Posted on Apr 25, 2016
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)?
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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.
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Dress Uniform
Medals
Dress Uniform Medals
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 14
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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.
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.
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You can wear either full sized or the mini, and yes, the mini skill badges are tiny. (670-1, para. 30-6)
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You can wear either full sized or the mini, and yes, the mini skill badges are tiny. (670-1, para. 30-6)
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MAJ L. Nicholas Smith
I wouldn't personally wear it to an interview. They are going to understand your term of service most likely due to your resume and having more "flair" might make them question how well you will assimilate into their culture. If you do decide to wear something, I recommend keeping it subtle by wearing one small item.
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LTC Jason Mackay
CPT (Join to see) - the mess dress is not a dying uniform, when you become a field grade it is assumed you are "in" on the Army profession, you buy the uniform, and wear it to the appropriate event, along with the field grade service cap.
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MSG Thomas Currie
LTC Jason Mackay - Outside Military District Washington, suitable occasions for Mess Dress are twice a year or less.
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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
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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)
T.P. McLaughlin, CW5, MI (ret)
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
Military Medals | Challenge Coins | Military Gear | MOA
Make Medals of America your premier source for Military Medals. Find a great selection of Badges, Patches, Rank, Rates and Insignia, military clothing and more.
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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!
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LTC Jason Mackay
SPC Gabriel Botero Jr., MSW, LCSW , wear the smallest one with mini medals. The middle one may no longer be authorized from what I just read in AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1...vanguard will sell you what ever. The full sized medals go with the full sized badges.
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. Personnel who wear medals on civilian clothes should place the medals on the clothing in approximately the same location and in the same manner as for the Army uniform, so they look similar to medals worn on the Army uniform.
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. Personnel who wear medals on civilian clothes should place the medals on the clothing in approximately the same location and in the same manner as for the Army uniform, so they look similar to medals worn on the Army uniform.
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SPC Gabriel Botero Jr., MSW, LCSW
Thank you LTC Jason Mackay for the information. I think I have worn the small and medium one before. Good to know on which one to use.
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