What do you think of young men and women in uniform being denied the privilege of participating in graduation ceremonies in uniform?

MCPO Roger Collins - Thanks. It isn't one of those things I'm going to fall on my sword about. If a state law allows it - fine. If the school allows it - fine. I wouldn't have bothered to comment had the issue not been framed as one of patriotism. I'm glad to see schools have and enforce standards.

LTC (Join to see) - In one case in California (the most recent one I've heard) the state allows it and then the school told him he could wear his uniform a few months before graduation. Then the day before they said no he couldn't. That's pretty shitty if you ask me. Especially when they already said yes and state law allows it.

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff - Yep. That was a thread here on RP and I commented on it. The school should have followed state law. Also see my comment to MCPO Roger Collins in response to his response to my comment.

Thanks for laying down suppressing fire...I'm going to the O'club for a beer. Proud to have worn the uniform, but we still need to conform to established standards...it's what sets us apart from anarchy and chaos!!!

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. - Thanks, sometimes rational suggestions come from my clogged brain.

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - He did it right. Glad to hear an officer can think this out without an NCO to guide 'em. He was trained well.

Isnt that going against uniform regulations?

SrA Paul Pfeil - Check your Service's regulations and find out.

Cpl Justin Goolsby - It's not all that different than when use to I wear my PT uniform to final formation because I had a physical therapy appointment around the same time or, for that matter, when my commander announced the uniform of the day as "appropriate civilian attire" for mandatory fun time. In these situations, did I match everyone else? No. Was I in the uniform of the day? Yes. The concept of uniform of the day is simply that you are in the right clothes at the right time. For some of the SM's at these ceremonies, that can include their dress uniform, for other's it can't. It literally depends on what they are authorized by the law.

Cpl Justin Goolsby - I agree with your points. I think it's crazy not to let a SM wear their uniform but at the same time I can see the administration not wanting one person standing out from the rest. Especially when the point of the ceremony is not to recognize military service, but High School graduation. There are plenty of ceremonies and parades to honor military service. It would be like wearing your dress uniform to someone else's wedding. Why draw attention to yourself when the ceremony has nothing to do with you or your service. Obviously this would be different if it were a military wedding and whatnot.

Cpl Justin Goolsby: They aren't graduating early to enlist. Most of these they did split option which is what Guard and Reserve can do. They do basic between their junior and senior year. Then go to AIT after they graduate. That's the only way that someone is going to get to basic before they graduate high school.

Great point