Posted on Jun 9, 2023
Wear of non-medals with medals on civilian attire?
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My father has a few months left to live, and as a Navy veteran, he will be buried with military honors. Since we have time, we are all trying to be proactive.
I am retired from the Army, but no longer fit in my uniform, after losing the battle of the bulge. So I am planning on mini-medals in a civilian suit. (I checked with mom, dad, and siblings, and all encourage this.)
I have checked both my memory and online and everything mentions only medals. I obviously will not be throwing ribbons like ASR or NCOPDR on there. But should I be adding EIB and/or AASLT wings?
I would think no mention = no wear, but I also want to do things right. I am not worried about how much "bling" I have, just want to do things the Right Way.
If I *do* wear the badges, I assume mini-medals also = mini-badges?
Update: The funeral was a week ago. (August, 2023, for the archives....). I appreciate everyone's feedback and input. I ended up going with just mini medals with no badges. I went with 4 medals - top 2 (DMSM, MSM), and then campaign medals for Iraq and Afghanistan because my dad was proud of my deployments.
It was well received by everyone, and my immediate family was thankful to me for doing so.
I am retired from the Army, but no longer fit in my uniform, after losing the battle of the bulge. So I am planning on mini-medals in a civilian suit. (I checked with mom, dad, and siblings, and all encourage this.)
I have checked both my memory and online and everything mentions only medals. I obviously will not be throwing ribbons like ASR or NCOPDR on there. But should I be adding EIB and/or AASLT wings?
I would think no mention = no wear, but I also want to do things right. I am not worried about how much "bling" I have, just want to do things the Right Way.
If I *do* wear the badges, I assume mini-medals also = mini-badges?
Update: The funeral was a week ago. (August, 2023, for the archives....). I appreciate everyone's feedback and input. I ended up going with just mini medals with no badges. I went with 4 medals - top 2 (DMSM, MSM), and then campaign medals for Iraq and Afghanistan because my dad was proud of my deployments.
It was well received by everyone, and my immediate family was thankful to me for doing so.
Dress Uniform
Badges
DA Pam 670-1
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 19
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You do not need to be asking on here as I am confident you will do the right thing by your father, by yourself, and for the country. That said, I like the small conservative presentation and wear in short what you are most proud of.
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Keeping this real simple, that is, not too many moving parts. If you wear a Tux, Tails, Morning suit, or Dinner jacket (Mess Dress then wear your mini medals and mini devices as you would on a Mess Dre3ss uniform. Business suites are considered bad form and is a no-no. That said, party on!
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Personally I'm a big fan of full sized medals and I think they should be worn more often.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
I considered it sir. I will likely be one of two or the only person there with military "bling" I am trying not to be a distraction.
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I wear a black suit with the mini-ribbons. I don't wear the shooting badges because in mini form they are cheesy. My good Seebee friend had a expert rifle ribbon. So I got one in mini form and wear it last. When I get challenged on this I know I'm talking to a Marine.
Please don't hate me because I'm pretty. B
Please don't hate me because I'm pretty. B
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Rule of thumb-mini medals and ONE device(CIB, Wings etc) while wearing a suit, tux. nice sport jacket and tie in summer-ALWAYS acceptable for a former serviceman. Forget the stand-alone ribbons. IF YOU wear them correctly and conduct yourself well, you will look fine and be well received. Full size medals? USUALLY at a parade, Vets Day observance. Again, one device best. TWO at the most . (rules are different for retirees) Respects to your fatherr.
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My condolences, it seems by asking the question you want to honor your dad in the best way possible. Your dad is being honored at this moment so all eyes will be on him. Mini will not distract from the guest of honor. If your battle of the bulge is anything like mine don't waste time, especially during this time trying to find dress greens that will fit. Remember civilians always want to know what medal means what so mini is better.
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So, can I wear my miniature Submarine Dolphins on the back of my U.S. Navy Retired Hat?
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SFC Casey O'Mally
I would think that is a civilian hat and you can do whatever you want.
But I am not anywhere near competent on Navy regs.
But I am not anywhere near competent on Navy regs.
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I know this is after the fact, however, most likely, I’m sure there’s some sort of information out there pertaining to the wear of metals on civilian attire. That being said, you earned them you wear them, and respectfully if anybody gives you any shit about it wearing them to your father’s funeral, I’ll leave it up to you, but you can be creative as to what you tell them and I’ll leave at like that.
I’m Sorry for your loss.
I’m Sorry for your loss.
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You can wear any medals you wish. I would wear the civilian medals on the right side under your nameplate (optional). This is a funeral. I would approve any recoconition desired.
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