I am a Reservist and my cousin graduates this weekend. Is it appropriate to wear my dress blues?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 May 2018 17:34:55 -0400

I am a reservist and my cousin graduates this weekend, Is it appropriate to wear my dress blues?

Response by Capt David Bays made May 16 at 2018 6:13 PM

Capt David Bays — Wed, 16 May 2018 18:13:34 -0400

If you are squared away and conduct yourself professionally, there is nothing wrong with it. But ask yourself if you are doing it to draw attention to yourself and away from your cousin and the other graduates.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 16 at 2018 8:45 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Wed, 16 May 2018 20:45:38 -0400

When my brother graduated from USMMA Kings Point, after I'd gone Army ROTC then wpswitched to USAF OTS instead, I commissioned him, I wore my uniform, obviously, being in active, as it was a legitimate function, of course...I'd actually ask your cousin directly, to try to find out his/her thoughts, also, are they ROTC, or some other program, like USMC platoon leaders course (PLC)? If they are, I should certainly think it might be appropriate, however, I realize you're being told to research it, I get why, however, asking your own chain certainly couldn't hurt, I'd expect, if you can call them to ask, you know? Just some thoughts, of course, for whatever they might be worth, obviously....enjoy, by the way, also, OK? And tell your cousin congrats, of course, as well, and his/her family, certainly, I'd be most eager to hear more, whenever convenient....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 16 at 2018 8:47 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Wed, 16 May 2018 20:47:27 -0400

Incidentally, when his class graduated, alp of them pulled off their dress whites, and jumped in the pool, it's a tradition there...the female midshipmen had bathing suits on in preparation, and yeah, that:s a true story...one crazy !ape mid actually did a cartwheel on stage in front of the Secy of Transportation, who was giving the commencement speech, and yeah, that:s also true as well, lol....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 8:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 May 2018 08:19:12 -0400

This is questionable as an occasion for wear, and I would advise against it as you would likely be the only one there in uniform and the event is not of a military nature.
As for CAN you? I would say the right answer is to get authorization from your Chain-of-Command.
Pride in service is a good thing, but in my opinion this is not a good venue to show it.
This is the graduates' show.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 17 at 2018 11:40 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 17 May 2018 11:40:04 -0400

I hope you mean ASUs... but yes, that would be a more than appropriate occasion to wear your uniform. Just make sure that it is put together perfectly because a DS will not care that you aren't a basic trainee if you are jacked up.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made May 19 at 2018 6:41 PM

MSG Greg Kelly — Sat, 19 May 2018 18:41:29 -0400

Yes it is. Just wear it right and respect it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2018 6:44 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 May 2018 18:44:44 -0400

Graduation seems like a fine place to wear it, just make sure everything is correct.