Looking for some hard facts to reference from my Marine Corps brothers and Sig forum members.

I know a guy who is wearing dress blues to his wedding tomorrow.

I was active duty for thirteen years. He was in for six.

The last a remember one cannot wear blues unless they retired from The Corps.

I don’t have my UCMJ handy to reference.

1. Am I wrong? If so that’s good to go.

2. If I’m right can someone send me a reference?

3. I hope I’m wrong becuase it chaps my azz. To me if you didn’t do twenty then you shouldn’t be reaping some of the benefits of that commitment and service.

I don’t know about the marines, but if you are honorable discharged-you can wear the uniform..any uniform Alpha,Bravos or Dress whites..etc

Anyone who signed the contract and served honorably can wear whatever the hell he (or she) likes as far as I'm concerned.

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I agree with the above. Many marines I know cannot fit into their dress blues six months after discharge.

My honorably discharged brother wore his dress Army uniform to my wedding. All of the women there swooned at his presence; fit and sharp as he was. It's not nice to upstage the groom like that. lol

My son-in-law wore his Navy Dress whites...
My daughter could have, but elected the traditional wedding dress.

The Executive Director of The Warrior Connection non-profit veterans service group who delivered the eulogy for my son wore his USMC Blues. He served 6.5 years.

According to USAMM (makers of military medals)...

https://www.usamm.com/blogs/ne...for-appropriate-wear

Marine Corps Uniform Regulations for Former Marines
Marine Corps uniform regulations state that retired Marine Corps officers may bear the title and wear the uniform of their retired grade. Similarly, the Marine Corps uniform regulations state “Former Marines not on active duty who served honorably in time of war in the Marine Corps may bear the title, and as authorized by regulations prescribed by the President, wear the uniform of the highest grade held during that war.”

So basically, yes, as long as the function is of honorable nature and not part of a political rally or anti-government protest.

That said, the Marine Corps uniform regulation clearly states: “The exercise of the rights of freedom of speech and assembly does not include the right to borrow the inherent dignity, prestige, and traditions represented by uniforms of the naval service to lend weight and significance to privately held convictions on public issues.

LII U.S. Code Title 10 Subtitle A PART II CHAPTER 45 § 772

Quick search by citation:
Title
Section
10 U.S. Code § 772 - When wearing by persons not on active duty authorized

U.S. Code
Notes


(a) A member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard may wear the uniform prescribed for the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, as the case may be.
(b) A member of the Naval Militia may wear the uniform prescribed for the Naval Militia.
(c) A retired officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may bear the title and wear the uniform of his retired grade.
(d) A person who is discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may wear his uniform while going from the place of discharge to his home, within three months after his discharge.

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It might be a bit tacky and inappropriate but it isn't stolen valor so I'd mind my own business about it.

He served honorably and retired (or was discharged) honorably, didn't he? So, what is the big deal??

Time of war being the key I believe.

IMO...worth what everyone is paying for it, If you saw combat in uniform, you earned the right to wear the uniform as long as you wear it appropriately and do not dishonor the uniform or your branch of service. It should also be worn properly, and without bringing public attention to oneself. So in other words...at a private event, like a wedding, perfectly appropriate. At a veterans parade or funeral, perfectly appropriate. On veterans day to get free shit at applebees....NOT appropriate. Walking down the street to make a scene...not appropriate.

These things tend to correct themselves... bring ill-repute to your service, and you'll get corrected.

The man served 6 years, was honorably discharged and wants to wear his dress blues for his wedding. I dont see how it impacts you one bit.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
He served honorably and retired (or was discharged) honorably, didn't he? So, what is the big deal??

Retired doesn't have the same meaning to everyone.

Honorably discharged and retired are not the same thing, though someone can be both.

quote:

Originally posted by Shaql:
The man served 6 years, was honorably discharged and wants to wear his dress blues for his wedding. I dont see how it impacts you one bit.

Unless he got more medals than you did in half the time or something...

quote:

Originally posted by AKSuperDually:

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
He served honorably and retired (or was discharged) honorably, didn't he? So, what is the big deal??

Retired doesn't have the same meaning to everyone.

Honorably discharged and retired are not the same thing, though someone can be both.

Either way, what is the big deal in this specific case?

quote:

Originally posted by AKSuperDually:

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
He served honorably and retired (or was discharged) honorably, didn't he? So, what is the big deal??

Honorably discharged and retired are not the same thing, though someone can be both.

Absolutely correct.

It seems, from what wishful thinker quoted, Underdog's acquaintance would be in violation of U.S. Code.

I was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, but not retired. I would never consider wearing the uniform.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
Either way, what is the big deal in this specific case?

He doesn't have the right to wear the uniform.

I always understood that if you were honorably discharged that you could wear your Class As. I never had any dress blues so I don't know about that, but I'd guess that the same standard applies...not that I'd care to wear either.

quote:

Originally posted by Underdog:

3. I hope I’m wrong becuase it chaps my azz. To me if you didn’t do twenty then you shouldn’t be reaping some of the benefits of that commitment and service.

Like he can't call himself a marine just because he didn't do twenty? That's one of the benefits of being a marine, isn't it? Once a marine, always a marine.

I see the rules posted by others about when veterans can wear their uniform. When I was in, I was told I can wear my uniform after discharge with the limitations of being non-political but ceremonial like a wedding.

The guy served. And, as a sailor, I have to say the marine dress blues are pretty sharp and better than any tuxedo he can rent. He's not doing anything dishonorable or fraudulent. If it really chaps your ass, offer to pay his rental tuxedo of his choice then. Be part of the solution to the problem you're seeing.

“Veterans and the Marine Corps Uniform
Former members of the Marine Corps who served honorably during a declared or undeclared war and whose most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions may wear the uniform in the highest grade held during such war service on the following occasions and when traveling to such occasions:

Military funerals, memorial services, weddings, and inaugurals
Parades on national or state holidays; or other parades or ceremonies or a patriotic character in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part
Former Marines who are discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Marine Corps (even if it's not during wartime service) may wear their uniform while going from the place of discharge to their home of record, within three months after discharge. Wearing the uniform for any other time or purpose is prohibited.”

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
He doesn't have the right to wear the uniform.

WTF are you talking about? He absolutely DOES have the right to wear it! Who are you to say he didn't earn it?

Your opinion is bullshit! Not much sets me off, but you crossed a line there. Get off your fucking high horse asshole!

I don't think it's tacky or inappropriate for him to wear the most bad-ass uniform ever created. You can be ashamed of your uniform if want, but us Marines salivate over any opportunity to wear ours (provided we can still fit into them).

-Tony (9-year veteran, NOT RETIRED!)