Posted on Apr 16, 2016
Is there a regulation that governs the wear of Dress Blues by Veterans? AR 670-1?
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Dress Uniform
Regulation
Dress Uniform Regulation
Posted 8 y ago
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Army Veterans. Instructions are listed in paragraph 30-4 of Army Regulation 670-1.
Former members of the Army may wear the uniform if they served honorably during a declared or undeclared war, and if their most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions (that means an honorable or general discharge). Personnel who qualify under these conditions will wear the Army uniform in the highest grade they held during such war service.
The uniform is authorized for wear only for the following ceremonial occasions, and when traveling to and from the ceremony or function. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the BDU and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn.
(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 United States military unit is taking part.
Former Soldiers who are discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army (even if it's not during wartime service) may wear their uniform while going from the place of discharge to their home of record, within three months after discharge.
Wear of the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.
Hope this helps!
Former members of the Army may wear the uniform if they served honorably during a declared or undeclared war, and if their most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions (that means an honorable or general discharge). Personnel who qualify under these conditions will wear the Army uniform in the highest grade they held during such war service.
The uniform is authorized for wear only for the following ceremonial occasions, and when traveling to and from the ceremony or function. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the BDU and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn.
(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 United States military unit is taking part.
Former Soldiers who are discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army (even if it's not during wartime service) may wear their uniform while going from the place of discharge to their home of record, within three months after discharge.
Wear of the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.
Hope this helps!
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CPT Tom Fawls
SSgt Christophe Murphy - Thanks. I suspected that would be the case, but figured I'd ask. :)
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SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA
AR 670-1 covers anyone who wear their uniform, whether active duty, or retired. We must never forget that we cannot wear more than we are authorized. Us retirees, the day we sign out of active service, whatever awards we have on the day of retirement, that is it; no more. What we cannot wear are the temporary awards, such as accouterments, fourieggier and any citations that are allowed in the unit you served in. Pay attention to the DD-214. it lists everything that you are authorized; even that rifle badge and driver's badge. These are yours; permanently.
I reiterate, any soldier retired or not, AR 670-1 is the bible for wearing your uniform. If you talk special days and you can still fit in your uniform, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day. Other holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, one would need to get ahold of the powers to be to get answers to that. Talk to the CSM at the recruiting station, he or she can get those answers.
I reiterate, any soldier retired or not, AR 670-1 is the bible for wearing your uniform. If you talk special days and you can still fit in your uniform, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day. Other holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, one would need to get ahold of the powers to be to get answers to that. Talk to the CSM at the recruiting station, he or she can get those answers.
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SSG Robert Albright
The wear of the uniform is covered under four places; federal law, state law, Department of Defense directives and specific military regulation. Here's a link with the most comprehensive answer: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/5/31/341273/-
The wear of the uniform; when is it illegal? (updated)
Ladies and Gentlemen,I've seen many comments and questions on the issue of active-duty or former military members wearing the uniform to events, rallies, etc, so thought a diary may be needed....
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PFC (Join to see)
This is going to seem like a rediculous question. And I am not trying to offend anyone by asking this. Sargents and Captians on this post, it states for funeral you are allowed to wear your dress blues but the funeral services I will be attending is a film scene as a extra. I can't tell if I am allowed or not, which means I shouldn't just out of respect. But out of the courisity since I am trying to get into the industry, does anyone have any advice?
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SGT Jamie Jackson
Absolutely, I would never nor will I ever disgrace my uniform, but now that I'm out on the appropriate occasion I wouldn't mind dawning the ol' blues....or greens for that matter....kidding that one is retired all the way around
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SPC Jeff Laslie
SGT(P) (Join to see) - I think you're right Sgt. I live in a very small town and I wear my Jungles for the memorial service the other guys wear their era's combat uniform in our honor detail also. Just something we do here. (Shrug)
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Actually I have an answer: the ref exists and has been cited. The question I have is "If one of your bothers is a bit jacked up, then when did it become cool to call them out in public? If you can take them aside and fix it then please do. If I were a bit off and one of my guys got me squared away I would say thanks. If they are too much of jack ass to accept the help then quoting regs at a retiree will be as helpful as yelling at a brick wall. Just be cool and don't make a fuss that can be seen or heard by others."
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SFC Jimmy Hernandez-Benitez
It should come from them, they serve, they know the regulations, it should be pride when you wear any uniform, you represent this wonderful country of ours, it does not matter if you are active or retired, you sign for life and always will be a brother in arm, just approach with respect to him.
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SSG (Join to see)
SGT Jamie Jackson - why would some one bring up retirees wearing a uniform on rally point? That is calling them out in "public"
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SGT Jamie Jackson
Ssg Matthew mclvor, it was a random question that I didn't know the answer to so I asked it...kinda one of those things I was taught, if you don't know ask.
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I wear my dress blues exactly once a year, for the turret two memorial service every April 19 aboard USS Iowa.
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SGT Jackson, the uniform must be worn IAW with the individual service's regualtions.
Federal law (10 USC, 772)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/772
Federal law (10 USC, 772)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/772
10 U.S. Code § 772 - When wearing by persons not on active duty authorized
June 3, 1916, ch. 134, §12 (words before 4th semicolon, and words after 7th semicolon, of 1st proviso of 1st par.; and last proviso of last par.), 39 Stat. 216; July 9, 1918, ch. 143, subch. XVII, §10 (last proviso), 40 Stat. 892; June 4, 1920, ch. 228, §8, 41 Stat. 836; June 6, 1942, ch. 382, 56 Stat. 328; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §15(b) (last proviso), 63 Stat. 91; July 6, 1953, ch. 180, §1, 67 Stat. 140.
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SPC Scott Hulslander
I just want to say that I liked that you linked to the LII as I work at Cornell Law School now.
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CPT Johnny Vegas
well i guess it's okay if you want to believe one of the top Ivy League schools and top law schools nation wide. I mean it is sure isn't any Texas Southern law school where they are true trend setters and may set the record for the larges failing class nationwide. I'm sure Cornell has its perks too though lol.
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AR 670-1 spells it all out. make sure you read it study it and know it because if some one tries to question you or call you out on this you'll have all the right answers for them and you can shut them down on it and know it and having you own personal copy of it tabbed for pages needed and the paragraphs highlights for quick easy reference access so you can point it out fast to somebody who thinks they are a Mr. know it all and you can get them shut down fast so you can focus on the more important things that your wearing your uniform for than having to be hassled by those who are out just to cause a problem.
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Yes it is in AR 670-1. Wear of dress blues for retirees. Check it out for the details but I think all you have to do is use the retirement branch as a unit insignia. It will also tell you when u can wear it.
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SSG Clyde Koontz
Last time I checked the Blues did not allow a "unit patch" (SSI).
The Dress Greens did and there was a patch for retirees, but I don't know about the current Dress Blues
The Dress Greens did and there was a patch for retirees, but I don't know about the current Dress Blues
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Active, reserve and retired military when using any uniform have to follow AR-670-1. No exception.
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AR 670-1 covers everything. The standards don't change when retired. Just can't walk around saying your still in the service.
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SSG Byron Hewett
AR670-1 Wear of the uniform by retired personnel
Found in Section 30.3 Page 314
Applies to Gender Both
a. Personnel who will be advanced to a higher grade upon retirement have the option of wearing the insignia of that grade thereafter.
b. Retired personnel on active duty will wear their uniform and insignia in the same manner as prescribed for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch.
c. Retired personnel not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on the date of their retirement, or the uniform for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate, but may not intermix the two uniforms. Personnel will wear the grade as shown on the retired grade of rank line on the retirement order.
d. Retired personnel not on active duty are not authorized to wear shoulder sleeve insignia, except as follows:
(1) Personnel performing instructor duties at an educational institution conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces will wear the shoulder sleeve insignia of the command that is responsible for the course of instruction. Senior and junior ROTC instructors will wear the Cadet Command shoulder sleeve insignia on their left shoulder (see AR 145–1 and 145–2 for wear of the uniform by senior and junior ROTC instructors, respectively).
(2) Retired personnel are authorized to wear the shoulder sleeve insignia for U.S. Army Retirees on the left shoulder. The insignia consists of a white cloth disc with a blue border, and an inner white disc with a red border, which bears a blue and white adaptation of the coat of arms of the United States. The outer disk that surrounds the coat of arms contains the inscription “UNITED STATES ARMY” in red letters at the top, and the word “RETIRED” in blue letters at the bottom (see fig 30–1).
(3) Retired personnel may wear the shoulder sleeve insignia for former wartime service (SSI–FWTS) on the right shoulder if they were authorized wear of the SSI–FWTS while on active duty.
e. Retired personnel not on active duty are not authorized to wear the Army uniform when they are instructors or responsible for military discipline at an educational institution, unless the educational institution is conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces.
f. In addition to the occasions for wear listed above, retired personnel are authorized to wear the uniform only on the following occasions. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the BDU and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn.
(1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) Attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part. Wear of the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above is prohibited.
g. Retirees are authorized to wear the physical fitness uniform (PFU) or the improved physical fitness uniform (IPFU) under the following provisions:
(1) May wear the PFU or the IPFU with civilian attire off the installation.
(2) When wearing the PFU or the IPFU as a complete uniform, retirees will—
(a) Wear only authorized accessories corresponding to those worn by personnel of the Active Army.
(b) Keep the sleeves down on the sweatshirt or jacket, the legs down on the pants, and the t-shirt tucked inside the trunks.
(c) Not roll or push up the sleeves of the IPFU sweatshirt or the PFU/IPFU jacket.
(d) Wear the sleeves of the IPFU sweatshirt cuffed or uncuffed; may not cuff the IPFU jacket sleeves.
(e) Wear the black knit cap pulled down snugly on the head, with the bottom edge of the cap folded up; will not roll the edge of the cap. A similar, commercially designed black knit cap is authorized for wear. h. Pregnant retirees are authorized to wear the t-shirt/sweatshirt outside the trunks/sweatpants.
Found in Section 30.3 Page 314
Applies to Gender Both
a. Personnel who will be advanced to a higher grade upon retirement have the option of wearing the insignia of that grade thereafter.
b. Retired personnel on active duty will wear their uniform and insignia in the same manner as prescribed for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch.
c. Retired personnel not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on the date of their retirement, or the uniform for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate, but may not intermix the two uniforms. Personnel will wear the grade as shown on the retired grade of rank line on the retirement order.
d. Retired personnel not on active duty are not authorized to wear shoulder sleeve insignia, except as follows:
(1) Personnel performing instructor duties at an educational institution conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces will wear the shoulder sleeve insignia of the command that is responsible for the course of instruction. Senior and junior ROTC instructors will wear the Cadet Command shoulder sleeve insignia on their left shoulder (see AR 145–1 and 145–2 for wear of the uniform by senior and junior ROTC instructors, respectively).
(2) Retired personnel are authorized to wear the shoulder sleeve insignia for U.S. Army Retirees on the left shoulder. The insignia consists of a white cloth disc with a blue border, and an inner white disc with a red border, which bears a blue and white adaptation of the coat of arms of the United States. The outer disk that surrounds the coat of arms contains the inscription “UNITED STATES ARMY” in red letters at the top, and the word “RETIRED” in blue letters at the bottom (see fig 30–1).
(3) Retired personnel may wear the shoulder sleeve insignia for former wartime service (SSI–FWTS) on the right shoulder if they were authorized wear of the SSI–FWTS while on active duty.
e. Retired personnel not on active duty are not authorized to wear the Army uniform when they are instructors or responsible for military discipline at an educational institution, unless the educational institution is conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces.
f. In addition to the occasions for wear listed above, retired personnel are authorized to wear the uniform only on the following occasions. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the BDU and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn.
(1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) Attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part. Wear of the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above is prohibited.
g. Retirees are authorized to wear the physical fitness uniform (PFU) or the improved physical fitness uniform (IPFU) under the following provisions:
(1) May wear the PFU or the IPFU with civilian attire off the installation.
(2) When wearing the PFU or the IPFU as a complete uniform, retirees will—
(a) Wear only authorized accessories corresponding to those worn by personnel of the Active Army.
(b) Keep the sleeves down on the sweatshirt or jacket, the legs down on the pants, and the t-shirt tucked inside the trunks.
(c) Not roll or push up the sleeves of the IPFU sweatshirt or the PFU/IPFU jacket.
(d) Wear the sleeves of the IPFU sweatshirt cuffed or uncuffed; may not cuff the IPFU jacket sleeves.
(e) Wear the black knit cap pulled down snugly on the head, with the bottom edge of the cap folded up; will not roll the edge of the cap. A similar, commercially designed black knit cap is authorized for wear. h. Pregnant retirees are authorized to wear the t-shirt/sweatshirt outside the trunks/sweatpants.
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SSG Byron Hewett
The United States Army retired Service Identification Badge may be purchased by retirees at any clothing and sales shop on any military post or base or PX or BX and are authorized for wear on your dress uniform with or without a Combat Service Identification Badge if you have earned one or not.
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