I am a retired SFC. I was awarded the honor of Honorary CSM and it was approved by a MG. My question is this, can I wear the rank?

2019-11-12T10:04:43-05:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 10:16 AM

2019-11-12T10:16:16-05:00

AR 670-1, Section 21-3 pretty much says no. Particularly subsection C

"Retired personnel not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on the date of their retirement, or the uniform prescribed for personnel in the AA of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate, but may not mix the two uniforms. Personnel will wear the grade as shown on the retired grade of rank line on their retirement order."

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Nov 12 at 2019 10:52 AM

2019-11-12T10:52:49-05:00

Do you have official orders from DOA? If not no.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 10:57 AM

2019-11-12T10:57:03-05:00

Fold a copy of MG letter and stuff it up...never mind that, file away for any that pester you. CMC Jim Jones made RL Ermee an Honorary GySgt, so why not? Army business.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 12 at 2019 12:20 PM

2019-11-12T12:20:17-05:00

Noooooooooooooooo..... Honorary is just that, honorary. It's a nice gesture, but it's not official. It's like if Kentucky made you an honorary Colonel. It doesn't suddenly make you a Commissioned Officer.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 12 at 2019 12:51 PM

2019-11-12T12:51:58-05:00

Wear whatever rank you DD214 says you retired at.

Response by SPC Ray Spadoni made Nov 13 at 2019 10:14 PM

2019-11-13T22:14:44-05:00

I wouldn't wear the rank on my formal dress uniform or ACU's. MAYBE a utility cap like Lee Ermey did for the History Channel. Most decidedly, not on a uniform for formal events.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Nov 14 at 2019 8:34 PM

2019-11-14T20:34:33-05:00

Hope a couple of CSM's come in and respond. I worked as a SGM for two weeks and as a 1SGT twice but was never promoted or frocked that does not make me that rank. Just made me some one who was trusted to work by the COC to take care of business until they found someone who was at that rank to fill the slot. As you can see I Never made it to the next Strip that takes DOA approval.

Response by MSgt George Fillgrove made Nov 15 at 2019 2:38 PM

2019-11-15T14:38:04-05:00

Honorary is just that. You have a permanent rank be proud of it.