Posted on Mar 25, 2019
In getting a new dress uniform to wear to a funeral, should I buy the uniform I had when I ETS'd or should I wear the new ASU?
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My father is a retired CW4, and is getting up there in years. I'm at the point in my life where I'm unable to ignore that, sooner rather than later, I will have to bury my father. His wishes will be for a military burial, which is something my family will happily accommodate, and for my part as an honorably discharged E-4 I plan to attend in dress uniform.
I'm familiar with the basics: Keep in regs, wear it as you would were you still active duty, present yourself with dignity, etc...
But regrettably, as happens to many post-military, I can't fit in my old Class A uniform anymore, at least not well enough to present the professional appearance that I would like, so I plan to update my closet with a properly fitted and tailored dress uniform for appropriate occasions, particularly the funerals I know I will be attending in the future.
My question is this: In getting a new dress uniform, am I supposed to stick with the green Class A uniform that I had when I ETS'd (2011), or am I supposed to wear one of the new Army Service Uniforms that are currently worn?
I don't mind the Class A, I just want to know if there's an etiquette to be followed. Is it polite to wear what you had while you were in? Are you expected to update with the times? Do you HAVE to wear the uniform from your service period? Is it your choice?
Most resources relating to vets wearing their dress uniforms simply cover when and where it is appropriate, not what to do if you're looking to update or replace your old or ill-fitting ones.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm familiar with the basics: Keep in regs, wear it as you would were you still active duty, present yourself with dignity, etc...
But regrettably, as happens to many post-military, I can't fit in my old Class A uniform anymore, at least not well enough to present the professional appearance that I would like, so I plan to update my closet with a properly fitted and tailored dress uniform for appropriate occasions, particularly the funerals I know I will be attending in the future.
My question is this: In getting a new dress uniform, am I supposed to stick with the green Class A uniform that I had when I ETS'd (2011), or am I supposed to wear one of the new Army Service Uniforms that are currently worn?
I don't mind the Class A, I just want to know if there's an etiquette to be followed. Is it polite to wear what you had while you were in? Are you expected to update with the times? Do you HAVE to wear the uniform from your service period? Is it your choice?
Most resources relating to vets wearing their dress uniforms simply cover when and where it is appropriate, not what to do if you're looking to update or replace your old or ill-fitting ones.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted in these groups: 
Dress Uniform
Funeral
Dress Uniform Funeral
Edited 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 6
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If you are an Army veteran you can wear either the uniform you wore at the end of your service or the current uniform as worn by active duty Soldiers, per AR 670-1. So you can set him up either way or you yourself can wear your uniform.
You can't mix either components or the configuration if there have been changes either one is to be worn in the manner prescribed for that period. The Blue uniform and the current ASU are a good example. Both are blue but you can wear different things on the new ASU that you can't on the old Blues.
You can google the AR and DA Pam 670-1 to see the current policies and guidelines.
You can't mix either components or the configuration if there have been changes either one is to be worn in the manner prescribed for that period. The Blue uniform and the current ASU are a good example. Both are blue but you can wear different things on the new ASU that you can't on the old Blues.
You can google the AR and DA Pam 670-1 to see the current policies and guidelines.
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SPC Morgan Benton
Copy that, Command Sergeant Major.
I'll likely just check in with my old battles who stayed in when ASU's rolled out, and have them sort me out on the assembly. Biggest difference seems to be the loss of the shoulder unit patches and the addition of the enamel combat badge.
I'll likely just check in with my old battles who stayed in when ASU's rolled out, and have them sort me out on the assembly. Biggest difference seems to be the loss of the shoulder unit patches and the addition of the enamel combat badge.
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Upgrade to the new Army Service Uniform. If you live near an Army base you might be able to pick one up at a reasonable price from a Surplus store. Wait too long and the Army will be going to a new uniform and all of is will have to start all over!
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SPC Morgan Benton
Thank you sir, I appreciate the timely response.
Sounds like a solid plan, I'll look into upgrading ASAP.
On a completely unrelated note, I'm super happy that you're the one who answered this, because I can tell people that "Captain Wright told me, so you know he's not wrong.".
Thank you, I'll be here all week!
Sounds like a solid plan, I'll look into upgrading ASAP.
On a completely unrelated note, I'm super happy that you're the one who answered this, because I can tell people that "Captain Wright told me, so you know he's not wrong.".
Thank you, I'll be here all week!
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I just updated my ASU uniform by checking the officer wives thrift stores in my area. I was able to find Blue Jacket for $20 and Pants for $15 at Fort Lee and Fort Eustis. The thrift stores all have facebook pages Just search Fort XXX Thrift Store and you will find.
And if you are on a post you may run into the clothing and sales store to pick up the accessories you may need. make a list, have cash so if they won't let you buy....ask another patron to help you out.
And if you are on a post you may run into the clothing and sales store to pick up the accessories you may need. make a list, have cash so if they won't let you buy....ask another patron to help you out.
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