Should I wear my uniform to a civilian gala?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 10:07:11 -0500

Hello everyone! I'm currently in the Reserves and an active member in my community. I was selected to be part of a Charity fundraising campaign for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I, along with, 11 civilian counterparts will be recognized in a Gala at the conclusion of the campaigns. This is a very formal event that local celebs and decision makers attend. Should I wear the Army Mess Uniform with medals? Or a civilian tuxedo?

Things to consider:
1) I won't be speaking for, or on behalf of, the Army. Only recognized for the money that I've been able to raise for this charity.
2) The Army Mess Uniform is the equivalent to a civilian tuxedo- seems like this alone makes it a logical decision.
3) Good PR for my local Reserve Unit
4) Looks badass- especially in comparison with my civilian counterparts...

In all honesty, I want to ensure that I reflect the values that represent the United States Army and to show folks in my community that we (soldiers) are more than just soldiers. We fight abroad, but contribute at home, equally.

I look forward to receiving advice from you all.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 4 at 2015 10:09 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 10:09:04 -0500

I would wear the Mess Dress. Take pride in what you do!

Response by CSM David Heidke made Nov 4 at 2015 10:12 AM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 10:12:53 -0500

It's not a political function, so the Mess Dress is appropriate.

Kudos for having the Mess Dress, I don't even have them.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Nov 4 at 2015 10:32 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 10:32:07 -0500

Congratulations on your participation and being recognized, the Mess Uniform certainly would be an outstanding choice.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 4 at 2015 10:38 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 10:38:04 -0500

Congrats on being recognized. I would go in a tuxedo since this appears to be a civilian relate event.

I also edited your post to comply with the standards of the forums.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2015 10:51 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 10:51:43 -0500

Hell, I'd go with the Mess Dress.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Nov 4 at 2015 10:51 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 10:51:55 -0500

Unless the gala or your efforts were in support of a military theme, a Dinner Jacket is the more appropriate choice. Were it command sponsored, or you did it on behalf of.. yes, go in Dress Uniform.

Keep in mind the purpose of the Tuxedos and Uniforms is NOT to draw attention to yourself, but to your date or to the event itself. You want to blend in. It's counter-intuitive in this case.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Nov 4 at 2015 11:04 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 11:04:39 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I would suggest consulting regulations first. Last thing you want to do is try to do something altruistic and good, but end up in deep poop because it violates the regs. Beyond that if it isn't against any regulation go for the Mess Dress. Definitely better than a tuxedo (unless you are James Bond).

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 4 at 2015 11:12 AM

SSG Todd Halverson — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 11:12:56 -0500

This is not a military function and therefore I do not think the uniform would be appropriate. What you are being recognized for is an honor for your civilian fundraising and not for your military service.
This is the same as wearing your uniform to a non military organization. You would be seen as representing the military and more or less endorsing that organization. Would you feel it was proper to go to a gala for the Westboro Baptist Church? I know 2 totally different organizations, but still give the appearance of the Military supporting that organization.
If you still feel you want to wear your mess uniform, I would check with your chain of command to see what they consider is appropriate. We can all give you our opinions, but it still is a matter for your chain of command.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Nov 4 at 2015 11:20 AM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 11:20:01 -0500

For several of the galas I attended I wore my Dress Blues. The host of the event requested I/we do so though.
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Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 4 at 2015 11:21 AM

SSG Todd Halverson — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 11:21:26 -0500

Here is what I found that the Regs say.
AR 670-1...

Chapter 23 Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel
23–1. Occasions of ceremony
a. 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 and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c.
b. All persons wearing the Army uniform will wear awards, decorations, and insignia in the same manner as
prescribed in this regulation for active duty Soldiers. For civilian attire, individuals may wear only those awards, decorations, or insignia authorized by this regulation for wear on civilian clothing, in the same manner and approximate location as the equivalent military uniform.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2015 11:54 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 11:54:53 -0500

As a non-military event, wear of the Mess uniform would be inappropriate unless your service was relevant somehow.
I do have to ask, as a Reserve Specialist, why would you even consider owning a Mess Uniform? The occasions for wear are rare indeed (I have had four in 22+ years) and it is very expensive and difficult to maintain. Mine took close to $2000 to complete.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 4 at 2015 12:04 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 12:04:05 -0500

I think this falls into the "casts the military in a positive light" category. It's not political, and you're not a spokesman. I'd still talk to your command, but personally, I think it's a great way to show that the military is still human beings that care...

Response by SGT Joshua James made Nov 4 at 2015 12:56 PM

SGT Joshua James — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 12:56:28 -0500

you should get permission from your unit commander.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2015 1:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:44:22 -0500

I would ask your 1SG or Commander, but I say go for it! The Army will be there for all to see, plus it just looks classy! Hooah!

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 4 at 2015 1:59 PM

SPC David S. — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:59:44 -0500

Seems this event is not related to the military.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 4 at 2015 2:47 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 14:47:42 -0500

If not Military in any way and you are not officially representing the Military, I'm going to go with wearing your Tuxedo.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 4 at 2015 2:53 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 14:53:56 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Civies, then you can keep the beard!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2015 3:52 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:52:36 -0500

Get permission from your chain of command. I recently got permission to wear my ACU's to a charity 5k that was raising money for a non-profit that builds homes for wounded combat vets. None of the other soldiers wore their uniform so I was asked to be the flag bearer during the national anthem at the start of the race. Huge honor as a newly enlisted soldier.

Response by MSgt Stephan Hall made Nov 4 at 2015 4:02 PM

MSgt Stephan Hall — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 16:02:10 -0500

If you were a Marine the answer would be no. You should wear appropriate civilian attire.

Response by CMDCM Richard Moon made Nov 4 at 2015 5:40 PM

CMDCM Richard Moon — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 17:40:42 -0500

It's not an event where you are being recognized for your contributions as a service member to the community, so no.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jul 12 at 2016 8:33 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 08:33:34 -0400

Hell, I'd be happy just to fit into my old uniform again...

Response by SSgt Lonnie Montgomery made Nov 10 at 2016 12:29 PM

SSgt Lonnie Montgomery — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 12:29:11 -0500

SPC Matthew M.,

If you have your Army “Mess Dress” squared away YES, by all means wear it, you have earned it. Your date will be as proud to be on your arm as with any civilian tux you could ever find.

However, along with being one of the best dressed men at this event being in uniform will require you to also be on your best behavior at all times. Literally all eyes will be upon you and your date at one time or another, act accordingly.

Not everyone has the right to wear a uniform, so if you chose to wear yours to this event do it with pride, you have earned it.

Response by SSG George Husted made Sep 16 at 2017 11:14 AM

SSG George Husted — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 11:14:11 -0400

I was under the impression that it was legal to wear mini-medals on a civilian formal attire. I would think that would suffice.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 16 at 2017 11:52 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 23:52:51 -0400

It is not authorized. AR670-1
23–2. Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve
a. All members of the ARNG and USAR on any form of paid or unpaid inactive duty, active duty, annual training, or full-time National Guard duty, or AGR duty will wear the uniform and insignia prescribed for personnel in the AA. ARNG and USAR personnel are authorized to wear the Army uniform on the following occasions:
b. Within the limits of the United States or its possessions, ARNG and USAR personnel not on active duty may wear the Army uniform only as follows:
(1) When participating in reserve training assemblies (inactive duty training), exercises, conferences, or ceremonies in an official capacity as members of the ARNG or the USAR under appropriate orders.
(2) When engaged in military instruction or attending any school or course of instruction under the auspices of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Reserve Components as a student under appropriate orders.
(3) When instructors at an educational institution conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces, or when responsible for military discipline at like institutions.
(4) When attending social functions or informal gatherings of a military character. All current and former Soldiers will conform to the wear and appearance standards in this regulation while wearing the uniform under the provisions of this chapter.
(5) When enrolled as undergraduates in educational institutions and participating as a cadet in an active ROTC unit, or as a member in established USAR unit. Individuals may wear the uniforms and insignia of their grade only upon such occasions expressly desired or authorized by the professor of military science or other proper official of the school. Members of the USAR attending institutions at which military training is considered as required curricular activity are authorized, and may be required to wear the uniform prescribed by the institution, including the insignia of any grade or rating held in the student unit.
(6) ARNG military technicians who are required to wear the uniform as a condition of their employment will wear the uniform for their federally recognized grade, as prescribed by the Adjutant General of their State, commonwealth, territory, or district.
(7) USAR technicians who are also members of the USAR may wear the Army uniform, at their option, while performing in their civil service status.
c. When outside the limits of the United States or its possessions, ARNG and USAR personnel not on active duty and outside the limits of the United States or its possessions will not wear the Army uniform, unless granted authority by HQDA. However, on occasions of military ceremony or other military functions in a foreign country, ARNG and USAR personnel may be granted authority to wear the Army uniform after they have their status accredited by the nearest Army attaché. In a foreign country that does not have an Army attaché, ARNG and USAR personnel must obtain authority to wear the Army uniform for a specific occasion from the military authorities of the country concerned.

Response by SSgt David Marks made Sep 17 at 2017 2:33 AM

SSgt David Marks — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 02:33:08 -0400

The question you need to ask now is, are you still on active duty or in the reserves? If you are, then you can as long as you dress according to and are in compliance of all current regulations. If you aren't active duty or reserve, it would technically be inappropriate , but if you do, you still need to wear the uniform in a way that bring honor upon the service.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Jan 7 at 2018 7:27 AM

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 07:27:43 -0500

There’s an alternative that you haven’t thought of, and the explanation is here:
https://www.thebalance.com/uniform-wear-by-retirees-and-veterans-3356968

Wearing Military Medals on Civilian Clothes

On Veterans Day, the Dept of Veteran Affairs encourages all military veterans to wear their medals and decorations during patriotic holidays.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 8:42 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 08:42:28 -0500

So why is a Specialist considering a Mess Dress uniform? Those aren't issued, and do you know how much they cost???

Response by SGT Randy Bordner made Jan 7 at 2018 10:37 AM

SGT Randy Bordner — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 10:37:48 -0500

Many years ago the public did not like the military (I know 1st hand) but I wore my uniform proudly. I would wear a dress uniform to the event, be proud of your service.