Posted on Oct 6, 2015
What is the suggested attire for a retired servicemember attending an Army ball?
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I have an upcoming Army ball in a few weeks. I have attended many throughout my career, but this is my first as a retiree. Normally it is my dress uniform (as identified in invitation) and a clean shaven face. Now that I am retired I am bearded up and not looking to shave or put my dress blues back on. What is an appropriate attire for a retiree (invitation said semi-formal)? I am looking for a few different suit types (suits are new to me). Also, is there a recommended lapel or something that one should wear or is suit and tie enough?
Military Ball
Retirement
Fashion and Apparel
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 22
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I attended the US Marine Corps Birthday Ball about 2 weeks ago, and the men that retired/veterans wore suits or tux. Like I was told, just look good and have fun, everything works out.
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AR670-1 sets the standard for this, yes you can wear your dress uniform it is authorized or suit tie and mini medals. If you want to put out a few bucks there is a Service ID badges that is authorized to were that says United States Army retired that had a white back ground and red and blue trim and lettering. - the other one is gold and says retired soldier for life with the army star logo on it.
these may be found in a clothing and sales or online they are like the CSID and go on the right breast pocket of your uniform here are 2 web addresses that I can think of right off the bat.
http://www.marlowhite.com
http://www.eaglesofwar.com
these may be found in a clothing and sales or online they are like the CSID and go on the right breast pocket of your uniform here are 2 web addresses that I can think of right off the bat.
http://www.marlowhite.com
http://www.eaglesofwar.com
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Just my recommendation SGT, A Nice ALOHA SHIRT and Slacks with black shoes!!!!!!!!!!!! Its a retired ball, just roll it and have fun.
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Suspended Profile
A suit or tux is appropriate... you can wear your miniature medals if you so choose...
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You are authorized to wear your ASU's if you have the approved retired SSI and the retired lapel pin and wear them.
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SGT Kevin Brown
I fudged 670-1 a little at the Air Force Ball a few weeks ago.
You've gotten good advice. Civilian attire goes from conservative suit to tux.
I fudged 670-1 a little at the Air Force Ball a few weeks ago.
You've gotten good advice. Civilian attire goes from conservative suit to tux.
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SGT Brown - lots of good advise below! If you don't have an Army retired lapel pin maybe use one of the military lapel pins from your highest award - or perhaps from a campaign. I wear my medals on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I like how the Brits and Commonwealth countries veterans sport theirs. WE VETERANS and RETIREES have done SO MUCH for the USA - IMHO we SHOULD tout the values of selfless service and show that we are America's BEST!
http://blog.medalsofamerica.com/guide-wearing-military-medals-insignia-uniform/
http://blog.medalsofamerica.com/guide-wearing-military-medals-insignia-uniform/
Guide to Wearing your Military Medals & Insignia | Military Blog
One of the first lessons taught to new recruits is proper wear of the medals and ribbons, uniform and insignia. Read this from Medals of America.
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Good advice all around. If I go to another one, I'll likely wear my dinner dress as I don't have much in the line of that suit thing. I have a beard but don't care. If someone has a problem, it's their problem aka they opened their mouth and removed all doubt. If you're made to feel unwelcome, that's the last one you'll go to and you'll have your answer ready for when they ask why the retired don't show up. What are they going to do? Make you retire?
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COL Jean (John) F. B.
CAPT Kevin B. - I am surprised at your comment. As a retired senior officer, you should set the standard, not blatantly violate regulations, customs and traditions of the service.
While retirees are authorized to wear the uniform, that privilege comes with requirements that must be adhered to. One of these is as follows: "Any individual wearing a US Military uniform is expected to reflect the high personal appearance standards and esprit de corps that the US Military in uniform represent. To this end, particular attention will be paid not only to the correct and military wear of uniform components, but also to the individual’s personal and physical appearance. All personnel exercising the privilege of wearing a US Military service or dress uniform will comply fully with their service's grooming and weight control standards."
You certainly have the right to attend functions you have been invited to, however, if you choose to not be in compliance with the uniform regulations (and they do apply to retirees), you should opt for civilian attire or simply not go. As far as being made to feel unwelcome if you appear with a beard in uniform, you are the one bringing that on yourself. You should be in compliance or not wear the uniform.
While retirees are authorized to wear the uniform, that privilege comes with requirements that must be adhered to. One of these is as follows: "Any individual wearing a US Military uniform is expected to reflect the high personal appearance standards and esprit de corps that the US Military in uniform represent. To this end, particular attention will be paid not only to the correct and military wear of uniform components, but also to the individual’s personal and physical appearance. All personnel exercising the privilege of wearing a US Military service or dress uniform will comply fully with their service's grooming and weight control standards."
You certainly have the right to attend functions you have been invited to, however, if you choose to not be in compliance with the uniform regulations (and they do apply to retirees), you should opt for civilian attire or simply not go. As far as being made to feel unwelcome if you appear with a beard in uniform, you are the one bringing that on yourself. You should be in compliance or not wear the uniform.
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