Regulations on former Marines wearing Dress Blues ?????

[Loadmaster]

I read some were that I can wear them for special occasion's, then I read I had to serve during a time of war is this right?

[Rocky C]

1. Square away your profile.
2. There are no former Marines.
3. Wherever you read that about serving during a time of war is wrong.

[SGT7477]

Honorable discharge, wear it within regulations,Semper Fidelis.

[Loadmaster]

This Quote Comes from The Permanent Marine Corps Uniform Board (PMCUB) concerning the wearing of the Dress Blue uniform. Does this board truly exist? The URL is below.

http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sit...20Uniforms.asp

As a former Marine there are some restrictions:

Ø You must have served during a time of war (i.e. earned the National Defense Medal during your time in service) and received an honorable discharge to wear the uniform.

Ø Events you are restricted to wearing it to:

§ Military funerals, memorial services, weddings, and inaugurals.

§ Parades on national or state holidays; or other parades or ceremonies of a patriotic character in which any active or reserve United States military unit are taking part. ‘Wearing of the uniform or any part thereof at any other time or for any purpose is prohibited.’


Can somebody shed some light on this for me please.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

What do you need to know? The regulation is pretty straightforward.....

[Loadmaster]

So what your saying is because I happened to serve in a time of peace I dont rate to wear my blues? Because I didnt kill someone or see someone get killed im less of a Marine?

[thewookie]

So what your saying is because I happened to serve in a time of peace I dont rate to wear my blues? Because I didnt kill someone or see someone get killed im less of a Marine?

Who said that? Looks like you are the only one that said that.

I don't understand the point of this. You asked a question, people answered you, and then you post regs in difference to that.

This question has been covered MANY times here.

Closed unless somebody has something new to add.

Good luck, Leatheneck.


ETA --> http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/sh...th-dress-blues

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/ar...p/t-76735.html

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/ar...p/t-84282.html

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/ar...p/t-92668.html

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Since the response was directed at me, I'll add one more thing:

It's not about 'getting killed or vice versa'. Quit freakin whining. WE didn't WRITE the MCO. You asked, and were given the response.

'Time of war' means just that. It doesn't say you had to even BE overseas. Or in what BRANCH. We are the ONLY service that allows 'formers' to even contemplate wearing dress blues.

Finally I can't help but wonder just who it is you are trying to impress. No one is going to cite regs chapter and verse at your funeral if you want to be buried in them, but certainly someone may wonder why you are wearing them to your 30th high school reunion dance if you did a 3 year hitch back in 84-87....(As in...geeez, trying to re-live the glory days??). As for wearing them to a son/daughters graduation from Recruit training, I always counsel against that, even for retirees. It's THEIR day, NOT yours. Wearing your blues only draws attention to YOU, unless you are on active duty etc. You'll be asked to stand and be recognized, as you should be.

Sorry for the rant but stuff like this tends to hit a hotbutton with me. And I rate to wear mine as both a 'time of war' AND as a retiree, and have done so exactly ONCE because I was required to do so as part of a ceremony. They were just as uncomfortable as I recall LOL.

Instead, put on a nice suit with a suitable lapel pin. Understated is sometimes best.