WEar of US military medals and insignia -Answer from Pentagon

[Geoff Withnell]

Since this is a recurring question, and I can't think of a more comperhensive (for the US at least) and authoritative response, perhaps this should be made a sticky?

[Kilted Cole]

Since this is a recurring question, and I can't think of a more comperhensive (for the US at least) and authoritative response, perhaps this should be made a sticky?

I second that!

[kiltedrennie]

The key phrase that is open to interpretation is of course "appropriate civilian clothing".

[flyrod6057]

To those of us who've served, the term "appropriate civilian clothing" is actually pretty clear. Also, the lane is a bit wider once one is off of active duty, IMHO.

Thanks to Friday for making this inquiry. Good info!

[Kilted Cole]

Yes, once you are discharged those "regulations" change from hard rules to simply "strong" suggestions.

[Friday]

Gentlemen I agree with the comments made, however, these areas of discussion have been brought up on many different posts. I started this as a source of information not to continue to "beat dead mackerels to death".

[Kilted Cole]

Fair enough. sorry for my rant.

[madmacs]

But ranting aside, those regulations seem to be more focused towards those still serving but while in civilian attire...Aside from the bit about us wearing our old uniforms (good luck me fitting into those).

It seems that they specifically mention discharged and retirees where information exists.

It is also worth noting that several branches appear to limit what occasions they can be worn at.

[Kilted Cole]

Ultimately though....as I'm sure its been brought up and argued about before.....who is actually going to enforce these "regulations" to those no longer serving on active status? But this is a very good source for referencing. Thank you Friday for posting this.