Should I wear my dress uniform to a military ball, even though I am retired?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:34:19 -0400

So I retired last year after 22 years in service. Immediately after retirement I got a job with State Department working at an embassy. The Marine detachment has their marine ball every year where all embassy personnel is invited to attend and I was wondering if it would be appropriate for me to wear my dress uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2023 12:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:41:24 -0400

Here's what 670-1 says:

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 "other occasions of ceremony" so a military ball would probably fall under that. Would I? No but when I retire I'm not associating with anything military related if I can help it. I absolutely never want to wear a military uniform again when I don't have to.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Aug 17 at 2023 1:06 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:06:11 -0400

While the regulation was cited, I believe you were not asking if it is legal. Talk to the OIC of the USMC detachment and get his/her opinion.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Aug 17 at 2023 1:24 PM

CSM William Everroad — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:24:04 -0400

Can you (regulation): Yes
Should you (opinion): Yes
Is it appropriate (if it was my ball): Yes

The person to ask is the President of the Mess.

Response by CPL Miguel Velez made Aug 17 at 2023 2:36 PM

CPL Miguel Velez — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:36:18 -0400

Even though you are retired, does not take away the PRIDE of wearing the Blues, we earned it. So for me is a GO-AND-SHOW your service bro. Have a great time at the Ball.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2023 6:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 18:15:46 -0400

I would not. The way I like to see it is that you are a guest and you are a civilian. I am not a fan of events were you take clout of others. When I was invited to a wedding I didn't wear my uniform out of the respect to the groom. For this I would say let the Marines have their Ball and you can go as a guest.

Another situation that you might run into would be what happens if a Marine fails to render proper respect to a MSG when they are retired. You no longer have that authority of that rank and are now a GS. I honestly don't plan on wearing my uniform when I retire in a few years.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Aug 18 at 2023 8:19 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 20:19:29 -0400

WELL, Let's Take A Closer Look.....
First Just Ask Yourself This.
"Should I Really Be Wearing A Dress Anywhere I Go"?
Then Take It From There.....~ "HERE'S JOHNNY" ! ~

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 19 at 2023 11:30 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 11:30:43 -0400

While AR 670-1 states when you are authorized, the Marine regulation is likely the same, but may differ. Check with the detachment NCOIC or Co. In any case it would be appropriate at an Army Ball. So!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 19 at 2023 11:46 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 23:46:24 -0400

What is your position in the State department and WHO are You today? I work full time today as an RN, that is who I am, and I would not wear a uniform to this event. Is your job today as important or more important than when you were active duty? You are authorized the uniform for the rest of your life however with a little luck, you will live many more years than you ever served and by the time it is said and done, you at 90 maybe remembered more for something else, maybe even for the job you are doing with State. So WHO are you today?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2023 10:27 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:27:07 -0400

Congrats on the State job! I worked in the DAO at Embassy Tashkent—fantastic experience. I intend to test for FS before I retire.

I wouldn’t wear the uniform. It would be weird, TBH. Your DOD personnel will also be in uniform and this is often a working event where speaking with host nation personnel is required. To me you would confuse external attendees about your role within the embassy.

Either way have fun!