Posted on Jun 9, 2023
Wear of non-medals with medals on civilian attire?
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My father has a few months left to live, and as a Navy veteran, he will be buried with military honors. Since we have time, we are all trying to be proactive.
I am retired from the Army, but no longer fit in my uniform, after losing the battle of the bulge. So I am planning on mini-medals in a civilian suit. (I checked with mom, dad, and siblings, and all encourage this.)
I have checked both my memory and online and everything mentions only medals. I obviously will not be throwing ribbons like ASR or NCOPDR on there. But should I be adding EIB and/or AASLT wings?
I would think no mention = no wear, but I also want to do things right. I am not worried about how much "bling" I have, just want to do things the Right Way.
If I *do* wear the badges, I assume mini-medals also = mini-badges?
Update: The funeral was a week ago. (August, 2023, for the archives....). I appreciate everyone's feedback and input. I ended up going with just mini medals with no badges. I went with 4 medals - top 2 (DMSM, MSM), and then campaign medals for Iraq and Afghanistan because my dad was proud of my deployments.
It was well received by everyone, and my immediate family was thankful to me for doing so.
I am retired from the Army, but no longer fit in my uniform, after losing the battle of the bulge. So I am planning on mini-medals in a civilian suit. (I checked with mom, dad, and siblings, and all encourage this.)
I have checked both my memory and online and everything mentions only medals. I obviously will not be throwing ribbons like ASR or NCOPDR on there. But should I be adding EIB and/or AASLT wings?
I would think no mention = no wear, but I also want to do things right. I am not worried about how much "bling" I have, just want to do things the Right Way.
If I *do* wear the badges, I assume mini-medals also = mini-badges?
Update: The funeral was a week ago. (August, 2023, for the archives....). I appreciate everyone's feedback and input. I ended up going with just mini medals with no badges. I went with 4 medals - top 2 (DMSM, MSM), and then campaign medals for Iraq and Afghanistan because my dad was proud of my deployments.
It was well received by everyone, and my immediate family was thankful to me for doing so.
Dress Uniform
Badges
DA Pam 670-1
Edited 1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 19
You are allowed to wear either full-sized or miniature medals - the choice is yours. If you were dressing more formally, the recommendation is to stay with miniature ones.
The general guidance from all the services is that the wear of them (medals) is not an everyday occurrence and should be reserved for military-related holidays (Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc.) and those occasions that are more formal/organized and are of a military nature (you really shouldn't be wearing your medals to a picnic). How much is too much? That's not specified, but most usually go with only a couple/few or even just the highest precedence one.
Although this is only specifically mentioned in the Army regulations, the general guidance is if you do wear them, they should be on 'appropriate' clothing (for instance, pinning them to your t-shirt wouldn't be appropriate).
From your post, everything you're describing is absolutely within the intent of honoring the Service and your father. I can't think of a single individual that would bat an eye at you wearing a suit that is adorned with a few miniature medals.
Regarding badges - the best recommendation is using a lapel pin, but you can wear them just as you would wear a medal - in the appropriate location on civilian attire as you would on a uniform. The wear of a lapel pin is perfectly acceptable for everyday (as opposed to medals just for certain occasions).
The general guidance from all the services is that the wear of them (medals) is not an everyday occurrence and should be reserved for military-related holidays (Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc.) and those occasions that are more formal/organized and are of a military nature (you really shouldn't be wearing your medals to a picnic). How much is too much? That's not specified, but most usually go with only a couple/few or even just the highest precedence one.
Although this is only specifically mentioned in the Army regulations, the general guidance is if you do wear them, they should be on 'appropriate' clothing (for instance, pinning them to your t-shirt wouldn't be appropriate).
From your post, everything you're describing is absolutely within the intent of honoring the Service and your father. I can't think of a single individual that would bat an eye at you wearing a suit that is adorned with a few miniature medals.
Regarding badges - the best recommendation is using a lapel pin, but you can wear them just as you would wear a medal - in the appropriate location on civilian attire as you would on a uniform. The wear of a lapel pin is perfectly acceptable for everyday (as opposed to medals just for certain occasions).
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SFC Casey O'Mally
Thank you, sir.
If I read correctly, EIB and AASLT are authorized, but not required. If I do wear, use the lapel pin (what I refer to as mini-badges) and wear them stacked just like I would on Class A's?
. EIB
. AASLT
DMSM MSM ARCOM
(And properly spaced 1/8" or 1/4", I will have to refresh myself)
That was what my gut said, but I don't want to screw it up. No one in my family would know or be offended, either way, but still want to represent properly.
If I read correctly, EIB and AASLT are authorized, but not required. If I do wear, use the lapel pin (what I refer to as mini-badges) and wear them stacked just like I would on Class A's?
. EIB
. AASLT
DMSM MSM ARCOM
(And properly spaced 1/8" or 1/4", I will have to refresh myself)
That was what my gut said, but I don't want to screw it up. No one in my family would know or be offended, either way, but still want to represent properly.
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COL Randall C.
SFC Casey O'Mally - There is no prohibition on wearing anything you've been awarded, but again, be tasteful and try not to come across like a third-world dictator ☺
What you're proposing to wear should pass anyone's view of tasteful and respectful.
The only guidance on lapel buttons (as it's referred to in regs) or pins is to wear them on the left lapel of civilian clothing. While it is customary to only wear one (highest award, award of significance, etc) because more than one tends to look cluttered and distracting, there is no prohibition on wearing multiple ones.
My advice is to see how it looks and if they are arranged and present a near appearance (that cluttered and distracting thing again) then go for it!
What you're proposing to wear should pass anyone's view of tasteful and respectful.
The only guidance on lapel buttons (as it's referred to in regs) or pins is to wear them on the left lapel of civilian clothing. While it is customary to only wear one (highest award, award of significance, etc) because more than one tends to look cluttered and distracting, there is no prohibition on wearing multiple ones.
My advice is to see how it looks and if they are arranged and present a near appearance (that cluttered and distracting thing again) then go for it!
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SFC Casey O'Mally
Thanks again, sir. I am leaning toward just the medals, but since it is my dad's funeral, he gets a vote. However it goes, I now feel confident I can do things the Right Way.
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SPC Michael Tierney
I have a lapel pin for the Purple Heart. Unless I had a bronze or silver star or MoH, I think I would pass on wearing anything like the fire watch ribbon from basic.
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My condolences for your father's and your family's situation. I think, and would recommend, miniatures of whatever you end up using. Pin them on your suit and look at the result. If you sense there is to much, remove the badges and go with the medals only. This is your father's and family's ceremony, you are wearing the military accruements because you are celebrating your father's military service. You are absolutely correct in avoiding becoming a distraction from the honor being bestowed upon your father and should be personally comfortable with your appearance.
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Keep it subtle. There are numerous sources for mini medals out there. I recommend keep it at your senior 4 or 5 with devices. Non-anodized.
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