Q&A for How to Know Military Uniform Laws

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Can military swords be owned and/or worn by civilians?

Community Answer

They can be owned and worn, but it depends on the country. For example, in Japan, if you want to carry a sword, you need to have license and a lot of important documents to carry it anywhere.

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Question

Is it disrespectful to dance in military uniform?

Community Answer

No, it is not.

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Can a dishonorably discharged person wear their uniform when deceased and in a casket?

Community Answer

No. If you were dishonorably discharged, you are not even permitted to have the uniform in your possession.

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If I have lost my dress uniforms and the uniform that the Air Force issues has changed. Can I wear my current uniform or do I have to find the one I was issued?

Markus Kohl

Community Answer

You can, but you should get the new issued one soon. Not everyone will switch to it immediately, but soon change will be mandatory.

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Question

Can a kid wear it?

Community Answer

If the child is in any youth military program, then probably yes. But he should ask his sergeant or leader first.

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Question

Can a soldier take a video of himself wearing his uniform and send it to his girlfriend?

Community Answer

Yes, this would be okay most times. Just be sensible about what you're sending to them and realize that once it's out of your hands, that there's the possibility it may end up on social media. Also, remember OPSEC. Don't take pictures and videos of things and places you shouldn't be.

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Can I wear a plain ACU jacket that does not have any patches or insignias on it?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you are not claiming that you are military, you can wear a plain ACU jacket that has no patches or insignias.

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I have trained in NSCC (Navy Sea Cadet Corps). Am I allowed to wear this uniform in public?

Community Answer

No, if you are not an enlisted sailor, you are not permitted to wear your uniform unless specifically told to by an officer.

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Question

I am joining the National Guard this year? Would I be allowed to wear my uniform to school?

Community Answer

You should get permission from your guardian(s), sergeant, teacher and principal.

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Question

I am in AFJ ROTC, can I wear my uniform to weddings and funerals? These are formal events and I want to support my program, is this allowed?

Markus Kohl

Community Answer

Ask your commander or a leading senior, this is similar to wearing your uniform to school for picture day.

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Can I wear my Air Force uniform, honorably discharged, to my son's Officer Training School graduation if I normally have a full beard?

Community Answer

If you are part of the special forces that were authorized to have full beards in Iraq, then yes. That was the only time the order was given. However, if it is part of your religion to have facial hair that is normally considered unacceptable by the armed forces, but you have or had permission to keep your facial hair in that order, you may now. However, you must remember you are representing the United States military when in uniform - even if you are off-duty.

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Question

How do I gain favor with a judge by wearing a uniform?

Community Answer

It would be corruption if they sided with you just because you were wearing a uniform.

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Question

If I served as an officer and left honorably, can I continue to wear my dress uniform to formal occasions?

Community Answer

You can only wear the uniform again if you retired. Otherwise, you are no longer an officer.

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Question

What is the punishment for a former US military soldier wearing higher ranks than they earned?

Community Answer

Most likely will be charged with stolen valor, or face severe legal and/or UCMJ trouble.

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Can I, as a three-star General in the army, wear my uniform at a seminar for the air force?

Community Answer

Yes, as the article states, you are allowed to wear your uniform if you are retired from the armed forces.

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Question

Am I allowed to wear my utility uniform or dress blues when I want to at home?

Community Answer

There's no regulation against it... but why would you? Plus, if you go outside to take out the trash to get the mail, people will think you are very strange.

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Question

Can I go into shops in uniform?

Julian Mulroy

Community Answer

It depends on your country. In the United States and Canada, you can, but in most European countries, it is not permitted.

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Question

Why is it legal to wear military uniforms when I'm not serving?

Community Answer

This is considered stolen valor, which is illegal under the Stolen Valor Act of 2013.

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Can I use my father's army jacket in public if he is deceased?

Community Answer

It is best to avoid it, as other army veterans may take offense to that.

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Question

Can I wear a military uniform if I have a general or administrative discharge?

Community Answer

The instructions state, "You can only wear your uniform to functions for 3 months after discharge unless retired."

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Question

Can I wear the rank of a staff sergeant if I was nominated for promotion as an E-5 (P) before retirement?

Community Answer

Yes, you are able to wear that rank as long as you were nominated for it before you retired.

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Question

In military funeral, can someone who has never been in the military take part in the honor guard and wear a uniform with a military metal?

Community Answer

No, the person did not serve so has not earned it. Wearing a uniform with awards just for the sake of a ceremony is highly disrespectful and not allowed.

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Question

What are the guidelines for military school uniforms?

Community Answer

This depends on the school. Many schools classify themselves "Military Schools" but are actually just behavioral adjustment programs.

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Question

How do I discard a uniform?

Community Answer

You can simply discard by burning or tossing them out. You can donate them, but you're technically not supposed to and many places (Goodwill, etc.) won't take them.

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Can a person who was dishonorably discharged still wear his uniform?

Community Answer

No. If you were dishonorably discharged, you are not even permitted to have the uniform in your possession.

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Question

Can a non-military person wear a cap that has a WWII caption on it?

Community Answer

No, but you can wear clothing that supports members of the military or former veterans who have served in the military during the past. A civilian is not allowed to wear a cap saying 'WWII Veteran,' because that is disrespectful to the people who have died in combat. Never ever wear a military uniform or any military medals if you've never served in the military.

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Are retirees required to keep uniforms after retirement?

Community Answer

No. After you have been discharged (if honorably) the uniform is yours, and you can choose to do with it as you please.

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Can security forces wear their berets indoors if they are unarmed?

Community Answer

Security forces are actually allowed to wear their beret indoors if armed, but they must be performing an official duty, for example, security checks on a facility.

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Question

I've been out of the Marine Corps for 6 years now and I'm getting married. Can I get married in my dress blues?

Community Answer

As long as you were honorably discharged, you are permitted to wear your dress uniform for your wedding.

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Can I wear a Marine uniform if I've never served?

Community Answer

No, you cannot. You need to have served or be currently serving in order to wear the uniform.

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