In general, the majority of your authorized and required uniform items will be issued during your first weeks of training. Your military instructor will let you know how to obtain any additional needed items for your uniforms (like hats, badges, etc. ) as needed.
Some parts are not considered distinctive (like an undershirt or shoes) and can be worn at any time, on- or off-duty. However, it is important to double check the regulations of your service to make sure that you are allowed to wear those items off-duty.
Examples of awards or medals includes the Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, or any other award or medal. It is important to remember to never wear awards that you have not actually earned.
You should not wear your uniform when you are off duty, except for transportation home. Some military assignments have strict rules against wearing a uniform while off duty, especially when stationed overseas. Make sure you know and follow those rules. They are there for your safety.
Soldiers may not wear any jewelry except a watch, ID bracelet, and two wedding rings. Female soldiers may additionally wear a single pair of round, stud-style earrings. Tattoos are permitted, but must not represent any extremist philosophy or group (including, but not limited to, recognized hate groups) or that are sexist, racist, or indecent. Additionally, soldiers may not have any tattoos on the face, neck, hands, or wrists. Be sure to talk with your commander before getting any new tattoos after joining the military.
For example, a Muslim or Sikh serviceman can petition his squadron leader to wear a beard or turban while in uniform. Accommodations such as these are made on a case-by-case basis. If you require an accommodation, you have to apply to be an exceptions to the rules. [2] X Research source
You may continue wearing your uniform for up to three months after your honorable discharge. [4] X Research source Many recently discharged servicemen and women like to wear their uniform for coming home parties or other special occasions. If you want to wear your uniform for an important event (like your own wedding), be sure to schedule the event within three months of your discharge.
The military will require you to purchase clothing to wear home. [6] X Research source Because you were dishonorably discharged, you may never wear a uniform again (for example, for Veteran’s Day ceremonies, funerals, or other purposes).
If you were nominated for promotion upon your retirement, you may wear the new higher grade. [8] X Research source Many retired servicemen and women choose to wear their uniforms to weddings, funerals, Veteran’s Day celebrations, and other special occasions. You are not obligated to wear it, but it is a great way to show others that you served.
Perform instructional duties for military courses wearing a uniform only if it bears some distinctive insignia to indicate that it is not a duty armed forces uniform.
Check with the appropriate branch of the armed forces if in doubt.
Any time you are in uniform, you represent the United States government. You are expected to maintain the grooming standards of the military even if you are retired, if you plan to appear in uniform. This includes being clean-shaven, keeping your hair neatly under your headgear, and not having facial piercings or tattoos. While saying the Pledge of Allegiance,[10] X Research source or while passing, lowering, or raising the United States flag, anyone in military uniform (active, inactive, or discharged) should stand at attention, face the flag, and perform a military salute, rather than placing his or her hand over the heart. [11] X Research source
This includes wearing any “distinctive piece” of a military uniform, such as a beret , jacket, or insignia. This includes the military uniforms of other countries, and the uniforms of past enemy regimes such as the Nazis, not just United States uniforms. For example, you are prohibited from wearing a Nazi uniform in public. [14] X Research source There are several reasons for these prohibitions. The first is for security reasons; in one instance, a woman tried to gain access to a secure military base using someone else’s uniform. Another reason is because civilians need to know that people in uniform are trustworthy in cases of emergency. Finally, it is considered disrespectful to those who have served, since they put their lives on the line for the privilege of wearing the uniform. [15] X Research source
Unlike costumes worn in public or for Halloween or costume parties, replica uniforms for productions may be made to look exactly like real military uniforms, but can only be worn while working on the production. So if you have worn, for example, an exact replica uniform for a play, you cannot later wear it for Halloween. [17] X Research source
You will be notified prior to the training whether you should wear a special uniform. Only wear a military uniform if you are instructed to do so by the Secretary of the branch of the military concerned. [19] X Research source
Even if a medal was earned by a relative or has sentimental value, it is illegal for someone else to wear it. This includes medals such as the Purple Heart, the Navy or Air Force cross, a Congressional Medal of Honor, or any other medal or award, or replica of a medal or award. [21] X Research source
