Politicians wearing the uniform when they are no longer serving?

2015-05-26T12:49:40-04:00

Yesterday at Memorial Day parade, I saw the State representative marching in the parade wearing her Marine uniform. She is no longer serving and she was announced as the state representative. While this was not a political event, I wondered about the appropriateness of wearing the uniform when you are not retired and somewhat representing your political office.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-05-26T13:08:38-04:00

Sir, I believe its a bit of both. I respect that she wanted to show her affiliation with the Marine Corps and show pride for her service, but I also believe that once your out of service your uniform should stay out of service unless you received a full retirement, and wear it only in certain circumstances. Its a Military Holiday yes, but it's a day to memorialize those we have lost not those who have served...that day is in November. Would I have said anything to her personally, probably not, but do I wish she showed her military affiliation in another way YES.

On another note, I do think we need more Veterans in Local, State, and National offices to help "tighten the shot group" of the policies that we all fall under, so for that I say good on her!!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 26 at 2015 1:11 PM

2015-05-26T13:11:42-04:00

Good question. I am rather comforted to see military veterans serving in government; I wish we had more of them.

But if the retired can wear the uniform in public I am not clear why elected representatives cannot - while it is clear that they are no longer serving and they do not speak for the military, they do speak for those they represent.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 26 at 2015 1:14 PM

2015-05-26T13:14:06-04:00

Sir, I look at it this way, as long as she was honoring those who who gave the ultimate sacrifice and that she got out honorably then I don't see anything wrong. If she was using the uniform for political gain then this is absolutely wrong.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 26 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-05-26T13:28:06-04:00

I would have to say some of both. It is clearly an occasion outlined for the wear of uniform by separated/retired personnel but muddies the waters a bit with being tied to her office.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 26 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-05-26T13:44:46-04:00

Now where have I seen a similar occurrence in history...?

Response by CCMSgt Michael Sullivan Ph.D made May 26 at 2015 2:00 PM

2015-05-26T14:00:21-04:00

Only Retired Military should wear uniforms.

Response by SGT David T. made May 26 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-05-26T14:05:31-04:00

I see no issues with this as long as they are a veteran and it was worn during a military holiday and not a political event. If I the lowly bureaucrat can do it, then the elected leader should be able to under the same circumstances.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made May 26 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-05-26T14:12:38-04:00

I don't know about the Marines, but she would be perfectly fine by Army standards.

For what it's worth, here's what AR 670-1 has to say:
===========================================
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 and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c.

(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.
===========================================

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-05-26T14:21:10-04:00

Sir, I believe that if she was discharged under a retirement, and she was displaying pride to have served with the fallen during a Memorial Day event, then it is acceptable. However, if she had been wearing it as a political move to say "Hey, look at me, I'm special, then that's a no-go."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 2:27 PM

2015-05-26T14:27:12-04:00

I retired after 20 years of service and my uniform hangs in the closet in a garment protector. The next time I wear that uniform will be when I am lowered to my final rest. Now having said that, if someone has served honorably and they choose to wear their uniform then that is their buisness! As long as they are wearing it within their appropriate services regulations, who am I to tell them otherwise?

One thing I have noticed lately especially when it comes to the Veteran community we tend to pick and choose what we want to get "outraged" or "offended" about. For instance:

Protestor steps on American Flag. Yes this is in my opinion disgusting and reprehensible, however it is protected speech and something that while I do not like, I fought for that speech. Free speech doesnt mean speech I like or that agrees with me!) But however we don't get outraged by someone wearing an American Flag Bikini, Thong, Shorts, or T-Shirts. If you look up the Flag Code these are specifically outlawed, but under the SCOTUS ruling are protected as free speech.

What I am more bothered by is there is no more "outrage" at the VA, 22 Vets a day take their own lives, Vets can't get adequate healthcare, Vets are homeless, and the VA wastes 6 billion a year on furniture and equipment that can't be used! Where is the outrage? Where is the news stories? Where is the Veteran Community holding our elected leaders accountable?

I don't see stores about the VFW, IAVA, or WWP taking those people to task. But I will see the Veteran community up in arms over T-shirts!

When will we stop playing the victims and start holding those that have committed true disrespect and disregard accountable?

Response by SSG Donald Smith made May 26 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-05-26T14:55:33-04:00

Veterans are authorized to wear their uniform on Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and July 4th.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 26 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-05-26T15:10:21-04:00

Being a State Representative is not necessarily "Political" (against the rules) in nature. It's the advocating of a specific policy where the line is drawn.

For example, appearing before Congress in uniform is a Political Function, but is not taboo. Appearing FOR a member of Congress would be.

Subtle differences.

As an example, we could have all the members of Congress who served in the military appear in full Dress on the steps of the Capitol on Veterans', Memorial, or the 4th of July and there is absolutely no issue. They can have a barbecue even. The second they start talking shop however, we've got a problem.

Response by SSG John Erny made May 26 at 2015 3:15 PM

2015-05-26T15:15:22-04:00

As long as the event is cleared by the service in question and is authorized then it is fine. I have seen people who were no longer serving put their uniform on for military funerals. Another options is the American legion uniform of you are a member.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made May 12 at 2020 9:22 PM

2020-05-12T21:22:17-04:00

USMC Uniform Regs :
b. Former Members of the Armed Forces. Unless qualified under another
provision of this Order or under the provisions of 10 U.S.C. 772, former
members who served honorably during a declared or undeclared war and whose
most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions may wear the
uniform in the highest grade held during such war service only upon the
following occasions and in the course of travel incident thereto:
(1) Military funerals, memorial services, weddings, and inaugurals.
(2) Parades on national or state holidays; or other parades or
ceremonies of a patriotic character in which any active or reserve United
States military unit are taking part. “Wearing of the uniform or any part
thereof at any other time or for any purpose is prohibited.”

The only thing that makes me uneasy is her being announced by her elected position, but I suppose if she was identified by her elected title with the explanation that she is in the uniform she wore as a Marine I would feel totally appropriate.

Response by CPL David Widding made Jun 30 at 2021 9:27 PM

2021-06-30T21:27:09-04:00

It is very common for veterans to wear all or part of their uniforms during a parade. As a civilian they can wear what they please. I enjoy my jungle boots and patrol cap. Uniforms nolinger fit but did buy some jungle fatigues.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2021 9:53 PM

2021-06-30T21:53:42-04:00

Thank them for their service!!!

Response by SFC Joe VanHoozer, PhD made Dec 20 at 2023 9:29 PM

2023-12-20T21:29:09-05:00

ANY Veteran (served over 180 days active duty) honorably discharged is authorized to wear their uniform in good repair at public gatherings.

Response by SPC Donald Donovan made Jan 24 at 2024 6:33 AM

2024-01-24T06:33:19-05:00

If I could still fit into my uniform

Response by SPC Donald Donovan made Jan 24 at 2024 6:45 AM

2024-01-24T06:45:10-05:00

If I could still fit into my uniform, I would gladly wear it and proudly on memorial day and Veterans Day. I did not retire, but I did serve proudly in the 70s and 80s. Politicians who used to be in the military is a good thing because they know the struggles of a veteran, I say “find something more important to worry about “than some politician wearing the marine uniform. It’s a non-starter.