How should I wear my rank on my uniform for my son's graduation ceremony and military wedding?

SPC Thom Knott — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 11:14:27 -0400

My son wants me to wear a uniform at his graduation ceremony and military wedding. Do I wear the rank on my sleeve when exit or pay grade Spec 4 . Promoted to Acting Jack Sgt by Sgt Major as my position required the rank. I understand that this isn't a common practice today and most likely wasn't that common in the day. I have always been careful to follow the DD214 Rank, and nowhere does it mention Acting Jack Sgt, only pay grade.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 8 at 2020 11:25 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 11:25:42 -0400

Go with the DD214. This is in 10 USC 772 and Chapter 21 of the current AR670-1, not the DA PAM. The Acting Jack was discountinued. The Corporal Appointment is what was used subsequently. If you drew pay as an E5, then go with that. If you were frocked, which is what an Acting Jack sounds like, no.

Unless you are retired, this best applies to your situation:
21–4. Former members of the Army
a. Unless qualified under another provision of this regulation, or under the provisions of 10 USC 772, former members of the Army may only wear the uniform if they served honorably during a declared or undeclared war, and if their most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions. Personnel who qualify under these conditions will wear the Army uniform in the highest grade they held during such war service, in accordance with 10 USC 772.
b. When authorized, the uniform may be worn only for the following ceremonial occasions and when traveling to and from the event and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c.
(1) When attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) When attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any Ac- tive or Reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uni- forms; the combat uniform and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2020 11:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 11:28:18 -0400

If your DD214 says SPC at the time of discharge, then that is what you wear

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 8 at 2020 11:52 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 11:52:29 -0400

CSM's don't have promotion authority. Sounds like you were VERY unofficially frocked, but you were always a SPC.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 8 at 2020 12:24 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 12:24:08 -0400

You are not authorized Sgt on your uniform. Congrats to your son.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2020 3:22 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 15:22:19 -0400

You wear your Class A uniform with SPC on the sleeves. Enjoy his graduation.