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Posted on Mar 17, 2020
Can my dad (retired Air-force) wear blues to my Army Basic Training graduation?
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My dad is retired air force. He retired as a major general I really want him to wear his blues to my army basic training graduation when the time comes. Would he be able too? I really want a picture of us saluting each other i was also wondering how that works.
Posted in these groups: 
Dress Uniform
Basic Training
Dress Uniform Basic Training
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 18
He sure can. Make sure your Drill Sergeants are aware of his rank. If memory serves, there is paperwork you would have filled out...or will fill out...about family members that served and planning on attending your graduation and it asks what their rank is/was.
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1LT Peter Duston
Maybe but I just showed up, was spotted by a Drill who moved me and my wife right up front so we could get a good view - no big deal! A retiree on Post is like a retiree waiting for a Space-A - Category 6
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MSG (Join to see)
1LT Peter Duston - But this is a retired GO. There is gonna be a specific set of protocol that is gonna need to be done...otherwise someone could get burned for not knowing a GO is on ground to watch their son graduate.
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Not many are going to go after a two star (retired) for a uniform infraction.
Edit: Others have made good comments about protocol. That's normally handled by CG's Staff, but I'm sure your Dad understands all this. The Command should be informed, either by you or him. A phone call to the appropriate staff member or a P4 (personal for) fonecon from your Dad to Commander would ensure it's done. Both he and the Command will do what is best. He may just info them that he will be in uniform and desires no honors etc. Often a VIP will be the Distinguished Guest, but this is more of a courtesy. It's your day but due to rank and courtesy, it's their show. You have to enlist first though, and graduate.
Edit: Others have made good comments about protocol. That's normally handled by CG's Staff, but I'm sure your Dad understands all this. The Command should be informed, either by you or him. A phone call to the appropriate staff member or a P4 (personal for) fonecon from your Dad to Commander would ensure it's done. Both he and the Command will do what is best. He may just info them that he will be in uniform and desires no honors etc. Often a VIP will be the Distinguished Guest, but this is more of a courtesy. It's your day but due to rank and courtesy, it's their show. You have to enlist first though, and graduate.
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He can wear them as long as he meets the regs. Depending on when he retired the uniform reg may have been AFR 35-10 or more recently AFI 36-2903. I'm sure he'd be happy to wear his uniform for your graduation.
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf
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Yes he can. It might cause quite a stir because of his rank compared to everyone else. But I say 'Go For It' and everyone else be damned. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you and your father. Don't let anyone take that away from you.
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TSgt David L.
LTC Jason Mackay - Good point. It might save some trouble to make that call ahead of time!
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LTC Jason Mackay
TSgt David L. - the Drills usually ask everyone at a formation as the event draws close. They ask if any prior service/retirees are coming, then based on the response, they ask who and ranks.
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Okay, (Join to see), the 800 pound gorilla principle applies. If the General wants to wear his Air Force uniform, then he can and nobody will tell him otherwise. A military ceremony, such as your graduation, is definitely an appropriate event. Certain protocols are attached to even a retired General Officer visiting an installation. He will probably need to let the installation commander know he plans to visit and be in uniform. I'm sure he understands all of this. It's impressive that Maj Gen Rydholm is both a Naval Aviator and Air Force Command Pilot. Thanks to you and your Dad for your service!
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Yeah, You're gonna need to notify command and there is paperwork that will have to be done prior to. I had a four start at my reenlistment and retirement. Command had to notify post Admiral Commanding officer and everyone on his staff. Congratulations, and i know dad is Proud!
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Yes he can, pretty awesome photo opportunity. Make sure you let the DIs know if he is going to wear his uniform at graduation. Having a random MG show up unannounced could cause a stir.
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Your Dad is a retired GO so he will know the protocol requirement for visiting an installation whether he is in uniform or not. At that level, particularly if he is part of the senior mentor program (commonly referred to grey beards), he will opt for the Suit and Tie and sit with the VIPs. We have several retired GOs attend CGSC Graduation every year...I have never seen one in uniform.
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Sure, just make sure he's in accordance with the appropriate AFI. No beards or deviations.
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