Posted on Mar 25, 2020
What situations are commonly accepted to be ok for someone to wear full medals vs. ribbons on their Army Dress Uniform?
27.1K
48
34
8
8
0
ASU
Medals
Ribbons
Responses: 11
8
8
0
To wear full medals is the highest level of formal dress, particularity if you don't have "Mess Dress"
(8)
(0)
5
5
0
I think it's more the expense than anything else that prevents people from wearing full sized medals. For example, I went on Medals of America and built my medals as if I were going to wear them. I was lazy and skipped some devices, but the effect is the same. The cost? $345.
Not too many people wan't to plunk down several hundred dollars for something they'll wear every couple years, and is no good the instant you get another award.
Not too many people wan't to plunk down several hundred dollars for something they'll wear every couple years, and is no good the instant you get another award.
(5)
(0)
Cpl Charles Trump
Write DOD for replacements. Army Navy stores are a good source. Going to medals of America like going to a car dealership!
(0)
(0)
SFC Michael Hasbun
Cpl Charles Trump DOD only provides non anodized medals.
Only Privates and homeless veterans wear non anodized medals...
Only Privates and homeless veterans wear non anodized medals...
(1)
(0)
Cpl Charles Trump
SFC Michael Hasbun Lol SFC! I have non anodized in my shadow box. From 81-91 they didn't come any other way. Unless of course u bought em. But if they were issued in the box they were dull!
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
If wearing full or mini medals do no include the ribbons like OSR, ASR. Just leave em out
(4)
(0)
CPL Joseph Elinger
That "should" be obvious, as it's a duplication. For same awards repeated, you add a "device," right?
(0)
(0)
CPL Joseph Elinger
SFC Michael Hasbun
Is that US Army "Rainbow Ribbon," an Obama Commemorative for lifting restrictions on Gays?
Is that US Army "Rainbow Ribbon," an Obama Commemorative for lifting restrictions on Gays?
(0)
(1)
CW2 (Join to see)
CPL Elinger, that is not a comment this site needs. Keep those views to yourself please
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
You don't mix medals with ribbons. You omit the OSR and ASR per DA PaM 670-1 para 20-7.
They are worn on the ASU or the Dress Blue uniform. Wear is optional. The events are formal, like unit dining outs, unit balls, occasions of ceremony like military funerals, Veterans Day, etc.
They are worn on the ASU or the Dress Blue uniform. Wear is optional. The events are formal, like unit dining outs, unit balls, occasions of ceremony like military funerals, Veterans Day, etc.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
Formal dining events are a big one or if you attend a wedding/funeral in uniform those are all opportunities to wear them. Bewary of being too flashy though and that is perhaps why so many of us don't, but the Marines do all the time for events and their uniform is well regarded. . I have really never seen many people opt for the full medals over the ribbons, when given the opportunity I encourage you. Consider it a bit of pride in your accomplishments and an outward sign of esprit de corps. Perhaps it will inspire a junior in attendance.
(3)
(0)
Cpl Charles Trump
The Corps does full medal for dress blues. Anything that is not a medal. Osr, Sea Service ribbon, combat action is placed on the right side. Full medal on the Alpha dress is not authorized, only ribbon with shooting awards, French rope or Forreshe etc. I know I spelled it wrong.
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Cpl Charles Trump No sweat. One of my best buds is a Marine and has been trying to properly indoctrinate me about which is which, and the why's and when's. I just think you guys have clear guidance on when and why. We should work on that a bit. ...perhaps.
(1)
(0)
Cpl Charles Trump
SFC (Join to see) I was Army 1st. 81-85. 31c20. Your right though, the Corps is alot more structured. Only thing was when I cross decked in 86-91. They took all my rank and sent me back to boot camp. PI was a different place indeed! But I dont forget my Army experiences.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
You only wear medals in a medal set. If the award states ribbon, then there is no medal. So, you can never wear an army service medal since there is no such thing. Recently I've seen more Soldiers and NCOs wearing medal racks at dining outside and regimental dinners, but are a bit pricey.
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
I've actually seen this on Dress Whites. It looked really sharp. He had the sword also.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Sometimes it happens without your knowledge. I got some for stuff I did BUT
I retired in 93 and since then have received ... IDK ... 6 'back-ordered' medals?
I retired in 93 and since then have received ... IDK ... 6 'back-ordered' medals?
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google