Posted on Apr 30, 2023
Can I just wear the service stripes from my active time on my ASU or am I required to wear the stripes associated with my cumulative service?
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Do you have to wear service stripes. I was reserve and guard prior to becoming active. I just hit my 3 years active. Can I just wear service stripes for my active time or am I required to wear the stripes associated to cumulative service?
Posted in these groups: 
ASU
Army Regulations
ASU Army Regulations
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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What longevity is reflected on your LES? If you are getting paid for it, wear it!
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you for reply, CSM. It's just not fun wearing the same amount of service stripes as my PSG and being a SPC.. wanted to see if I could just wear the amount of stripes equal to my active time.
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SGM Jeff Mccloud
SGT (Join to see) - It's not about preference, it's about getting it right.
How often do you need to wear your ASU near your PSG?
A couple hours once a year?
Your PSG spent the last decade on active duty.
You spend a decade in the Guard, AND working a job and/or college.
Different career paths up til now.
How often do you need to wear your ASU near your PSG?
A couple hours once a year?
Your PSG spent the last decade on active duty.
You spend a decade in the Guard, AND working a job and/or college.
Different career paths up til now.
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SPC James Neidig
SGT (Join to see)
Wear What You Earned, I Got Questioned All The Time About Wearing Marine Corps AC Wings On My Army Uniform And When In My Dress Uniform Having 4 Rows Of Ribbons As A SPC But I Took A Rank Reduction Going From Guard To Active Duty
Wear What You Earned, I Got Questioned All The Time About Wearing Marine Corps AC Wings On My Army Uniform And When In My Dress Uniform Having 4 Rows Of Ribbons As A SPC But I Took A Rank Reduction Going From Guard To Active Duty
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
On box 5 is says, "YRS SVC" "31 YRS" on my LES, I'm I authorized to wear that on my dress uniform? I'm retired now
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6
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Best soldier I every served with was a Tennessee Natioanl Guard Corporal. He had as many service hashs and service stripes as I did. He did the job he was assigned professionally and well. He had no reason to feel less than I other than rank-wise.
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SPC James Neidig
When I Was In The PA Guard In The Mid Nineties, There Were SPC In My Unit With 15+ Years Of Service , They Were Great At Their Job But Not Leaders.
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AR 670-1:
"21–28. Service stripes
a. Authorization. Enlisted personnel are authorized to wear service stripes as members of the RA, ARNG, and USAR, for a period of honorable service, as indicated below—
(1) Active Federal service as a commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard.
(2) Reserve service creditable for retirement for non-regular service, in accordance with 10 USC Chapter 1223, as a commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of any Reserve Component of the Army Forces, including the Women’s Auxiliary Corps.
b. Allowable amount. One stripe is authorized for each 3 years of honorable active Federal service; Reserve service creditable for retired pay for non-regular service; or a combination of both. There is no limit to the number of stripes worn; however, service stripes will not cover the chevrons. Service need not have been continuous, and the 10th stripe is authorized after 29 1/2 years. Individuals authorized more than 10 service stripes may elect whether or not to wear them."
However, as CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 said, just wear what your LES longevity shows. Who cares what other people think.
"21–28. Service stripes
a. Authorization. Enlisted personnel are authorized to wear service stripes as members of the RA, ARNG, and USAR, for a period of honorable service, as indicated below—
(1) Active Federal service as a commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard.
(2) Reserve service creditable for retirement for non-regular service, in accordance with 10 USC Chapter 1223, as a commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of any Reserve Component of the Army Forces, including the Women’s Auxiliary Corps.
b. Allowable amount. One stripe is authorized for each 3 years of honorable active Federal service; Reserve service creditable for retired pay for non-regular service; or a combination of both. There is no limit to the number of stripes worn; however, service stripes will not cover the chevrons. Service need not have been continuous, and the 10th stripe is authorized after 29 1/2 years. Individuals authorized more than 10 service stripes may elect whether or not to wear them."
However, as CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 said, just wear what your LES longevity shows. Who cares what other people think.
(5)
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
On box 5 is says, "YRS SVC" "31 YRS" on my LES, I'm I authorized to wear that on my dress uniform? I'm retired now
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MSG (Join to see)
SFC(P) (Join to see) - If you so wanted to update your uniform to have 10 service stripes, that is your prerogative.
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) - Interesting, thank you for the rapid answer MSG. I had no idea
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