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

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:27:39 -0400

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

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:17:29 -0400

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

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 01:33:21 -0400

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

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 08:32:50 -0400

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

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:53:45 -0400

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

SMSgt Bob W. — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 23:28:19 -0400

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

PO3 Mark Johnson — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 15:31:13 -0400

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

PO2 Joan MacNeill — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 20:01:41 -0400

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