Can a veteran combine military items with civilian attire to participate in a Veterans Day parade?

2019-09-16T21:22:27-04:00

Have a friend (female) who is former AF and wants to participate in the Veterans Day Parade. She was told she could wear a piece of a uniform or just a uniform hat. and a beret or just a couple of parts of a uniform. I understand only retirees can wear their uniform after retirement. According to this article "Generally speaking, the wear of a combination of civilian and military clothing is prohibited." https://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Prep_For_Basic_Training/Prep_for_basic_uniforms/wear-of-military-and-civi.shtml If she does not have a complete uniform, is it OK for her to maybe wear a BDU jacket and hat or a Service dress jacket?

Wear Of Military And Civilian Items (ArmyStudyGuide.com)

ArmyStudyGuide.com provide extensive information about Wear Of Military And Civilian Items (ArmyStudyGuide.com)

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 16 at 2019 9:56 PM

2019-09-16T21:56:57-04:00

I seriously doubt the uniform folks will try to stop her, nor can they.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Sep 16 at 2019 10:08 PM

2019-09-16T22:08:04-04:00

Who's going to tell her not to? Can't make a Veteran do push-ups no matter how hard you try.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Sep 17 at 2019 8:24 AM

2019-09-17T08:24:43-04:00

By regulation (at least the Army regulation) she should wear the uniform correctly. If I was in her situation, I would avoid the Dress Uniform because it is going to stand out. I think at most Veterans Day parades she would fall in line with a lot of other veterans if she wore the BDU jacket with the hat. If she is really worried she could strip off the USAF tape and rank and then if would not technically be a uniform.

Response by SPC Richard DiCristi made Sep 17 at 2019 12:03 PM

2019-09-17T12:03:10-04:00

In the UK, I've seen many of their Veterans wear a suit or jacket and slacks, with their decorations pinned on the jacket, along with a Red Poppy, and the headgear of their former Unit/Corps/Regiment etc. It's simple and classy.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Sep 17 at 2019 12:16 PM

2019-09-17T12:16:05-04:00

Technically the AR and DA Pam 670-1 says you're supposed to wear the uniform properly if you wear it.....Then reality strikes, I grew up seeing the old guys wearing what ever parts of their WWI (yes a couple of the old guys were still alive) -WWII uniforms they had that still fit in the memorial day and old home day parades and they wore the remnants as proudly as if they had the whole shebang usually their headgear and dress jackets. Wear what you have and wear it proudly.
My uniform still fits well and is complete. So when asked to, I wear it to standard.

Response by SrA William Cassy made Sep 17 at 2019 1:21 PM

2019-09-17T13:21:17-04:00

I'm not real sure on that if it was me I'd be ok with it but u know there's always that one guy looking to start crap

Response by SCPO William Akin made Sep 17 at 2019 2:23 PM

2019-09-17T14:23:54-04:00

Sounds like she has honorable intentions to me..
Wear it with pride!!!

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Sep 17 at 2019 4:03 PM

2019-09-17T16:03:03-04:00

There's the "regulations", and there's what is commonly done. Personally, when the rare situation arises (as apparently it will this November)...I'll wear it complete and correct. That being said, I'm not 95 years old, and have the honor of claiming I was at Iwo Jima...like my wife's grandfather. I think it's all about the place and the time.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Sep 18 at 2019 2:42 AM

2019-09-18T02:42:18-04:00

A veteran is going to do what they please.

Response by SPC John Decker made Sep 19 at 2019 10:16 AM

2019-09-19T10:16:39-04:00

Why would she want to? Why would she not automatically want to wear her complete uniform?