Can my dad (retired Air-force) wear blues to my Army Basic Training graduation?

Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 01:21:02 -0400

My dad is retired air force. He retired as a major general I really want him to wear his blues to my army basic training graduation when the time comes. Would he be able too? I really want a picture of us saluting each other i was also wondering how that works.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Mar 17 at 2020 1:33 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 01:33:13 -0400

Yes he can. It might cause quite a stir because of his rank compared to everyone else. But I say 'Go For It' and everyone else be damned. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you and your father. Don't let anyone take that away from you.

Response by TSgt David L. made Mar 17 at 2020 1:40 AM

TSgt David L. — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 01:40:22 -0400

He can wear them as long as he meets the regs. Depending on when he retired the uniform reg may have been AFR 35-10 or more recently AFI 36-2903. I'm sure he'd be happy to wear his uniform for your graduation.
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf

afi36-2903.pdf

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Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2020 8:18 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:18:54 -0400

He's a retired MG, who is going to tell him no?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2020 8:51 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:51:43 -0400

Not many are going to go after a two star (retired) for a uniform infraction.

Edit: Others have made good comments about protocol. That's normally handled by CG's Staff, but I'm sure your Dad understands all this. The Command should be informed, either by you or him. A phone call to the appropriate staff member or a P4 (personal for) fonecon from your Dad to Commander would ensure it's done. Both he and the Command will do what is best. He may just info them that he will be in uniform and desires no honors etc. Often a VIP will be the Distinguished Guest, but this is more of a courtesy. It's your day but due to rank and courtesy, it's their show. You have to enlist first though, and graduate.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2020 8:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:53:05 -0400

BLUF: He can, heck no one I know of will tell a two star no, only a three star maybe.

From a Protocol standpoint there’s a few things that need to happen before he comes to your graduation.

I’m sure your Dad will inform the Protocol Office. Not sure if they will display his Air Force 2 Star Flag at the ceremony, but no post commander wants to hear a two star is at an event after the fact, even if they are retired.

You’ll need to let the Drill Sergeants know. When I enlisted they asked everyone who’s parents was an O-6 & above, CW4 or 5, E-9 or GS-15 & above to make themselves known for obvious reasons. Plus they asked if any parents were elected officials.

Protocol is very important in the military.

You just need to let your chain of command know who your Dad is and drive on. Your success is incumbent on your hard work. I’m sure your parents are proud of you.

Best of luck with your future endeavors.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 17 at 2020 9:20 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:20:18 -0400

Sure, just make sure he's in accordance with the appropriate AFI. No beards or deviations.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2020 9:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:50:41 -0400

He sure can. Make sure your Drill Sergeants are aware of his rank. If memory serves, there is paperwork you would have filled out...or will fill out...about family members that served and planning on attending your graduation and it asks what their rank is/was.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Mar 17 at 2020 11:53 AM

MSG Gary Eckert — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 11:53:36 -0400

Your Dad is a retired GO so he will know the protocol requirement for visiting an installation whether he is in uniform or not. At that level, particularly if he is part of the senior mentor program (commonly referred to grey beards), he will opt for the Suit and Tie and sit with the VIPs. We have several retired GOs attend CGSC Graduation every year...I have never seen one in uniform.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 17 at 2020 12:49 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:49:28 -0400

Yes he can, pretty awesome photo opportunity. Make sure you let the DIs know if he is going to wear his uniform at graduation. Having a random MG show up unannounced could cause a stir.

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Mar 17 at 2020 1:27 PM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:27:06 -0400

Yeah, You're gonna need to notify command and there is paperwork that will have to be done prior to. I had a four start at my reenlistment and retirement. Command had to notify post Admiral Commanding officer and everyone on his staff. Congratulations, and i know dad is Proud!

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Mar 17 at 2020 1:28 PM

MSG Gary Eckert — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:28:29 -0400

Thanks SP5 Peter Keane , you are correct the most was meant for another topic.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 17 at 2020 3:13 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:13:53 -0400

Okay, Private RallyPoint Member, the 800 pound gorilla principle applies. If the General wants to wear his Air Force uniform, then he can and nobody will tell him otherwise. A military ceremony, such as your graduation, is definitely an appropriate event. Certain protocols are attached to even a retired General Officer visiting an installation. He will probably need to let the installation commander know he plans to visit and be in uniform. I'm sure he understands all of this. It's impressive that Maj Gen Rydholm is both a Naval Aviator and Air Force Command Pilot. Thanks to you and your Dad for your service!

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Mar 17 at 2020 3:56 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:56:47 -0400

Absolutely! As a General Officer, he will get a reviewing stand seat so can clearly see you in the Pass in Review. I attended several including my daughter's twice and grandchildren. I dressed in my blues and took all of them to at least one military ball. I even bought them evening dress. Wicked proud grandfather still wearing a uniform at 81. Here's a daughter and her son - 3 generations.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 17 at 2020 6:28 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 18:28:23 -0400

Yes, it can all happen and is totally appropriate. Your Dad would be the last one to generate any problems at your graduation. I highly recommend you tell him your wishes and he will set it up so that it all happens smoothly with no ruffled feathers or problems in any way. A Major-General is a big deal and they know how to handle the protocol.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2020 10:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:17:41 -0400

Why not?
That's a great honor! He's not a pretender claiming military honors he didn't earn.

Response by CPT J B made Apr 6 at 2020 9:31 PM

CPT J B — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 21:31:50 -0400

The regulations do indeed allow it. I wouldn't bother telling the drill sergeant if you don't want to.

Response by MAJ James Price made Jul 16 at 2021 8:29 PM

MAJ James Price — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:29:27 -0400

Ask the General. I'm sure he would know. My pops is a retired enlisted sailor. He wore his dress uniform to my commissioning. He gave me my first salute. (And I gave him a 1897 silver dollar). It is one of my favorite memories.

Response by SPC David Roberts made Aug 31 at 2021 11:43 PM

SPC David Roberts — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:43:56 -0400

My Dad was an LTC in the Marine Reserves when I graduated from Army basic. I was hoping he would come in his uniform. He showed up in his civilian clothes. I asked him why he didn't wear his uniform. He told me that if a Marine LTC showed up in uniform unexpectedly, it would make a lot of trouble for everyone. They would probably feel obliged to make a fuss over him, especially since he was from another service, and invite him up on the dais with the Bn and brigade commander. He said this day is about you, the other graduates, and the people who trained you. It's not about me.