Can a Vietnam Army veteran who was an enlisted soldier pin the bars on his grandson when he graduates from OCS in the Navy ?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 15:57:48 -0400

My brother-in-law is a Vietnam war vet and wants to pin the bars on his grandson when he graduates from the Navy OCS. He just doesn’t know if that is permitted or not and asked me if I knew. He would be in his Army uniform to do so. Any assistance is appreciated.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2020 4:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 16:03:10 -0400

I've seen civilian parents pin on bars for newly commissioned folks. I don't see why your brother-in-law couldn't. I would recommend his grandson speak with his cadre on this just to be sure

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 26 at 2020 6:09 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:09:23 -0400

He just can't administer the oath. You can have whoever you want pin on your bars.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2020 7:20 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:20:09 -0400

I hope so! Because my mom (who never served) and my dad (who was a reservist many years before) pinned on mine. It requires an officer of superior grade to read the oath of commissioning, but anyone can pin them on. Or what would be the point of all those families going to graduation at a service academy!

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 26 at 2020 11:10 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 23:10:49 -0400

Most definitely. Just not giving the Oath of Office!

Response by SFC Kenneth Abernathy made Mar 26 at 2020 11:18 PM

SFC Kenneth Abernathy — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 23:18:19 -0400

I was honored to pin them on a good friend when she graduated KSARNG OCS! Anybody the graduate wishes can pin them.

Response by CPT Carlos Ribadeneira made Mar 27 at 2020 12:18 AM

CPT Carlos Ribadeneira — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 00:18:54 -0400

Yes, he can. My dad pinned mine when I graduated, and he was not a vet. I 'm not sure about him wearing his army uniform? Is he retired? If so. See AR-670-1.

Response by CPT Carlos Ribadeneira made Mar 27 at 2020 12:20 AM

CPT Carlos Ribadeneira — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 00:20:32 -0400

A retiree can wear his/her uniform only under certain circumstances. Army Regulation 670-1 prescribes uniform wear by Army Veterans and retirees: Is it legal for army veterans to wear uniforms?

Answer

8

Follow

Request

More

Ad by Pitney Bowes

Simplify home office sending.

From weighing parcels to printing postage, we make all your office sending easier.

Learn More

8 Answers

Guy D McCardle, Jr., former Officer at U.S. Army (1988-2004)

Answered November 9, 2016 · Upvoted by Philander Wicks, former Sergeant at U.S. Army (1983-1998) and Terry Gile, former CW3, USA (1971-91), Ldrshp Ed & Tng (JROTC) Instr at U.S. Army (1991-2015)

Only under certain circumstances. Army Regulation 670-1 prescribes uniform wear by Army Veterans and retirees:

** This is Robert Avedisian. He was a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivor Association. Here he is shown attending the dedication of a World War II memorial wearing the same uniform he did in the war.

Paragraph 30–3 of the above mentioned regulation addresses wear of the Army uniform by retirees. It states that the uniform my only be worn by retirees in the following circumstances:

Personnel performing instructor duties at an educational institution conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces (such as JROTC).While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.Attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part.

For numbers two and three above, only the service and dress uniforms may be worn. The Army Combat Uniform may not be worn.

Regulations for the wear of the uniform by Army Veterans is addressed in AR 670–1 in paragraph 30–4. Such individuals may wear the uniform only if they have served honorably (being given an honorable or general discharge) during a time of war.

Veterans who qualify to wear the uniform must wear it according to their highest rank held during wartime service. There are only certain occasions, however, where wearing the uniform is permitted:

When attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.When attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part.

Uniforms permitted to be worn on these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms. Wearing of the Army Combat Uniform is not permitted.

Former Soldiers who are discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army (even if it's not during wartime service) may wear their uniform while going from the place of discharge to their home of record, within three months after discharge.

Wear of the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.

Army Medal of Honor recipients may wear the uniform at their pleasure, except:

In connection with the furtherance of any political or commercial interests, or when engaged in off-duty civilian employment.When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except as authorized by competent authority.When attending any meeting or event that is a function of, or is sponsored by, an extremist organization.When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army.When specifically prohibited by Army regulations.

The regulation goes on to note:

Any individual wearing a US Military uniform is expected to reflect the high personal appearance standards and esprit de corps that the US Military in uniform represent. To this end, particular attention will be paid not only to the correct and military wear of uniform components, but also to the individual’s personal and physical appearance. All personnel exercising the privilege of wearing a US Military service or dress uniform will comply fully with their service's grooming and weight control standards.

Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Mar 27 at 2020 1:09 AM

LTC Lee Bouchard — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 01:09:46 -0400

Yes he can. Grandmother can pin him for example. Administrating the Oath or other oral commitment may have to be said by an Naval Official by their custom of service. Being in his Army uniform would only add to the ceremony. Even if not an being and official act while in uniform. I think everyone there would appreciate seeing your brother-in-law giving more than V.N. vets received. Don't be surprised if you see others applaud or render a salute. Go for it!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2020 7:45 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 07:45:08 -0400

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question. I have consolidated the answers and sent to my brother-in-law. He is very excited about the prospect of performing this time honored privilege. Everyone, please take care and continue to work together to help ensure we beat this disease expeditiously with minimum impact on our brothers and sisters both in the military and all veterans. Especially those who are up there in age.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2020 12:16 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:16:17 -0400

My mother ETS’d as a SGT back in the day. She pinned on one of my shoulder boards. Yes, he can do that.

Response by MAJ Roberto Better made Mar 28 at 2020 1:26 AM

MAJ Roberto Better — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 01:26:46 -0400

Any officer with an active commission may commission you. It does not have to be your officer selection officer.

The ceremony is up to your discretion. You can choose any love one to pin on your bars after the oath of office; then salute (don’t forget a silver dollar), and your closing remarks. Otherwise, you can plan these events and any additions as you want.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jul 6 at 2020 1:15 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 01:15:07 -0400

Sure. Why not?