Posted on May 9, 2018
Can I choose which of the branch insignias I earned to wear?
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A little background on me... I enlisted in the ANG while in college as an infantryman and earnd my blue cord. I then joined ROTC and was commissioned in MI with a branch detail to Infantry (my request). I earned my blue cord again as a lieutenant, and eventually served during wartime as both an infantry LT and an MI captain. I was temporarily medically retired, but was eventually severed after improving, but not enough to return to duty.
I know that because I served during wartime I am required to wear the last rank I held (captain). My preference is to wear my infantry branch insignia as I was infantry for 6 of the 9 years I was in and my blue cord is one of my prized possessions (equal to my EIB and MSM). Should I wear my last branch insignia or can I choose?
The reason I’m asking is my (new) wife and I are planning to renew our vows next year and she has never seen me in military uniform except in pictures. I plan to surprise her with my dress blues and I want them to be without a question accurate. She volunteers with veterans regularly and I don’t want my ignorance to offend the many vets that will attend.
I know that because I served during wartime I am required to wear the last rank I held (captain). My preference is to wear my infantry branch insignia as I was infantry for 6 of the 9 years I was in and my blue cord is one of my prized possessions (equal to my EIB and MSM). Should I wear my last branch insignia or can I choose?
The reason I’m asking is my (new) wife and I are planning to renew our vows next year and she has never seen me in military uniform except in pictures. I plan to surprise her with my dress blues and I want them to be without a question accurate. She volunteers with veterans regularly and I don’t want my ignorance to offend the many vets that will attend.
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 21
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Just to be clear, I’m asking because I couldn’t find a reg specifically addressing this. Common sense, and the military can be dubious in this area, would say I have to wear MI. I’m asking because I’ve been out for 1- 1/2 decades and if there’s a chance I could wear my blue cord I’d take it. I’m asking so I don’t offend anyone at the ceremony and adhere to army values.
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CPT Steve Martin
Thank you Sarge! You offered information without judgement. I really appreciate it!
I found that earlier, but it specifically mentions rank insignia. I didn’t see anything in regard to branch insignia. If I’m reading it wrong, please let me know.
I found that earlier, but it specifically mentions rank insignia. I didn’t see anything in regard to branch insignia. If I’m reading it wrong, please let me know.
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SGT (Join to see)
CPT Steve Martin - no worries sir.
Under 30-3 c. States that, “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 for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate, but may not intermix the two uniforms. Personnel will wear the grade as shown on the retired grade of rank line on the retirement order.“
30-4 was less specific. If you are not retired, I think a previous response from COL Harris was the most concise guidance.
Under 30-3 c. States that, “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 for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate, but may not intermix the two uniforms. Personnel will wear the grade as shown on the retired grade of rank line on the retirement order.“
30-4 was less specific. If you are not retired, I think a previous response from COL Harris was the most concise guidance.
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CPT Steve Martin
You can call me Steve, my rank never defined me and I would’ve hidden it if this site allowed me to. I appreciate YOUR guidance and will (unfortunately) wear my MI branch. Thank you.
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CPT Steve Martin
I’d like to point out that “COL” was correct... ANG does not have infantry units, but the ARNG does.
That being said, how about everyone take a minute and try to understand that some individuals have been out of the service longer than they were in at this point. Not all of us, myself in the limelight, don’t remember all the confusing acronyms that the military used, continues to use, or changed for unknowable reasons. Pointing out someone else’s ignorance doesn’t help answer the question that was asked. I was asking a question that I thought could be answered by asking the community respectfully.
That being said, how about everyone take a minute and try to understand that some individuals have been out of the service longer than they were in at this point. Not all of us, myself in the limelight, don’t remember all the confusing acronyms that the military used, continues to use, or changed for unknowable reasons. Pointing out someone else’s ignorance doesn’t help answer the question that was asked. I was asking a question that I thought could be answered by asking the community respectfully.
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COL (Join to see)
These are a bunch of military guys. Nobody means to embarrass anyone. Just pointing out the wrong nomenclature. No different than you saying you like the M32A3 tank. You’re going to get set straight. Good luck and have fun with whatever you wear.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Currently serving in the ARNG. ARNG is Army, ANG is Air Force. I think everyone knew what was intended, but the military is full of people wanting to "one up" other people.
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Before I retired I had to re-class, I was 11B Infantry also. Of the choices they offer me I chose 88M Motor Transport Operator. I retired 4 years later with no blue cord, no cross rifle insignia but I still have my EIB and German Schutzenschnur Badge on my uniform. Wear what you got out in and wear it with PRIDE because 99% of the people out there don't know the difference between the insignia's of Infantry and Transportation.
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I’m not sure how Officer promotions go in so far as Secondary MOS advancement goes so this may be a bit off. However, I have orders that have concurrently promoted me in my primary and secondary MOS’s. Given that fact I reason that, if the same is true for Officer promotions, you’re entitled to wear what you like. Furthermore, as long as you’re wearing the uniform correctly and only things you’ve earned, then you’re good to go.
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You earned it, I say you should be proud to wear it. Tell the “Stolen Valor” police to try and prove it if they want to say anything, but why would they.
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SFC Atchley nailed it. Rank and branch upon retirement. Besides, you have always been an MI officer. Even when you were in the infantry, you were an MI officer on detail to the infantry. Congrats on the nuptials.
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Sir, I have to look at it like this. I served in both the Marine Corps. and the Army on active duty. I was a grunt across both branches. I earned my blue cord, CIB, and every award that I have. When you go to put your uniform on, I have to advise you. As long as you wear the uniform according to all standards to how the uniform should be worn. There is nothing anyone can say to you about it. But that is just my professional and personal opinion.
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I was always trained that you wear all honors. So that's only advise I can give
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As you are neither on active duty nor in the reserves, wear whatever branch insignia you want, so long as you were awarded it. You are not constrained by the billet you occupy so go for it and God bless you on your upcoming nuptials.
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You were commissioned MI and detailed Infantry. Unless you have permanent orders for a branch transfer to Infantry, you are MI. What do your orders for medical retirement state your branch is?
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