Wearing neck medallions at your retirement ceremony, acceptable or tacky?

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 20:32:51 -0500

Since my retirement ceremony is next month, I figured I'd get some external opinions.
I've seen Soldiers wear neck medallions to their retirement ceremony, but I'm curious as to public perception.
Part of me thinks it's a bit like public masturbation, the other part of me thinks it's fine, since the ceremony is about the totality of your service.
What are your thoughts?

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Dec 10 at 2021 10:41 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 22:41:54 -0500

Authorized under Army Regulation 670–1 - then go for it.
Wearing your German Volksmarch medallion - probably a bad idea.
You're retiring so if that's how you want to be remembered - what the hey - be that guy

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2021 11:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 23:16:03 -0500

I just had my retirement ceremony almost a month ago. No neck medallions.
https://youtu.be/6gYvJnYuKb8

This was done during the week. The Commanding General, the chief of staff and the deputy Commander we're not there but my boss, the G3 actual who is also an AGR was present along with my former Brigade commander who is a civilian executive officer at this one Star Command in Marysville Washington.

LTC Stephen F Conway retirement ceremony part 1

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2021 11:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 23:16:43 -0500

I got my meritorious service medal and a plaque from my G3 section.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2021 11:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 23:30:33 -0500

I say you earned them, you should wear them. After putting in all that time, you deserve to do what you want at your retirement. Congratulations!

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Dec 11 at 2021 12:22 AM

SMSgt Bob W. — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 00:22:03 -0500

Is the ceremony a mandatory formation? If so, play the game for the last time. If not, have fun and enjoy the ENTIRE day. With mine, we had a "mandatory" formation whereby they issued a brownie ribbon, the retirement certificate to the Misses and me [30 minutes max]. Then, we had a bar-b-que with the families invited. It was great--wives talking, kids playing and the GIs lying [actually exaggerating and embellishing] our stories. Congratulation and enjoy retirement.

Response by SFC Dennis Rodriguez made Dec 11 at 2021 1:20 AM

SFC Dennis Rodriguez — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 01:20:39 -0500

Why not? Go for it.

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Dec 11 at 2021 5:45 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 05:45:06 -0500

Keep us posted ! Would Both Military and Civilians be there ?Military Achievement on the Veteran, And Non-Military achievements on a Frame of shorts carried in the Palms of the hands

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2021 4:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 16:18:50 -0500

Personally I wouldn't. I'm not really a fan of metals around the neck unless it's like a ball. If I was in that situation I wouldn't wear it.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2021 2:34 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:34:15 -0500

I suggest taking even further and having a break away Velcro dress uniform made and wear civilian clothing underneath.
Congratulations on your retirement.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 25 at 2022 2:16 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 14:16:17 -0500

So, a little update, I decided not to wear them.
I retired with two Officers, and neither one of them had ever earned a neck medallion, so I figured the nice thing to do would be not to wear mine.