ASU uniform for my wedding.

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 15:50:08 -0400

I will be getting married in November and will be wearing my ASUs. I have ordered the full size medals as well as the ceremonial belt. My commander from when I was a 1SG will be my best man and will be wearing the same. In looking at pictures I have found, I notice that most people are not wearing the SSI-FWTS on their uniform but some are. It seems that the ones that are not were wearing the old blues uniform, and the ones that are have on the ASUs. So here is my proposed uniform for us both and I want to make sure that I am within regs

ASUs
Service cap
Ceremonial Belt
Full Size medals
Bow tie
Order of St Maurice medallions

I understand that marksmanship badges and drivers badges are not worn with full size medals, just want to be sure with the FWTS badge.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Jun 9 at 2014 3:56 PM

SFC Stephen Carden — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 15:56:07 -0400

What time of day is the wedding? If it is after 1700, or Retreat, I don't think you have to wear the service cap. As far as the SSI-FWTS, I am fairly certain that is authorized with the uniform you describe. I have no idea what the ceremonial belt even looks like. I am going to have to research that one.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Jun 9 at 2014 4:20 PM

SFC Stephen Carden — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 16:20:45 -0400

OK, according to DA Pam 670-1 dated March, 2014, the black bow tie is only worn after retreat (para 13-10, b, 3). I can't find anything saying you can't wear the SSI-FWTS with full sized medals or with the bow tie.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 9 at 2014 5:04 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:04:11 -0400

I believe you are right on point with your distinction of the old style dress blue uniform (of my era) vs. the current ASU.
Since the wedding will be before 1700 the only question I would have would be the bow tie vs. four in hand tie. Take this comment with a gain of salt however, since I've been retired since 2006!
BTW, the ceremonial belt looks GREAT as long as you don't have a "fuel tank". Take it from an old "Old Guard" soldier. If you have any belly fat at all, a man girdle would be in order! LOL!!!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 5:40 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:40:27 -0400

Congratulations SFC!!
I see my parents wedding every day as the background on my phone. Hope yours is great!

Response by LTC Charles Sherman made Jul 14 at 2014 7:36 PM

LTC Charles Sherman — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:36:25 -0400

There are other uniform experts here that can probably answer this better, but...

Your uniform sounds correct. Of course the authority is AR 670-1, but as long as you are within those regs you should be good to go. As I understand it the SSI-FWTS hubcap is always optional, but can be worn with the full-size medals. You may want to look at the uniform with and without it, to see if it looks weird or if it seems out of place. As always in matters matrimonial, ask your bride what she thinks. Your hubcap may clash with her flowers or somesuch, or she may worry about it hooking on the lace in her dress. These things can be random, but should be treated as regulatory guidance second to only the actual AR!

For those in the know, the stripes on your sleeve will tell them that you've "been there, done that". But the hubcap can be a good conversation starter. I've discovered a LOT of people have served with the BRO or 4ID over the years, and they LOVE to find someone who served 'with' them.

The bow tie is considered formal wear, and equivalent to a civilian tuxedo. I believe that, while normally reserved for after retreat, there is an exception for the bow tie in the regulation for exactly this circumstance. My recollection is that it covers both the groom and the guests, since this would be considered an appropriate occasion for wear of a civilian tuxedo. You may want to check the reg again.

And congratulations!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 15 at 2014 7:36 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 07:36:36 -0400

SSI-FWTS is good to go.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jul 15 at 2014 12:13 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:13:50 -0400

Congratulations and I prefer the Dress Mess also, did the second marriage and had all others in ASU/Dress Blues. it is the male equal to the brides maids and others not upstaging the bride! Don't be surprised if your best man has a surprise for the new Mrs. Gilley upon departure to thy chariot!

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 30 at 2014 8:03 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 20:03:36 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member ,

First congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Many happy returns for you and your bride to be!

I was married in the old Blues prior to the transition to the ASUs. I think it is a great uniform and am certain you will be all your bride is looking for.

That really should be enough, right? Your best man will be there and as a professional NCO your uniform will be squared away.

From my recollection, you are authorized to were the CSIB with full size medals on the ASU uniform.

Be happy and enjoy the day! Thank you for your service and for proudly wearing your uniform at such an important occasion.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 14 at 2014 2:59 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 02:59:22 -0500

When is your big day?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 7:18 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 19:18:25 -0500

How did the wedding go 1SG Private RallyPoint Member ? Did I miss the photos??? I am about to make the leap 14 FEB and am doing it in uniform as well.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Mar 9 at 2015 10:49 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 22:49:14 -0400

I wore my ASU for my wedding and was already retired at the time. We didn't have the time or money for a real wedding back in '94 when I was getting ready to PCS from Korea. We married in Seoul city hall and the American Embassy. All just paper work and no real ceremony. It was 15 years later that we went back to Korea, flew my parents out, and had the wedding at the Dragon Hill Lodge on Yongsan. They catered the whole thing for us and the ceremony was in the gardens there. I was able to get her Korean family and friends on base as well for the event. We had the pictures done off base in Seoul. They do a much better job than any wedding photographer I had ever seen. Besides my ASU the pictures were done in several other changes of suits, tuxes and dresses for her. The pictures took ssssooooo long all day but it was worth it.

I am not familiar with the ceremonial belt so I didn't have it. You don't wear weapons qualifications.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 11:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 11:57:11 -0400