Posted on Sep 16, 2019
MSgt Rosemary Connolly
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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?
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Responses: 10
CSM Richard StCyr
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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.
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SGT Christopher Hayden
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Who's going to tell her not to? Can't make a Veteran do push-ups no matter how hard you try.
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie
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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.
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Can a veteran combine military items with civilian attire to participate in a Veterans Day parade?
SrA William Cassy
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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
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MSgt Rosemary Connolly
MSgt Rosemary Connolly
>1 y
I sometimes think that women are an easy target for stolen valor.
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SPC Richard DiCristi
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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.
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MSG Gary Eckert
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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.
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SGM Bill Frazer
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I seriously doubt the uniform folks will try to stop her, nor can they.
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SPC John Decker
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Why would she want to? Why would she not automatically want to wear her complete uniform?
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MSgt Rosemary Connolly
MSgt Rosemary Connolly
>1 y
Ok, I think she can for special occasions according to this article. Some wear partial uniform because of size. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/military-uniforms-by-retirees-veterans-3356978
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SPC John Decker
SPC John Decker
>1 y
MSgt Rosemary Connolly - I'm not saying she couldn't, just wondering why she would want to.
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SGT Mathew Husen
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A veteran is going to do what they please.
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SCPO William Akin
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Sounds like she has honorable intentions to me..
Wear it with pride!!!
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