US Veterans, militaria, etc...

**Profane James** · 20th February 16, 06:14 AM

My ignorance shows...
I speak as one of the few men of my family who have not served in the military.
That being my reality, I do assume there is a standard of display when the families that have endured the military life alongside the soldier are asked to represent at such an occasion.

**Loxlie** · 20th March 16, 04:17 AM

Originally Posted by Cavalry Scout

No one should be wearing unit awards who was not in the unit when the awards were earned.

-Mark-

Agreed. My first unit had been awarded the Meritorious Unit Award w/Oak Cluster and I had to remove it when I pcs'd to another unit.

**Jmc0369** · 20th March 16, 01:01 PM

As Steve said, "don't get to wrapped around the axle". Those regs are for active duty and those still in the mindless mindset. As USMC General Smedley Butler said. He didn't have an independent thought till the day he retired. You earned em, wear em as you wish. Even those disenfranchised Vietnam veterans were/are valid in expressing them selves in however they wish as far as wearing their property goes.

Having served in the USA (U.S. Army) prior to retiring from the USMC; I thought the USMC regulation made so much more sense in regard to unit awards. You only wore unit awards if you were part of what that unit got awarded for. And if so, you wore it for life as opposed to the army where you always wore unit awards it just was just over the right breast pocket and they came and went with unit assignment. The Army dogs take a lil more pride in their unit and Marines more so in the Corps. Which in my opinion is why the standard of execution was generally higher in the Corps than the Army. I saw very average units and very exceptional units in the Army whereas my experience in the Corps was much more flat. From one unit to the next very similar culturally. I guess to back my point, the Ranger Regiment has higher standards of leadership and physical fitness than a run of the mill Battalion in a PIR of the 82d, and much more so than a leg infantry Bn say at Polk. Even Pogues in Alaska's parachute units were very different than the same MOS pogues in the 2nd Infantry Division.

Anywho, that's just one retired Jarheads observations. And I have very fond memories of my Army experiences. Its funny how driving through the gate at Ft Bragg evokes a completely different sensory memory experience from driving through the gate at Pendleton or LeJuene.

**Cavalry Scout** · 21st March 16, 09:04 AM

Exactly my point, and the French Fourragere worn by the Fifth and Sixth Marines is a perfect example. They are currently worn exactly like all unit awards in the US Army. When you leave the regiment, the unit award comes off, because you didn't earn it. You wear as a tradition for those who went before. When you get a DA photo, all unit awards come off your blouse, except for permanent awards that you rate. It's no different for veterans. One of the units I served in had five unit awards that we wore. (French Fourragere, Army PUC, Navy PUC, MUC, and VUA) The only one I rate for permanent wear is the VUA and wearing an unearned unit award is no different then wearing personal award that somebody doesn't rate.

All the best, Mark

**jumary** · 27th March 16, 08:45 PM

As a retired U.S. Air Force member, I don't plan to wear any of my medals and other item from my uniform. That is just my choice. However, I have just ordered a kilt in the unofficial Air Force tartan as a way to honor the service. I will also wear blue hose and tie that match the kilt. I am thinking about getting an old WWII Army Air Corp pin and using that as a kilt pin, as a way to honor the origins of the service. Although I don't wish to wear any of my actual medals, I do hope my kilt attire will respectfully reflect my pride in having served.

**Jock Scot** · 28th March 16, 12:36 AM

The kilt wearing Scot who has served in the forces has the great advantage of the long established use of Regimental /Unit/Old School/Club/university/college ties. These give civilians and servicemen in mufti a useful way of demonstrating their service, etc connections in quite a unique way. Whilst I do know the US have a few unit/university ties available, I have always been surprised that they have not grasped the idea more keenly.

Out of interest, some kilt wearers outwith the UK have taken to wearing the Army Benevolent Fund(ABF) tie, a uk military charity tie that anyone can wear and goes really well with the kilt.

**Reiver** · 28th March 16, 12:26 PM

In formal evening wear (Tux level) wearing your miniatures is appropriate.
A single miniature metal ribbon or miniature badge (CIB) worn on a day wear jacket is also appropriate and is also done so on regular suits.

Wearing full decorations/awards on a casual military shirt with a kilt is an abomination that I see regularly with some non affiliated military groups whom like to play dress up....I think this both non regulation and in very poor taste.
My opinion.

I like to wear my Good Conduct Medal (m) as it is 33 years of undiscovered crime.....

Wearing a Regimental tie is a nice touch.

**Cavalry Scout** · 28th March 16, 04:21 PM

Reiver: Ref the wear of military shirts with the kilt, I concur.

I bought a set of mini-medals several years ago for a military wedding. They cost around 250 USD. When they arrived, I took one look at them and realized that I'd forgotten three of my service medals. I called the company and enquired as to having the missing medals added to my set. They were very nice, but said it would cost almost the same as buying a complete new set. I still haven't added those medals, LOL.

Cheers, Mark

**Sir William** · 28th March 16, 07:23 PM

I'm retired military but I only wear my military awards (ribbons and badges) when participating with SAMS, a recognized veteran's organization.

I wear my civilian miniature medals from my Federal Government civilian service for non-SAMS formal (fancy dress) occasions when the wearing of personal awards is considered appropriate.

I have a sporran with my USMC jump wings on the flap that I like to wear with my Leaterneck tartan kilt.

**Reiver** · 28th March 16, 08:52 PM

That's the org. I see and think it a bit ridiculous.

Why would you wear all of your decorations with a kilt in casual wear? What is the connection?

If you took the kilt off and put on pants you'd look foolish unless at a memorial etc.

Yes, they are your awards (altho I wonder when I see them improperly stacked on some gents) but the display at a highland game or festival is to what purpose?

If you want to do a veteran Scots heritage gig then an appropriate patch or something...but full dress award regalia?

Looks silly to me.

This is when/how....'of a military theme'

It is permissible for veterans and retirees to wear military awards on civilian clothes for gatherings of a military theme. On significant holidays, veterans and retirees are encouraged to wear their awards and medals. The choice of either full-size medal or miniature is an individual one.
Retired personnel and former members of the military may wear all categories of medals on appropriate civilian clothing. This includes clothes designed for veteran and patriotic organizations. The medals may be worn on:

Veteran’s Day
Memorial Day
Armed Forces Day
formal occasions of ceremony
social functions of a military nature.

Personnel may wear either full-sized or miniature medals. Personnel who wear medals on civilian clothes should place the medals on the clothing in approximately the same location and in the same manner as for the uniform, so they look similar to medals worn on the uniform.