Posted on Dec 28, 2014
What awards/badges can prior service wear on Army uniforms?
113K
49
25
6
6
0
When I was in the Navy, I was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. Do I wear them on the Army uniform when I go back in? I was a member of the crew when the ships earned the awards.
I also earned my Enlisted Submarine Warfare qualification "Dolphins" and have seen other prior service wear them on their Army uniforms. Are they following regs or just wearing them anyway?
I have looked at AR 670-1, but it's not very clear about awards/decorations earned in another service.
I also earned my Enlisted Submarine Warfare qualification "Dolphins" and have seen other prior service wear them on their Army uniforms. Are they following regs or just wearing them anyway?
I have looked at AR 670-1, but it's not very clear about awards/decorations earned in another service.
Posted in these groups: 
Prior Service
Army Regulations
Prior Service Army Regulations
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 14
16
16
0
I boosted my career by being out of regs. In the Navy, I had earned wings as an enlisted man. When I joined the AF as an O, the reg specifically said not to wear wings of other services. WHAT! No way. I wore Navy wings "illegally." When I arrived at my first duty station, I was sitting in the cheap seats at a command meeting, when the Wing Commander noticed those big gold wings. "Where'd you get those?" He asked. As a result, I was assigned to a special project coordinating with the Navy, and I earned a good reputation for getting it done. Real good ego boost for a butterbar. Wore those wings until I retired.
(16)
(0)
CPL Joseph Elinger
Few would usually notice / or be sticklers for "That AR."
If it's brought up (AR mentioned) I would stop wearing it, HOWEVER until then, you have leeway. Just don't do around The DIs. They're notorious for knowing the regs or checking them. I think 9 out of 10 (or better) DIs would check it, & then "politely" check you.
If it's brought up (AR mentioned) I would stop wearing it, HOWEVER until then, you have leeway. Just don't do around The DIs. They're notorious for knowing the regs or checking them. I think 9 out of 10 (or better) DIs would check it, & then "politely" check you.
(0)
(0)
8
8
0
Years ago I had a book that described if you were going from X service to Y service what you could wear and what you could not. Each branch of service does award transfers differently.
I clearly remember that marksmanship badges from other services do not transfer to the Army.
However, regulations do change so what may have been unauthorized 14 years ago may be ok now.
My recommendation is that you contact the awards branch at Human Resources Command (HRC) and address the awards situation.
https://www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/Awards%20and%20Decorations%20Branch
I clearly remember that marksmanship badges from other services do not transfer to the Army.
However, regulations do change so what may have been unauthorized 14 years ago may be ok now.
My recommendation is that you contact the awards branch at Human Resources Command (HRC) and address the awards situation.
https://www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/Awards%20and%20Decorations%20Branch
(8)
(0)
MAJ Raúl Rovira
Sgt Richard Acton - I do not recall. I bought it when I was a fresh 1LT from the PX Uniform Clothing store.
(1)
(0)
CPL Joseph Elinger
We had ex Navy iny Army Units.
They were authorized to wear their awarded ribbons etc.
We also had an ex Marine with a Combat Patch (I recognized it) on his BDUs.
They were authorized to wear their awarded ribbons etc.
We also had an ex Marine with a Combat Patch (I recognized it) on his BDUs.
(0)
(0)
8
8
0
Check out DA-Pam 670-1. section 22.5 Order of Precedence. It shows the order of similar awards by branch, as well as, compared to other awards.
The unit awards are also listed in the next group. Both of the ones you have are on the list, so they are authorized by my read. I did note in AR 670-1 that "marksmanship badges from other US services are not authorized for wear on the Army uniform" (para 22-12, c). I don;t know if the "Dolphins" fall under that or not.
The unit awards are also listed in the next group. Both of the ones you have are on the list, so they are authorized by my read. I did note in AR 670-1 that "marksmanship badges from other US services are not authorized for wear on the Army uniform" (para 22-12, c). I don;t know if the "Dolphins" fall under that or not.
(8)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google