Is it acceptable to wear your combat uniform to a funeral?

2025-05-10T20:04:46-04:00

I have a SUDDEN funeral to attend this Monday for a retired service member and my AGSU is missing stuff and out of date with ranks and unit pins, ect. Even if I rush ordered it- it wouldn't get here on time.

I know this person would have wanted us to honor him by wearing the uniform. Thats the type of person he was. Unfortunately the dress uniform is not an option - its missing too many pieces.

At this point would you just wear all black and say F it?
I would HATE to stand out or disrespect anyone. I wanna do right by him.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2025 9:46 PM

2025-05-10T21:46:10-04:00

I found this paragraph on page 25 of 670-1. Why is your AGSU not squared away?

(2) The combat uniform is not normally considered appropriate for social or official functions off the installation, such as memorial services, funerals, weddings, inaugurals, patriotic ceremonies, and similar functions.

https://tradocfcoeccafcoepfwprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/428-fa-bde/bolcb/doc/670_1.pdf

670_1.pdf

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2025 11:08 PM

2025-05-10T23:08:49-04:00

Duty uniform would not be appropriate. Wear a nice suit or as close to one as you can. Don't go in OCP. The person you're memorializing, I think, would understand and forgive you for not being in AGSU

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 11 at 2025 9:24 PM

2025-05-11T21:24:54-04:00

Given your AGSU is not up to standard, I would recommend wearing a suit (or whatever other dress clothing you have available). The old addage, "Wear it correctly or don't wear it at all" comes to mind.

I'm quite sure your comrade would understand. I'm also sure they would appreciate your attendance regardless of your attire.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made May 11 at 2025 11:17 PM

2025-05-11T23:17:42-04:00

I think most of us have been there at one time. If you have mini medals/ribbons and mini badges, wear then on the lapel of a suit to honor your friend's service. Don't wear cammies/OCP.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 13 at 2025 11:51 PM

2025-05-13T23:51:05-04:00

Combat uniform is absolutely not acceptable for this event.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 14 at 2025 11:46 AM

2025-05-14T11:46:02-04:00

No Go at this station. Wear a suit.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 14 at 2025 3:48 PM

2025-05-14T15:48:02-04:00

Do not show up to a funeral in Cammies/Fatigues. I know the Army makes it easy for you all to wear them practically everywhere but don't do it. Nothing wrong with wearing a suit if you can't wear the appropriate uniform. Don't be "that" guy at the event.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2025 8:45 PM

2025-05-14T20:45:15-04:00

Can you square away your AGSU enough that it would be "complete" even if not correct for you.

Meaning...................... can you have rank (current or prior), some ribbons, unit and branch insignia with appropriate cover?

Response by Capt Jeff S. made May 16 at 2025 4:42 PM

2025-05-16T16:42:44-04:00

NO! Your AGSU should not be missing anything. That's part of maintaining a state of readiness... Like the parable of the 10 virgins, you should always be ready. That said, now that you don't have a dress uniform to wear, the combat uniform is definitely not authorized for such occasions. There was a time, when you couldn't even wear your combat uniform in public. You had to bring it with you and change into it on base. And if you left base, you had to change out of it. It has to do with respecting the sacrifice of the men and women who died in it.

So with the uniform out, wear black. Your best bet is to wear black because anything else would be dishonoring to the deceased service member and those attending the funeral would definitely know you were out of place wearing a combat uniform.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2025 11:06 AM

2025-05-19T11:06:36-04:00

Not acceptable but sometimes the only option. In your case, I would wear a suit.

Response by Lt Col Bill Fletcher made May 22 at 2025 6:17 PM

2025-05-22T18:17:04-04:00

Since you don’t have your dress uniform a nice dark colored suit is fine. Your presence is what is important.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2025 6:49 PM

2025-05-23T18:49:07-04:00

I think it is respectful and pretty cool of you to check out of respect for your friend. However, as another member posted 670-1 says it’s nothing military standaeds

Response by SFC Jerry Teichmiller made Jun 10 at 2025 2:54 PM

2025-06-10T14:54:42-04:00

I would not wear a work type uniform to a funeral. Just an opinion

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Jul 5 at 2025 11:55 AM

2025-07-05T11:55:39-04:00

This was unexpected were what you have at least you went and showed respect thats what counts.

Response by SPC Timothy Coleman made Aug 11 at 2025 8:56 AM

2025-08-11T08:56:20-04:00

No. Get a simple black suit and white shirt, and set up your of service pins and awards and wear it on your suit jacket. There may be an Army / Navy Surplus store near you that may be able to accommodate you for your pins. Senior Command Staff wear theirs like this at times in Congressional Hearings, so as a respectful but expedient measure, I would recommend going with this.

Response by SFC Jerry Teichmiller made Oct 8 at 2025 5:45 PM

2025-10-08T17:45:16-04:00

It would not be my first choice, but you must go with your heart on this one. I would think he would be pleased with whatever you wear.

Response by Sgt Ronald Limuti made Oct 10 at 2025 12:31 PM

2025-10-10T12:31:58-04:00

If no longer have dress uniform I would wear a suit!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2025 6:24 PM

2025-10-10T18:24:32-04:00

OCP is a duty uniform; I have attended funerals during duty hours. In this case, no squared away AGSU or Blues wear a suit.

Response by SPC Terry Martin made Oct 13 at 2025 3:31 AM

2025-10-13T03:31:58-04:00

Wear a squared away suit.

Response by PO3 John Priest made Oct 14 at 2025 8:08 AM

2025-10-14T08:08:27-04:00

ABSOLUTELY NOT! In civilian gear it would be the equivalent of showing up in a wifebeater and jeans. If the Dress Uniform is not proper, don't wear it either.

Opt for a nice black suit and appropriate tie if you have one, or at least basic black dress paints, appropriate long sleeved dress shirt, dress shoes and a tie (optional but recommended).

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Nov 8 at 2025 10:17 AM

2025-11-08T10:17:48-05:00

If your uniform is not ready then don't wear it. But a nice dress shirt coat and pants with a lapel pin would be appropriate. You could see if you could find single Poppy for the lapel as well. Unless the people at the funeral know you they will ask if they are confused or offended by your presence without a Uniform. As always Go WITH WHAT YOU KNOW If you deem it inappropriate then it is. JMTC

Response by LTC Matthew Schlosser made Nov 10 at 2025 10:26 PM

2025-11-10T22:26:44-05:00

Wear a dark colored suit with your top three ribbons on a bar on the breast pocket as a good compromise.

Response by MSgt John Bolden made Nov 16 at 2025 12:50 PM

2025-11-16T12:50:13-05:00

Our honor squad including our rifle squad all attend and perform the rifle salutes with all members of our chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America in attendance wearing our choice of combat uniforms, and we have honored mostly Vietnam veterans at our nearby cemeteries and occasionally we travel to further locations if a member is buried elsewhere. The families have appreciated the efforts. When we are called upon the head of the honor squad will specify the camouflaged uniform and I have also attended a flag presentation ceremony in a requested Vietnam era Jungle fatigue uniform. Not all chapters have the same honors policy.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Nov 30 at 2025 11:20 AM

2025-11-30T11:20:49-05:00

I find it sad that service members are always in work uniforms when in public. When served we only wore class A’s or civilian clothes off base. Show your pride and not be lazy. Polishing your boots was not about the boots it was about the pride and now just cammies Sad really. Bring pride back. 73-95 Army