Does a retired soldier with an obsolete rank use their old one or the modern equivalent?

Cadet PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 22:54:00 -0400

My father was a soldier in Vietnam War and as a present to him one of these days I want to put together a full set of ASUs. My only problem is that when he got out of the Army, he was a Specialist 5. Now I've done extensive research to figure out his old unit because all he would tell me is that he was DUSTOFF. The only answer i cannot find is whether or not he could wear SPC 5 rank on ASUs or SGT, because that is the modern equivalent. If someone could help me with this id be very appreciative.

Also, could someone correct me if I'm wrong in believing that retired personal do not wear Distinctive Unit Insignia's. Thank You again

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 11:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 23:26:13 -0400

According to AR 670-1:
Chapter 23
Wear of the Army Uniform by Reserve, Retired, Separated, and Civilian Personnel
23–1. Occasions of ceremony
a. As used in this regulation, the phrase “occasions of ceremony” means occasions essentially of a military
character, at which the uniform is more appropriate than civilian clothing. These functions include, but are not limited
to: military balls, military parades, weddings, and military funerals; memorial services, meetings, conferences, or
similar functions of associations formed for military purposes, of which the membership is composed largely or
entirely of current or honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. Authority to wear the
uniform includes wear while traveling to and from the ceremony or function, provided the travel in uniform can be
completed on the day of the ceremony or function and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c.
b. All persons wearing the Army uniform will wear awards, decorations, and insignia in the same manner as
prescribed in this regulation for active duty Soldiers. For civilian attire, individuals may wear only those awards,
decorations, or insignia authorized by this regulation for wear on civilian clothing, in the same manner and approximate
location as the equivalent military uniform.

I could not find anything specific about DUI's not being able to be worn. Nor could I find ASU SPC 5 rank.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 11:45 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 23:45:04 -0400

I think some private uniform companies sell historical insignia or can have one made for you. However I don't see anything wrong with wearing the sergeant E5 rank since if he were in the Army today they would have made him a Sergeant E5. I believe if you did where the sergeant E5 he'd have to wear the modern equivalent to the army uniform rather than historical one however since the current ASU is the same uniform that have been worn for years (dress blues) and then that shouldn't be a problem.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2015 3:32 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 03:32:34 -0400

I think you will have better luck putting together a vintage uniform with new, and correct, rank. I would be happy to help track things down if you would like. Greens are easy to find, and cheaper.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 1 at 2016 12:55 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:55:13 -0400

I think this falls under personal wants and opinions vice regulations..
With that said, personally, I would want my designation while I served to be used, not a modern equivalent. One speaks to who I was when i served, what i earned, what I wore and truly represents ME in my service. the other is something i have no connection to, other than by a modern regulation i never served under.

IF, he was going to wear the correct uniform for a modern and current event, wedding, reunion, meeting at the pentagon.. I would wear devices and uniform items from the current selection. As SPC5 has no direct equivalent in the modern AR670-1 you would have to take a little artistic liberty and go with a logical choice.. SGT rank I think would be appropriate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2018 1:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 13:34:22 -0400

A few weeks ago, a former SP5 was awarded the MOH at the White House. During that ceremony he was wearing the modern ASU w/SP5 rank. Being how formal and correct things are at the White House, I’d follow that example.