Can I wear my Airborne and Air-Assault badges while in basic training?

No need to show off, my brother.

By regulation YES they can wear it. But, can the Drill Sergeants tell you to take it off for uniformity reasons?, YES. You would have to take it off. When I graduated Air Assault school in 1994. I was a PFC. “Never Forget. I was #44” and the only thing we were allowed to wear in our uniform was US ARMY and NAME. (No velcro back then) we were not allowed to call each other by numbers only by name (no rank) instructors were allowed to call us by Name or helmet#. The reason behind it is because instructors are the one in charge. In my class we had a lot of brass. One group was like almost the whole BN STAFF. ( aka the officers klick). If they didn’t had the student (humble) mentality it becomes more dangerous for the students to absorb that vital information. Basic Training is no different. In fact you have never ever (unless they are guiding or Supervicing a platoon) during purchases at the PX. You will never see a Drill Sergeant by him self (off duty) with a smokey hat. There are rules , there are Regulations and there are Norms. (Norms are not writers is just things that work and can be replaced in a seconds notice). Like “No hat in the flight line” ask me that one!! LoL

Why do you want to show off to people whom you will know for 2 months, and then probably never see or hear from again? You’ve been through Basic once, so you already know what to expect: your age, demeanor, and military bearing will cause you to stand out. Because of that, more will be expected of you; much more will be expected due to your badges. You are undoubtedly proud of your accomplishments, but your Drill Sergeants may interpret it as arrogance. If your Drills accept you, Drills from other units may accuse you of being a Clothing Sales Warrior, and give you a hard time; don’t expect your Drills to come to your defense. I recommend that you bring them with you, but don’t wear them until you get a feel for the mood of the cadre and your fellow Soldiers. You haven’t asked about AIT, but I think you should definitely wear them there, since you won’t stand out as much.

I'll give You credit, I left after 8 years service and went back in a the same rank of SSgt, but lost the Four Years time in grade due to the length of time. To be promoted to the next rank took two years time in grade so over the next 14 years was promoted to TSgt, MSgt and SMSgt a grade I held for 5 years. If I had to go back to basic I would not have gone back in not that I couldn't handle it but don't feel that would have been reasonable. Even before entering the Air Force I had been a full time cadet at a Military Academy in an Army ROTC program. I did however keep a low profile in basic but din't have the prior actual active duty service You did. I don't see any problem with You wearing those decorations, You earned them. You very well may have earned decorations the staff there isn't even entitled to and You sure aren't new to the Army. I fail to see why they would even consider making You go back to basic training though with Your Military background. In My own view I don't have a very high opinion of them making You do that !

From a person who was in the Navy, they didn't allow personnel with other service badges to wear them in boot camp/recruit training....until graduation. I would "think" it's the same in Army "boot camp".....and either way, I'd keep a low profile and lead by example. Just a thought.

I think this is silly. You have been to basic before and know exactly what will happen if you show up with wings.

Everything is on your records, so yes you can ...it tells me that you are an experienced soldier. You earned those badges so be proud and you are going back to serve our country so why not right? You are already standing out coming back in as an E-4. To make sure check AR-670-1. Thank you for coming back in and thank you so much for serving! Be safe and share those experiences!

I wouldn't. But I would have them on one set of fatigues and the badges ready for my Class A's. I definitely would wear them on Graduation Day.

I'll assume the DS are already aware of your prior service so why hide it. You'll stand out anyway due to you training. Better yet, wait until graduation and then load up you jacket with all your goodies.

As long as you earn your certifications, there is no problem. But, being a E4 drill staff will expect more leadership from you to the new recruits that at developing to be a soldier. Have in there and everything will pay off towards the end of your career.