Can a vet wear airborne ASU?

SPC Kevin Withrow — Sun, 05 May 2019 16:36:10 -0400

I just got out of the Army less than a year ago; I was in the 173rd. My father, a retired USMC Captain, wants me to participate in a Memorial Day flag raising ceremony for the city he works for. What ASU uniform am I authorized to wear? Is it the same one I wore in the 173rd? I've read somewhere that one can only wear that uniform when actually in the unit and on jump status. Thanks

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2019 4:43 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 May 2019 16:43:27 -0400

If you are talking about bloused jump boots with ASU, no. That is unit of assignment specific.
Everything else, to include wearing the ASU as a veteran, is low quarters.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 5 at 2019 4:47 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sun, 05 May 2019 16:47:40 -0400

You are just talking the Beret and bloused boots, correct ? the reg says uniform at highest rank held. go for it.

Response by SPC Kevin Withrow made May 6 at 2019 5:38 PM

SPC Kevin Withrow — Mon, 06 May 2019 17:38:56 -0400

Thanks all for your responses. I have read all the regs and have come to the conclusion that they are a bit ambiguous on this topic. I believe they do not prevent me from wearing the jumps boots with maroon beret. Those that say they do prevent me are drawing inferences instead of looking at only what the text says. Specifically, in 18-3, it says that soldiers assigned to airborne units wear it. It says nothing about being CURRENTLY assigned. However, for the tan beret, the text specifically states soldiers CURRENTLY assigned to certain units may wear the tan beret. Therefore, I can only conclude that the regs would also include the word “currently” for the maroon beret if that was the intent.

That is the uniform I will wear because that is the only uniform I ever wore. Even if the regs said otherwise, I’d probably still wear it because AATW!!

Response by SSG David Brandgard made May 3 at 2021 9:57 AM

SSG David Brandgard — Mon, 03 May 2021 09:57:58 -0400

Wear what you wore while serving. Last unit assigned. AATW! Boots, trimming, and beret. But wear it properly. I can see the idea that you aren't assigned there anymore so you don't wear it, but as long as you don't try to state that you are still serving and that you are out, then wear it. I totally get the not wanting to look like a leg. People might not like hearing it, but yes, Airborne looks so much better!