Can I wear my OCPs in a July 4th parade while representing the company I work for?

2022-06-30T15:27:39-04:00

It's a home health agency that is very pro-military and services a lot of veterans. They asked me if I would be willing to and I wanted to double check before I said yes. Unfortunately I don't have a serviceable pair of ASUs right now as I haven't updated them since promoting to E-5 and as a reservist we haven't received the new ones yet.

I've read through AR670-1 and the closest relevant paragraph is as follows:
4–3. Occasions for wear
(2) The combat uniform is not normally considered appropriate for social or official functions off the installation,
such as memorial services, funerals, weddings, inaugurals, patriotic ceremonies, and similar functions

I don't personally consider a parade to be a social or official function equivalent to those that they have listed, but would appreciate any further input to clarify this question.

Thanks!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2022 4:17 PM

2022-06-30T16:17:29-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member It mentions that the combat uniform is not appropriate for social functions such as patriotic ceremonies. You do not consider a 4th of July parade a patriotic ceremony?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2022 1:33 AM

2022-07-01T01:33:21-04:00

It would be inappropriate for you to wear your OCPs and represent your company. That creates the image that the US Military endorses a specific company and its product. It's not a uniform issue, it's an ethics issue. "What is the image this portrays to the average viewer? Is this image consistent with the image the DOD tries to cultivate, completely neutral in terms of politics, religion, and private business?"

Also, I think that 4th of July parade definitely falls under the "patriotic functions" part of the regulation.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jul 1 at 2022 8:32 AM

2022-07-01T08:32:50-04:00

Simple answer; No. If you are representing a private company, wear a logo shirt from them. If you have an Army balll cap (not uniform item) or similar, wear it.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jul 1 at 2022 9:53 AM

2022-07-01T09:53:45-04:00

If that is a regulation, it is flaunted all the time here in NC by 18th ABN Corps units and NCArNG units. They march in fatigues in parades all the time, particularly the 440th Army Band and 82d Inf Bns. You cannot because it would make folks think that DA approves of your business.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Jul 1 at 2022 11:28 PM

2022-07-01T23:28:19-04:00

Wear your old uniform with the wrong rank. Nobody is going to know.

Response by PO3 Mark Johnson made Jul 6 at 2022 3:31 PM

2022-07-06T15:31:13-04:00

Independence Day has come and gone. So, did you wear it or not? :)

Response by PO2 Joan MacNeill made Jul 11 at 2022 8:01 PM

2022-07-11T20:01:41-04:00

An Army O-2 I know simply asked his command, same question, and received permission.