What is the correct size of skill badges that are worn with mini-medal sets (Not in uniform but with civilian attire like a suit)?

2016-04-25T15:46:42-04:00

I recently bought a set of mini-medals and ordered a skill-badge from Vanguard. The website only listed one size for "dress uniform". I got it in the mail today but it looks really small, almost like a lapel pin. Is this the right size for skill badges that go with mini-medal sets? I can't seem to find any kind of official description on mini-medal sets. This is for wearing with a civilian suit.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 3:48 PM

2016-04-25T15:48:49-04:00

You can wear either full sized or the mini, and yes, the mini skill badges are tiny. (670-1, para. 30-6)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-04-25T15:49:46-04:00

You can wear either full sized or the mini, and yes, the mini skill badges are tiny. (670-1, para. 30-6)

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Apr 26 at 2016 9:16 AM

2016-04-26T09:16:24-04:00

As its not for wearing on a uniform, the skies the limit as to what can be done. Your best bet would be http://www.medalsofamerica.com - they have tons of miniature badges for dress wear, etc. I have some mini items that I wear on my suits for formals, weddings, etc and they look just great.

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Response by CPL Richard Rios made Apr 26 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-04-26T10:48:48-04:00

I am a decorated combat Nam vet. Don't know about correct size question. I have a lapel pin of the 101st Airborne Division. I believe it is a correct size...meaning not too small nor large...it's a lapel pin. I would not attempt to wear all of my medals on my suit. If you want to show all of your medals, buy mini medals for your headgear. I don't wear a National Defense pin. With all the medals I have earned and $3.00...I can still buy the Houston Chronicle.; Feel me?

Response by PO2 Nicholas Russell made Apr 26 at 2016 10:49 AM

2016-04-26T10:49:44-04:00

I agree with "Why?" I have never once thought of wearing my military awards with civilian attire. But heck, I have been out for 12 years. Maybe it is something with this new generation.

Response by SPC Gabriel Botero Jr., MSW, LCSW made Apr 26 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-04-26T11:52:19-04:00

Just to be clear this is not for everyday wear or for an interview. This is for wearing with a tuxedo or civilian suit for a formal event. I just wasn't sure about the proper size of the mini dress badges. Thank you all that responded.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Apr 26 at 2016 12:10 PM

2016-04-26T12:10:27-04:00

On civilian attire, you might wear one simple pin as a tie clasp or on the lapel. Make it very small. It's just a conversation starter. Two pins, or one big pin, just makes one look silly.

Response by CW5 Thomas McLaughlin made Apr 26 at 2016 3:54 PM

2016-04-26T15:54:54-04:00

The miniature (lapel-pin) is the correct size. However, while the wear of mini-medals on a civilian suit is "authorized," it would not be appropriate for "regular" business wear - i.e. to daily work. It would be appropriate for wear to a "formal" function where a business-suit is substituting for a tuxedo - or where the majority of other attendees are also ex-military (i.e. a VFW or American Legion function). If you wish to display a earned medal (BSM, LOM, PH, MSM, etc.) on a business suit, suggest you get a lapel-pin for your highest award and wear that on you jacket lapel.
T.P. McLaughlin, CW5, MI (ret)

Response by CPT Steve Curley made Apr 26 at 2016 4:47 PM

2016-04-26T16:47:17-04:00

I've been out 40 years and wore all my "Rags &Tags" once. Full sized in all their splendor ....with my flight suit and helmet on, to boot The occasion was "Show 'n Tell" at my granddaughter's 1st grade class on Veteran's Day. Stood proud and for the occasion to hell with Regs.

On a more serious note, I always wear my aviator wings (lapel size) on my blazer and also on the collar of an old beat up leather flight jacket. The only time I've worn a single ribbon (DFC) with wings above it was on a tux at my daughter's wedding. She married an active duty soldier and many guests were in uniform. Looking back I believe I wore them as much for my ego as for pride and a sense of brotherhood with the military attendees.

Response by SSG Matt Murphy made Apr 26 at 2016 6:14 PM

2016-04-26T18:14:52-04:00

If it's only 1, mini or full size is fine.....on a tux especially...if it's a bunch....then mini would be more appropriate....IMHO

Response by SPC David Christiansen made Apr 26 at 2016 8:52 PM

2016-04-26T20:52:24-04:00

If it looks good and isn't obnoxious go with it. There no regulation for wear and appearance of skill badges in civilian attire.

If it's small and reserved you'll attract attention of vets and have conversations. If you have oversized badges, which doesn't sound like you do, you will look like a douche.

Again if it looks good and you can recognize it, likelyhood of someone of same skills or knows the badges will be able to spot it out too.

Response by SPC Gabriel Botero Jr., MSW, LCSW made May 5 at 2016 7:12 PM

2016-05-05T19:12:24-04:00

Not to beat a dead horse but it's definetly confusing when you order from Vanguard Mil and they don't know the difference between the options. So I ordered all three. Looks like a small, medium, and large option. Well they could have said that lol!

Response by SSG George Husted made Sep 16 at 2017 11:31 AM

2017-09-16T11:31:08-04:00

I currently work for the FAA. On Veterans Day and Memorial Day, I wear a custom embroidered unit shirt (890th ENG CMBT HVY BN - 184th Transportation BDE with the Engineer Castle and the Magnolia). I wear my mini ribbons and mini aircraft crewman badge (lapel pin size) I later earned when I became a 68L Avioinics Repairer at Ft. Gordon. I wear them for those that cannot, lest we forget.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 16 at 2017 4:39 PM

2017-09-16T16:39:04-04:00

There are three different sized CABs and CIBs. There is the full size for the ASU , there is a medium sized one meant for the white ASU LS and SS and the old classic green shade 469 uniform shirt. Then there is the mess dress sized badge which is really small. I left the ribbons in there just for scale.