Posted on Aug 22, 2021
What's the regulation for retirees/veterans wearing uniforms in public?
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I recently got asked to present the flag during the national anthem at a festival, I'm on terminal leave after getting medically retired so I wanted to make sure I wasn't out of line in any way. Thanks in advance
Posted in these groups: 
Dress Uniform
My Veteran Community
The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA)
DA Pam 670-1
Dress Uniform My Veteran Community The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) DA Pam 670-1
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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Uniform regulations don’t have an expiration date.
You are expected to wear it correctly and be within uniform/grooming standards but there isn’t a UCMJ pipeline if you don’t. It’s mainly the honor system
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/military-uniforms-by-retirees-veterans-3356978
You are expected to wear it correctly and be within uniform/grooming standards but there isn’t a UCMJ pipeline if you don’t. It’s mainly the honor system
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/military-uniforms-by-retirees-veterans-3356978
Military Uniform Rules For Retirees And Veterans
Retired military members and certain honorably discharged veterans may wear the U.S. Military uniform on certain occasions.
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SPC (Join to see)
I definitely plan to wear it properly, its good to know it won't be an issue though. Thanks SSgt
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None. Once retired or no longer in "regulations" have no jurisdiction over civilians.
The only law remotely associated with uniform wear by civilians would be those laws associated with stolen valor.
If one wants to wear it, and be proud, just dont wear anything you didn't earn, and don't look ate up. Even if you did, there is no authority over you regardless.
The only law remotely associated with uniform wear by civilians would be those laws associated with stolen valor.
If one wants to wear it, and be proud, just dont wear anything you didn't earn, and don't look ate up. Even if you did, there is no authority over you regardless.
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LTC Kevin B.
CPT (Join to see),
AR 670-1 does address the wearing of military uniforms by retirees. Chapter 23 covers it. The gray area revolves around any punishment if/when someone doesn't follow the regulation. It's rather unclear on how/if it would be pursued and what can actually happen. However, a regulation does exist that provides guidance to retirees on the proper wear of the uniform (which is the primary focus of the main question being asked).
SPC (Join to see)
AR 670-1 does address the wearing of military uniforms by retirees. Chapter 23 covers it. The gray area revolves around any punishment if/when someone doesn't follow the regulation. It's rather unclear on how/if it would be pursued and what can actually happen. However, a regulation does exist that provides guidance to retirees on the proper wear of the uniform (which is the primary focus of the main question being asked).
SPC (Join to see)
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC Kevin B. - RGR, but what I'm reading in regard to 10 US Code 772 says they can wear their highest grade, but I don't see designated consequences of adverse actions against benefits, fines, or prison time if outside the code.
The code even includes the Boy Scouts in section (j).
Much more recent court rulings protecting the 1st amendment would seem to overrule any adverse uniform wear short of "stolen valor".
I guess the bigger question is does the veteran wear their last current uniform or do they true it up to the latest uniform regulations. It probably doesn't matter.
In the picture above, the retired veteran has his name tag misplaced (5-Star Omar Bradley) in LIFE magazine. So.................
*****
Someone asking the question of what is right is probably going to be just fine.
The code even includes the Boy Scouts in section (j).
Much more recent court rulings protecting the 1st amendment would seem to overrule any adverse uniform wear short of "stolen valor".
I guess the bigger question is does the veteran wear their last current uniform or do they true it up to the latest uniform regulations. It probably doesn't matter.
In the picture above, the retired veteran has his name tag misplaced (5-Star Omar Bradley) in LIFE magazine. So.................
*****
Someone asking the question of what is right is probably going to be just fine.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
GO's can design their own uniforms, and uniform regs do not apply. That how Westy wore AF short sleeve fatigues in RVN. Also, the Ridgeway cap came to be. Way back, the Ike jacket.
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SPC David Roberts
I've been thinking about volunteering to play taps at military funerals, so I checked the regs. If I recall, you can wear either the current uniform, or the one you wore when you were discharged. I was planning to buy the necessary components of a 1978 class A uniform online, since there is no way I'd still fit in the one I came home in back then, and the current one would feel weird, even if I could afford it.
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It's not regulations, but US Codes that apply to former military members in uniform. More specifically:
"10 U.S. Code § 772 - When wearing by persons not on active duty authorized"
Regulations cant be held against civilians. US Code can.
If you read AR 670-1, you'll see that the Army references this US Code in reference to former members of the military wearing the uniform.
"10 U.S. Code § 772 - When wearing by persons not on active duty authorized"
Regulations cant be held against civilians. US Code can.
If you read AR 670-1, you'll see that the Army references this US Code in reference to former members of the military wearing the uniform.
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