Posted on Mar 30, 2014
Why don't more Soldiers wear their full size medals?
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I have attended dozens of Army Balls thoughout the years. And one thing stands out to me. No one wears full size medals. Everyone to incude senior NCOs and officers are content to wear ribbons. You might have one or two people sporting medals, but they usually are very rare. Why is that? <br><br>Every time I see pictures of Marines in their Dress Blues more often then not they are sporting medals. No matter what rank. I have seen E-2s and E-3s sporting medals during their Balls. Are they "required" to have them? Is it something pushed down by their NCOs, that everyone with wear Medals?
Uniforms
Pride
Medals
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 128
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Been retired for a few years, so things may have changed. Having said that, the Navy had prescribed uniforms that specified ribbons, large medals, or small medals. The guess work was taken out of which to wear.
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We believe that it best compliments the formal dress uniform and a Company will often go for uniformity. For one, the ball ceremony participants all wear the same uniform. I don’t want to say it’s tradition but for many it is. I did have a Capt tell the Unit once that everyone will wear Medals and don’t dare show up with anything else.
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As Marines, we have two different versions of the Dress Blue Uniform. Dress Blue Alphas are designated to be worn with full size medals, whereas bravos are worn with ribbons and badges
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My 5 rows of ribbons say the same as the medals and am not being an attention whore
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Quick aside - I was one of the PAOs for this ceremony. The young PFC was so damned nervous but maintained his composure and bearing. Great kid!
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I didn't read all the responses above but I am guessing the reason is because of the weight.
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If I could fit into my Service Dress I would wear all full sized medals since I ordered a full set of medals from the National Archives since it is free for one set.
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