Is it permitted for a retiree to wear their ASU for their wedding day?

2018-01-30T10:09:11-05:00

Some of us don’t meet the right one during our career. Mine ended honorably and I still haven’t met a good one. My dream was to be married in my ASU. Is it permitted for wear after retirement?

Response by SFC Walter Lovett made Jan 30 at 2018 10:17 AM

2018-01-30T10:17:20-05:00

Here is a link to the current AR 670-1.
http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6173_AR670-1_Web_FINAL.pdf
Chapter 21
Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel
21–1. Occasions of ceremony
a. 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, 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 and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c.
b. All persons wearing the Army uniform will wear awards, decorations, and insignia in the same manner as prescribed
in this regulation for active duty Soldiers. For civilian attire, individuals may wear only those awards, decorations, or
insignia authorized by this regulation for wear on civilian clothing, in the same manner and approximate location as the
equivalent military uniform.

ARN6173_AR670-1_Web_FINAL.pdf

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2018 10:22 AM

2018-01-30T10:22:25-05:00

That is the perfect example of when wearing a uniform is more than just permitted it is admirable. (just get your wife's buyin first, it will set you up for later matrimonial success)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2018 12:23 PM

2018-01-30T12:23:08-05:00

Yes In the same proper manner you would have worn it while on Duty. The rules are specified in army regulation AR 670-1. It also outlines when and how a civilian is entitled to wear the uniform.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jan 30 at 2018 1:27 PM

2018-01-30T13:27:32-05:00

You may. In fact, the regulation states that, out of all the veteran categories, retirees have the most circumstances in which they are authorized to wear the uniform. I would care to ask why you would want to though. Nothing against the service, but if I were to ever remarry I do not think that I would want or need my service to be connected with the occasion. Would it not be more appropriate to wear a suit or a tux for a civilian wedding? I can imagine if all of your groomsmen and the best man were service members or vets attending in uniform, but I don't really get it. I suppose it is simply preference.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jan 30 at 2018 4:47 PM

2018-01-30T16:47:26-05:00

Yes, in fact any service former service member can wear their uniform to a wedding. The uniform is your personal property, and you aren't misrepresenting yourself. If everything on your uniform is legit, go nuts.

Congratulations on your wedding.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 30 at 2018 9:27 PM

2018-01-30T21:27:18-05:00

Yes, you just need to conform to appearance standards in 670-1.

Para 21-3:
e. In addition to the occasions for wear listed above, retired personnel are authorized to wear the uniform only on the following occasions:
(1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 30 at 2018 10:42 PM

2018-01-30T22:42:45-05:00

Yes, but it must be worn correctly, IAW AR670-1.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 30 at 2018 10:45 PM

2018-01-30T22:45:37-05:00

23–4. Former members of the Army
a. Unless qualified under another provision of this regulation, or under the provisions of 10 USC 772, former members of the Army may only wear the uniform if they served honorably during a declared or undeclared war, and if their most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions. Personnel who qualify under these conditions will
wear the Army uniform in the highest grade they held during such war service, in accordance with 10 USC 772.
b. When authorized, the uniform may be worn only for the following ceremonial occasions and when traveling to and from the event.
(1) When attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) When attending parades on national or State holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress
uniforms; the combat uniform and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.