Would it be wise to wear ACUs to go to Wife's basic training graduation or family day?

2015-03-23T21:14:12-04:00

Wife would like for me to show up in acu's for her graduation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 9:15 PM

2015-03-23T21:15:53-04:00

It's no big deal. Support her.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 23 at 2015 9:16 PM

2015-03-23T21:16:04-04:00

Likely not, unless you want to find yourself with possible additional duty. If you are not there in an official capacity, I cannot see a reason to wear ACUs to her graduation.

Have her check with her command structure though, could be ok with them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 9:16 PM

2015-03-23T21:16:17-04:00

Throw on you ASUs. It's a special event. ACUs makes it look like u have to go back to work when it's over. Lol

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 23 at 2015 9:21 PM

2015-03-23T21:21:32-04:00

ASU. Show the wife some respect.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 23 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-03-23T21:24:20-04:00

Her special day so I recommend wearing something nice business casual like (khakis and a collard dress shirt). You want to keep her the focus of attention, her big day...

http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Business-Casual

How to Dress Business Casual

Business casual is a term used to describe a type of office dress code or clothing style that is a little more casual than traditional business wear. Many employers adopt this dress code in an effort to allow employees to feel more...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-03-23T21:25:19-04:00

I dont really want to out do her with asu's tho because graduation should be all about her. Even tho she knows I support her.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Mar 23 at 2015 9:29 PM

2015-03-23T21:29:20-04:00

I think it would be better in class A, look at the facts its boot camp graduation. and for family day, it's about the family so leave the uniform at home and celebrate the family. But always stay vigil. Before I retired my unit had us drive not showing our uniform top as a precaution, check with your unit S2 for updates as well as new directives.

Response by PFC Timothy Fitzgerald made Mar 23 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-03-23T22:39:13-04:00

Yes, Absolutely ! Maybe you two could be smoked at the same time ! Offer each other moral support, as you beat your faces !? Good luck

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 10:58 PM

2015-03-23T22:58:23-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, Let's take our time with this and think it through real deliberately. I do not know for how long you've been married, but what you are sitting on top of right this very moment, Son, is one of those situations that if you fail to do the right thing, will likely result in you having to hear about it for the rest of your live's together. You do not want to get this one wrong. Think about it:

You pack your ACUs, travel down to Leonard Wood, or Knox, or whichever installation she has been training at. The time for the ceremony arrives, and much to your dismay, you're sticking out like "THAT GUY" because everyone else who is a member of a uniformed service and is in uniform, is wearing his or her branch's variation of the Class A, or at the minimum, Class B uniform. Then there's you; "THAT GUY!"

Following the ceremony, it's time for pictures, right? There's your wife, wearing her ASUs; then there's you, wearing your ACUs? Now, fast-forward several years from now, and you've got a prococious curtain-climber or two looking at that photo of Mommy and Daddy in uniform. One of the first questions they'll likely ask is why are you dressed different? Will you be content answering, "Because Mommy said so? Now, wait until they can comprehend rank structure, time-in-service, etc, and start asking why you didn't "order Mommy no?" Don't think it won't happen? Never, ever underestimate the mind of a 5-yearold!

Aside, from those two possibilities, let us contemplate a known quantity sure to be on scene: Command Sergeants Major. If you arrive to an ASU affair wearing ACUs, you will undoubtedly draw some attention of the unwanted kind. Think about it. I don't think that's what either you or your wife want to take home as a memory from her graduation ceremony!

SPC Bennett, I give you all the kudos in the world for bringing your question here to RallyPoint! This is precisely among the types of services LTC Yinon Weiss and CPT Aaron Kletzing had in mind when they launched RP. I hope you have gathered enough wisdom and guidance to assist you in making an informed decision that you won't be kicking yourself in your 4th point-of-contact over later!

Good luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 11:02 PM

2015-03-23T23:02:36-04:00

ASU's would be my call...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 11:23 PM

2015-03-23T23:23:46-04:00

SPC Bennett,

Like MAJ Private RallyPoint Member said, you'll gain the undivided attention of Command Sergeants Major, and they won't be thinking happy thoughts.

Wear your ASU or wear a suit. Good luck!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 23 at 2015 11:43 PM

2015-03-23T23:43:55-04:00

NOOO... ASU. It is a formal ceremony, and everyone will be in ASU Class A, as should you. Or, if you don't want to draw attention, business wear. That said, lots of family members (more senior than the graduates) will be their in military dress uniforms. ASU is the right answer... at least in my book.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 11:45 PM

2015-03-23T23:45:44-04:00

I've seen family members at all four service grads that wore service, but only once (it was AF) that wore utility. I wouldn't worry about it.

It's not like the DI/TI is gonna give her too much grief, she's graduating!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 11:47 PM

2015-03-23T23:47:41-04:00

To reiterate, the ASU is the appropriate uniform for a formal event like this. It's not a matter of showing off. You're showing respect for your wife by taking the time to wear your dress uniform. It's the same reason I wear my ASUs to my Cadets' commissioning ceremonies. There's never any question there as to whose day it is.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 11:47 PM

2015-03-23T23:47:49-04:00

Great question. Looking over the reviews the consensus of many decades of experience suggest the best answer is ASU.

Soon I will attend my son's Basic/AIT graduation. I will be in ASU. Hope its not too hot.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 1:48 AM

2015-03-24T01:48:35-04:00

ASUs. You're not showing her up, you are showing up in your best to support her.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 5:45 AM

2015-03-24T05:45:40-04:00

That day is about her, not you, wear something casual and tasteful. She has accomplished something that less than 1% of Americans have , let the day be about her.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 5:47 AM

2015-03-24T05:47:59-04:00

MOPP4. It'll be a bold move and you're sure to be recognized for it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 6:23 AM

2015-03-24T06:23:46-04:00

ASU's!!!!!!!!!!! Your wife's graduation from BCT is a big day.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 6:31 AM

2015-03-24T06:31:50-04:00

I would have to say go big or go home. Either wear your ASU (Class A) or wear business casual since it is your wife's day.

Congrats to her!!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 8:00 AM

2015-03-24T08:00:57-04:00

What would you want her to wear? What are all the graduates wearing? That is your answer, personally I think ACUs are much to casual for the occasion and I would wear Service Dress (ASU).

Response by SSG Felix Najera made Mar 24 at 2015 8:01 AM

2015-03-24T08:01:17-04:00

ASU's would be the appropriate uniform for that event.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Mar 24 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-03-24T09:15:23-04:00

You should wear your ASU's. Everyone will learn more about you without you saying a word. Let them see your awards and decorations. Aren't you proud of them? First impressions are lasting ones. Show them you take the ceremony seriously. Make the best first impression! Wear your ASU's.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 10:12 AM

2015-03-24T10:12:59-04:00

You should wear your ASU's. With all of the graduations I have attended, other than the civilians, it was a sea of ASU's. Don't be worried about showing her up. Have you thought about asking her if she would be offended if you wore you ASU's? If she says that she would not like it then you should just wear a nice suit. Just my thoughts.

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Mar 24 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-03-24T10:14:41-04:00

Unless there's a Marine Officer above, from a Marine Point of view... it's a Ceremonial Occasion.

Unless I worked on the Base and had to go back to work immediately, which would be poor planning on my part, given that Graduation dates are usually known pretty well in advance. There is no way I would wear Cammies. Although I thought they looked pretty good.

Nope, I wouldn't even wear Alpha's, this is a Dress Blues type event. Show her respect by going all out.
OR, make it ALL about her by wearing "Appropriate Civilian attire", even there I'd go for Dress shoes, Matching Belt, Khaki's, White T-Shirt and a Service connected Polo.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 24 at 2015 10:57 AM

2015-03-24T10:57:40-04:00

What ever the Army calls their version of the dress uniform, wear that. It's a graduation, a very special event. At AF BMT graduation those family members who were in other branches of service wore their dress uniforms like we did.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 24 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-03-24T11:35:20-04:00

You wear what they wear.

As an example. Marines typically graduate in Service Alphas (Greens with Coat). The Commandant was at my Graduation. He was there in an official capacity, and was wearing Service "C" (Green trousers, Short Sleeve Khaki Shirt). Guess what my graduation Company wore? We wore Charlies. Everyone matched.

We're the "Uniformed Services" for a reason.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 24 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-03-24T12:06:34-04:00

I think the bigger question here is: Has she joined Rallypoint yet?

Response by CSM Carlson C. made Mar 24 at 2015 1:09 PM

2015-03-24T13:09:26-04:00

I had the honor or promoting a new 2nd LT. To make a long story short, EVERY SINGLE military member had on ASU, and then there was one guy, THAT GUY who had on ACUs, to go up on stage, with everyone else in dress uniform. He stood out like a sore thumb and you could see on his face he knew he messed up. in other words, make sure your uniform is pressed and squared away troop, because your wife won't let you live this one down...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-03-24T13:17:07-04:00

As many others have said your ASUs would be the best choice. If not them then business casual. ACUs are a no-go at this event.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Mar 24 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-03-24T13:31:15-04:00

Your wife, young troop... Is wrong.

Take this opportunity to not only impress her with your appearance in a Class A, but to mentor a junior Soldier on the proper uniform to wear at a formal occasion.

Good luck... Listen to the advice already given.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-03-24T13:36:16-04:00

Strictly speaking, the ACUs are aduty uniform, and as your attendace is not a duty assignment, then by regs, you'd be wrong. However, it does say in AR 670-1 that the formal uniform (ASU) may be worn to any formal, ceremonial, or ritualistic situation. therefore, your best bet, if your wife wishes for you to be in uniform, that would be the way to go. However, the caveat to that, is that by you being in your snazzy uniform with all your pretties on it, and she in her ACUs, you run the risk of out-shining her, and putting her special day in your shadow. But by regulations, the ASU is the only uniform you are authorized to wear outside of regulated duty assignments.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 24 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-03-24T14:04:37-04:00

As the graduation is an event for your wife let her shine. Put on a suit or nice pants and a button down. If your so compelled to wear your uniform Class A or B ASU's. What ever you do do not show up in your ACU's. That's a no go.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-03-24T15:24:22-04:00

Take a look at my profile pic. It's my son's Infantry OSUT graduation. ASUs were the prescribed uniform. When he graduated Jump School a month later I was in ACUs to pin his wings. You've received many words of wisdom here. Do both yourself and your bride a favor, one that will not reflect poorly on both of your careers, and wear your ASUs. If they are not ready then do as suggested wear a nice professional suit. You'll look good and she'll be proud you were there for her.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 4:47 PM

2015-03-24T16:47:37-04:00

Sure. Just make sure you're squared away. I remember from my Basic graduation my TIs commenting that they appreciated family members showing up in uniform, especially retired vets, but that they wished they'd make sure the uniform is respected and worn properly.

Edit: Sorry, bit of a brainfart. I agree with others that ACUs may not be the best option unless it's specifically OK'd. But I would go with the appropriate uniform for such a ceremony.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 2:49 AM

2015-03-25T02:49:40-04:00

I think I'm gonna break ranks here, and say no ACUs or ASUs. She's the one graduating. Just wear a nice polo and some slacks. It's about her, not you.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Mar 25 at 2015 3:06 AM

2015-03-25T03:06:49-04:00

Save yourself some heartache and wear your Class A. ACUs are a utility uniform, and should be treated as such. You wouldn't show up to a college graduation in coveralls would you?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-03-25T11:21:04-04:00

ASU

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-03-25T12:39:24-04:00

Asus

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Mar 26 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-03-26T13:04:31-04:00

No, I would not.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-03-26T19:30:19-04:00

ASUs, not ACUs. I am flying to RI (from DC) for my stepfather´s funeral and will be wearing mine. ACUs never entered my mind for a moment. Like that senior officer who first responded (and very well I might add) said....don´t be THAT GUY

Response by SGT Chris Reese made Mar 26 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-03-26T19:42:57-04:00

Basic Training Graduation is a formal event. Would you wear Blue jeans and a t-shirt to a wedding? No. ASU would be the way to go.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 8:10 PM

2015-03-26T20:10:55-04:00

Maj. Hoiland has a very good point. if you choose to be that guy you could draw the attention of those unwanted comments and views from senior ranking Soldiers. it is a special moment for both of you. Wear your ASU's and be proud of both you and your spouses service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 8:28 PM

2015-03-26T20:28:03-04:00

ASUs. Stay classy. You will look ridiculous wearing ACU. Make sure you have a fresh haircut and clean shave. Good luck!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 11:17 AM

2015-03-28T11:17:17-04:00

Sure nothing wrong with that

Response by SSG(P) Timme Jones made Mar 29 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-03-29T15:05:42-04:00

Wear ASU's brother. And bring flowers

Response by PFC Mike Mcdermott made Mar 30 at 2015 6:59 AM

2015-03-30T06:59:59-04:00

I wouldn't do it. It's a faux pas to wear ACUs to class A events, in general.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-03-30T13:24:52-04:00

I have to agree with most here. Dress uniform would be the best and most respectful.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 2:26 PM

2015-03-30T14:26:55-04:00

Make sure when you are there be on the look out for any 2LTs that does not render a salute to a 1LT. Remind them of proper military customs and courtesies.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 31 at 2015 5:17 AM

2015-03-31T05:17:16-04:00

Normally I do not wear my duty uniform which is the ACU unless its for work. I absolutely dread wearing anything military unless I am told too. In your case, for family day, wear something casual and presentable like pants with a nice shirt tucked in. This will reduce attention to yourself and your wife. Like someone already said, you do not want to be "that guy" and that guy might get your wife "smoked" for something dumb later on. On her graduation day, I believe it would be appropriate to wear your dress uniform or business attire. Good luck.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 12:48 PM

2015-03-31T12:48:15-04:00

unfortunately, My wife had a mental break down so I wont be going. Now I have to find out who to contact to see what her medical status is. I got the go a head from my unit to start trying to find out what I can do and if there is any one I can contact. Now she just wants out and isn't in a good mental state of mind. So I guess this is a no go situation for me.

Ps: If any one has any information that could be useful Please contact me. She is in Fort Jackson SC. 3-13

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-04-01T12:51:30-04:00

It's not a wise idea, show up in ASU's. Also when you graduated, did you see anyone in ACU's? I don't think so because I sure didn't.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Apr 8 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-04-08T13:49:43-04:00

Not knowing enough about today's dress code, I would ask the wife why a work uniform instead of As or Bs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-04-10T21:24:28-04:00

ASUs for an event like that.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-04-10T21:45:35-04:00

I recently went to a good friends graduation. I thought long and hard about it. I knew there would be other people there in uniform. I took MY ASU with me just in case. At the last moment I decided on nice civies because, after all, it was his day. It's not like the hair cut and bearing give you away anyways. If anything, bare minimum ASU.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 7:54 PM

2015-04-12T19:54:41-04:00

This is exactly why I joined RP, outstanding leadership and guidance to this young Soldier below. Definitely wear the ASU and Congrats to your wife!!!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 7:56 PM

2015-04-12T19:56:38-04:00

If it is her graduation I would recommend going in your dress uniform. It is a big deal and worth commemorating it by wearing your best. She will only graduate basic once

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 12 at 2015 8:28 PM

2015-04-12T20:28:42-04:00

Go for it, hahahahahaha

Response by SSG Harper Peterson made Apr 13 at 2015 1:22 AM

2015-04-13T01:22:18-04:00

Why would you want to steal any attention from your wife's special day? He'll no, let it be about her not you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 8:36 AM

2015-04-13T08:36:30-04:00

I would agree dress uniform would be a better.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Apr 13 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-04-13T13:15:08-04:00

Go in your ACUs less hassles that way just my .02

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 13 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-04-13T13:23:16-04:00

Remember it is her day. I would recommend dressing in civilian attire (tasteful). She me think it is a good idea but I believe you should let her be the center of attention.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Apr 14 at 2015 6:59 PM

2015-04-14T18:59:19-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member lance! Wear your ASUs! You can blame everyone here as there is easily over 1000 years of combined experience... Trying to stave off "ass pain" and we are trying save you from that same pain! So do the right thing!

Tell you wife gratz and thank her for her service!

Response by LTC Tom Hartley made Apr 18 at 2015 11:46 AM

2015-04-18T11:46:45-04:00

Not appropriate. Class As or Bs.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-04-22T11:00:47-04:00

So this was a month ago. No updates? Did the graduation happen? What was the verdict and the outcome?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 11 at 2015 10:39 AM

2015-11-11T10:39:33-05:00

A's or B's. ACU's are for work, not for ceremonies.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-12-16T16:44:18-05:00

FWIW, I wore ACUs to my daughter's graduation at Ft Leonard Wood in '05. They were all in ACUs and I didn't want to standout. I didn't have any issues. Of course, I was a 1LT and not a SPC so that may have made a difference

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 11:43 AM

2015-12-30T11:43:48-05:00

ASU if you wish to go in uniform. Or sharp civvies if you do not. Its a ceremony, all the SM's in uniform will be in ASUs, you will look terrible in ASUs.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Feb 7 at 2020 6:43 AM

2020-02-07T06:43:25-05:00

Wife might "LIKE" for you to show up in your ACU's but your wife would not be the one getting smoked by NCOes and Officers, nor the one standing tall in your 1SGT's office explaining why he got a call from one of his battles about you being at an event, out of uniform.

AR 670-1 spells it out. This is a formal event, so ASU's can be worn. It is not a duty event you are assigned to but rather a formal event you are invited to. ACU's are not appropriate and can even get you counseled.

Your wife is new to the Army and likely does not know. Be the more informed solider, say no and explain why... I am sure she will understand.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 11:03 AM

2020-02-26T11:03:54-05:00

Absolutely, if you are still serving.

Response by Cpl Charles Trump made May 29 at 2020 9:22 AM

2020-05-29T09:22:41-04:00

Dress blues occasion absolutely!