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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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So why is a Specialist considering a Mess Dress uniform? Those aren't issued, and do you know how much they cost???
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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
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.
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MSgt Neil Greenfield
At the cery least, you can wear lapel pins that you receive from most every decoration you receive.
The thing is that wearing the appropriate honors and decorations while in civilian attire isn’t going to get you in trouble. But wearing service dress uniforms may, but no worse than probably a hand slap.
I remember wearing my dress greens (my younger brother also) when I was in the Army to my sisters wedding. No military purpose there.
The thing is that wearing the appropriate honors and decorations while in civilian attire isn’t going to get you in trouble. But wearing service dress uniforms may, but no worse than probably a hand slap.
I remember wearing my dress greens (my younger brother also) when I was in the Army to my sisters wedding. No military purpose there.
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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.
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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.
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.
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I was under the impression that it was legal to wear mini-medals on a civilian formal attire. I would think that would suffice.
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MSgt Neil Greenfield
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.
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It's not an event where you are being recognized for your contributions as a service member to the community, so no.
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If you were a Marine the answer would be no. You should wear appropriate civilian attire.
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If not Military in any way and you are not officially representing the Military, I'm going to go with wearing your Tuxedo.
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