A word on the wearing of Service uniforms

Charles E. Snyder III / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: February 10, 2008

The Armed Services' commissioned officers of the United States have, for over two centuries, relied upon senior non-commissioned officers to implement the letter and intent of law and regulation with respect to uniform wear and the prohibition of uniform wear.

Senior non-commissioned officers are perceived by their respective commissioned officers as bulwarks of good order and discipline in the Services and among retirees.

As a retired career military officer, I have worked with and greatly respect Command Sergeants Major; and strongly support wear of the Service uniform in appropriate circumstances.

As a retired senior non-commissioned officer, CSM Jerry Beckett should be keenly aware of, if not the law, certainly the spirit of the regulation for the wear and prohibition of wear of Service uniforms by retirees and former Service members.

As a knowledgeable person and potential candidate for public office, he should demonstrate leadership by adhering to the law and regulation he purports to ascribe to in retirement.

In your Feb. 3 article on A4 titled "HPC candidates fired up," you presented a photograph of CSM Jerry Beckett, USA, (Retired), and other prospective council hopefuls, in which he is attired, indoors, in his military cover (beret) with insignia of his retired rank of Command Sergeant Major and in civilian clothing.

The authorizations and prohibitions for U.S. Army retirees' wear of their Service uniform are defined in law and regulation within 10 USC, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 45, Sections 771 and 772 and Army Regulation, AR 630-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.

U.S. Army retirees are prohibited, by law and regulation, from wearing partial or, in part, full uniform in public; by law and AR 630-1, 1-10, e, (1) and 1-10, k, (2): "The wear of a combination of civilian and military clothing is prohibited, unless prescribed in this regulation or other authorization documents approved by HQDA."

The "Wearing [of] Army uniforms is prohibited in the following situations: (1) In connection with the furtherance of any political or commercial interests, or when engaged in off-duty civilian employment. (2) When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except as authorized by competent authority and ... (5) When specifically prohibited by Army regulations."
U.S. Army retirees are: "authorized to wear the uniform … on the following occasions … (1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony. (2) Attending parades on national or state holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is taking part."

Candidates for public office should be considered, in part, upon their demonstrated adherence to the laws and regulations to which they ascribe.

Charles E. Snyder III is a Major, U.S. Army (Retired) who lives in Culpeper.