Posted on Mar 23, 2015
Would it be wise to wear ACUs to go to Wife's basic training graduation or family day?
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Wife would like for me to show up in acu's for her graduation.
Army Reserve
Uniforms
ACU
Advice
Basic Training
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 70
72
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0
SPC (Join to see), 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!
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!
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LTC J. Lee Mudd
I fully agree with MAJ Hoiland. The Service Uniform is far too underused in my opinion. It, not the combat/utility uniform, is the one that should be worn on ANY occasion not requiring physical labor, and especially any ceremonial event. Go with the ASU.
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(Join to see)
Agreed! ASU is required here - the old adage that it's better to be over-dressed rings true here. When I swear members in, I wear service dress uniform rather than combats, which achieves 2 things:
1) It highlights for everyone who is participating (the member, their family, and especially other soldiers) that this is a special occasion that should be celebrated. Your wife will see you in combats regularly but in putting on your service dress, you let her know that she is worth the pain of all the work that had to be done to make sure that order of dress was ready for wear and inspection.
2) If the drive and other bits of pomp and circumstance haven't already set the tone, wearing service dress should remind you most of all that there are certain points to army decorum and tradition that are being passed on through this rite of passage.
I advise soldiers who work with me to consider the type of event, and if would be appropriate to wear a suit and tie (or some more formal variation on that theme), then service dress (ASU) is called for.
1) It highlights for everyone who is participating (the member, their family, and especially other soldiers) that this is a special occasion that should be celebrated. Your wife will see you in combats regularly but in putting on your service dress, you let her know that she is worth the pain of all the work that had to be done to make sure that order of dress was ready for wear and inspection.
2) If the drive and other bits of pomp and circumstance haven't already set the tone, wearing service dress should remind you most of all that there are certain points to army decorum and tradition that are being passed on through this rite of passage.
I advise soldiers who work with me to consider the type of event, and if would be appropriate to wear a suit and tie (or some more formal variation on that theme), then service dress (ASU) is called for.
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SGT Anthony Bussing
go whole hog...Class "A", ribbons, all your shiny do dads...the class "A" can look pretty sharp when worn correctly...
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SGT Richard H.
MAJ (Join to see) said it with a good deal more eloquence and detail than I would have, but I still would have made the point that if you're going in uniform, go in ASUs., or at least a class B or C.
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SGT (Join to see)
This is by far the best thing I've seen on this website since I joined, you win ALL the internets, well played...
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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
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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.
Soon I will attend my son's Basic/AIT graduation. I will be in ASU. Hope its not too hot.
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SPC Bennett,
Like MAJ (Join to see) 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!
Like MAJ (Join to see) 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!
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CSM (Join to see)
It is true, we don't have anything better to do than hover around basic training graduations and steal souls. Wear ASUs!
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SGT Anthony Bussing
CSM...it has always been MY experience...that Sgt Major always seem to turn up in the singularly most unexpected places...usually when Im not being correct...lol...lucky for me, my Sgt Major was a really great guy and all bark and SOME bite...but he was one of the most respected men I have ever been proud to serve with in my 25 years and two branches...
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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.
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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.
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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
http://www.wikihow.com/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...
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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.
Have her check with her command structure though, could be ok with them.
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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.
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.
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