What uniform is allowed to be worn by a retired combat veteran?

SPC Chris Ison — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 14:08:45 -0400

Okay so what I am specifically looking for is, what uniform am I entitled to wear? The obsolete dress greens from when I first started? The Obsolete Dress blues that were used at the time of my discharge, or the current Army Brown Uniform?

Within that uniform what unit patch should I wear? The old 81st SAB patch or the new Indian head (2nd ID) patch that is currently authorized for the unit?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 8 at 2020 2:18 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 14:18:26 -0400

All of those uniforms.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Sep 8 at 2020 2:36 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 14:36:51 -0400

https://www.ar670.com/2018/12/21/wear-of-the-uniform-by-retired-personnel/

Wear of the Army Uniform by Retired Personnel - AR670.com

Retired personnel not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on the date of their retirement, or the uniform...

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 8 at 2020 2:36 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 14:36:51 -0400

Yes to all of the above, you are not obligated to purchase the new brown uniform.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 8 at 2020 7:54 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:54:30 -0400

And as a bonus, the older uniforms will spark interesting conversation.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2020 11:44 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 23:44:28 -0400

Retired have never desired to put on the greens again.. but to each their own.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Sep 5 at 2021 11:37 AM

SFC Gary Fox — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 11:37:37 -0400

If you want to wear the pinks and greens, you can.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2021 5:43 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 17:43:14 -0400

I have never found the reason to wear my uniform again. I have no ambition to put it back on. I wouldn’t change my 28 years but the time is over. It’s a new chapter now.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2021 10:01 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 22:01:44 -0400

Sort of depends why you are wearing it. I would say: If you are going to a reunion of your original unit or a Veterans parade, your old uniform is fine (if it still fits and can be worn properly]. If you are going to teach ROTC students or do some recruiting duties, you probably should invest in a current uniform and new patches.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Sep 6 at 2021 1:00 AM

SMSgt Bob W. — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 01:00:46 -0400

If you are going to a formal event whereby other military members will be attending on military facility [ie, a Dining In] the proper uniform for the occasion should be worn [I recommend you rent a tux]. Now, an Arm Forces parade, what you had when you were on activity duty.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Sep 6 at 2021 5:05 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 05:05:24 -0400

You can wear the uniform that was in use while You served or wear the current uniform. The important thing is be in compliance with the grooming standards that applied in each time period and wear it properly or not at all.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Sep 6 at 2021 11:26 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 11:26:17 -0400

There is no separation between a combat vet and a regular vet when it comes to retired uniform wear.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Sep 6 at 2021 1:17 PM

SPC Robert Bobo — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 13:17:11 -0400

My now retired overweight ass couldn't even fit my old field jacket

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2021 2:04 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:04:55 -0400

Not Dress Blues and shower shoes, with a light coat of LSA.