Is it socially acceptable to enhance your uniform for a military ball?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 20:05:53 -0400

Example: I am a signal soldier and I would like to wear an orange bow tie and orange socks with my ASUs.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 8:09 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 20:09:30 -0400

AR 670-1 says no.

Fashion police says double no-go for orange bow tie.

Response by COL David Turk made Mar 18 at 2017 8:51 PM

COL David Turk — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 20:51:51 -0400

You want to ignore uniform regs around military members more senior than you? Maybe I'm old school, but that seems like dropping your pants and mooning leadership!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 8:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 20:56:05 -0400

I double dog dare you to walk into that Military Ball with an orange bow tie while wearing your ASU's. Hell, I triple dog dare you.

For someone who has a "P" and you ask this question.....I am utterly amazed. But to stress what 1LT Private RallyPoint Member said, AR 670-1 says NO GO. I can guarantee that if you modified your uniform like that for any kind of function, then you would NOT have that "P" for much longer. I even dare say that your probably wouldn't be a SPC for much longer, as well.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 9:32 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 21:32:50 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member It is not socially acceptable for a military ball and against military uniform regulations. Why the question?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 18 at 2017 10:12 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 22:12:16 -0400

If you're junior especially, it's very important not to tickle the Dragon. An exception would be if it is accepted custom upline. That would be rather rare, except for AF, where the Zipper Suited Sun Gods exhibit more variability. In the Seabees, a tartan was created and registered. So if you wore the tartan cumberbund and bow tie in lieu of the gold crumb catcher and black tie, it wasn't a big deal. I remember going to an Army Engineer Ball as a guest and made a big noise about how the 3 Star was out of uniform. Seems he was previously made an Honorary Seabee over in the Sandbox. We had the MSGT remove his boring Army tie and it was properly replaced with great fanfare by a Seabee Tartan bow tie. It demonstrated the "Good of both Corps". That said, the about the only time you'll see "authorized" variability is when you're respected enough to have it bestowed on you.
Back in the day, we'd have custom white tux shirts embroidered with dragons, crushed Soviet flags, etc. on the back. They were totally hidden until the head table departed, the music shifted colors for the younger crowd, and we took our jackets off. But that was when we had real balls. The senior types around will understand. Bottom line, being junior and different is like being the long necked turkey around Thanksgiving. Best to avoid the axe.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 10:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 22:24:49 -0400

If AR 670-1 states its unauthorized, you'd need clearance from the chain of command. Signaleer to signaleer, the best way to enhance that ASU for the Signal Corps would be go for the Bronze Order of Mercury.

https://sic.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81&Itemid=216

https://sic.memberclicks.net/awards

Bronze Order of Mercury

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 11:21 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 23:21:00 -0400

The Army has regs for a reason.

It may be acceptable during a E4 Mafia Ball thou. Gotta get approval by the Command Private Major first.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 18 at 2017 11:41 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 23:41:50 -0400

Heh-heh, I remember way back when I was in the WI ARNG our training NCO who was a full time SFC thought it would be funny to wear a dress and makeup out in the field to our middle weekend party during two week AT (which I am sure they probably do not have anymore).........it lasted until a sober Senior Officer saw him in the get-up and that was actually the funny part of the whole episode for me......will never forget it.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 19 at 2017 12:26 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:26:15 -0400

Are you in DELTA? They issue a few challenges, but few stupid ones!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2017 12:31 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:31:59 -0400

I hope you like grog, young man, because the Vice will rake you over the coals hard if you show up wearing such nonsense to an official military function.

But that pales in comparison to what your NCOs will have for you afterwards.
Don't do it.
Just... don't.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2017 4:20 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 04:20:03 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member no. I never saw a bow tie. I have seen suspenders (old days of Blues) and socks. The socks were red for Engineers. However, I never saw a regulation that authorized it and I kept on the side of regulation and just wore what was authorized.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2017 12:21 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 12:21:13 -0400

Don't tempt fate. You MIGHT get away with the orange socks, as long as the cat with all the stripes doesn't notice. But like more than one said, the orange bow-tie would be a NOGO. Walking in to a Formal/Semi-Formal event looking like a circus refugee, and the aforementioned cat will be looking for reasons to be a big part of your life for the foreseeable future.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2017 6:45 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 18:45:05 -0400

Haha wow and you are gonna be a future NCO? What you gonna say if one of your Soldiers asks you that? Please read AR 670-1 as a good future leader should do and please never ask a dumb question like this again....your making me feel embarrassed. Also, when was the last time you ever wore an orange bow tie or socks with your ASUs? Come on bro your better than this.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2017 6:55 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 18:55:24 -0400

Ahh...no. But good on you for attending the ball. Normally the goal should be to avoid the grog bowl.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2017 7:42 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 19:42:55 -0400

Doesn't matter if it's "socially" acceptable. I appreciate your pride in the signal corps, but orange? Perhaps you'll be better off wearing a semaphore flag as a cape.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 7:14 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:14:34 -0400

I think the SPC(P) is getting responses that are overly harsh. I say that because there is a kernal of truth in his question. Yes, all that type stuff is unauthorized by the regs. But also yes, I have been to many military functions where field artillery officers wore red socks, red suspendrs and sometimes red bow ties, as well as the Order of St Barbara medals. So it's not like "enhancement" never happens and is always wrong.

For the artillery crowd, those items are normally worn only at artillery hosted events, like if there was a Division Artillery Ball or an artillery battalion dining in or dinng out. I've also seen the attached artillery officers wear that to their infantry battalion functions. Each time it was authorized by the commander hosting the event. So I can see hiw a young soldier would hear about those events and wonder if they apply to their branch. Now, I've never heard of a commo person wearing orange the way artillery wears red. But maybe they started that tradition after I got out, for commo unit events.

But definitely they aren't worn for generic military functions vs a branch specific function. I think it was smart for this poster to ask. Better safe than sorry.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 20 at 2017 9:35 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:35:56 -0400

There is nothing socially acceptable about enhancing your uniform. It's a uniform. The keyword in uniformity. I've read the other posts and your replies and personally, I feel you're being set up to be pranked.

I've dealt with this multiple times with my Junior Marines where "they heard somewhere" that they could do this or that. My simple response was always "Show me in the order where that is authorized".

If it's not authorized, and you know it's not authorized, then don't do it.

For example, my Marine Corps Ball, the CO came out and said... "No Covers and No Gloves". Now of course I should be able to trust my CO, but when it came time to go to the Ball, I still brought my Cover and Gloves with me just in case. Sure I kept them in my car when I saw other Marines walking to the Ball without their Covers or Gloves, but I didn't want to be the one guy who stuck out in the crowd.

Another example of one of my Marine Corps Balls, it was passed down that the uniform would be Dress Blues. So Blue trousers, Black blouse, you've probably seen them before. Needless to say there was a single Marine who showed up to the Ball in his Service uniform. Green suit, top and bottom. When you're in a sea of blue trousers and black blouses, a green suit sticks out like a sore thumb.

Don't be the guy that sticks out like a sore thumb.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 20 at 2017 10:28 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 10:28:21 -0400

How badly do you want to live at the grog bowl?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 1:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 13:13:51 -0400

WHAT ? I don't think that's acceptable , check AR 670-1

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 20 at 2017 1:32 PM

SGT David T. — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 13:32:26 -0400

I say go for it, but I am a civilian and don't really care what 670-1 says anymore. As someone once told me, do what your rank can handle lol

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 6:42 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 18:42:37 -0400

And I would add that the soldier in the picture provided by OP, is enhancing the uniform quite nicely...

Response by Sgt Donald Chalfy made Mar 20 at 2017 7:09 PM

Sgt Donald Chalfy — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 19:09:06 -0400

My answer is, absolutely not. First of all, regardless of the branch of service one serves, or has served in, it is direct violation of uniform regulations, denigrates the integrity of the uniform, the person wearing it, and the service represented by it. Secondly, it is a uniform, not a clown suit and finally, orange anything is socially unacceptable in any circle.

I have red through this thread and have read about certain instances where individual MOS fields have embellished, i.e. red socks, etc. Be that as it may, discretion is the better part of valor and the bottom line is be in uniform, according to regulations and good grooming standards.

Response by Sgt Donald Chalfy made Mar 20 at 2017 7:10 PM

Sgt Donald Chalfy — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 19:10:42 -0400

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Mar 21 at 2017 12:07 AM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 00:07:29 -0400

Thanks for the laugh, I needed that.

Response by LT Louis McKellar made Mar 21 at 2017 2:15 PM

LT Louis McKellar — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:15:56 -0400

Aren't they called "uniforms" for a reason? Perhaps the military isn't the right profession for you?

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 21 at 2017 3:58 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 15:58:38 -0400

NO - Period. AR670-1 tells us what to wear and when, that is the law of the land. I can imagine that under certain circumstances esprit de' corps may make one want to make certain alterations. And, of course military awards and decorations that have not be awarded shall never be worn.

Response by Cpl Tom Surdi made Mar 21 at 2017 4:17 PM

Cpl Tom Surdi — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:17:28 -0400

LOL............................no, just no! But be my guest and give it a whirl. I am sure everyone senior to you will understand. But from my experience, what some Officers might over look, senior enlisted sure as shit wont.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 21 at 2017 4:26 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:26:47 -0400

Lot of angry people here who've never heard of Ball Shirts before... it's been a tradition for decades...

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Mar 21 at 2017 4:30 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:30:33 -0400

You can guarantee you will never see yourself as an NCO

Response by SFC Garry Kolberg made Mar 21 at 2017 5:18 PM

SFC Garry Kolberg — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 17:18:28 -0400

NO!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 5:25 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 17:25:41 -0400

I would talk to your chain of command instead of being on here asking. The only ones that can authorize you to do this is your Company Commander or Battalion Commander. It's great to ask questions on here about some things but then there are questions like the one you are asking and you will get several different responses.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Mar 21 at 2017 5:29 PM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 17:29:36 -0400

Why would you want to wear an orange tie and socks? Is it Halloween?

Response by LTC William Gilmore made Mar 21 at 2017 6:38 PM

LTC William Gilmore — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 18:38:33 -0400

What I hear you saying is that you don't want to make the military a career?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 8:07 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:07:03 -0400

I know what you're talking about and have seen things like this before. Soldiers always want to represent their branch when at functions. That being said, I would choose to err on the side of caution. A wise old First Sergeant told me this about my Class A's once as a young Sergeant: "There's over 233 years of history on that uniform (at that time), and the only thing that belongs to you is a 1 by 3 by 1/16th nameplate."

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 21 at 2017 8:52 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:52:51 -0400

The meme will be the CSM's response to an orange bow tie. But party shirts might work out for you.

Response by SSG Johnnie Vaughn made Mar 21 at 2017 10:19 PM

SSG Johnnie Vaughn — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 22:19:14 -0400

Specialist (soon to be Sergeant) White, I hope the one thing you take away from this is, "Seek out your chain of command when things matter." Commanders' have a lot of leeway when they command. If there is something else, it should be, "Take everybody else's advice and comments with a grain of salt." Everyone remembers what they went through in their particular time and the branch they served in. The regulations and customs that my father experienced in the Navy in WWII differed greatly from what I encountered in the Army in the 80s, which differs from what you have now.

Get to know your regulations backwards and forward. Stay on top of changes. I can guarantee this won't be the last time someone says that something is-or-isn't authorized based solely off their prior experience in a different time or branch. When in doubt, err on the side of caution but don't be afraid to correct someone if you are sure about the regs.

And if you really want to look sharp, transfer to the infantry or cavalry. Our uniforms might be second to the Marines, but we are allowed to speak with multi-syllable words and the ladies always seemed to like that.
:-)

(Former 11B and 19D...)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 11:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 23:36:11 -0400

Why is anyone from any other service even responding? I have been to balls where Artillery men had their "Red Legs" and it WAS acceptable. Spus and Stetson are not authorized, but more than welcome in the Cavalry Units. If you want advice on whether you can wear orange socks and bow tie, contact your chain of command.

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Mar 22 at 2017 10:28 AM

SSG Brian Kresge — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 10:28:06 -0400

Ah, the humorless responses here are depressing. Are not our military balls to be a time for mirth and merriment?

I would say, if you have that kind of rapport with your chain of command, and depending on your intent, go for it. If you don't mind a chuckling senior leader having you occupy the front-leaning rest in front of your date, it might be worth it, so long as you've brought the appropriate attire to change into after the joke is over.

If however, there's no open bar and it was "highly encouraged" for everyone to be there, the cheap bastards have it coming. Get some friends to do it with you so you can spread the "love" that's bound to ensue.

Response by LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr made Mar 22 at 2017 12:49 PM

LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:49:06 -0400

NO, as far as I would say you could go would be to wear orange suspenders for your trousers. you are showing support for the Signal Corps but are compromising your Military Uniform.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 22 at 2017 3:05 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 15:05:07 -0400

"Socially acceptable" at a military ball?

Hmm..."socially".

Step One: Regs unfavorable to your proposition aside, think of who comprises this social occasion.

If this is your "Hey, look at me, I'm an individual" statement, you may want to reconsider. Otherwise bring an umbrella, because your cool-guy moment better be worth the shit-storm that will inevitably come your way. Is it worth making your buddies giggle?

If this is somehow sanctioned by your chain-of-command (I haven't see it, but I allow for the possibility), be prepared for the reaction you'll still get anyway; even with your CoC's "get outta jail free card". Even then will it be worth it?

I'd normally say do what your rank can handle, but unless there is an authorized reason to do it, your rank isn't even close enough to handle this, but you're a grown man. Make your choice. It's on you. If as I and most others predict, it doesn't work out in your favor, you had better fully understand you invited whatever repercussions come.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 5:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 17:00:49 -0400

Though the bow tie and socks are not IAW DA PAM 670-1 (not specified in AR 670-1) you may be able to consider suspenders as an alternative. You will not be able to showcase your Signal Corps colors how you want, but it is authorized. You can also check to see if there are any exemptions to policy from your Command (i.e. Stetsons and Spurs).

DA PAM 670-1, Ch20-25: Suspenders are optional purchase items. b. Description. They are of commercial design. c. How worn. Males may wear suspenders with the dress, mess, and evening mess uniforms, as long as the suspenders are not visible when worn.

Regarding many of the comments on this forum; this is supposed to be a medium which service members (past and present) should be providing positive support, especially to those trying to develop. If you are going to provide comments towards an issue, at least use the correct reference(s) and maybe where it states what is authorized and what is not.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Mar 22 at 2017 7:17 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 19:17:47 -0400

Why are you trying to fix what works

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Mar 23 at 2017 12:42 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:42:08 -0400

The uniform does have exceptions. Combat engineers are authorized to wear red suspenders with the dress blue uniform. However, there aren't many who actually have a dress blue, so it becomes a moot point.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 24 at 2017 2:38 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 02:38:11 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member First it depends on the function. If it is an official function, then no to the tie and yes to the socks... My opinion. But, by regulation... no.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 30 at 2017 7:23 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 19:23:53 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member If you peer closely at my photograph, that is not a T-shirt showing at the neck of my cotton fatigues. It was an Orange Scarf! As the mission in Korea was winding down in 1954, the 'command' fretted that we young Soldiers required excessive BS, harassment, twice weekly haircuts - by a Korean with hand clippers, after he had a lunch of well aged Kimchee - that wearing Orange Scarves would keeps us on edge and inside the wire. The scarves were to be worn everywhere, excepting inside the 4 holer, or while on a telephone pole! No more Orange for me in my lifetime!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 12:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 12:53:43 -0400

Go for it. Its time to see people step up.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 10:01 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 22:01:09 -0400

uniform means uniformity.....wear it correctly or don't.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 15 at 2018 11:05 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 11:05:49 -0400

NO,NO,NO- you wear the uniform as prescribed by regulation- if someone sees you you will be hammered. Want a uniform better reflecting your branch- buy Mess Dress.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 30 at 2018 7:16 PM

SrA John Monette — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 19:16:30 -0500

just spitballing here, but pretty sure the regs say HELL NO!!!!!!!

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 30 at 2018 7:45 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 19:45:11 -0500

No because even if your commander says it's ok you don't know who all will be there. Don't risk it

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Nov 30 at 2018 10:16 PM

SPC Gary Welch — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 22:16:20 -0500

Are you kidding me I can't believe you asked that question in public forum in my nineteen yrs in the military did I ever go to a military for one we were always in the field and two I really didn't care about going to one. Take pride in that uniform

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2018 12:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 12:01:30 -0500

Bering a Field Artillery Officer- the only acceptable enhancement I've seen on the ASU is as MSG Private RallyPoint Member said- Field Artillery wearing red bow tie, socks, suspenders to the St. Barbara's Day event.

The Air Force does a lot more altering of uniforms for Dining Out events- Hawaiian sleeved shirts and other flair.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2018 12:20 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 12:20:23 -0500

I simply suggest you attend this one adhering to AR 670-1, observe what is considered the norm, and MAYBE adjust for the next one.
Disregard the overreactions.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 9 at 2019 8:57 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 08:57:00 -0400

Not until AFTER formal proceedings have concluded. That's why you don't see the party shirts until the unofficial portion.. While it's formal, you MUST be in correct uniform. (The sock thing is more common than you think... I've seen it a lot)

Response by SFC Felipe Ramirez made Feb 17 at 2020 1:27 PM

SFC Felipe Ramirez — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 13:27:53 -0500

DROP!

Response by John H Green Jr made Feb 17 at 2020 1:30 PM

John H Green Jr — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 13:30:04 -0500

As a young ROTC cadet I was taught you wore branch colored suspenders and socks with your (then) dress blues and mess dress. In my first dinner in with the 1/506 (I was the med PL) I got called out for it however my CO jumped to my defense stating it's tradition. Since I have slowly seen this tradition fade unfortunately. I have also seen folks wear a verity of shirts that appear with with the uniform but are colorful when the jack is removed as solders cut loose. I'd say do it but carry a black bow tie in your pocket just in case.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Feb 17 at 2020 1:34 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 13:34:06 -0500

Run Forrest, Run

Response by SFC Jason Hodge made Feb 17 at 2020 1:38 PM

SFC Jason Hodge — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 13:38:09 -0500

At a Signals only ball then it may be acceptable. Any other military ball, no.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2020 6:07 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 18:07:12 -0500

We wore red socks to St. Barbara’s Day with our ASU. That wasn’t just one person. That was from brigade down.

Response by CAPT Dave Woodard made Feb 17 at 2020 8:10 PM

CAPT Dave Woodard — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 20:10:48 -0500

Alterations in uniforms are not generally accepted in those public setting. As has been mentioned by others, the Dining In is quite a different setting and expectation rise to the cause (including button down dress shirts, fake bow tie, colored socks, etc. But Never in a public setting

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 17 at 2020 11:15 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 23:15:52 -0500

Response by CPL Ashlie Turner made Feb 20 at 2020 6:06 PM

CPL Ashlie Turner — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 18:06:58 -0500

I've seen officers wear different items with their uniforms during a ball.. I think that soldiers should be able to make those small changes when it comes to balls. They are meant to be fun.

Response by CPT Wayne Price made Mar 2 at 2020 10:01 PM

CPT Wayne Price — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 22:01:43 -0500

Pushing the limits too far. WaynePrice

Response by SSG Christopher Cannon made Jun 14 at 2020 11:25 AM

SSG Christopher Cannon — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:25:53 -0400

The best thing to do is check with your chain of command. Yes it is unauthorized. with that being said people often wear their Branch colors and it is accepted but I would check with my first sergeant or sergeant major before I ever thought about doing it

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Jun 14 at 2020 11:32 AM

SFC Quinn Chastant — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:32:59 -0400

Suspenders in branch colors are about as wild and wacky as the Army allows unless you opt for the party shirts which are custom made to look proper while wearing the jacket. But throw decorum out the window when the official functions are over and the seperate games begin.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2020 11:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:49:26 -0400

We wear red ones to the Saint Barbs ball, plus red suspenders and dress socks.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jun 14 at 2020 11:49 AM

CPT Brad Wilson — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:49:58 -0400

Only if your commander approves it That being said as a young Fire Support Officer attached to a tank battalion I did wear red socks underneath my black ones with a little red showing as well as red suspenders. The Infantrymen attached to the battalion did the same

Response by SSG Daniel Brewster made Jun 14 at 2020 11:57 AM

SSG Daniel Brewster — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:57:56 -0400

Lol. The way you stand out at these balls is to have the hottest women there. Just saying.

Response by SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott made Jun 14 at 2020 1:37 PM

SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 13:37:08 -0400

Seriously??? WTH is the matter with you? Leave it alone and wear the uniform as it is supposed to be worn!!

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Jun 15 at 2020 12:32 AM

MAJ Ron Peery — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 00:32:37 -0400

Enhance? It's called a uniform for a reason. Artillery and Infantry officers are know to wear suspenders in their branch colors, but those articles of clothing are hidden from view. Being a clown is not part of your job description.

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Jun 17 at 2020 10:50 AM

SGT Greg Gold — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 10:50:43 -0400

Orange socks? Sure, why not. Bit an orange bow tie? No.Just no. You want to rock branch colors as an 'O', go mess dress.

Response by PO2 Ron Gunsolus made Feb 13 at 2021 11:34 AM

PO2 Ron Gunsolus — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 11:34:22 -0500

WTF is wrong with people? How is this even a question!? freakin snowflakes need some serious beatdowns and hardcore hazing!

Response by PO1 RIchard Petty made Feb 13 at 2021 11:57 AM

PO1 RIchard Petty — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 11:57:27 -0500

For a military ball I say "NO" proper military uniform is required medals and ribbons. But I have been told for a dinning in or wetting down yes change it up a little bit, even pilots have non-military flight suits for like Tailhook, etc. that they were.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2021 12:06 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 12:06:02 -0500

I don't see an Orange Tie

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Feb 13 at 2021 12:10 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 12:10:13 -0500

You know what you might do, go run that idea thru your First Sgt I’m sure he’d love to help you with that issue.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 14 at 2021 11:10 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 11:10:33 -0500

Don’t do it. Play it straight with the uniform. Most I’ve seen at Army formal events is branch-colored suspenders. Maybe Sox. Leave the serious uniform deviations to someone else. Also saw some wear branch specific neck ribbons with medals such as St Christopher for Transportation Corps.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Feb 14 at 2021 1:19 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 13:19:29 -0500

Uhmmmm, well, NO! No way!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 2:04 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 14:04:45 -0500

I have not seen different colored ties before.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Feb 14 at 2021 5:27 PM

1SG James Kelly — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 17:27:29 -0500

NO.

I'm in it that's all the enhancing it can handle.

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Feb 15 at 2021 12:20 PM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:20:31 -0500

If you’re looking to have a “custom” uniform, then I suggest to spend $700 on a mess dress. The lapel is the color or your branch and you’re authorized to wear branch color suspenders. But that’s the limit.