What uniform adjustments should I be concerned about when wearing the uniform years after getting out? What headgear is appropriate?

2021-08-28T13:48:11-04:00

My father-in-law (retired CW4) passed away and my mother in-law has asked me to be in uniform. I have been out for 10 years and bought a new uniform, but was curious if there is anything specifically different given that I am out. Maybe DUIs are not worn?

I am also curious on what head gear is appropriate. I saw refs say the beret is the head gear for ASU unless specifically stated otherwise by the Commander, but my wife is the closest thing to a commander I have now. Would the service cap be more appropriate? Maybe a Stenson, give my father in-law and I share the privilege of both being in Cav units?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 28 at 2021 2:49 PM

2021-08-28T14:49:03-04:00

If you bought a new uniform, I assume it's the blue ASU, follow Army Regulations for wearing that uniform. I recommend a "wheel hat" for a funeral because it's a formal military ceremony. Otherwise the black beret, unless you're allowed to wear one of the many special colored berets. Back in the 70s I had the honor of doing several military funerals as an Honor Guard OIC. We all wore Service Dress with Wheel Hats except the firing team who wore blue berets (wheel hat was clumsy to wear and fire a weapon).

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Aug 28 at 2021 3:53 PM

2021-08-28T15:53:16-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member is the ‘expert’ on Army regulations! He should be able to direct you to the appropriate regulation...Sorry for your loss

Response by SPC James Neidig made Aug 29 at 2021 1:26 AM

2021-08-29T01:26:19-04:00

Honor Your Father In Law with what you feel in your heart, if you were authorized to wear a Stetson at Discharge wear it, as for DUIs since you are no longer with a unit you should not wear them, wear your uniform with Pride YOU Earned It, Sorry For Your Loss But Know He is in a Better Place

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 29 at 2021 5:27 PM

2021-08-29T17:27:12-04:00

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 12:48 PM

2021-08-31T12:48:45-04:00

First, let me offer my condolences on your family's loss.
Next, I can only speak for USAF instructions on wear of uniforms and GENERALLY speaking, an AF Retiree has two choices: 1 The uniform authorized for wear at the time of his/her retirement or 2. the currently authorized uniform. (Yeah, I know, the AF changes uniforms like most of us change our socks) The AFI also states we should meet weight and grooming standards and we are required to wear the AF Retiree pin on our lapel to indicate we are retired.
That said, as MiL requested you honor FiL's service, If I were you, I would wear the uniform I was authorized on my last day on AD.