Can I wear my army class A uniform to a buddy’s funeral even tho he was national guard and I’m out of the service?

2022-11-07T21:18:23-05:00

So I just had a buddy of mine pass away while at work,he’s national guard awhile my self out no longer in the military, does anyone know if I’m aloud to wear my army class A uniform to his funeral even though he was killed while working a normal job ?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2022 9:45 PM

2022-11-07T21:45:42-05:00

Sure, you can. If that's how you want to honor your friend.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 7 at 2022 10:00 PM

2022-11-07T22:00:15-05:00

Yes, BUT...

Wear it right. Personally, IMHO that includes shaving and getting a haircut. But that is me. What *isn't* me is making sure the uniform is complete, al medals or ribbons are worn properly, it is cleaned and pressed, etc. Like you are ready for inspection.

AND

Check with the family first. They may have some specific reasons why they do or do not want uniforms there. Unless you were this guy's closest friend ever and he held you in higher esteem than his own momma and/or wife, your wants / needs for the funeral take a back seat to theirs.

Finally, military uniforms draw attention. Make sure that you do not make yourself a spectacle, even by accident. It's not about you, so don't let it become about you.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Nov 7 at 2022 11:08 PM

2022-11-07T23:08:47-05:00

Proudly So.

Response by Cadet PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2022 4:50 AM

2022-11-08T04:50:46-05:00

I appreciate the information and advice you have shared.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 8 at 2022 8:17 AM

2022-11-08T08:17:01-05:00

Don't over think it. Military Vets wear Uniforms to funerals and weddings all the time. It's not uncommon at all. I would recommend speaking to the family and asking them about it. It's their occasion as well and it is in good taste to talk about it. Just make sure your Uniform is in order , fits and you are wearing it correctly to include adhering to the grooming standard. Don't be the guy wearing a uniform with a beard and jacked up hair.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Nov 8 at 2022 1:07 PM

2022-11-08T13:07:06-05:00

Yes, you can wear your uniform.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2022 3:43 PM

2022-11-08T15:43:09-05:00

Yep, but check with the family first.

You could also volunteer to assist the military detail in some small ways, if his family will be claiming military funeral honors.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2022 10:14 PM

2022-11-08T22:14:30-05:00

Yes of course like everyone is saying. I caveat it with asking the family if there will be a Military Honors Funeral detail there. He earned it, but not everyone wants it.

If the family say they are not going to have the military detail then I'd pause and ask myself if wearing the uniform is the way to do.

I qualify this with the number of Military Funeral Honors details I have done. Our business in that regard is in and out, and present the flag and then exit like a mist. Folks know we where there, but didn't notice us leave. We are almost always at the very beginning of the services and then every funeral thereafter is very different and is what it is.

What I'm getting at is if the family just wanted the tangential military acknowledgement with the flag honor in and out, then your being there in uniform might otherwise drag on that focus.

Ask the family what the focus is, and look sharp. Maybe you can even be one of the military honors funeral detail. If you showed up to my detail and the family expressed a request for you to participate I would make that happen.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Nov 9 at 2022 2:22 PM

2022-11-09T14:22:04-05:00

Its authorized you earned it