What are my options as a veteran who wants to wear my ACU (tan/grey) uniform? Can I sew certain patches and badges?

SPC Brian Mason — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 22:19:39 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 10:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 22:48:04 -0500

I could be wrong here, but I’ve been told that it’s only proper to wear the full uniform if you’re actively serving or if you retired. I’d appreciate clarification from someone with a bit more authority on the subject, actually.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 3 at 2018 12:32 AM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 00:32:01 -0500

Your best option is to not wear a uniform as a civilian, unless retired and then only for military events on Memorial Day and Veterans Day if it is in the context of memorializing those who've passed, or honoring those who serve, and make it damn clear that you are not currently on active duty or inactive reserves.

Better yet don't do it.

If you are hard over for it, make sure you meet military grooming and weight standards; and wear a clean serviceable properly set up uniform. Then conduct yourself in a sharp disciplined manner for every minute you are in uniform.

Then expect that every active duty, honorably discharged, and retired service member who sees you sporting the uniform will probably be pissed.

And I know I haven't said it yet, but don't do it.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2018 12:56 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 00:56:17 -0500

Nice summary of legal requirements and limitations --

https://www.thebalance.com/trick-or-treat-3356985

Wearing a Uniform When Not in the Military: Is it Legal?

On Halloween each year, small children (and some not-so-small) dress up in military uniforms. Is this legal? What are the rules to follow?

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Mar 3 at 2018 9:54 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 09:54:30 -0500

1st I would have to say you have not provided enough info for a fair Opinion to be made. 2nd Why would you want to do this? 3rd Google the information and follow the Reg's. My two cents or less.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Mar 3 at 2018 9:54 AM

LTC Eugene Chu — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 09:54:39 -0500

Check AR 670-1. The Army regulation on uniform wear is not only for active-duty, reserves and Guard, but also for veterans too. It may have the specifics on how to wear uniform if honorably discharged.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 3 at 2018 10:50 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 10:50:49 -0500

Rank- No, any Branch (US Army, USN, USAF,USMC) NO- badges yes, Unit Patches yes

Response by SSG Diane R. made Mar 3 at 2018 11:04 AM

SSG Diane R. — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 11:04:27 -0500

It's an absolutely ugly uniform. Why not wear your BDU's, or wait until the new pinks and greens come out and buy a set for yourself? I still have my AG-344 Green service uniform that I wear on special occasions.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 3 at 2018 12:03 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 12:03:54 -0500

Army has rules about this. Go look them up. My advice is to not wear combat or work uniforms with any identifying marking on them at all. If you have old work uniforms you want to wear to cut grass or work on your car, fine. Make sure every patch, badge, rank, etc., is removed. If you want to wear a uniform to show you are a patriotic veteran, wear the Service Uniform. USAF rules say we can wear either the current USAF Service Uniform with appropriate ribbons, rank, badges, etc. or we can wear the Service uniform from the era in which we served with appropriate ribbons, etc., for that time frame.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 3 at 2018 2:43 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 14:43:58 -0500

SPC Brian Mason, you may not wear ACUs. You are allowed to wear service and dress uniforms, if you meet the stated criteria, and you may only wear them to certain activities and at certain times. Paragraph 23-4 of AR670-1 provides detailed specificity regarding wear of the uniform by former members of the Army.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 4 at 2018 6:16 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 18:16:49 -0500

Please don't?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 8:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 20:20:03 -0500

Your best option is to go get Ranger Up clothing and leave military uniforms to military wear. If your out, save it for when you get called back up.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2018 8:22 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 08:22:48 -0500

SPC Mason-As always, there's official guidance, and LTC Curlee has provided a reference. I would assume these pubs are similar to Navy guidance in that even as a veteran, there are times and places a uniform is/is not appropriate. I've always followed the rule, "if in doubt, leave it out". I've worn my service uniforms for specific military events such as parades, remembrance services, etc...always to the letter of the law in regard to standards so as to avoid dishonoring the uniform. I don't know about the Army, but the Navy even has guidance for miniature medals and insignia while in civilian attire (note my profile pic as an example).

There are, in my opinion, "grey" areas, since as civilians (non-IRR, drilling reservist, etc.) there's really not much anyone can do as long as a veteran is not falsely portraying/claiming something they didn't earn while in service. I have a "lucky" ball cap; plain khaki, with a small naval officer's crest I wear. I own a leather jacket (non-issue) with various patches from commands and duty stations I've served at (wear it very rarely). I have scads of old DCU pants I've used for working wear, and my old Goretex parka is pretty much the best all-round coat for being outdoors.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to "why" you're wearing something. If there's even the slightest chance it will bring discredit or dishonor...obviously it's a no-go.