Russell S. made Aug 9 at 2023 6:48 PM

1SG Russell S. — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 18:48:04 -0400

I just don’t get the desire to keep wearing the uniform after retirement. To me uniforms are for the ones still in. To each his/ her/ it’s own.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 11 at 2023 8:09 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 20:09:38 -0400

Yes discussed many times (mostly Army). Bottom line, nobody can do anything about it. Of my 32 years in, five were with a beard by necessity. I have a beard now and put the uniform on to bury a shipmate, etc. Never been "corrected" but I'll Mr. T the fool that tries. Usually the correctors out there wouldn't understand in the first place.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2023 8:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 20:19:03 -0400

While I was at Fort Moore (Benning) I would see retired Soldiers wear their uniforms to a graduation. I always thought it was tasteless. THere are a few rules that I always held. When you are going to an event you should never outshine the host or person of recognition. I have seen a that came with a beard in uniform and I am not a fan of it. A part of being a Soldier is looking like a Soldier.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2023 6:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 18:31:04 -0400

Yes. Ask BG Buzz Aldrin.

https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/3387129/ssc-hosts-ceremony-for-legendary-astronaut-and-fighter-pilot-buzz-aldrins-honor

SSC Hosts Ceremony for Legendary Astronaut and Fighter Pilot Buzz Aldrin’s Honorary Appoin

Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, Space Systems Command, commander presided over a promotion ceremony for retired United States Air Force Col. Buzz Aldrin, to the honorary rank of brigadier general at Los

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2023 1:35 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 01:35:21 -0400

Retiree denotes no longer in service. No longer in service denotes no longer having a shaving profile. It boils down to your personal decision and reason for wearing the uniform again.