Military Functions And The Kilt

[Maclachlan]

I am retired USAF and will be attending a couple of formal affairs with other military retirees where I have been asked to wear my kilt. I know there isn't any formal regulations dealing with the kilt since it isn't an authorized uniform garment but I also know that no-one (that I ever heard of anyways) has ever called a man out of regs whilst wearing the kilt.

That said, how have you worn your kilt to these functions (including any medals, rank insignia, etc.)?

Thanks,

Mac

[Jordan]

I would have to ask what you would yeah if you werent wearing I kilt then see how it can be adapted. As far as im aware miniature medals (that you would be entitledto wear in uniform) for evening wear. I have no idea about rank but I dont think its done in the uk.

[Maclachlan]

To be completely honest, all I ever see is the PC with small medals (yes, only the few I actually was awarded) and that's about it.

[davidlpope]

I'm a Marine. I don't mix uniform items with civilian clothing (except for those that are specifically authorized in the uniform regulations- All-Weather Coat, black leather gloves). Since the kilt is not a recognized uniform item by any of the branches of the U.S. military (USAFR Pipe Band, Coast Guard Pipe Band, etc. excluded), I wear Traditional Highland Civilian Attire (THCA) with miniature medals, if the occasion/invitation calls for it. I grow weary of always encountering a hodge-podge of kilts and U.S. military uniforms bits and pieces at Highland Games, Burns Nights, etc.

Cordially,

David

[Geoff Withnell]

I am not familar with Air Force regs, but in the USMC, The only time I have ever heard of wearing uniform items with the kilt was a piper at a formal retreat at 8th & I (Marine Corps Headquarters). He wore Dress Blues jacket with the Leatherneck kilt. I was not close enough to see if he had on medal or mini-medals. The jacket did have his stripes and hash marks. Normally, if you want to wear a kilt at a military function, wear it with the appropriate civilian jacket and accessories for the level of formality involved and the correct medals/mini-medals/ribbons. No rank, but I do wear my Combat Aircrew Wings above the ribbons. I don't wear my "shooting iron" qualification badges.

Geoff Withnell

[westy1970]

I would go civilian with mini-medals on the jacket and your military cover. I was in the Cal Nat'l Guard years ago and we used to support the Caledonian games in Santa Rosa our DC authorized Class B with a military Tartan. That was my only experience with it.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I am retired USAF and will be attending a couple of formal affairs with other military retirees where I have been asked to wear my kilt. I know there isn't any formal regulations dealing with the kilt since it isn't an authorized uniform garment but I also know that no-one (that I ever heard of anyways) has ever called a man out of regs whilst wearing the kilt.

That said, how have you worn your kilt to these functions (including any medals, rank insignia, etc.)?

Thanks,

Mac

All U.S. military regulations quite clearly prohibit both active duty and retired personnel from wearing uniform items with civilian attire. That said, it is appropriate to wear miniature medals on civilian formal attire after 6PM. The three rules for wearing miniature medals with civilian attire, in this instance with a kilt and coatee or doublet, are quite simple:

(1) The medal bar should be centered on the left lapel, approximately 2-inches below the notch of the lapel.

(2) Depending on the number of medals on the bar, it may be necessary to move it slightly to the left to prevent the medals overlapping onto the shirt.

(3) The top edge of the medal bar should be parallel with the floor.

No other military insignia should be worn with civilian attire-- this includes badges of rank, aviator's wings, submariner's badges, proficiency awards, distinctive unit devices, etc.

Hope that helps!

MoR