Can former vets wear their military dress uniforms?

Question

If someone is retired from the military are they allowed to wear their uniforms at formal functions like weddings and funerals?

Answer 1

Yes they can. They earned it and can wear it proudly.

Answer 2

Yes they certainly can! Now there are certain restrictions. Like when you can wear it when traveling to a function but that travel must completed that day. You can't wear it to a function that is politically related or whatnot.

But for most anything else (especially weddings and funerals) a uniform is appropriate. And the regulations specifically say it is up to the retiree to determine what is "appropriate". If you have done 20 years or so you know what is. If you are attending some sort of function that is all civilians sometimes it is best to go with a suit and maybe a lapel pin. Other times a uniform is the way to go........ you just know.

Now the "retired patch" answer? I'm not trying to be a jerk but either the person doesn't know what they are talking about or they might honestly need to know what to wear.

I looked at the soldiercity link and though I suppose you could wear it but you would probably look silly and it takes away from the look. I'm not sure but I think technically that would be against the rules. Those patches look like something you would put on a baseball hat or something. Unit pride is a big thing regardless. You wear the patch of whatever unit that was on you uniform when you retired out.

In my family most every relative has been military at some point but with the large majority having retired spanning from way back to the present day. I grew up as a military brat living all over the world. I myself retired after 20 years of serving but am back in since I voluntered to do so when I was asked. So I think if anybody is military through and through it would be me. Though I still like Pina Coladas and long walks in the rain......... pardon my silly little joke!

Point is that in all of my life and in every function of every type that I have attended I have never seen someone put a "retired" patch on their uniform. Regardless of age.

Answer 3

A retiree may wear the uniform when attending functions of a military character. That would include, for example, military funerals, military weddings, military balls, and patriotic parades and memorial ceremonies. (Note the keyword "military".) Wear at any other time is prohibited. (AR 670-1, para 30-1 and para 30-3) The exception is Medal of Honor recipients, who may wear the uniform pretty much any time they please. (AR 670-1, para 30-5). Yes, these are Army regulations, but I'm sure all branches have nearly identical rules.

Answer 4

You can wear your uniform at veterans' parades and other military-related formal functions like your service's birthday ball and the like. That would include military funerals and military weddings.

Answer 5

Yes they can. I seen retired members attend other retiree's ceremonies.
I had two retired Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force attend my classes NCOA graduation and they were in uniform, so yes, they can.

Answer 6

Marine Corps Birthday Ball absolutely! Honorably discharged....

Answer 7

I've seen retired generals wear their uniforms but, They are not wearing the "retired" patch!

I don't!

Answer 8

Yes they can, but need to wear a "retired" patch on their uniform where their current unit patch on the shoulder used to be. Retired Vet's can get the patch at AAFES clothing sales or on the web. "Soldier City" is where I got mine.

Answer 9

Yes.

Answer 10

yes, because a "former" veteran would be a dead veteran. So I guess no one would mind if they are buriend in their dress uniform.