Can my dad (retired Air-force) wear blues to my Army Basic Training graduation?

BLUF: He can, heck no one I know of will tell a two star no, only a three star maybe.

From a Protocol standpoint there’s a few things that need to happen before he comes to your graduation.

I’m sure your Dad will inform the Protocol Office. Not sure if they will display his Air Force 2 Star Flag at the ceremony, but no post commander wants to hear a two star is at an event after the fact, even if they are retired.

You’ll need to let the Drill Sergeants know. When I enlisted they asked everyone who’s parents was an O-6 & above, CW4 or 5, E-9 or GS-15 & above to make themselves known for obvious reasons. Plus they asked if any parents were elected officials.

Protocol is very important in the military.

You just need to let your chain of command know who your Dad is and drive on. Your success is incumbent on your hard work. I’m sure your parents are proud of you.

Best of luck with your future endeavors.

Yes, it can all happen and is totally appropriate. Your Dad would be the last one to generate any problems at your graduation. I highly recommend you tell him your wishes and he will set it up so that it all happens smoothly with no ruffled feathers or problems in any way. A Major-General is a big deal and they know how to handle the protocol.

Absolutely! As a General Officer, he will get a reviewing stand seat so can clearly see you in the Pass in Review. I attended several including my daughter's twice and grandchildren. I dressed in my blues and took all of them to at least one military ball. I even bought them evening dress. Wicked proud grandfather still wearing a uniform at 81. Here's a daughter and her son - 3 generations.

Thanks SP5 Peter Keane , you are correct the most was meant for another topic.

My Dad was an LTC in the Marine Reserves when I graduated from Army basic. I was hoping he would come in his uniform. He showed up in his civilian clothes. I asked him why he didn't wear his uniform. He told me that if a Marine LTC showed up in uniform unexpectedly, it would make a lot of trouble for everyone. They would probably feel obliged to make a fuss over him, especially since he was from another service, and invite him up on the dais with the Bn and brigade commander. He said this day is about you, the other graduates, and the people who trained you. It's not about me.

Ask the General. I'm sure he would know. My pops is a retired enlisted sailor. He wore his dress uniform to my commissioning. He gave me my first salute. (And I gave him a 1897 silver dollar). It is one of my favorite memories.

The regulations do indeed allow it. I wouldn't bother telling the drill sergeant if you don't want to.

Why not?
That's a great honor! He's not a pretender claiming military honors he didn't earn.