What are the rules for wearing medals on civilian attire?

CPT Bryan Hug — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 18:30:46 -0400

I am an honorably discharged veteran. Am I allowed to wear my earned medals on civilian clothes to my daughter's non-military wedding? I have checked AR 670-1 and also on-line but can't really find a clear answer. I would classify it as a formal occasion of ceremony but it is not of a "military nature."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2018 6:33 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 18:33:46 -0400

Let me ask you this. Who is going to correct you? Is the 1SG going to make you do push ups? Of course not. Wear them respectfully and with honor.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2018 7:07 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 19:07:53 -0400

CPT Bryan Hug Yes you can Captain. Enjoy your daughter's wedding.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/uniform-wear-by-retirees-and-veterans-3356968

Wearing Military Medals on Civilian Clothes

On Veterans Day, the Dept of Veteran Affairs encourages all military veterans to wear their medals and decorations during patriotic holidays.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 31 at 2018 7:10 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 19:10:35 -0400

It is a formal occasion and you can wear Awards. You can also wear your former dress uniform if it fits. The only rule it to wear it correctly. Thank you for your service, and congrats to your daughter and future sone in law.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jul 31 at 2018 8:20 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 20:20:20 -0400

You can. I do think that it is in bad taste to wear anything that brings attention towards anyone that is not the bride or groom though.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Aug 1 at 2018 12:01 AM

LTC John Mohor — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:01:11 -0400

Might I suggest looking at miniature ribbons at the Medals of America website. Being smaller you can wear on your lapel or above your coat pocket. If you want you can even get it with magnets instead of pin thru with clips.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 10:06 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 10:06:22 -0400

From my understanding, you've cited the correct reference. Naval regulations are very similar. I seem to recall a recent change in this based on Executive Order, but can't recall the reference, or find it online.

Conventional wisdom is that if the event is in any way associated with the Military (veterans' events, holidays, funerals, military weddings, etc), you are authorized. My own understanding of formal attire etiquette is that when in "day wear", i.e. suit and tie, the enamel pins, normally your highest awarded, are appropriate. In formal "evening wear", full miniatures (smaller versions of the medal) are appropriate. I've worn the full rack in miniature with "white tie", the enamel pin of my highest personal award with day wear...and never, ever been questioned. The "gray" area may be wearing miniatures with less formal wear...and I've done that for a specific veterans' event only once- when wearing the equivalent of "regimental" tie and blazer. I personally wouldn't wear full size medals/ribbons with anything other than the appropriate uniform...but I've seen grand old fellows from WWII show up to Memorial and Veterans' Day events with everything they have pinned onto sport coats...no one dared, nor should they have dared, to question them.

My personal standard is whether or not wearing my medals will "fit" with the event, or draw undue attention to myself. For example; I would not wear my miniatures with black or white tie to a formal event not associated with the Military; the opera or a corporate ball for example. However, I've been asked to wear full uniform to certain functions where the Military was honored...to include my own wedding. In that sense, I fall back on regulations permitting an officer, honorably discharged, with wartime service, to wear the uniform with highest earned rank at appropriate times.

I generally wear my enamel pin anytime I'm in "business attire"...its a subtle, but unmistakable choice.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 2 at 2018 10:36 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 10:36:46 -0400

I ordered a small mini set of my ribbons that I wear to my buddies retirement and a few friends weddings and no one came up to me and said anything negative but Thank you for your service but remember if your buddy is getting married in uniform and you have more awards then him you don't want to stick out in the wedding because it is your buddies turn not your to shine. Just remember that. If it's only your daughter and she wants you to wear your ribbons GO FOR IT BRO.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Sep 5 at 2018 12:50 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 12:50:06 -0400

You can wear them. You earned them.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Nov 16 at 2018 3:55 AM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 03:55:44 -0500

EZ rack builder can make mini racks of you want to be more discreet: https://www.ezrackbuilder.com/rack-builder/mini-ribbons-rack-builder

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Response by PO1 Alan Malott made Nov 21 at 2018 9:47 AM

PO1 Alan Malott — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 09:47:50 -0500

Yes and it is encouraged during formal and military holidays.

Response by PO1 Alan Malott made Nov 21 at 2018 9:50 AM

PO1 Alan Malott — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 09:50:17 -0500

And to add, be proud of your accomplishments. Wear them and show you proudly endorsing the military!

Response by CDR Tom Davy made Jan 6 at 2019 3:33 PM

CDR Tom Davy — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 15:33:00 -0500

Miniature medals are normal and authorized on Black and White Tie.

Response by SGT Rafael Morales made Jan 13 at 2019 11:28 AM

SGT Rafael Morales — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 11:28:26 -0500

I have a set of miniature medals that I have worn with a tuxedo to family weddings. I am also a honorably discharged veteran. I have seen many veterans wearing them.

Response by SPC Wayne Bennett made Mar 12 at 2019 9:39 PM

SPC Wayne Bennett — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 21:39:43 -0400

what about wearing ribbons or medals to funeral of veteran?

Response by CDR Tom Davy made Mar 17 at 2019 9:01 AM

CDR Tom Davy — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 09:01:09 -0400

Miniature medals are perfect for civilian evening dress. I'm a 58 y/o retiree who can still fit into my Mess Dress, however, I only wear it to military functions. I do attend many civilian black tie events in DC and wear my minis as do many others.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 17 at 2019 11:25 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 11:25:55 -0400

You didn’t check the right paragraph. Clearly states you can. It’s in the back.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 17 at 2019 12:17 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:17:07 -0400

CPT Bryan Hug the rule is very simple: you earned them wear them! Just be proud and honorable about it.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Mar 17 at 2019 3:48 PM

SGT James Murphy — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 15:48:15 -0400

Your Medals are YOUR MEDALS! Wear Em'

Response by CW4 Jimmy Gomez made Aug 5 at 2020 6:29 PM

CW4 Jimmy Gomez — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 18:29:21 -0400

The rules are, if you’re a douchebag, wear them all 24/7. Otherwise, move on with your life!

Response by CDR Tom Davy made Jan 10 at 2021 8:19 PM

CDR Tom Davy — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 20:19:39 -0500

Yes. Miniature medals are perfect with formal civilian attire

Response by CPO Don Campbell made Jul 12 at 2021 4:26 PM

CPO Don Campbell — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 16:26:59 -0400

as long as the medals are in good condition and presidence is correct I don't think anyone will have a problem...U may get a salute or two...remember there are miniature medals too