What are the proper places and times for veterans to wear the uniform?

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 01:36:30 -0400

What is the proper list of events to which a veteran may where may wear his or her uniform. In some cases, it is clear, I can wear my uniform to a Veteran's Day event. But in other cases it is not so clear. May I wear my uniform to most any civilian semi-formal or formal event, or are the regulations more restrictive than that?

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made Apr 29 at 2015 1:39 AM

MSgt Rob Weston — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 01:39:42 -0400

For the most part keep the uniform in the closet for most civilian formal and informal events... Special events such as weddings or funerals is acceptable.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 29 at 2015 2:44 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 02:44:53 -0400

I'm not sure about the Army, but the Navy Uniform regulations actually cover this.

In your specific example, it would be appropriate for retired/veteran Navy Chiefs and Officers to wear their Dress Blue uniforms to semi-formal/formal events, whereas E-6 & below could also wear them or have the option of wearing the tuxedo-style "Dinner Dress" uniform.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 8:01 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:01:42 -0400

Greetings MAJ!

It is my understanding that you may (restricted events not with standing) wear your uniform to any semi-formal/formal (with the exception of political events) event so long as you are the Retired emblem (patch for the green A blouse, medal emblem for the new blues).

As a matter of fact, recently I was asked to wear my uniform to my God-son's wedding.

Respectfully,

HPW

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made Apr 29 at 2015 8:07 AM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:07:57 -0400

So long as it is worn properly and within regs, it can be a great recruiting tool. Presence is also a great tool. It should not be worn in civilian court rooms, civilian places that serve only alcohol, or to and political or organizational type event.

Response by SSG Michael O'Malley made Apr 29 at 2015 8:18 AM

SSG Michael O'Malley — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:18:42 -0400

AR 670-1 (APR 2015) covers this in Ch 23.

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 approxi- mate location as the equivalent military uniform.

e. In addition to the occasions for wear listed above, retired personnel are authorized to wear the uniform only on the following occasions:
(1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) Attending parades on national or State holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the combat uniform and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 29 at 2015 9:16 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 09:16:30 -0400

Funeral, mine. That is the next time I will wear a uniform.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 29 at 2015 11:36 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 11:36:52 -0400

Depends on the "kind" of veteran you are (peace time, retiree, war time) and if you follow the rules still or not.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 29 at 2015 1:47 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:47:32 -0400

Marine Corps Uniform Board:
http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/mcub/

1. Regulations governing the wear of uniforms by active duty/retired, former Marines and civilians serving with the Corps:
Chapter 11 MCO P1020.3G, Marine Corps Uniform Regulations (Source Document)
Basic guidance (Active Duty/Reservist/Retiree and Former Marines) –

Grooming Standards. Anyone who wears the Marine Corps Uniform must abide by the Marine Corps Grooming standards (paragraph 1004 and 8000.2 of the Uniform Regulations). Active duty/Reservists/Retirees and former Marines must also abide by the height and weight standards (paragraph 8000.2 of the Uniform Regulations).

Wear of Proper Insignia and Awards. When wearing a Marine Corps uniform you may only wear your current rank, or the rank that you left the service with and may only wear the awards you rate per your personnel records. No deviations of this policy are authorized.

Activities where you may not wear the Uniform. Paragraph 11002 of the Uniform Regulations provides a list of activities that you may not wear the uniform (i.e. to an event that brings discredit to the Corps, to events in support of political interests, private and/or commercial employment…).

Retiree/Reservist Wear of Uniforms. As a Retiree/Reservist you may wear the uniform for basically any event that you wore the uniform while on active duty.

As a former Marine there are some restrictions: You must have served during a time of war (i.e. earned the National Defense Medal during your time in service) and received an honorable discharge to wear the uniform. Events you are restricted to wearing it to:

§ Military funerals, memorial services, weddings, and inaugurals.

§ Parades on national or state holidays; or other parades or ceremonies of a patriotic character in which any active or reserve United States military unit are taking part. ‘Wearing of the uniform or any part thereof at any other time or for any purpose is prohibited.’

§ Recipients of the Medal of Honor may wear the Marine Corps uniforms at their pleasure except for those specific occasions listed in paragraph 11002 of the Uniform Regulations

Response by 1SG Charles Gault made Apr 29 at 2015 2:01 PM

1SG Charles Gault — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 14:01:39 -0400

AR 670-1!!!

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made May 1 at 2015 12:43 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Fri, 01 May 2015 00:43:30 -0400

I have worn my uniform once since I retired, and it was to commission my son a Second Lieutenant in the USA. An obviously appropriate use according to AR 670-1. It had been 12 years since I retired, my old blues did not fit anymore, so I bought a new set. Yeah, I tried to tell my son I was going to show up in a civilian suit, that did not go over well. He said he understood, but I could hear between the words and he wanted me in uniform. Hey, you only commission your son once in life, so I bought it.

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Jul 29 at 2016 8:52 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:52:45 -0400

Since the courts have decided that its alright for FAKE veterans to wear the uniform any time the like I don't see why there should be restrictions on real veterans.

Response by SCPO Michael Mitchell made Jan 25 at 2017 3:56 AM

SCPO Michael Mitchell — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 03:56:09 -0500

Get out your combat straw and suck it up

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2017 8:16 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 20:16:53 -0500

After 32 years, I WISH I could still fit into my old uniform. <GRINS>

Response by PO1 Paul D. made Apr 9 at 2017 1:34 PM

PO1 Paul D. — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 13:34:05 -0400

What are the thoughts for an Elementary School Father & Daughter dance for a retiree? The dress is about 80% suits, 10% business casual, and the remainder being slacks or jeans. There is one N.G. SSG in uniform each year who looks to currently be serving.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Apr 10 at 2017 6:05 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 18:05:34 -0400

As a veteran you can wear you uniform at military events, parades, funerals, and weddings but other than that you should leave it in the closet or the dresser drawer.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 16 at 2017 11:32 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 23:32:05 -0400

Here is what is in AR 670-1. From what I have cut and pasted, it is appropriate to wear the designated uniform if the event is of a military nature. If you are going to a civilian semi-formal event that someohow ties to the military, then yes it is appropriate.

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 approxi- mate location as the equivalent military uniform.

23–3. Retired personnel
a. Personnel who will be advanced to a higher grade upon retirement have the option of wearing the insignia of that grade thereafter.
b. Retired personnel on active duty will wear their uniform and insignia in the same manner as prescribed for personnel in the AA of corresponding grade and branch.
c. Retired personnel not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on the date of their retirement, or the uniform prescribed for personnel in the AA of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate, but may not mix the two uniforms. Personnel will wear the grade as shown on the retired grade of rank line on their retirement order.
d. Retired personnel not on active duty are not authorized to wear the Army uniform when they are instructors or responsible for military discipline at an educational institution, unless the educational institution is conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces.
e. In addition to the occasions for wear listed above, retired personnel are authorized to wear the uniform only on the following occasions:
(1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) Attending parades on national or State holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the combat uniform and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.

23–6. Medals on civilian clothes
Retired personnel and former members of the Army (as described above) may wear all categories of medals described in this regulation on appropriate civilian clothing. This includes clothes designed for veteran and patriotic organizations on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day, as well as at formal occasions of ceremony and social functions of a military nature. Personnel may wear either full-sized or miniature medals.

Response by SFC James Himes made Nov 26 at 2017 4:16 PM

SFC James Himes — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 16:16:31 -0500

My son insisted I wear mine at Marine boot graduation.

Response by Joseph Ragman made Nov 26 at 2017 6:38 PM

Joseph Ragman — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 18:38:50 -0500

Whenever I'm in a suit or a sport coat I'll wear my CIB lapel pin.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Nov 26 at 2017 7:46 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 19:46:45 -0500

Anytime I want to, I paid the price of permission!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2018 5:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 17:15:00 -0400

For a veteran that is out free and clear and wearing a uniform with everything he/she earned, as inappropriate the time and place might be there isn’t a mechanism of enforcement to prevent it.

Response by SPC Richard Skeen made Oct 18 at 2018 10:56 PM

SPC Richard Skeen — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 22:56:22 -0400

Is it Appropriate to wear it on Veterans Day ? I can probably still fit my greens from the 80’s in my pic

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2018 12:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 00:35:41 -0400

I wear it whenever I damn well please... IT IS MY UNIFORM !!!

Response by SGT James Taylor made Oct 20 at 2018 1:06 PM

SGT James Taylor — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 13:06:49 -0400

Personally, I would never wear my uniform anywhere that would dishonor my God, my country, any branch of service, or my unit.
Political events are taboo as I would not want to think that my branch of service supports or disapproves of a political party regardless of what I think. The old saying "I wear the uniform, it does not wear me" is true. But, as long as I wear it, I represent the Army, retired or not.

Response by CPL Justin Brown made Oct 21 at 2018 10:18 AM

CPL Justin Brown — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 10:18:45 -0400

If you want to go by standards any honorably discharged Veteran is authorizes to wear class a’s anytime they feel like it. They have the buttons on their dd form 214 authorizing wear of the eagle and branch insignia. I don’t see why anyone would want to wear one all the time but whatever floats their boat. Mine will only go back on me when I’m laying in my casket.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2018 5:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 17:14:16 -0400

I wore my uniform to present a Navy petty officer his bronze replica of the WWII Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal. Honored to do so.

Response by SFC James Himes made Nov 7 at 2018 2:37 PM

SFC James Himes — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 14:37:06 -0500

Son insisted I wear mine to his graduation from Parris Island USMC. Have always stayed in shape so it still fits well. I am very active in my community in veterans activities so I participate every year in the Memorial Day Parade, July 4th, Veterans Day ceremonies, Wreaths Across America and several other events. Any or all of them I feel is appropriate to wear the uniform I represented for 22+ years.
Where NOT to wear.... protests and political activities so as not to give the impression your branch of service is supporting said protests or political stand.

Response by SGT Fred Pieri made Dec 3 at 2018 9:33 PM

SGT Fred Pieri — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 21:33:58 -0500

I really like the Army's new dress uniform. But it be a lot nicer with a nice saucer To go with it. Instead I haven't some French due to all over your head

Response by SGT Kevin Berman made Dec 11 at 2018 2:13 PM

SGT Kevin Berman — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 14:13:55 -0500

Just a reminder, all veterans are authorized to salute, in uniform or not, when the National Anthem is played.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 11 at 2018 3:54 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 15:54:44 -0500

I wear my Class B's to funerals of military personnel.