What are the rules for ceremonial wear of the uniform for an ROTC graduation and a first salute?

SPC Chris Broadway — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:07:18 -0400

Understanding ceremonial wear of the uniform guidelines in the 670-1, I have some questions. What if your last unit was the ranger battalion. There are things like unit awards, unit patch, jump boots, and black beret ( 90s era) that you are not supposed to wear unless actively in the ranger battalion. I would feel naked without jump boots and a beret, but I understand that this is not my day. So does that mean the only dress option I have is a class A uniform, with everything other than personal ribbons and school awards, low quarters, and garrison cap? If I can't wear my jump boots and beret, can I wear my era dress blues? I think the 670-1 is specific that I can only wear the uniform I wore when separated, so uniforms of today are not an option.?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 5 at 2018 4:14 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:14:38 -0400

Honestly, I dont know, I was !erepy curious...what branch are you going into...I'm assuming youre staying Army...what bachelors major? I'd also merely !mention that from day one, youre gonna be expected to get a masters, have you given any thought to a major for masters yet? Did you want doctoral? I just have an interest in such things...I was supposed to have gone Army ROTC, I went USAF OTS, we had a class swearing in by individual flights, I went through the program twice, I got recycled once...we wore just blue shirts then, there was no tie rule then, we wore open neck shirts at the time...we also wore the same on the drill pad when the O-9 who did the ceremony did us all together....not that knowing that answers you, of course, I just figured I'd mention it...if you'd care to elaborate, I'd be eager to hear more, many thanks....

Response by MSgt George Cater made Apr 5 at 2018 4:34 PM

MSgt George Cater — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:34:04 -0400

Unsolicited 2 cents from a Jarhead. I’d wear the uniform as you rated it on the day you discharged or retired, minus maybe unit awards you don’t rate personally. It’s for a special occasion, you’re not the one on parade or being inspected, and probably, it’s how the soldier who wants to honor you mentally sees you for this special event.
That said, I’m really glad the Corps has no such problems. As far back as Korea, a Marine set of greens or blues looks pretty much like they do today. I think it’s called tradition or some such old fashioned military thing.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 5 at 2018 4:40 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:40:45 -0400

You wear the uniform that was authorized upon release from the Army. Thank you for your service.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 7:48 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 19:48:21 -0400

If you have left active duty you wear the last uniform authorized to wear. Dress blues were authorized in the 90s. They just weren't class As so technically you can wear blues. Should be a problem if you wear them with boots and beret. If you feel comfortable with that then do it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2018 4:32 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 04:32:24 -0400

Sometimes less is more, and simplicity wins out. You want to let them know you’re there, but don’t over swag it. If it was me, and you already own the old-school blues, I would wear them with low quarters and a service cap (Service caps are no longer authorized for Specialist and below, however, they were at the time of your separation). Also, lose any unit awards, that were not issued to the unit while you were a member. if money is not an issue, you are authorized to update your service uniform, to the current equivalent of your last uniform, Example, if you see any Vietnam era Veterans recently receiving a medal, you will notice that they deck them all out in updated service uniforms.

Response by MAJ David E. Finley made Jun 1 at 2018 9:50 AM

MAJ David E. Finley — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:50:13 -0400

Look at your DD-214 it will tell you what awards you can and cannot wear. If you "earned" the Ranger tab you are allowed to wear the brown beret the Rangers were wearing yesterday. If you study the history of the beret for the U.S. Army it has been and off and on situation since 1943. Who knows what will be worn today.