Is it weird to wear my Army dress blues to my 20 year class reunion?

SGT Tong Yi — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 21:41:49 -0500

Response by SSG Matthew Nechy made Feb 24 at 2017 9:49 PM

SSG Matthew Nechy — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 21:49:04 -0500

It could be a fancy affair. One of my Army brothers is retired and wears his blues to the Captain's dinner when on cruises. If it's a formal event......

Response by SSG Matthew Nechy made Feb 24 at 2017 9:52 PM

SSG Matthew Nechy — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 21:52:36 -0500

Though, personally, I am no longer in service. I didn't retire. I got a medical discharge. I'd wear a ring, or a lapel pin related to my service. If the former classmates asked about it, I'd start a conversation. That's just me.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2017 9:57 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 21:57:49 -0500

SGT Tong Yi The link below lists the occasions where you are allowed to wear the uniform.

https://www.thebalance.com/uniform-wear-by-retirees-and-veterans-3356987

Wear of the Uniform by Army Retirees and Veterans

Army retirees and certain honorably discharged veterans may wear the US Military uniform on certain occasions.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Feb 24 at 2017 10:29 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 22:29:18 -0500

I don't think its weird but if you do you risk getting cheese sauce and beer all over it. That's based on the polo shirt I wore to my 20th reunion.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Feb 24 at 2017 10:37 PM

SGM Billy Herrington — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 22:37:51 -0500

I would classify it as weird and along the same lines of someone wanting to wear it to prom.

Just my opinion though.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 24 at 2017 10:47 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 22:47:28 -0500

Why Not! You Earned It! I'm Just Jealous! I was Still Built Like a Cheetah, A Navy 5K Runner when I Retired! 169 lbs 6'4". I'm a Bit Bigger Now at 215 Lbs, I can't get My Jumper on anymore! LOL!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 24 at 2017 10:54 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 22:54:27 -0500

SGT Tong Yi, I think that your focus and the answer to your question is in paragraph 23-1a. of AR 670-1 which states:
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, and 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.

The overriding factor is not whether you're a retiree, veteran or served in time of war, etc. The question is whether the event is an "occasion of ceremony" or not. Based on the definition provided above, a high school reunion would not be characterized as "of a military character".

Thus, wear of the uniform is not authorized and is inappropriate for wear at your reunion.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 1:04 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 01:04:24 -0500

I'm not sure in all honesty, 670-1 surely says some things. I have seen people do it for occasions like this though. You could wear some of your insignia on your blazer, I know a few guys that do that. One wears an old regimental crest, another wears his old rank from time to time.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 25 at 2017 1:26 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 01:26:50 -0500

No. I think it would be classy and appropriate.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 25 at 2017 11:36 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 11:36:21 -0500

I think it's a good idea. As a veteran I believe you are allowed to wear the uniform on appropriate occasions as long as you comply with your Service (Army) regulations concerning such wear. You are justly proud of your service and can make a statement about it to your classmates.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Feb 27 at 2017 12:21 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 12:21:51 -0500

Could be slightly, but if you're within regs, who cares... you earned it. It's yours forever. Frankly, I communicate more with my military friends than my high school friends. So go to your 20 year reunion. Rock your Blues. You'll probably never talk to them again anyways.

Response by COL Thomas F. made Mar 1 at 2017 5:25 PM

COL Thomas F. — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 17:25:27 -0500

When I went to my 20 year HS reunion, an acquaintance of mine showed up in his USMC dress blues. I think he was a 1LT at the time. Did he ever look uncomfortable standing by the wall with his wife. I went over and talked for a bit an he was as stiff as a board. (I was a Jr Major at the time but not in uniform). Of course showing up in your class As at a HS reunion in the SF Bay Area is a risky endeavor. I would advise against it for the reasons stated in the reg as LTC Stephen Curlee described above. Of course I did see an Army Spc wearing class As with the black beret (back when the greens were still in) at Fleet Week in SF a few years back. He was on the local news and had airborne wings on the flash!!! He was stationed at Moffett NAS with the PsyOps grp there (I recognized his insignia). What a tool. I was going to call his unit but my wife stopped me. So point of the story is when you go out in public in uniform, you're always being watched. If you're in class As, EVERYONE is looking at you including officers like me. Just be prepared for the scrutiny if you look out of line.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2017 6:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 18:24:29 -0500

Not as weird as sergeant wearing his dress blues to the Oscars.. Since when being Oscar audience is a special occasion worth dress blues.. I know it's off-topic, but still...

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 13 at 2018 6:33 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 18:33:33 -0400

Yes.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 13 at 2018 7:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 19:34:07 -0400

Will you have a formal dinner?