As a veteran, am I able to wear my old unit's crest on a black beret?

PFC Justin Edelmayer — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 11:46:11 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 12:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 12:59:26 -0500

In what situation would you be wearing your black beret?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Feb 7 at 2016 1:38 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 13:38:39 -0500

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/veteran-uniform-wear-at-wedding-specific-questions

Veteran uniform wear at wedding, specific questions. | RallyPoint

Hi all. I was recently asked to wear my dress uniform to a wedding for an active duty friend. AR670-1 states this is an approved event for a veteran. However, I got out right as the Army was transitioning to the Blues only and didn't see the point in buying a new uniform since I got out while the Greens were still authorized. Got a few specific questions: 1) Can I wear the Greens to this wedding? 2) I was Airborne qualified and was honorably...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 9:14 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 09:14:02 -0500

Justin-I think to answer the question correctly, we'd need to know when and where you'd be wearing it. Generally speaking, the regulations for the various services are available, to include Executive Orders by the POTUS which allow a veteran, honorably discharged, to wear the uniform as prescribed during their last period of service, and in a manner that does not discredit the parent service to a variety of events-such as weddings, military memorials, etc. My understanding is that the Army issued the "black beret" to all Soldiers, so I don't see any issue there. If the crest was proper for the beret in uniform at time of your last service, it should be good-to-go.

http://ar670.com/chapters/view/30

Now, where you get into "grey" waters, is when mixing uniform with civil attire...officially, a "no-no" for all services, but depending on where you live, perhaps not so uncommon/ not so poorly received. I wore a "historic" turn of the century US Navy uniform at my wedding, and I've worn my "reefer" pea coat with civilian clothes, but without rank on the shoulders. I have a "cruise jacket" with a panoply of unit/ship patches, etc that I sometimes wear when it suits me. I participate in Highland events, and there are some truly "sticky" situations some people can get into wearing what is essentially UK associated militaria, blended with US insignia (I've seen someone with "perfect" decorations/ribbons for service in the US Army on a "Prince Charlie" while wearing UK captains pips...gasp!). I myself feel completely "comfortable" wearing miniature medals on my Argyle when at "day-semi formal" Highland events, with "diced" hose to denote a commissioned officer-though it isn't "strictly regulation"in either nation's military. I'd love to convert a "Aviation Green" tunic for wear with a kilt...but I'm pretty sure that would tick someone off.

Mostly, it comes down to whether or not you want to go "by the book"...or simply not do anything that could possibly "offend" someone. If the prior, then I think AR670 makes it pretty clear...if the latter, then keep in mind that there is always the chance that someone will view anything not covered by regulations as a "disgrace" to the uniform. In my opinion, and I think most would agree...wearing a "regulation" uniform that is poorly pressed, in barely serviceable condition, while way outside of physical and grooming standards, is much less appreciated than a discharged veteran bending the rules as a little, but looking sharp at the same time.

Army Regulation 670-1 | Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian...

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 11:11 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:11:03 -0500

If your a vet who's out entirely, wear whatever the hell you wanna wear.

Response by SPC Phil Norton made Nov 19 at 2016 9:33 AM

SPC Phil Norton — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 09:33:56 -0500

Truth is this if you have received your honorable discharge from your IRR requirement you can wear whatever you want. Supreme Court overturned Stolen Valor act. Calling military dress a form of freedom of speech. Civilians don't know squat about right and wrong. You have to respect your own conscience, because if you get it wrong a veteran will call you out. If you are an officer you have to follow UCMJ because your commission does not expire.

Response by SFC Frank Burns made Apr 1 at 2017 12:51 PM

SFC Frank Burns — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 12:51:07 -0400

When I retired at the end of 2012. I took my unit crest off that beret, and punted it across my backyard. That was how much I hated that beret.