ribbons on civilian attire

[sgtjimh]

I heard that it is now authorized to wear ribbons on civilian clothing on Veterans Day. Is there any truth to this? Any info is greatly appreciated.

Semper Fi

[SSgt Ramsey]

I know the VA is promoting the wear of medal's on civilian clothing for Veteran's Day, but I have not heard or seen anything authorizing ribbon's on civilian wear.

I do know that mini-medal's are authorized on the lapel in certain "black-tie" affairs and also I believe the MC League is also authorized.

[SSgt Ramsey]

As an addendum, I do know that there are several companies that are now making 1/2 size miniature ribbons that I would think logically since they are not sanctioned for official wear could be worn with civilian attire at the wearer's discretion. The difference being the size and not approved for wear with uniform's is the key I would think.

[DocGreek]

SAM....I've seen lot's of Vet's wearing small ribbons on their cover's. Baseball style hats, with the little ribbons, have been around for a while. What do you think??...DOC

[wsky9er]

Also look up Marine Corps Order MCO P1020.34G W/CH 1-4
Look for Chapter 5, Paragraph 5203, Page 5-15
Title: Wear on Civilian Evening Clothes

a. Males. Miniature medals may be worn on the left lapel of the civilian
evening coat on ceremonial occasions, but only when strictly appropriate to
the occasion. On the full dress and tuxedo coats, miniatures will be worn
centered on the wearer's left lapel, placed horizontally and one inch below
the end of the collar gorge. The top edge of the holding bar will completely
cover the buttonhole. If current styles preclude wearing on the lapel,
miniatures will be placed in the same relative position as if there was a
lapel. Breast Insignia will be centered 1/8 inch above the medals.

[SSgt Ramsey]

Doc...I don't know how long they've been around to be honest, I've only recently found out about them myself....I never knew they made them.

I really like the ultra-thin ribbons they have now...the last few sets I had made at Camp Lejeune were the thin ones and really liked them.

[Zebra29er]

For the past 10 years , I think its been that long, at the Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion in Melbourne Fl. the vender's have been selling the mini ribbons and pins that look like a ribbon .

[Sgt Leprechaun]

That is correct, the VA, and other veterans organizations, have been pushing this idea for a number of years. Personally, I LIKE the mini medals instead of the ribbons, and I wear mine on both Memorial, and Veterans, day. I place them on the left side of a polo or collar shirt. The mini medals really stand out and look sharp. Well worth doing.

[usmcthetop]

Also look up Marine Corps Order MCO P1020.34G W/CH 1-4
Look for Chapter 5, Paragraph 5203, Page 5-15
Title: Wear on Civilian Evening Clothes

a. Males. Miniature medals may be worn on the left lapel of the civilian
evening coat on ceremonial occasions, but only when strictly appropriate to
the occasion. On the full dress and tuxedo coats, miniatures will be worn
centered on the wearer's left lapel, placed horizontally and one inch below
the end of the collar gorge. The top edge of the holding bar will completely
cover the buttonhole. If current styles preclude wearing on the lapel,
miniatures will be placed in the same relative position as if there was a
lapel. Breast Insignia will be centered 1/8 inch above the medals.

This covers "medals" at formal ceremonies/events which isn't exactly the same as just wearing ribbons on civilian clothing. Like was mentioned before many vets wear them on their caps ect..

[Petz]

yeah, grunt.com has pins for all your medals and ribbons ... you can wear those however you want... but "military issue" items are not authorized and you are governed by the MCOs that are out there when wearing them.

is there going to be an inspector? no... but you'll know you are nasty and in the wrong... just go with the pins (remember they make the medals too)

[wsky9er]

Originally Posted by wsky9er
Also look up Marine Corps Order MCO P1020.34G W/CH 1-4
Look for Chapter 5, Paragraph 5203, Page 5-15
Title: Wear on Civilian Evening Clothes

a. Males. Miniature medals may be worn on the left lapel of the civilian
evening coat on ceremonial occasions, but only when strictly appropriate to
the occasion. On the full dress and tuxedo coats, miniatures will be worn
centered on the wearer's left lapel, placed horizontally and one inch below
the end of the collar gorge. The top edge of the holding bar will completely
cover the buttonhole. If current styles preclude wearing on the lapel,
miniatures will be placed in the same relative position as if there was a
lapel. Breast Insignia will be centered 1/8 inch above the medals.

In reading the whole order, I interpeted it as meaning you can only wear regulation full size or mini medals on suit coats, blazers or tuxedos. You can't wear regulation ribbons on civilian attire unless you wear them in combination with medals on the right side of the jacket. I personally wear
the mini pin medals and ribbons on my hats and caps. But I guess as Veterans, we can pretty much do what we want.

[ggyoung]

If I remember right you can call Sgt. Grit, have a had made up with you ribbons on the left side as I remember. If the the guy is a combat vet and has his ribbons on his t-shirt I for one will not say a thing. He has earned that right.

[rossjdiver]

The current MCO P1020.34F states the following concerning civilian clothes.

5105. DECORATIONS, MEDALS, RIBBON BARS, AND LAPEL BUTTONS WORN ON CIVILIAN CLOTHING
1. Decorations, medals, appropriate ribbon bars, or lapel buttons may be worn on civilian clothes at the individual's discretion. Individuals should ensure that the occasion and the manner of wearing will not reflect discredit on the award.
2. Miniature medals may be worn with civilian evening dress (See paragraph 5203).
3. The Medal of Honor may be worn with civilian evening dress. It will be worn around the neck with the ribbon under the coat jacket and the medallion hanging one inch below the bow tie.
4. Miniature replicas of ribbons made in the form of enameled lapel buttons, or ribbons made in rosette form, may be worn on the left lapel of civilian clothes except civilian evening dress.
5. Honorable discharge, retirement, and FMCR buttons may be worn on the left lapel of civilian clothes except civilian evening dress. Those buttons manufactured with prong and clutch fasteners may be worn as tie tacs.

[sscjoe]

At this point in time, I wear what I rate when I want to. I'm not to concerned about MCO's

[MLMonk]

At this point in time, I wear what I rate when I want to. I'm not to concerned about MCO's

I don't think us new guys are really going to start **** with you about it anyway, lol.