Authorized retired uniform attachments?

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 18:34:28 -0400

I am digging through the ARs and PAMs and I want to show in writing the documented answer. Correct me if I am wrong, but unless awarded to the unit while assigned, after retirement neither former unit awards or unit crests are authorized to be worn by a soldier. Is there a paragraph somewhere that states that??

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 18 at 2021 6:40 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 18:40:33 -0400

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 18 at 2021 8:10 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 20:10:36 -0400

Unit Awards- concur, because if you were not in the unit when awarded, when you leave that unit the unit award goes away. Unit crest are different- My Regiment affiliation is the 325 AIR, I was there for 14 yrs., and was there when the Army Re=designated it a regiment again. Therefore I wear it.

Response by SFC Shawn Warren made Mar 18 at 2021 10:28 PM

SFC Shawn Warren — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 22:28:30 -0400

SGM Merle Bragg, very insightful question. BLUF! There is a document that gives retirees clear and definitive guidance on wearing the Army uniforms and all associated accoutrements.
See US Army Retired Solider Handbook 2021.
Pg. 14, CH 3: Military Status
3-10. Wearing of the Uniform
a), b), c) 1), 2), 3), 4), 5), 6)
After c) 6) SGM, I think this will resolve your questions concerning unit awards and unit crests.
"Retired personnel on active duty will wear their uniform and insignia in the same manner as prescribed for personnel in the Active Army of corresponding grade and branch."
Also, SGM I would point you to the final guidance on page 15.
"The guidance above is summarized from Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, and Department of the Army Pamphlet 670-1, Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia."

SFC Shawn Mark Warren, USA, RET.
Antrorsum Hostium and Semper Prorsum!
Front Toward the Enemy and Always Forward!

Response by SGT Timothy Posemato made Sep 15 at 2021 3:05 PM

SGT Timothy Posemato — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 15:05:14 -0400

If I'm not mistaken, unit awards can no longer be worn once you're out of that unit. As far as a unit crest, probably the same thing. I don't know Regs though. I'm in a veterans MC and I still have 1 of each unit crest and division patch on my vest, just out of pride in my service. And ive seen many others doing the same thing.

Response by SFC Joseph Behmke made Aug 25 at 2023 3:56 PM

SFC Joseph Behmke — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:56:21 -0400

I believe it’s AR 670-1

Response by 1SG John Millan made Feb 23 at 2024 1:13 PM

1SG John Millan — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 13:13:16 -0500

Correct, the retired patch can be worn in lieu of unit patch which would otherwise be absent.