Headed to the Navy Ball again

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

If the invitation to the Navy Ball says "medals" then they probably should be worn. This is the only way others-- especially those in uniform-- will have of identifying you as having served your country.

When attending a military function in civilian attire, where the wearing of medals is either required or requested, one should wear only those medals that would be worn on their service uniform. When attending a non-military function, such as a tartan ball, where the wearing of medals may be requested, then one may wear, in addition to his/her military medals, any other medals to which they are entitled.

The rules governing how medals are placed on civilian attire are different than those governing the placement of medals on military uniforms, which varies slightly between the different branches of the United States armed forces.

When worn on a coatee (or similar) with a kilt the medals should be centered on the left lapel, approximately 2-inches below the the notch of the lapel, with the top of the medal bar parallel with the floor. Depending on the number of medals worn, the medal bar may have to be adjusted slightly to the left to insure that the bottom-most row of medals remain on the lapel, and do not overhang onto the shirt.

After 6PM only miniature size medals are worn with civilian attire.

[Detroitpete]

If the invitation to the Navy Ball says "medals" then they probably should be worn. This is the only way others-- especially those in uniform-- will have of identifying you as having served your country.

When attending a military function in civilian attire, where the wearing of medals is either required or requested, one should wear only those medals that would be worn on their service uniform. When attending a non-military function, such as a tartan ball, where the wearing of medals may be requested, then one may wear, in addition to his/her military medals, any other medals to which they are entitled.

The rules governing how medals are placed on civilian attire are different than those governing the placement of medals on military uniforms, which varies slightly between the different branches of the United States armed forces.

When worn on a coatee (or similar) with a kilt the medals should be centered on the left lapel, approximately 1-inch below the the notch of the lapel, with the top of the medal bar parallel with the floor. Depending on the number of medals worn, the medal bar may have to be adjusted slightly to the left to insure that the bottom-most row of medals remain on the lapel, and do not overhang onto the shirt.

After 6PM only miniature size medals are worn with civilian attire.

My 2 cents worth: just my opinion>>>

I wouldn't pay a bit of attention to an invitation that either suggested or authorized me to wear my medals--full, ribbons or minis while in civilian attire. Since I no longer serve in active or reserve status, then there is no reason for me to ever be in uniform again. For me, my medals sit in their cases. The minis I own were worn for designated functions while in uniform.

I do not now, nor will I ever truly understand why anyone would wear any version of military medal post-service and especially on civilian attire.

Sure I'm proud to have served my country. I'm proud of the men I was with when we earned our medals. I'm proud of staying alive. To me--again ONLY one guy's opinion--wearing medals on civilian attire is just not something I feel the need to do.

If it's a matter of having others know you served---well, they can just ask me. Besides, it is usually fairly easy in such company to tell who has served and who hasn't.

[macwilkin]

Post deleted. I'll let others respond.

Horses for courses.

[Geoff Withnell]

My 2 cents worth: just my opinion>>>

I wouldn't pay a bit of attention to an invitation that either suggested or authorized me to wear my medals--full, ribbons or minis while in civilian attire. Since I no longer serve in active or reserve status, then there is no reason for me to ever be in uniform again. For me, my medals sit in their cases. The minis I own were worn for designated functions while in uniform.

I do not now, nor will I ever truly understand why anyone would wear any version of military medal post-service and especially on civilian attire.

Sure I'm proud to have served my country. I'm proud of the men I was with when we earned our medals. I'm proud of staying alive. To me--again ONLY one guy's opinion--wearing medals on civilian attire is just not something I feel the need to do.

If it's a matter of having others know you served---well, they can just ask me. Besides, it is usually fairly easy in such company to tell who has served and who hasn't.

Well, the USMC regs say medals "may" be worn with civilian attire, so if you choose not to, I can certainly respect that. And I thank you for your service. I guess it's a matter of attitude. I was active duty from 1968-1972, and have been fairly active in various veteran's organizations ever since. Those who know me know that I almost always have an Eagle, Globe and Anchor somewhere about my clothing. I'm still a Marine. And I would no more go to the Marine Ball, or the Navy Ball, or other military occasion, without my medals, than with my shoes unshined. It just would not seem "right" to me. Of course, I don't wear them at the corporate Christmas party, even though that's formal, and I'll have on the the same jacket. It's not a military or patriotic occasion.

Geoff Withnell