Posted on Feb 24, 2017
SGT Tong Yi
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Posted in these groups: Afp getty 511269685 Dress UniformHonorable discharge008 full Honorable Discharge
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SSG Matthew Nechy
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Though, personally, I am no longer in service. I didn't retire. I got a medical discharge. I'd wear a ring, or a lapel pin related to my service. If the former classmates asked about it, I'd start a conversation. That's just me.
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SGT Tong Yi
SGT Tong Yi
8 y
I was just seeking opinions because, I kinda miss wearing my uniform, and was looking for a reason to put it on. I was just wondering if it was a thing to wear your uniform to a class reunion. It's not totally formal, but it is still a semi-formal affair. No jeans and such.
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SSG Matthew Nechy
SSG Matthew Nechy
8 y
I miss it too. Hey, follow your heart. Yeah, there's the 670-1 that talks about vets and retirees. But remember, your a civilian and no longer need to follow the 670-1. I may get flack for it but oh well. As long as you are not disgracing the Army or our beloved country, do what your heart tells you.
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SGT Tong Yi
SGT Tong Yi
8 y
I kinda feel the same way. Because I will be wearing it out of pride. But then again I don't want to be doing something wrong that might be offending the uniform that I love.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
8 y
SSG Matthew Nechy - Anyone that wears the Military uniform still has to comply with AR670-1 and the function has to be military in nature. You can however wear either the uniform that was used when You were still in the Military service or the current uniform. In both cases they must comply as must Your own appearance to be within Military grooming standards. My uniform still fits fine however I now lack a pair of low quarter shoes that comply with regulations for wear with the service uniform and until or when I get a replacement pair I will not wear that uniform. I am of course proud of that service but often I 'm in a uniform of the American Legion which I'm a 6th term Post Commander and active member.
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LTC Stephen C.
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Edited 8 y ago
SGT Tong Yi, I think that your focus and the answer to your question is in paragraph 23-1a. of AR 670-1 which states:
As used in this regulation, the phrase “occasions of ceremony” means occasions essentially of a military character, at which the uniform is more appropriate than civilian clothing. These functions include, but are not limited to: military balls, military parades, weddings, and military funerals; memorial services, meetings, conferences, or similar functions of associations formed for military purposes, of which the membership is composed largely or entirely of current or honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. Authority to wear the uniform includes wear while traveling to and from the ceremony or function, provided the travel in uniform can be completed on the day of the ceremony or function.

The overriding factor is not whether you're a retiree, veteran or served in time of war, etc. The question is whether the event is an "occasion of ceremony" or not. Based on the definition provided above, a high school reunion would not be characterized as "of a military character".

Thus, wear of the uniform is not authorized and is inappropriate for wear at your reunion.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
8 y
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth, ultimately I would conclude yes, but the reg treats "retired personnel " and "former members of the Army" differently. You have a green V next to your name denoting veteran, yet your profile indicates a retired status. Let me know which is more accurate and I can be more definitive as to what uniform you may wear.
Also, if you are a retiree, you may wish to correct your profile.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
8 y
LTC Stephen C. - I am in what's called the gray area, in Dec. when I turn 60, then the state of Michigan says I'm retired. I'll be able to change my status after 12/16 of this year.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
8 y
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth, well, you've got your twenty year letter, so I interpret that to be a retiree. You're a gray area retiree, but you're a retiree.

Although this is a slight reach, any organization (your church) that is honoring veterans on Veterans Day would, in my opinion, qualify as an occasion of ceremony. In other words, your church is not an organization of military character, but they have created an event that is so, and I conclude that to be an appropriate occasion of ceremony. That's my opinion, but I would like to think it would stand.

This paragraph of AR 670-1 governs what uniform may be worn.

23–3. Retired personnel
a. Personnel who will be advanced to a higher grade upon retirement have the option of wearing the insignia of that grade thereafter.
c. Retired personnel not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on the date of their retirement, or the uniform prescribed for personnel in the AA of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate, but may not mix the two uniforms. Personnel will wear the grade as shown on the retired grade of rank line on their retirement order.

This paragraph indicates that you could wear the Class A or B uniform you wore last, or you could wear a current dress uniform with all the proper awards, decorations and rank that you wore last.

That's the way I see it. Hope that helps, but I think you're good to go!
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
8 y
LTC Stephen C. - thank you for the information, have a great weekend.
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SFC Joseph Weber
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I don't think its weird but if you do you risk getting cheese sauce and beer all over it. That's based on the polo shirt I wore to my 20th reunion.
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SGT Tong Yi
SGT Tong Yi
8 y
lol...that is a good solid point
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