Posted on Jul 16, 2015
How do I wear my Green Service Uniform if I am retired?
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My son graduates Basic Training in a few weeks and I would like to wear my uniform. I retired 3 years ago and didn't get issued the new Blue Service uniform before I got out. I've read the regulation but really am confused on how to wear it. I got 3 different things from the reg,
1. Wear it as I wore it the last year before i retired, meaning the last unit patch and unit insignia, but wear the retired badge on the pocket.
2. No unit patch or unit insignia, but the retired serviceman patch on the left sleeve.
3. No unit patch, no unit insignia, no patch on the left sleeve, but wear the retired serviceman badge on pocket.
1. Wear it as I wore it the last year before i retired, meaning the last unit patch and unit insignia, but wear the retired badge on the pocket.
2. No unit patch or unit insignia, but the retired serviceman patch on the left sleeve.
3. No unit patch, no unit insignia, no patch on the left sleeve, but wear the retired serviceman badge on pocket.
Posted in these groups: 
Dress Uniform
Retired
Dress Uniform Retired
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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SGT Epifanio Becerra Jr.
AR 670-1... where as you did when you last wore it...
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.
AR 670-1... where as you did when you last wore it...
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.
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SGT Epifanio Becerra Jr.
Thank you Col Williams. So far I am getting and reading "wear as I wore it" when I retired and got my DD214 or place the Retired Serviceman patch on. I realy didn't want to go with no insignia on my beret and shoulders, so I think Im going to go with "wear as I wore it." I'll just have a copy of my retiree orders and DD214 in my pocket and maybe a copy of the regs, just kidding on that last one.
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SP6 Terry Gabrich
I have been retired for a while and I am former Special Forces. Where and how do I wear the retirement patch. Also, my last unit was with company C of the 131st infantry. Do I wear that patch on my right shoulder and the retirement patch on my left shoulder??
SSGT. Terry Gabrich
SSGT. Terry Gabrich
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I have seen this worn before on the Greens. We had a dining out and a retired soldier came back and wore this path. Technically you can't wear your previous unit patch due to no longer being assigned to them. The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia is for you current organization. If you were to wear your old unit patch that would imply that you are in that unit. Besides this you would be bringing a lot of attention to yourself. I am sure you would have just about every NCO come up to you to say that you can't wear that uniform anymore. Once they would see the Retired patch they would realize you are good but if they saw a unit patch it would appear to be a uniform violation.
As per DA Pam 670-1
Retired personnel are authorized to wear the SSI for U.S. Army retirees on the left shoulder of the green service uniform. The insignia consists of a white cloth disc with a blue border, and an inner white disc with a red border, which bears a blue and white adaptation of the coat of arms of the United States. The outer disk that surrounds the coat of arms contains the inscription “UNITED STATES ARMY” in red letters at the top, and the word “RETIRED” in blue letters at the bottom (see fig 23–1). On the blue service and dress uniforms, retired personnel will wear the retired service ID badge (see para 22–17d(12) and fig 22–77).
As per DA Pam 670-1
Retired personnel are authorized to wear the SSI for U.S. Army retirees on the left shoulder of the green service uniform. The insignia consists of a white cloth disc with a blue border, and an inner white disc with a red border, which bears a blue and white adaptation of the coat of arms of the United States. The outer disk that surrounds the coat of arms contains the inscription “UNITED STATES ARMY” in red letters at the top, and the word “RETIRED” in blue letters at the bottom (see fig 23–1). On the blue service and dress uniforms, retired personnel will wear the retired service ID badge (see para 22–17d(12) and fig 22–77).
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Always amazed about Army fixation on badges, patches, etc. On the Navy side, it doesn't matter. Honor your son, get a salute, and enjoy the moment.
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SGT William Howell
I went to the USO ball in Cincinnati. There as was a Marine Master Gunnery Sargent there in a wheel chair. He was was wearing a unit patch on his shoulder. I was intrigued because Marines had not wore unit patches since around WW2 (not sure exactly when). Turns out he had actually served in WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. we talked for a few minutes and I thanked him for his service.
Don't stress the uniform, people will understand.
Don't stress the uniform, people will understand.
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I couldn't agree more, the Marine Corps is the same. I can wear my uniform on any occasion that I would while active, as long as I am in hair and weight regs.
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LCDR (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - At age 78, I am headed toward fitting into my old uniforms, SSG Rosalez. I might make it yet.
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Go and support your son but remember it's his day. If you don't have your dress uniform wear formal civilian clothes for the occasion. Class B and working uniforms are not proper for that occasion. Congratulations!!!
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CPO Eugene Gillam
Agree...let your son be the center of attention on his day. I'm sure he'll be more than proud to let his friends know you're retired military.
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LCDR (Join to see)
Agreed. Your son is the reason for attending. Let him be the center of attention.
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Wear it as you wore it.
And if he's graduating BCT, its "cool" to have his buddies see what inspired him to serve.
And for everyone who says its "his day to shine" and not to overshadow him: Nobody "shined" at BCT graduation....we were just damn happy to be done with that phase, and moving on to AIT, and one step closer to "freedom". We were happy to see our families, and proud that they came out to support us.
And if he's graduating BCT, its "cool" to have his buddies see what inspired him to serve.
And for everyone who says its "his day to shine" and not to overshadow him: Nobody "shined" at BCT graduation....we were just damn happy to be done with that phase, and moving on to AIT, and one step closer to "freedom". We were happy to see our families, and proud that they came out to support us.
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SPC Antonio Liles
Too right mate! I liked seeing my family on graduation day from BCT, but to me the ceremony itself was not important simply because I had done nothing special.
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In my humble opinion while I do agree with Chief Jantzen on the spotlight being afforded to your son for his moment, I do feel though that if you do wear the uniform that it should be worn with pride.
Simply put, wear it to honor our brothers and sisters in Arms by wearing it respectfully and if that means removing all the patches that were associated with your last unit then by all means do so.
Nothing wrong with wanting to show some solidarity with your son but there will be plenty of other occasions for you to both wear the uniform but for now it is his time to shine.
Simply put, wear it to honor our brothers and sisters in Arms by wearing it respectfully and if that means removing all the patches that were associated with your last unit then by all means do so.
Nothing wrong with wanting to show some solidarity with your son but there will be plenty of other occasions for you to both wear the uniform but for now it is his time to shine.
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My son's BCT Graduation, Spet 4th, 2015. This is my son, one of his Drill Sgt's and myself wearing the Green Service Uniform correctly (no unit SSI or Unit Crest on shoulders or beret, Retired SSI on left sleeve.)
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As retirees, we are not allowed/supposed to wear a SSI of our last units. There is a different patch to wear for retirees. Everything else is the same.
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MSG Chad Smith
Hey brother...your thoughts on wearing my utility uniform (Multi-Cam) to my sons Ranger School graduation. He asked me too IOT pin his new Tab to him.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
MSG Chad Smith Chad I have never seen a retiree wear a combat uniform to a ceremony before. You don't need to be in a uniform to pin on his tab. That is unless the RTB says you do. Have your son ask the instructors if he hasn't done so. I would go with what they say.
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MSG Chad Smith
I don't need to wear the uniform, however son asks that I do and the honor in the occasion is considerable.SGM Steve Wettstein -
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On a slightly different and humorous perspective, my younger brother was graduating from Infantry BCT at Ft. Benning a number of years ago. I was still in the Army back then and I drove my Mom down for his graduation. I wore my Class A (green service uniform) with my sergeant stripes. My brother was okay with it, but the look of fear or apprehension on his platoon buddies was priceless. Still brings a chuckle to me. Wish I had taken pictures.
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