Posted on Mar 18, 2017
Is it socially acceptable to enhance your uniform for a military ball?
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Example: I am a signal soldier and I would like to wear an orange bow tie and orange socks with my ASUs.
Military Ball
Signal
ASU
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 79
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SSG (Join to see) First it depends on the function. If it is an official function, then no to the tie and yes to the socks... My opinion. But, by regulation... no.
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The uniform does have exceptions. Combat engineers are authorized to wear red suspenders with the dress blue uniform. However, there aren't many who actually have a dress blue, so it becomes a moot point.
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COL David Turk
I was a combat engineer and don't remember being allowed to wear red suspenders. Are you sure that wasn't a local unit exception?
On the other hand, engineer officers are required to wear Engineer buttons rather than the US Army buttons.
By the way, the Army returned to the blues as a class A uniform, do all active should have it. I was married in mine at Fort Belvoir, and still have it, but it shrunk over the years ;).
On the other hand, engineer officers are required to wear Engineer buttons rather than the US Army buttons.
By the way, the Army returned to the blues as a class A uniform, do all active should have it. I was married in mine at Fort Belvoir, and still have it, but it shrunk over the years ;).
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"Socially acceptable" at a military ball?
Hmm..."socially".
Step One: Regs unfavorable to your proposition aside, think of who comprises this social occasion.
If this is your "Hey, look at me, I'm an individual" statement, you may want to reconsider. Otherwise bring an umbrella, because your cool-guy moment better be worth the shit-storm that will inevitably come your way. Is it worth making your buddies giggle?
If this is somehow sanctioned by your chain-of-command (I haven't see it, but I allow for the possibility), be prepared for the reaction you'll still get anyway; even with your CoC's "get outta jail free card". Even then will it be worth it?
I'd normally say do what your rank can handle, but unless there is an authorized reason to do it, your rank isn't even close enough to handle this, but you're a grown man. Make your choice. It's on you. If as I and most others predict, it doesn't work out in your favor, you had better fully understand you invited whatever repercussions come.
Hmm..."socially".
Step One: Regs unfavorable to your proposition aside, think of who comprises this social occasion.
If this is your "Hey, look at me, I'm an individual" statement, you may want to reconsider. Otherwise bring an umbrella, because your cool-guy moment better be worth the shit-storm that will inevitably come your way. Is it worth making your buddies giggle?
If this is somehow sanctioned by your chain-of-command (I haven't see it, but I allow for the possibility), be prepared for the reaction you'll still get anyway; even with your CoC's "get outta jail free card". Even then will it be worth it?
I'd normally say do what your rank can handle, but unless there is an authorized reason to do it, your rank isn't even close enough to handle this, but you're a grown man. Make your choice. It's on you. If as I and most others predict, it doesn't work out in your favor, you had better fully understand you invited whatever repercussions come.
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SGT Dave Tracy
Sidebar: I believe you stated that at a prior unit you were allowed to deviate if I'm correct, and others have noted that artillery, for example, will often accessorize with red. The difference is what is acceptable within a given unit by time, tradition and command. If it's just you taking it on yourself to do this, it's a bad idea. If your current unit allows for such (specific) differentiation from the norm, so be it, and enjoy.
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NO, as far as I would say you could go would be to wear orange suspenders for your trousers. you are showing support for the Signal Corps but are compromising your Military Uniform.
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I know what you're talking about and have seen things like this before. Soldiers always want to represent their branch when at functions. That being said, I would choose to err on the side of caution. A wise old First Sergeant told me this about my Class A's once as a young Sergeant: "There's over 233 years of history on that uniform (at that time), and the only thing that belongs to you is a 1 by 3 by 1/16th nameplate."
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What I hear you saying is that you don't want to make the military a career?
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I would talk to your chain of command instead of being on here asking. The only ones that can authorize you to do this is your Company Commander or Battalion Commander. It's great to ask questions on here about some things but then there are questions like the one you are asking and you will get several different responses.
Good luck and let us know what you find out.
Good luck and let us know what you find out.
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