Posted on Oct 28, 2016
Should awards only be worn if they are annotated on your ERB?
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So obviously if it's not on your ERB then you can't wear it on your uniform. But what if it is on your ERB and you choose not to wear it? Is that even possible? Or are you mandated by regulation to wear it if you have it on your ERB? Doesn't matter much for me with my 2AAMs and 1 GCM but what about people who've been in awhile and have a decked out chest? I once saw GEN Dempsey wearing his class Bs wth just his nameplate and a handful of medals in a press conference
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 39
I don't understand why anyone wouldn't wear what they earned. Seems simple enough.
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SSG (Join to see)
Sometimes it becomes a hassle. I understand your thinking on it but some people have shit for days.
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My father spent 27 years in, went thru CHEMICAL OCS in 1943, was entitled to a chest full of Awards. He never wore a single one. When he passed and was buried in Arlington we put every last one on his uniform. It was really for the family’s vain at the viewing the night before. The chapel at Arlington, the casket is closed and draped. Dad got his way, None of his colleagues ever saw his awards.
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The current folk would point you to the correct answer that's valid at the moment. It has changed over time. Back in the day you were required to wear the NDSM but didn't have to wear others. Some local authorities would only allow the top row on khakis which I preferred anyways because it was simpler to slap on every day. Nowadays like what used to be said in the past "smoke 'em if you got 'em" seems to be the vogue but that's all part of the fruit salad mania that's been going on for years.
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Well, I don't know about the Army regulations, but I can comment on the Marine Corps unless they to have updated their Uniform Manual. I do believe that if you had earn the right to an award, then you should wear that award. Many Senior Marines during my time were obligated to wear your personal awards, followed by unit awards, then foreign awards if the requirement to do so with the proper uniform of the day or when required by the Commanding Officer. I don't know of any Marine who wouldn't want to wear their personal and unit awards on their uniforms. I guess it's a matter of pride.
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Yea I saw General Dempsey picture. That made me realize you don't have to wear all your awards. With the amount of awards he has and how tall he is, I'm sure he can't fit them all.
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LTC Jason Mackay
There are other occasions he wore all his awards and decorations, and it does occupy every square inch of his right chest.
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In the Marines you only had to wear your personal decorations, did not have to wear unit awards, unless it was a full blown inspection, then you were required to wear all awarded.
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If you are doing a DA photo for a board such as E-7 promotion board, it has to be exactly what is on your ERB, otherwise it is my understanding that you have to wear on class A; nametag, rank, branch insignia, U.S. army insignia, weapons qualification, and army service ribbon. Or on class B you only have to wear rank and nametag.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thanks for your input. The answer is actually that you can wear any award that you have documentation you've earned. The ERB doesn't dictate what you can and cannot wear but rather what you do and don't get credit for in regards to promotion points
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You are not required to wear all your awards unless the commander says so.
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The section on awards is the responsibility of the individual to insure it is correct. Never wear something that is not recorded properly.
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DA Pam 670-1
Uniforms
Awards
