Military Careers, Retirement - Army Times

Uniforms and Insignia

More than anything else, common sense and dignity govern when and where a military retiree can wear a uniform.

Medals and ribbons. When in uniform, retirees can wear any medal, campaign ribbon or decoration they were authorized to wear while on active duty or in reserve status.

Medals are appropriate with formal evening wear. On other occasions, ribbons are suitable when worn with uniforms. Wearing a foreign decoration is appropriate only if at least one U.S. decoration also is on the uniform.

Lapel pins that come with decorations for valor and service can be worn almost any time.

Retirees who have lost decorations or never received decorations they earned may request them. The government will replace, at no cost to the veteran, lost or destroyed decorations for service or valor. There may be a charge for campaign ribbons and badges, however.

The initial request should include the dates of military service, Social Security or serial number and dates of birth and retirement. The process normally takes several months.

Contact: Former service members and the survivors of deceased veterans can obtain replacement medals by submitting a Standard Form (SF 180), Request Pertaining to Military Records, to the following agencies:

• Air Force: National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.

• Army: National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.

• Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard: Bureau of Naval Personnel, Liaison Office, Room 5409, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.

For more information, or to download an SF 180, see www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/replacement-medals.html#coast.

Uniforms. For appropriate military occasions, retirees and veterans can wear the current uniform or the last one they wore on active duty. A local commander can authorize the wearing of other uniforms.

Active-duty enlisted members who retired as officers in the reserves or National Guard can wear the uniform and insignia of their commissioned ranks. Retirees who teach military education in schools can wear their uniforms during the working day.

Wearing a uniform is forbidden for business or personal gain or while participating in an event that may cast the military in an unfavorable light.

Retirees should not wear uniforms overseas unless specifically asked to do so. Customs and laws of many countries restrict or forbid foreigners from wearing uniforms or military insignia.