Can a retired Senior NCO wear his utility uniform to his son's Ranger School graduation?

MSG Chad Smith — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 04:42:09 -0500

Retiree Uniform Authorized

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 7 at 2016 6:55 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 06:55:19 -0500

AR and DA PAM 670-1 address this issue and others with regard to wearing the uniform and awards on civilian clothes. Frankly, being a veteran, he should not get any feedback for being proud of his service, but I will take a look at it.

Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel
23–1. Occasions of ceremony
a. 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.
b. All persons wearing the Army uniform will wear awards, decorations, and insignia in the same manner as prescribed in this regulation for active duty Soldiers. For civilian attire, individuals may wear only those awards, decorations, or insignia authorized by this regulation for wear on civilian clothing, in the same manner and approximate location as the equivalent military uniform.

23–3. Retired personnel
e. In addition to the occasions for wear listed above, retired personnel are authorized to wear the uniform only on the following occasions:
(1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) Attending parades on national or State holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the combat uniform and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.

23–4. Former members of the Army
a. Unless qualified under another provision of this regulation, or under the provisions of 10 USC 772, former members of the Army may only wear the uniform if they served honorably during a declared or undeclared war, and if their most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions. Personnel who qualify under these conditions will wear the Army uniform in the highest grade they held during such war service, in accordance with 10 USC 772.
b. When authorized, the uniform may be worn only for the following ceremonial occasions and when traveling to and from the event.
(1) When attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) When attending parades on national or State holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the combat uniform and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Nov 7 at 2016 7:08 AM

SSG Robert Webster — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 07:08:54 -0500

My recommendation - Wear appropriate uniform as stated in the regulation and pamphlet or civilian attire.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Nov 7 at 2016 8:57 AM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 08:57:14 -0500

I also recommend the prescribed uniform. I can't speak to Army Regulations, but Navy regulations authorize a retiree to wear any uniform authorized and in use at the time of retirement, such wear being for an appropriate occasion such as a military graduation, wedding, funeral, etc.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2016 9:45 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 09:45:58 -0500

It would be in your best interests to wear the uniform up to the standard, if that is too much I would just wear memorabilia showing that you served

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2016 1:12 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 13:12:37 -0500

BLUF: As long as the service was honorable and the event military in nature, retirees and prior service can wear it. Must follow standards as if all on duty, some events such as parades will not allow combat unit uniforms though

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 7 at 2016 6:53 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:53:43 -0500

There are many events where a uniform may be worn by retirees, but I believe it has to be a dress uniform only.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 8 at 2016 2:32 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 14:32:13 -0500

I think it is covered in what used to be AR-670-1 "the ware and care of the Uniform"...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 2 at 2021 7:11 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 02 May 2021 07:11:42 -0400

While he is authorized to wear a uniform, I do not believe the implication is the utility uniform. However I am not the expert and sharing only my opinion on this, regardless research would be required. What is the appropriate uniform for a graduation. Students may be utility, but guests should be? That is where the issue lies? Does my utility look appropriate and is the unit patch removed ? Anyway, the Senior NCO should be extremely proud of his son’s accomplishment and dress appropriately.