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.

Here we go, if you weren't in a SOF unit, you REALLY don't know about shooting...if you weren't in combat arms, you weren't a REAL solider...if you didn't see combat then you really weren't in the military.
FYI, if you get discharged with no issue, you can wear your dress uniform for formal events provided it's worn within regs. Interviews with police departments, post-service awards ceremonies, graduations, all acceptable.

I’ve got no problem with it, as long as they still ‘fit’ like they did when he was active.

quote:

Originally posted by AKSuperDually:
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.

I served 9 years and did not see combat. I deployed twice and lost a Marine from my squadron each time doing the exact same job as I was doing that same day. Two at-sea funerals. I earned tax free pay. I earned imminent danger pay. I earned flight pay. I missed my daughter's birth while in Aqaba Jordan and didn't see her until she was 3 months old. Did I not earn the the same right as a combat veteran or a retired Marine?

What about my humanitarian efforts for the cholera relief in Rwanda? What about my 13 months at sea on the flight deck and in the air? Night time low-light carrier flight ops on NVG's? Not dangerous enough, I guess...

**Edit** while I never had a shot fired at me in anger, I do have The National Defense Service Medal for service during The Gulf War, awarded to service members from 1990-1995. I guess that technically makes me a "war time" Marine. But I am not a combat Marine.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: benny6,

He’s a wartime Marine. He earned the right to wear that uniform as long as he isn’t doing anything to disgrace it. If another Marine takes issue with it they can settle it between them. No one else should have a say in the matter.

God Bless Him and anyone else who served!

Text of title 10

Title 10, by my reading, says a former (not retired) member of the service, honorably discharged can wear the uniform under a very few very restrictive circumstances and again with my reading does not include family celebrations. I also saw a couple of sites that posited that a former member could wear it any place.

If it's not my shin dig a guy can show up in whatever he chooses but it doesn't appear to be appropriate. I'll certainly yield to greater authority.

Actually anyone has the right to wear a military uniform even if they did not serve. An act I despise if the latter.

I believe anyone who served can continue to wear their uniform when they feel it’s appropriate. If they also want to be buried in it, it would be an honorable choice.

Aint nothing wrong with it so long as the event is tasteful and he doesn't wear any rank or ribbons he didn't earn.

If you’re really interested the answer can probably be found in MCO 1020.34G. I don’t care enough to look but have at it.

https://www.marines.mil/Portal...G%20W%20CH%201-5.pdf

Still have my dress blues. It was pretty much my duty uniform for at about half of my time in the Marines.

Today, I couldn't fit into them today even if I wanted too. They remain hung up in my closet.

I wouldn't have a problem with a Marine wearing his Dress Blues to his wedding.

US Marines
72-76 (Active)

quote:

Originally posted by Valpo Fz:
If you’re really interested the answer can probably be found in MCO 1020.34G. I don’t care enough to look but have at it.

https://www.marines.mil/Portal...G%20W%20CH%201-5.pdf

Thank you! Page 281...

b. Former Members of the Armed Forces. Unless qualified under another provision of this Order or under the provisions of 10 U.S.C. 772, former members 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 only upon the following occasions and in the course of travel incident thereto:

(1) Military funerals, memorial services, weddings, and inaugurals.

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
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

How many phone numbers did he get at your wedding?

quote:

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

.

Agree ^

I am impressed that he can get into an old uniform.
The chances of me getting my fat ass into a uniform I wore 40 years ago are very low.

quote:

Originally posted by 19tass:

quote:

Originally posted by Pyker:
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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Agree ^

I think this thread highlights our national need for more “mind your own business”.

quote:

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

But wait. I never signed a contract but I did my time in the Army Honorably or at least that's what the discharge says.

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:

quote:

Originally posted by 19tass:

quote:

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

.

Agree ^

I think this thread highlights our national need for more “mind your own business”.

Citizen police, taking a break from enforcing the handicap parking at the Piggly Wiggly, ensuring only twenty year veterans don the colors. Personally, provided it’s done properly and with respect, I’d never have a problem with a veteran in uniform.

I always appreciated the part in Hacksaw Ridge when Hugo Weaving showed up in his Great War uniform to show support for his son during his son’s court martial. Even though he was advocating for his son, his uniform demonstrated his respect for the service. I liked it.

I think there is a pretty good good argument that the 1st amendment would allow anyone to wear any uniform. I don't think it would be at all cool or acceptable to wear a uniform you didn't earn while serving, but we protect expression very broadly, and dress and conduct is often a form of protected "speech."

I have seen many now-not-serving officers wear their old uniforms at various events like weddings or funerals. I don't know if the rules are different for enlisted men. This seems non-controversial to me. Why should anyone care if a former service man wears the old uniform?

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:


I think this thread highlights our national need for more “mind your own business”.

Amen, brother.

quote:

But wait. I never signed a contract but I did my time in the Army Honorably or at least that's what the discharge says.

Metaphor: noun, a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.