OK , at the risk of having someone misunderstand and overreact , I'll ask a question . If you are no longer active duty or even Reserve , why would you want to wear your uniform ? I understand having pride in your service so please save that answer . Is there some other reason ?

Nomex flame suit on.

Isn't part of wearing the uniform a respect for the service and its rules? And if the rules state no to wearing the uniform after retirement/ discharge except under a very few specific circumstances, then why would someone support wearing it outside those conditions? A service member hasn't "earned" the privilege to wear it outside the rules, although he certainly has his first amendment right to do so.

Would you support someone wearing a US flag as a shawl? It's a person's right to do so, but it certainly isn't respectful.

I say this as an honorably discharged Army enlisted veteran, and also behind the safety that there's no way I'd fit back into my uniform any longer.

Well, I have yet to wear it after my retirement, but I keep it ready in my office in case they call.

'course, it's been hanging there for 16 years...

quote:

Originally posted by BlackAgnes:
Well, I have yet to wear it after my retirement, but I keep it ready in my office in case they call.

'course, it's been hanging there for 16 years...

So has mine (more like more like 35 years though), can't bring myself to toss it.

Answering Selogic -

I believe Veterans, of any branch of the Service, to be my brothers. In this case they are even, potentially, closer to me than immediate family brothers.
They agreed to give their all, including their lives, if they are called to do so. I agreed to do the same. As a brother it was also an unspoken bond that I would have his back and he would have mine. Should it be necessary I would risk my life for his.

So why would I want to wear my uniform after being Honorably Discharged? It would be at such an event as described - perhaps a parade (Veterans Day?) or a memorial service. I would wear it to Honor my brothers that did not come home. It would be as a sign of respect to them. I would wear it as an indication to those other veterans around me - “Yes, I was your brother, you can still count on me”.
This “Brotherhood” is a bond I take very seriously. Some don’t. While there are civilians that may understand this bond, I believe many don’t.
In some employment such a connection grows. My father was an Ironworker. He walked the steel of the skyscrapers in NYC. He was, among other jobs, a “connector”. This put him climbing the tallest columns on a building, connecting the next piece that was coming in overhead from a crane. His life was in the hands of his fellow connector and the crane operator. These men developed a trust among each other. They were brothers.
I believe honorable veterans have this trust. Some do. They “Get it”. Some, sadly, miss the point entirely.

I have three college degrees. My students called me Doctor. Holding those degrees in my hands has almost zero value to me.
Having earned “Gunners Mate Second Class” - that is far above those mere papers.

As a retired sailor my first thought is "who the fuck cares".

He is wearing a uniform that he honorably earned the right to wear at some point. I don't care if there is some rule somewhere that says he can't because it was cloudy on the day he hit puberty. There are too many important things to give my fucks to.

quote:

Originally posted by selogic:
OK , at the risk of having someone misunderstand and overreact , I'll ask a question . If you are no longer active duty or even Reserve , why would you want to wear your uniform ? I understand having pride in your service so please save that answer . Is there some other reason ?

Numerous law enforcement agencies point-out wearing your uniform is acceptable for your interview, same also for other government positions. Basically, you can demonstrate you know how to clean-up and dress appropriately.
Wedding/Funeral
Graduation
Formal events...dinners, cruise, ceremonies

While not illegal once retired, it's rather tasteless and poor-form if you throw on your uniform and you're out of shape, you haven't shaved in ages and your hair is all over the place. If you're gonna put it on, at least make the effort and represent your service well. Nothing illegal to wear it, you've earned it.

Somewhat related, I had an uncle who went out, and had formal photos taken with his dress white crackerjacks; I think he submitted to his high school reunion . Most people didn't notice but, his son and I had a good laugh, that facially he hasn't changed in the 50-years since he got out and more amazingly, he fit this uniform.

So a person that enlisted in the USMC on 09/01/1945 can wear the uniform to a wedding but a person that enlisted on 09/03/1945 cannot wear the uniform to a wedding?

I am not a scofflaw but I scoff at that. Service is service.

Will, this is a free country where anyone can dress as they please.
If you get upset about what someone is wearing then it sounds more like your problem.
Sounds like the groom just wants attention though. It's your wedding not an officers ball. Wear a tux like a normal person.

US Army veteran 9 1/2 years active duty . 13 months (early 1969- early 1970) (Field Artillery 105mm howitzers) Korean DMZ drawing Hostile Fire Pay while being shot at but unable/ not allowed to return fire. 3 years as a Field Artillery Drill Sgt . ... Honorable discharge... 2006 to 2016 rode motorcycle escorts honoring our troops with a group ( Patriot Guard Riders) such as Veterans Day Parades / welcome home ceremonies or send offs for individuals or entire units , Funeral Escorts to standing Honor Guard at both funeral home as well as at the grave site . Usually wore my colors/leathers that were military themed / patched to the point of wearing my Drill Sgt/campaign hat(head cover). Maybe twice was approached about the headgear and my response was it was worn every day for 3 years while on active duty and they could try and take it off my head. At which time they backed down. Now I am a firm believer in prosecuting "stolen valor".. If not actually earned then do not present it as earned. .....1st amendment of free speech allows wearing military items as long as not misrepresenting .. But common sense must be applied ........ God bless our troops be they past / present / or future ...................................... drill sgt.

quote:

Originally posted by Underdog:
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.

There are more important things to concern yourself with than whether or not a man who served honorably and received an honorable discharge has decided he wants to get married in his dress uniform.

quote:

Originally posted by calugo:
There are more important things to concern yourself with than whether or not a man who served honorably and received an honorable discharge has decided he wants to get married in his dress uniform.

That's what I don't understand about this thread. It's not like it's a guest looking to upstage the groom. It's the groom looking to wear his dress uniform. Maybe his bride wanted him to wear it, maybe he was wearing his dress uniform when they first met.

OP brings up UCMJ like that means shit to someone who has already gotten out.

quote:

OP brings up UCMJ like that means shit to someone who has already gotten out.

Exactly. Man has done his time, and wants to get married in his dress uniform and some busybody is getting spun up about something that doesn't concern them. What's he going to do? Wait for the 'does anyone to object to this marriage?' part and then get up and quote chapter and verse from the UCMJ to the rest of the congregation?

Give me a break, FFS.

quote:

Originally posted by Pyker:
What's he going to do? Wait for the 'does anyone to object to this marriage?' part and then get up and quote chapter and verse from the UCMJ to the rest of the congregation?

Give me a break, FFS.

Thanks Pyker. Picturing that truly tickled my funny-bone.

When I read the original post , there was no doubt in my mind how it was going to end up . Sometimes you gotta ask yourself is it really worth it ?

We don’t even know if he’s even invited to the wedding. For all we know he could have just seen it on social media.

If dude served and got out honorably, I say go for it. If someone complains at the wedding, kick their ass(legal disclaimer, metaphorically).

quote:

Originally posted by Pyker:

quote:

OP brings up UCMJ like that means shit to someone who has already gotten out.

Exactly. Man has done his time, and wants to get married in his dress uniform and some busybody is getting spun up about something that doesn't concern them. What's he going to do? Wait for the 'does anyone to object to this marriage?' part and then get up and quote chapter and verse from the UCMJ to the rest of the congregation?

Give me a break, FFS.

OP needs to get a little vasaline for his chapped ass and move on.

I am a honorably discharged Marine and I would never consider wearing my uniform after separating from the service.

Now, whether it’s okay to wear it………meh, I’m not going to loose any sleep over it.

When Iam elected President.

Anyone serving for more than 12 years and honorably discharged.
Gets fre free medical, no interest loans, college paid for and child care.
And yes you can wear your uniform.