Are ribbons optional on Army uniforms?

LCpl Shane Couch — Tue, 30 May 2017 14:10:55 -0400

Yesterday I saw a Brigadier General wearing what I'm assuming was Army class B uniform, but he had no ribbons and only a name tag and a small badge or unit icon above the name tag. I could not make it out very well. Is this something that is standard practice or optional? Please help feed my curiosity.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 2:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 May 2017 14:36:00 -0400

According to AR 670-1, the wear of ribbons on the Class B uniform is optional.

22–2. Authorization
a. Commanders may require the wear of authorized awards on the following occasions:
(1) Parades, reviews, inspections, and funerals.
(2) Ceremonial and social occasions.
b. Unless directed by a commander IAW paragraph 22–2(a), authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer, when not prohibited, during normal duty hours. Personnel also may wear authorized awards on appropriate uniforms when off duty. Personnel are encouraged to wear authorized awards on the service, dress, and mess uniforms.
c. Soldiers may wear authorized awards on the Class B version of the service uniform during duty hours and when off duty, at their option.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made May 30 at 2017 2:36 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Tue, 30 May 2017 14:36:44 -0400

Yes, they are optional for wear on the Class B uniform, per AR 670-1:

"c. Soldiers may wear authorized awards on the Class B version of the service uniform during duty hours and when off duty, at their option."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 2:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 May 2017 14:46:27 -0400

It seems to be a "may" not a "will" or "shall".

Chapter 22
Wear of Decorations, Service Medals, Badges, Unit Awards, and Appurtenances
22–1. General
This chapter covers decorations, service medals, badges, unit awards and appurtenances, both U.S. and foreign,
authorized for wear on Army uniforms. The term “award” is an all-inclusive term, covering any decoration, service
medal, badge, ribbon, or appurtenance bestowed on an individual or unit. The term “ribbon” is an all-inclusive term
covering that portion of the suspension ribbon of a service medal or decoration that is worn instead of the service
medal or decoration.
22–2. Authorization
a. Commanders may require the wear of authorized awards on the following occasions:
(1) Parades, reviews, inspections, and funerals.
(2) Ceremonial and social occasions.
b. Unless directed by a commander IAW paragraph 22–2(a), authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer,
when not prohibited, during normal duty hours. Personnel also may wear authorized awards on appropriate uniforms
when off duty. Personnel are encouraged to wear authorized awards on the service, dress, and mess uniforms.
c. Soldiers may wear authorized awards on the Class B version of the service uniform during duty hours and when
off duty, at their option.
22–3. When wearing awards is prohibited
Wearing awards is prohibited in the following circumstances:
a. On any uniform other than those authorized in this regulation. (See 18 USC 704 for the penalty for unauthorized
wear of the uniform.)
b. When serving a sentence of confinement.
c. When wearing civilian clothing, except for civilian awards, lapel buttons, or rosettes intended for wear with
civilian clothing. Soldiers may wear miniature medals on formal civilian attire at formal social functions, when wearing
the Army uniform is inappropriate or not authorized.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 2:59 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 May 2017 14:59:18 -0400

It is optional as those who have cited already have shown.

Culturally, it is often referred to as "Super B's" to have everything on a class B uniform. It is not uncommon in warm-weather locations, but in many places it is considered a half measure. Class A's to be actually formal with awards and decorations, Class B's to be business casual.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 30 at 2017 4:33 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 30 May 2017 16:33:39 -0400

Air Force has all or none rule on ribbons.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 31 at 2017 8:37 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 31 May 2017 08:37:22 -0400

"Unless directed by a commander IAW paragraph 22–2(a), authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer, when not prohibited, during normal duty hours. Personnel also may wear authorized awards on appropriate uniforms when off duty."

Response by MAJ Brad D'Angelo made May 31 at 2017 11:44 AM

MAJ Brad D'Angelo — Wed, 31 May 2017 11:44:31 -0400

Aside from wearing what you choose thats authorized, name rank are a minimum. I always heard general officers could set their own uniform standards. Is that true?

Response by LTC Marc King made May 31 at 2017 5:32 PM

LTC Marc King — Wed, 31 May 2017 17:32:52 -0400

General officers can design and wear their own uniforms... Ever see some of the outfits that George Patton used to sport around? One piece tankers coveralls, football helmet and boots with straps replacing laces...

Applicability: This regulation applies to the active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated. Also, it applies to the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the Corps of Cadets, United States Military Academy, only when their respective uniform regulations do not include sufficient guidance or instruction.

It does not apply to generals of the Army, the Chief of Staff of the Army, or former Chiefs of Staff of the Army, each of whom may prescribe his or her own uniform. During mobilization, the proponent may modify chapters and policies contained in this regulation.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 31 at 2017 8:43 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 31 May 2017 20:43:56 -0400

Once upon a time, before Vietnam, Soldiers were retiring with a NDSM, possibly a Good Conduct and maybe an Arcom. So start at the Arcom and discard.

Response by SGT Eric Hawkins made May 31 at 2017 11:44 PM

SGT Eric Hawkins — Wed, 31 May 2017 23:44:17 -0400

When I was in (when Jesus was just a buck Sergeant), you could wear the class B uniform with no awards (just rank insignia and nametag). I also remember hearing (may have been a rumor) that General Officers could alter the wear of their uniform (although most did not).

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 12:48 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:48:03 -0400

The only time it's mandatory to wear all authorized awards and decorations is in your DA photo. All other times, cl A or B, wearing any of your awards is optional

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Jun 1 at 2017 1:45 AM

CPT Chris Loomis — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 01:45:37 -0400

Okay, I'm going to piggy back on this thread, and hopefully a squared away Sergeant can provide me some insight and edification.

Q. Can a Commander direct those in their charge to wear any patch or scroll that the Commander had made for the identification of the unit or a special skill?

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Sep 29 at 2018 10:23 PM

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 22:23:31 -0400

He didn’t wear that many ribbons, did he!

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 5 at 2019 11:34 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 11:34:56 -0400

Thanks for sharing this!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 31 at 2021 1:02 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 01:02:40 -0400

Optional. The “Icon” above his name tag is his regimental distinctive insignia RDI. The requirement on class B is rank and name tag. You have the option of wearing badges and/or your top three awards. Most just wear name plate, RDI and rank

We have another uniform in the ASU family called Class A Tropical. That’s the SS shirt with full ribbons and badges.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 24 at 2021 12:27 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Mon, 24 May 2021 00:27:18 -0400

There is no regulation that requires soldiers to wear all of their awards. They are required, however, for official photographs.

The general probably felt that his stars were enough to establish his credibility - and he was right.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 23 at 2024 9:43 PM

1SG John Millan — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 21:43:09 -0500

Optional to wear some, none or all, unless dictated otherwise by local or higher authority.