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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.
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.
Dress Uniform
Charity
Outreach
Reserves
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 28
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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...
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SGT (Join to see)
Thanks for this advice SSG Hasbun! I agree that it's a positive PR for the Army. Especially being involved in the local community for Reserve units.
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SSgt (Join to see)
The thing is, he's only representing himself, not his unit or the reserves. If he participated ON BEHALF of the unit or the Army, then it would make sense to appear in uniform. Otherwise NOT.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SSgt (Join to see) - Which is why I'd definitely talk to higher first (sorry, really late response)...
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thanks for adding this 1SG Charles Hunter. I appreciate the additional resource! Thanks also SSG Halverson!
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SSG Todd Halverson
If you do wear you mess uniform just be sure to clear it through your command per 1SG Hunter's reference in part a
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SSgt Gary Guinn
I am with the 1SG and the others, clear it with your Commander, I think it does shine a positive light on the Guard and the Army. Congratulations for your positive work too Specialist Millet.
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LTC Jason Mackay
There is a specific paragraph for members of the Army Resrve and National Guard that applies directly.
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SGT (Join to see) 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).
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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.
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SGT (Join to see)
Congrats man! 1LT (Join to see) . It seems as though it was a once in a lifetime opportunity!
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1LT (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - Thanks it was a huge honor and the race organizer's very much appreciated it as well. I also just got authorization from my SFC to wear my uniform to the Key Presentation for NC National Guard SGT Kyle Snyder last Tuesday in Wake Forest, NC. AWESOME event, I even took my step son out of school to go support it.
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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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This is awesome, MSgt Daniel Attilio! It's great to see military members contributing outside of our uniformed service!
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