wear of Army dress blues as retired Active Duty Army officer?

2019-12-13T17:50:23-05:00

so I am a retired (2014) Active Army Colonel and my daughter is graduating Basic Training. I still comform to all military appearance standards and have my dress uniform in exactly regulation with current policies. My question is does there AR670 support me wearing it at here BT graduation?

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Dec 13 at 2019 6:00 PM

2019-12-13T18:00:53-05:00

From AR 670-1 "While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony." I think that would fall under other occasions of ceremony.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2019 6:06 PM

2019-12-13T18:06:30-05:00

Sir, 670-1 authorizes wear of the uniform by retired personnel for occasions of ceremony.

Chapter 21
Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel
21–1. 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, military funerals, memorial services, meetings, conferences, or similar functions of as- sociations 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.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 13 at 2019 6:44 PM

2019-12-13T18:44:15-05:00

Go for it, 100%

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 13 at 2019 7:01 PM

2019-12-13T19:01:42-05:00

Wear it! She'd probably be as proud of you as you are of her.

Response by CSM Arthur La Rue made Dec 13 at 2019 7:14 PM

2019-12-13T19:14:41-05:00

Yes. It’s that simple.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2019 7:15 PM

2019-12-13T19:15:23-05:00

Soldiers you are the best....! Appreciate all the help, guidance an advice!
Proud to be a Army Soldier!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 13 at 2019 8:58 PM

2019-12-13T20:58:45-05:00

COL Private RallyPoint Member One of my former commanders asked to be the best man and to wear Blues for his wedding in 2014.

My comment was: General, yes, if you shave that beard so we can present a military appearance!

He shaved and had a nice wedding with many well wishers before contracting Alzheimer’s. Alas, he is one more departed friend!

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Dec 14 at 2019 4:11 AM

2019-12-14T04:11:39-05:00

Yes it is a military ceremony.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 14 at 2019 6:29 AM

2019-12-14T06:29:55-05:00

See no reason that you can't sir, it's a military function, and you're supporting your daughter that's graduating from basic, congratulations sir.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Dec 14 at 2019 6:43 AM

2019-12-14T06:43:57-05:00

Congrats to your daughter and you and thanks to both of you for your service.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 14 at 2019 6:51 AM

2019-12-14T06:51:48-05:00

Absolutely go for it. I did it so I could retire a former troop...I plan to do it for my granddaughter's graduation from basic

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2019 8:09 AM

2019-12-14T08:09:27-05:00

Wear it proudly - you earned the right. Anybody that gets their panties in a wad over it likely won't have the balls (or rank) to raise any beef. To do so at a solemn occasion like this would just prove they are a total dick.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 14 at 2019 3:09 PM

2019-12-14T15:09:29-05:00

Just my $0.02 COL Private RallyPoint Member but I believe this falls well within the guidelines of AR670-1. I think it would be an appropriate circumstance to wear the uniform.

Congratulations and best wishes to your daughter. May she have a successful and fulfilling career.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 15 at 2019 9:11 AM

2019-12-15T09:11:37-05:00

It's absolutely appropriate Col Jones. Since you already covered the basic appearance requirements, my only advice would be to ensure either your daughter or you advise her command of your intent to attend. Most likely you will be able to maintain a low profile, but no unit wants even a lowly unidentified LtCol roaming around, much less a full Colonel! Enjoy yourself and your daughter's achievement.

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Dec 15 at 2019 10:08 AM

2019-12-15T10:08:49-05:00

Look at it this way You are retired but not out of the military The military can call you back at anytime Plus you have a military ID card with your Rank on it so essentially you are still in as long as you conform to the military standards
Congratulations To your Daughter

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2019 11:12 AM

2019-12-15T11:12:22-05:00

I don't see a problem with it. What I do have a problem with is several folks here answering the same question coming from an enlisted person in the absolutely opposite manner, including calling the enlisted Soldier names. Hypocritical much?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2019 1:37 PM

2019-12-15T13:37:45-05:00

Sir, I had an old O-6 I used to work for attend his grandchild's BCT graduation after he retired. The Training Command treated him with all the customs and courtesies associated with his rank.
Just make sure that the Training Command and Drill Sergeants know you are coming, especially in uniform, for your daughter's graduation. Protocol is important as you know and no one wants to be caught off guard.
Congratulate her for those of us who have hung up our uniforms.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 9:45 AM

2019-12-18T09:45:37-05:00

I would absolutely do it. It will add to the ceremony and flair of the occasion. Semper Fidelis.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Dec 18 at 2019 10:44 AM

2019-12-18T10:44:41-05:00

I would hope you would be allowed to.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Dec 22 at 2019 10:52 AM

2019-12-22T10:52:09-05:00

Roger that Col! As long as it is a recognized military event you may were the uniform of the day or ceremony as a retired officer or enlisted. You may even wear it in an American Legion, VFW, or DAV parade.

Response by MAJ Edgar S OteroMuniz made Jan 21 at 2020 12:32 AM

2020-01-21T00:32:40-05:00

Boss, wear it with dignity. You are entitled to it and your kiddo will feel very proud.