I’m retired and plan to attend a formal New Year's Eve event. Is it acceptable to wear my dress blues?

LTC Walter Wilson — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 12:59:00 -0500

I meet height weight and grooming standards. Reading the reg, it seems like a gray area. It is formal, it is a holiday.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Dec 31 at 2018 1:14 PM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 13:14:57 -0500

Formal New Years Eve event? Is it an occasion of ceremony? Or is it a black tie party? The Navy regulation specifies "balls" which it sounds like this event may qualify.

Response by COL John McClellan made Dec 31 at 2018 1:15 PM

COL John McClellan — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 13:15:22 -0500

Sure - as a substitute for "black tie." Do your service honor!

Response by LTC John Mohor made Dec 31 at 2018 1:25 PM

LTC John Mohor — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 13:25:12 -0500

Considering the old established tradition of visiting your Commander's house on New Years Day I think your more than good to go wearing Blues New Years Eve. Just as long as you honor us all well and don't over do the adult beverages;-)

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Dec 31 at 2018 1:32 PM

SSG Byron Hewett — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 13:32:29 -0500

AR670-1
23–3. Retired personnel
this will give everything you are and are not authorized for wear

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 31 at 2018 2:41 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 14:41:55 -0500

Review AR 670-1 for your own interpretation. As I read it, I would not wear the uniform it is essentially a party and not a ceremonial type event. Thank you for your service.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Dec 31 at 2018 5:38 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 17:38:00 -0500

Make sure to wear it with bloused jungle boots and full camo face paint.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 31 at 2018 6:08 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 18:08:18 -0500

LTC Walter Wilson, I must agree with CSM Darieus ZaGara Chapter 23 of AR 670-1 states that the uniform may worn on occasions of ceremony and the event you have described does not meet the definition. In my opinion, it’s not really a gray area.
“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.” SCPO Jason McLaughlin

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 31 at 2018 6:12 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 18:12:20 -0500

No, my interpretation of AR670-1 unless it is hosted as a military event

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Dec 31 at 2018 6:16 PM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 18:16:54 -0500

If I were you, I probably wouldn't wear it for a New Years Eve event.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 31 at 2018 10:41 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 22:41:27 -0500

On the USMC side, our MCO (parallel to the AR) specifically states "events with a military theme." I realize that USMC and Army are different, but this goes into the "spirit of the reg" concept.

All that said, there is the ever present caveat of "does not bring discredit to the Service." With a New Years party, the presence of alcohol (while not being surrounded by 100+ of my buddies) would give me pause.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 12:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 12:04:07 -0500

It's a no-go. I get the "pride" however. In that case - wear a lapel pin with your unit or something like that. If someone cares - they'll ask.