Posted on May 30, 2017
LCpl Shane Couch
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Yesterday I saw a Brigadier General wearing what I'm assuming was Army class B uniform, but he had no ribbons and only a name tag and a small badge or unit icon above the name tag. I could not make it out very well. Is this something that is standard practice or optional? Please help feed my curiosity.
Posted in these groups: 4276e14c UniformsRibbons logo Ribbons454274742x356 DA Pam 670-1
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2LT Infantry Officer
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It is optional as those who have cited already have shown.

Culturally, it is often referred to as "Super B's" to have everything on a class B uniform. It is not uncommon in warm-weather locations, but in many places it is considered a half measure. Class A's to be actually formal with awards and decorations, Class B's to be business casual.
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SSG(P) Casualty Operations Ncoic
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There was an ALARACT a little while back that said that in Tropical Climate Zones, the wearer's top three ribbons could be worn (in correct precedence) on the Class B uniform shirt in lieu of the full rack.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
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SSG(P) (Join to see) - That's in the 670 now as well...
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SSG(P) Casualty Operations Ncoic
SSG(P) (Join to see)
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SFC Michael Hasbun - Thanks! Good to know. There were a lot of various ALARACTs regarding uniform policies. Glad that they're all in one place now!
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SSG Aircraft Mechanic
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It seems to be a "may" not a "will" or "shall".

Chapter 22
Wear of Decorations, Service Medals, Badges, Unit Awards, and Appurtenances
22–1. General
This chapter covers decorations, service medals, badges, unit awards and appurtenances, both U.S. and foreign,
authorized for wear on Army uniforms. The term “award” is an all-inclusive term, covering any decoration, service
medal, badge, ribbon, or appurtenance bestowed on an individual or unit. The term “ribbon” is an all-inclusive term
covering that portion of the suspension ribbon of a service medal or decoration that is worn instead of the service
medal or decoration.
22–2. Authorization
a. Commanders may require the wear of authorized awards on the following occasions:
(1) Parades, reviews, inspections, and funerals.
(2) Ceremonial and social occasions.
b. Unless directed by a commander IAW paragraph 22–2(a), authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer,
when not prohibited, during normal duty hours. Personnel also may wear authorized awards on appropriate uniforms
when off duty. Personnel are encouraged to wear authorized awards on the service, dress, and mess uniforms.
c. Soldiers may wear authorized awards on the Class B version of the service uniform during duty hours and when
off duty, at their option.
22–3. When wearing awards is prohibited
Wearing awards is prohibited in the following circumstances:
a. On any uniform other than those authorized in this regulation. (See 18 USC 704 for the penalty for unauthorized
wear of the uniform.)
b. When serving a sentence of confinement.
c. When wearing civilian clothing, except for civilian awards, lapel buttons, or rosettes intended for wear with
civilian clothing. Soldiers may wear miniature medals on formal civilian attire at formal social functions, when wearing
the Army uniform is inappropriate or not authorized.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
>1 y
"Unless directed by a commander IAW paragraph 22–2(a), authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer, when not prohibited, during normal duty hours. Personnel also may wear authorized awards on appropriate uniforms when off duty."
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CPT Aviation Combined Arms Operations
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It's about time I wasn't the only person to be aware of this. It's silly to feel like I have to wear things when all a person has are the freebies.
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SFC Joe Solis
SFC Joe Solis
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11–6. General guidelines
h. The ASU tropical dress variation (Class B with ribbons) is an equivalent Class A or dress variation for hot weather wear. It serves as appropriate wear for parades, ceremonies, reviews (when special honors are being paid), and official visits of foreign dignitaries. The uniform is intended for seasonal hot weather wear only and is not appropriate for wear outside of hot climates. Local commanders will determine the conditions for wear of this uniform. The male ASU tropical dress variation consists of the white, short-sleeved, service uniform shirt (standard issue or lay-flat collar) with accouterments as worn on the jacket, without necktie, and with ASU low-waist trousers with belt loops. In lieu of wearing all authorized ribbons, Soldiers have the option of wearing only three authorized ribbons. Selected ribbons must be worn in order of precedence (for example, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart). Badges and insignia currently authorized for wear on the ASU are authorized to be worn on this variation of the uniform. i. In lieu of wearing all authorized ribbons, Soldiers have the option of wearing three authorized ribbons on the service uniform shirt. Selected ribbons must be worn in order of precedence (for example, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart).

DA PAM 670–1 • 26 January 2021
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SFC Joe Solis
SFC Joe Solis
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DA PAM 670–1 • 26 January 2021
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CW4 Guy Butler
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Yes, they are optional for wear on the Class B uniform, per AR 670-1:

"c. Soldiers may wear authorized awards on the Class B version of the service uniform during duty hours and when off duty, at their option."
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