If I want to be buried in uniform, should I wear SP5 (Army Rank) or SGT (earned in the Texas State Guard)?

SP5 Peter Keane — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 16:47:05 -0400

The dilemma is Blues or Greens.

Response by SGT David Petree made Sep 6 at 2017 4:51 PM

SGT David Petree — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 16:51:54 -0400

For me it will be Greens . There already set up. Never liked Blues. pants do not match!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 4:55 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 16:55:00 -0400

Some would argue that if one was a SPC5, then that is what should be on the uniform. Bearing in mind the possibility of not being able to find any SPC5 sew-on, then some would argue that SGT stripes should be used. As for me, it's your funeral therefore it is your call. And, if you do choose to go with the SPC5, then it will have to be Greens as there are no SPC5 rank for the Blues that I am aware of.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Sep 6 at 2017 4:59 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 16:59:08 -0400

Better get it right. I heard St Peter is one hard dude!

Response by SSG Diane R. made Sep 6 at 2017 5:04 PM

SSG Diane R. — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:04:13 -0400

I still have my dress greens and will likely be buried in them. Nevermuch did like the blue uniform.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Sep 6 at 2017 5:41 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:41:04 -0400

SP5 Peter Keane You did say Texas State Guard, correct?
Then it would probably depend on the awards and decorations that you want to wear, if you have State Guard Badges and awards.
Otherwise, I would wear the proper US Army uniform with appropriate insignia and that would include the SP5 rank. My advice - SP5 and US Army authorized badges and insignia.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Sep 6 at 2017 5:47 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:47:00 -0400

Go with SGT. The Army hasn't used SP5 rank in thirty years. At least with dress greens you get to wear a unit patch (or two).

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Sep 6 at 2017 6:23 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 18:23:34 -0400

I always find this to be a good place to start vice opinions on uniforms for veterans, retirees and active duty. I have found that over the years, though many have an opinion, some often get it wrong. Do you want to have your family get it wrong? Just saying, be an NCO and set them up for success! There is generally an address and/or phone number you can call if you need further info regarding. http://www.apd.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN3644_AR670-1_Web_FINAL.pdf

ARN3644_AR670-1_Web_FINAL.pdf

Response by SSG Diane R. made Sep 6 at 2017 7:36 PM

SSG Diane R. — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 19:36:45 -0400

This site might be useful.

http://usarmypatches.com/Rank%20Insignia%20Vietnam.htm

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Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Sep 6 at 2017 7:45 PM

CPL Mark Andersen — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 19:45:36 -0400

You will be dead - no one will come around to inspect your uniform.

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Sep 6 at 2017 9:30 PM

CSM Andrew Perrault — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:30:47 -0400

I can hear the comments now that's a really old Sergeant. They kept him in that long? He must know a lot. What a screw up... only made SGT and he's 90....... Bless his heart..........Get cremated it takes all the guessing and hassle out of what to wear................

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2017 1:21 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 01:21:03 -0400

SP5 Peter Keane I have not given it any thought about being buried in uniform. I will be buried in a National Cemetery, because being buried with fellow brothers and sisters is a comforting thought.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 7 at 2017 8:12 AM

SGT David T. — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 08:12:54 -0400

It is up to you. It really depends on what you prefer. If you wear SGT, make sure the uniform conforms to the modifications that AR 670-1 talks to for State Defense Forces. Other than that, it's up to you.

Response by 1stSgt Mack Housman made Sep 7 at 2017 8:15 AM

1stSgt Mack Housman — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 08:15:11 -0400

That is a question that only you can answer my friend. If you earned a rank, you earned a rank regardless of the component you served in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2017 9:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 09:41:03 -0400

the SP5, it kind of looks better in my eyes, and different. Kids these days probably have no idea what it was. so if its on your tomb stone it will look cool too.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Sep 7 at 2017 9:46 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 09:46:14 -0400

You can wear whichever uniform you are authorized. As you know the Texas uniform is the style of the current federal uniform with the exception of the buttons which make it unique to the Texas State Guard. Greens or Blues? As an honorably discharged vet you are authorized to wear either the uniform you were authorized at discharge or the currently authorized uniform. Whichever uniform you wear will, to a certain extent, be determined by the rank you choose to wear. As an Sp5 you are pretty much limited to greens as Sp5 insignia for the current blue ASU are not available. If you choose to show up at the Pearly Gates as a Sergeant, either uniform, if authorized for wear in the State Guard, would work. As to awards and decorations, wear 'em all, let God sort it out.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 7 at 2017 10:15 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 10:15:01 -0400

Like being promoted to most, when, where and who you want, so its your day, take your pick and make sure it is hanging in the closet and in your will.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 8 at 2017 2:50 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 14:50:07 -0400

You can be burried any way you choose. Keep in mind that you should not mix the uniform. The Texas State Guard in s not part of DOD. Wear the uniform you are most proud of! Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Mark D. made Sep 11 at 2017 11:43 AM

SSG Mark D. — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 11:43:26 -0400

Active duty rank trumps the guard. Your active dress uniform is the choice - in my view.

Response by SSG Raul Alaniz made Dec 8 at 2019 1:07 PM

SSG Raul Alaniz — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 13:07:19 -0500

I also was an SP5 first then got changed over to Hard Stripes, I gotta tell ya, those Chevrons made a lot of difference in getting things done. I would rather have the Chevrons, but it's totally up to you, you earn them both SGT