Posted on Oct 17, 2015
Does a retired soldier with an obsolete rank use their old one or the modern equivalent?
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My father was a soldier in Vietnam War and as a present to him one of these days I want to put together a full set of ASUs. My only problem is that when he got out of the Army, he was a Specialist 5. Now I've done extensive research to figure out his old unit because all he would tell me is that he was DUSTOFF. The only answer i cannot find is whether or not he could wear SPC 5 rank on ASUs or SGT, because that is the modern equivalent. If someone could help me with this id be very appreciative.
Also, could someone correct me if I'm wrong in believing that retired personal do not wear Distinctive Unit Insignia's. Thank You again
Also, could someone correct me if I'm wrong in believing that retired personal do not wear Distinctive Unit Insignia's. Thank You again
Rank
Uniforms
DA Pam 670-1
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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I think you will have better luck putting together a vintage uniform with new, and correct, rank. I would be happy to help track things down if you would like. Greens are easy to find, and cheaper.
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Cadet PFC (Join to see)
Sir, are greens still allowed? I figured he wouldn't be allowed to wear them to a ceremony if it were on an actual post, say like if i graduate USMA and commission.
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LTC (Join to see)
A retired combat soldier may wear the uniform authorized at the time of his service as long as he complies with the appropriate wear and appearance. He is not mandated to wear the current version of the dress uniform.
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LTC (Join to see)
Cadet PFC (Join to see) AR670-1, Section 30-4 Unless qualified under another provision of this regulation, or under the provisions of section 772, title 10, United States Code (10 USC 772), former members of the Army may wear the uniform if they served honorably during a declared or undeclared war, and if their most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions. Personnel who qualify under these conditions will wear the Army uniform in the highest grade they held during such war service, in accordance with 10 USC 772.
b. The uniform is authorized for wear only for the following ceremonial occasions, and when traveling to and from the ceremony or function. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the BDU and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn.
(1) When attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) When attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part. Wear of the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.
b. The uniform is authorized for wear only for the following ceremonial occasions, and when traveling to and from the ceremony or function. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the BDU and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn.
(1) When attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) When attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part. Wear of the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.
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I think some private uniform companies sell historical insignia or can have one made for you. However I don't see anything wrong with wearing the sergeant E5 rank since if he were in the Army today they would have made him a Sergeant E5. I believe if you did where the sergeant E5 he'd have to wear the modern equivalent to the army uniform rather than historical one however since the current ASU is the same uniform that have been worn for years (dress blues) and then that shouldn't be a problem.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
A SP5 medic received a MOH last year and was wearing blues with the proper Blue SP5 insignia. So I guess you can wear the obsolete rank.
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According to AR 670-1:
Chapter 23
Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel
23–1. Occasions of ceremony
a. As used in this regulation, the phrase “occasions of ceremony” means occasions essentially of a military
character, at which the uniform is more appropriate than civilian clothing. These functions include, but are not limited
to: military balls, military parades, weddings, and military funerals; memorial services, meetings, conferences, or
similar functions of associations formed for military purposes, of which the membership is composed largely or
entirely of current or honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. Authority to wear the
uniform includes wear while traveling to and from the ceremony or function, provided the travel in uniform can be
completed on the day of the ceremony or function and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c.
b. All persons wearing the Army uniform will wear awards, decorations, and insignia in the same manner as
prescribed in this regulation for active duty Soldiers. For civilian attire, individuals may wear only those awards,
decorations, or insignia authorized by this regulation for wear on civilian clothing, in the same manner and approximate
location as the equivalent military uniform.
I could not find anything specific about DUI's not being able to be worn. Nor could I find ASU SPC 5 rank.
Chapter 23
Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel
23–1. Occasions of ceremony
a. As used in this regulation, the phrase “occasions of ceremony” means occasions essentially of a military
character, at which the uniform is more appropriate than civilian clothing. These functions include, but are not limited
to: military balls, military parades, weddings, and military funerals; memorial services, meetings, conferences, or
similar functions of associations formed for military purposes, of which the membership is composed largely or
entirely of current or honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. Authority to wear the
uniform includes wear while traveling to and from the ceremony or function, provided the travel in uniform can be
completed on the day of the ceremony or function and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c.
b. All persons wearing the Army uniform will wear awards, decorations, and insignia in the same manner as
prescribed in this regulation for active duty Soldiers. For civilian attire, individuals may wear only those awards,
decorations, or insignia authorized by this regulation for wear on civilian clothing, in the same manner and approximate
location as the equivalent military uniform.
I could not find anything specific about DUI's not being able to be worn. Nor could I find ASU SPC 5 rank.
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SGM Erik Marquez
MSG (Join to see) "I could not find anything specific about DUI's not being able to be worn. Nor could I find ASU SPC 5 rank."
Thats the issue, its not referenced, the rank of SPC5 is very outdated and those that had that rank and are still in, have long ago been converted to the new rank structure.
However this can not be a "new" question, there are sure to be significant surviving vets that departed with the rank of SPC4, or 5... and later after departure has need/want to wear the uniform...Certainly this "question" has been asked and answered before.. its just a question of where the answer is.. Clearly they found it so obscure it was not needed to be included in the regulation....but Id bet the answer is out there already...
Thats the issue, its not referenced, the rank of SPC5 is very outdated and those that had that rank and are still in, have long ago been converted to the new rank structure.
However this can not be a "new" question, there are sure to be significant surviving vets that departed with the rank of SPC4, or 5... and later after departure has need/want to wear the uniform...Certainly this "question" has been asked and answered before.. its just a question of where the answer is.. Clearly they found it so obscure it was not needed to be included in the regulation....but Id bet the answer is out there already...
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
A SP5 wore blues with proper blue SP5 rank to receive a MOH from RVN from President Trump last year, so they must be available.
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