Is it appropriate to wear my ASU for walking the field during homecoming?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 18:02:46 -0400

The homecoming queen picked me to walk the field. i wanted to know if its appropriate to wear my ASU

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Aug 21 at 2019 6:09 PM

SSgt Dan Montague — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 18:09:49 -0400

you are a direct rep for the Army at this event. Show pride and wear a service dress uniform.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 21 at 2019 6:14 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 18:14:53 -0400

Yes, dang it. Just wear it correctly

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2019 6:48 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 18:48:51 -0400

Why?

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2019 10:24 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 22:24:18 -0400

I wouldn’t be caught dead at a high school event as a soldier

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 1:08 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 01:08:09 -0400

There are few things less impressive than a Private in full dress uniform. Just because you can do it doesn’t mean it’s to be done. Wear a nice suit, instead.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 4:15 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 04:15:58 -0400

Yes, you can definitely wear it, but it is imperative that you wear it properly. Review AR670-1 carefully and then ensure that you don’t do anything to discredit the service whilst wearing it. If you have an NCO handy, have them check you out first. If you’re positive that you can represent the Army properly, then wear it proudly. If not, then wear a slick suit. Best of luck to you

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 4:28 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 04:28:23 -0400

DO NOT be that guy bro. Nothing says “look at me I’m special thank me for my service” than wearing the ASU’s to a high school event. Put on a suit like the rest of jerks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 7:05 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 07:05:38 -0400

Absolutely! Just make sure you have it as pristine as humanly possible and set up correctly. Remember you represent the entire branch in this event and all eyes will be on you.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 22 at 2019 8:48 AM

SPC David S. — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 08:48:55 -0400

By all means but your are representing more than just your self - the entire US Army. Have fun and keep it classy, by that I mean class A uniform.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Aug 22 at 2019 9:14 AM

CSM William Everroad — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 09:14:42 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member, AR 671-1 Chapter 13-3 states the ASU is "considered appropriate for social or official functions off the installation, such as memorial services, funerals, weddings, inaugurals, patriotic ceremonies, and similar functions ... [or] on other appropriate occasions, as desired by the individual." So according to the regulation, it can be considered appropriate.
I love suits. The history of the suit may be of some use for you in picking your own course of action. They were first used by royalty to display status, even through the 1800s they were used to convey position or profession. After WWII, many Soldiers returning did not have any other garments, so they wore their dress uniform. It became very common see see Soldiers at formal functions wearing their dress uniform. However, after the vietnams war, the practice fell out of fashion, but the suit itself continued to be a status and professional signal. With ready-to-wear establishments bringing the suit to the masses, it became commonplace to see the suit in workplaces. Today's fashion is starting to drift away from the formal suit and given rise to 'business casual' as more commonplace. This is re-enforcing the rise of the formal suit as a status or professional symbol once again. A discerning eye can easily tell the quality of a suit by looking at it.
Back to your homecoming situation, females spend copious amounts on their outwear at functions they deem important, but males tend to downplay the same investment. Take into consideration your date's level of interest in the event. If you don't have a suit to match, the ASU, for a PV2 is the go-to. It is formal, and conveys your status or profession in a way that a normal suit that you may be able to afford can not. When in doubt, ask your date. I say ask her because as SFC Ab Abc mentioned, she picked you maybe perhaps because she likes that you are a servicemenber and is proud of your accomplishment. But, as SSgt Dan Montague, SGM Bill Frazer, SPC David S., SSG Private RallyPoint Member, CW2 Private RallyPoint Member, and PFC Jeffrey Herrington stated already if you chose to wear it, wear it proudly and correctly.
I think that just the fact you asked the question means you are proud of your service and do not mind wearing it as 1SG Dennis Hicks pointed out. So I would disregard any advice from people who say don't be 'that guy'. To me, in this case, 'that guy' is the one who might be a PV2, wears the ASU to homecoming to show he is better than everyone else and tells war stories from basic training. Be humble, your are a Soldier and the ASU is a reflection of who you are at this point in your life. If you feel like you are more than the uniform, wear a regular suit.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Aug 22 at 2019 9:39 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 09:39:22 -0400

Being an E2 I can see where you are concerned. I know its sometimes tough to understand all the Army's Traditions but wear your Dress Uniform - you're a Soldier.
Once its done - leave the setting and take your date to dinner with your and her families. Tell those folks your plans so they can be prepared to dress accordingly. Limit the dinner to just you, your date and both sets of parents. Don't take any siblings or friends as most likely the meal with go smoother if only adults are present.
Display yourself with pride and behave yourself. Stay away from the homecoming after-party as that's not a place for you dressed in your dress uniform.
NOTE: Both sets of parents will be asking (Yes, It's a test) questions.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Aug 22 at 2019 6:10 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 18:10:49 -0400

My advice, rent a tux or wear a suit and tie. A PV1 in a dress uniform just plain looks goofy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2019 8:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 20:19:45 -0400

It's like catnip for the ladies! Please just make sure it's squared away at least and don't make a fool of yourself because you represent the the Army even when you don't wear it so don't make us look bad!