Should I wear my uniform at my sons boot camp graduation if I am retired?

MSgt Keith Hebert — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 09:54:56 -0400

Should I wear my uniform at my sons bootcamp graduation( I am retired and if it fits ha ha ha)

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 29 at 2014 10:01 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:01:23 -0400

I had the same thought when my son graduated; but there was no way in Hades it would have fit. In the end, I'm glad I didn't, it was hot as a firecracker at Ft. Jackson that day and it was nice to be able to be comfortable!

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jul 29 at 2014 10:01 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:01:29 -0400

If you are entitled, go for it!

Response by Cpl Micah Wing made Jul 29 at 2014 10:17 AM

Cpl Micah Wing — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:17:15 -0400

I would! If I ever have a son and he joins, I would.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 11:30 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:30:57 -0400

Go with it!!!!

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 12:29 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:29:34 -0400

Here is my thought on this. Whose day is it? If I were to come to my sons graduation fully decked in blues with medals and ribbons I would think that I would be upstaging my son in his moment at his time. I would go in a nice suit, with my service lapels pins in place and perhaps some small dress ribbons if I had high awards, but I would be cognizant that this day was for him not me. Unless of course my son requested that I show up in my old, ill-fitting dress uniform, then I would have to consider but would probably still side with my earlier statement that I would not want to upstage my son.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 29 at 2014 1:34 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 13:34:01 -0400

Just don't be this guy...... ;o)

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Jul 29 at 2014 1:36 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 13:36:59 -0400

I like what Cpl Private RallyPoint Member stated but the other thing I would od is ask your son his thoughts. he might want to get some pics with his ole man in uniform together or he may want the day to be about him.

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 29 at 2014 2:32 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 14:32:10 -0400

The military is steeped in tradition. Nothing can express this more than a son following in his father's footsteps. My grandfathers and father both served. I remember my father telling me that part of my uniform was my last name and not to bring any dishonor to it. By all means if it's OK with your son bust out your class A's as long as they are squared away.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jul 29 at 2014 3:47 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 15:47:27 -0400

As a fairly soon to be retired guy I can offer my .02 since you are asking. And I do tend to agree with Cpl Private RallyPoint Member in that I would not want to upstage my son. His day.

I also agree with SPC David S. in that I would want to check with my son to make sure that he was good with it. Again because it is his day.

If he agrees with it, and if you are going to do it, make sure that you are perfect. I cannot imagine the letdown if you were to look anything other than outstanding in your uniform that you were wearing to another service's graduation. You know that folks will be eyeballing you.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 10:05 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:05:05 -0400

I absolutely would. I am disappointed by the concerns of upstaging by so many. Your son's service is a legacy and a testament to his character. I would have a local recruiter or honor guard double check your uniform, but be proud. Less than 1% serve, and far fewer pass the torch. Your honor is rare, do not diminish it by the comfort of khakis or indulging the naysayers.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 10:56 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:56:42 -0400

I don't know what USAF uniform regs say about retired wear of the uniform, but Army regs allow honorably discharged/retired personnel to wear the uniform (that was in use at the time of separation) at military functions.

I would ask him what he prefers as well.

When I graduated Basic Training, I left the decision up to my dad, as I was proud of his service as well.

This is what it looked like:

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2014 10:29 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 10:29:06 -0400

Wear it.

Response by GySgt William Moore made Jul 30 at 2014 1:59 PM

GySgt William Moore — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:59:17 -0400

The most important person at the graduation is your son... Ask him what he wants you to wear and respect his decision. Just because you can doesn't always mean you should.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2014 3:22 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 15:22:08 -0400

What does your son want? That should be about the only consideration.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Jul 30 at 2014 3:29 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 15:29:56 -0400

Time for an update
Uniform still fits reasonably well just waiting on son to find out what he wants and if he leaves it up to me I will wear it

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2014 11:44 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 23:44:35 -0400

I dressed down when my son graduated. At least I've lost most of that extra weight I was carrying around.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 3:48 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 03:48:12 -0400

What is appropriate is that if your uniform is still within regulations, you are authorized to wear your blues at such an event. I think it is a proud moment for both of you, as a military family, and I only wish that my own father and grandfather had been there in their uniforms (Army and Navy, respectively) to share the occasion with me and to take pride in "following in our fathers' footsteps".
How many times do you get to wear your uniform after you retire anyway? Celebrate! If you'd like to see the current regulation, here is a handy link, as of 2013: http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/afgsc/publication/afi36-2903_afgscsup_i/afi36-2903_afgscsup_i.pdf

Response by SGT Chris Bevins made Aug 8 at 2014 1:54 PM

SGT Chris Bevins — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 13:54:46 -0400

I would wear it. It will be an awesome first chance for you guys to take pics together showing the legacy being continued. Square them away, get em cleaned up and wear it with pride!!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2014 8:32 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 08:32:10 -0400

MSgt Keith Hebert First, I give my Congratulations to you as a proud Father and to your Son for his decision to join the Ranks and now graduate from bootcamp. Now for your wearing of the uniform I see your point in wanting to wear your uniform. If you know your son would be happy to see you in uniform ( I would hope he would) go ahead wear it and surprise him. If there is any doubt as to his what his feelings are, ASK him what he thinks. After all, even though this will be a proud moment for you, it is his MOMENT. I will bet he will say "definitely, please wear it!" Hope so at least. However, if he were to say "No dad, please don't". Smile and say "OK Son!" Don't let any disappointment you may have come thru for him to see. Let's not take away from his "moment". I think you both will cherish the photo moment at graduation of you both in your uniform though for many years to come.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Aug 9 at 2014 8:45 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 08:45:22 -0400

Well unfortunately due to a setback, my son did not get to graduate with his original campany. He should complete in a couple of weeks then off to fort gordan, so I did not have to worry about the uniform.
But I want to say thanks for all the feedback RP is really awesome

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Aug 9 at 2014 12:52 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 12:52:10 -0400

Certainly! I wore mine to present my daughter's diploma at USCG graduation. An honorable tradition.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 10:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 10:27:56 -0400

Wear it, chances are your son is just as proud of your service as you are his

Response by CW4 John Beebe, BS, DML made Aug 11 at 2014 6:36 PM

CW4 John Beebe, BS, DML — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 18:36:36 -0400

I would have no problem wearing a fully dressed out uniform, under this condition, NEVER upstage the graduate. Being there in uniform can very easily be a validation of the family pride and success of this new service members choice to continue the honor. Key is to not take away from the moment that belongs to the graduate. I hope to do so soon with my son.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 5:22 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 17:22:15 -0400

Yes, absolutely!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Dec 29 at 2014 2:22 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 02:22:45 -0500

Most certainly! I did.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 1:38 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:38:42 -0500

What I'm going to answer with may not come across favorable to everyone, but here it goes: Would your allow your wife to wear white to your daughter wedding? Same idea, this is his moment, let him enjoy it. What you could do, however, is wear your mini medals or ribbons on the lapel of a nice suit...this is by far the best advice I can give your as a Active veteran that attended my daughter's military graduation at Great Lakes. Let them be proud, they may feel like they can never be better than you...but for one day, they probably will feel like an equal. My opinion, and that is all it is...I'm sure either way your son will just be happy to have your there. I've posted two examples that are permitted, and I'm sure your display is quite impressive. I would also consider giving him a military coin, coin him - a sign of pride and choose a good one.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jan 2 at 2015 9:35 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 09:35:58 -0500

I was on duty when my son graduated 19K OSUT at Ft. Benning, so I was in ACUs w/Stetson, as it was a dual graduation of his Tank OSUT and a CAV OSUT company. I do not think it would have bothered him one bit if I were in dress uniform, except by then I was one of a very few that still had "greens" lol.....

I say if it fits and he doesn't mind it, go for it!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 11:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 11:01:53 -0500

Aside from it being appropriate because it is a military function and regulations say you are authorized to wear it after seperation I encourage you to wear it. It might serve as an encouragement not only to your son but to many other young Soldiers to achieve as well. Its still going to be his day regardless and im willing to bet you wont be the only retired service member in uniform.

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Jan 2 at 2015 11:59 AM

SGT Robert Hawks — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 11:59:09 -0500

I would say no it's his day and it would be a distraction from him and a focus on you.

Response by CDR Rob Eidsmoe made Jan 2 at 2015 12:17 PM

CDR Rob Eidsmoe — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 12:17:35 -0500

I would if it honored your son's graduation and his wishes. Its allowed and frankly I think it would help give visibility to a population that increasingly is unaware/unappreciative of veterans contributions to society. I say wear it proudly and congrats you can still fit into it!

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Jan 3 at 2015 5:59 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 17:59:22 -0500

I am retired and wore my uniform to my son's graduation and afterward we had photos taken together. Everyone in uniform was given great seating up front to view the parade and it appeared that the unit appreciated the wearing of the uniform. This was an official military event and there are not many times for retirees to wear the uniform or share in the families history of military service in this way.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Aug 1 at 2015 6:18 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 18:18:11 -0400

I would and won't worry about upstaging my son. I agree with those who say wearing your uniform shows the legacy your son comes from.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 1 at 2015 7:42 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 19:42:27 -0400

Go and be proud. Don't do anything to distract from his day.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 4:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 16:37:11 -0400

Gosh now some of you got me nervous. I'm a new Soldier and just purchased Army Service Uniform basically because I have to take a DA photo for next spring's board. I only have 3 ribbons so I'm not all decked out but I wanted to wear it to my son's basic graduation in 2 weeks (partly because I just spent $700 on it and alterations and shoes and everything) and because it's something that we share (both becoming soldiers in 2015). He definitely doesn't have a problem with it. He tells me that when I was telling him of my selection results, that's when he decided to join. But now you start me thinking... Am I taking away from his achievement? Should I leave it in the closet?

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 1:49 PM

Amn Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:49:53 -0500

I think.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 10:02 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 22:02:49 -0400

Hell yes. Why not??? Most of the military folks serve due to a family tradition...be proud of it!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 5:56 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 17:56:11 -0400

yes

Response by SPC Aedan McCluskey made Aug 29 at 2019 7:11 AM

SPC Aedan McCluskey — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 07:11:40 -0400

Got the same question. Stepson is graduating Parris Island. Wife said a parents page didn't recommend for the upstaging reason but I'm thinking that's only because most of those parents don't have one to wear.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2021 8:38 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 May 2021 20:38:50 -0400

Not if it is orange or has black & white stripes. Might be awkward. Otherwise Heck yeah.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 2 at 2021 7:02 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 02 May 2021 07:02:41 -0400

Wear it correctly and wear it proud, it is yours.