"In general, the uniform may be worn for ceremonies or at official functions when the dignity of the occasion and good taste would dictate the propriety of the uniform. Whenever the uniform is worn, it must be done in such a manner as to reflect credit upon the individual and the service from which retired.
Appropriate occasions for wearing the uniform include memorial services, military weddings, military funerals, military balls, patriotic or military parades, and ceremonies in which military units are taking part, meetings or functions of associations where the membership is largely or entirely composed of honorable discharged or retired military personnel, and any other occasion where, in the judgment of the retired member, wearing of the uniform is appropriate. On these occasions the uniform may be worn while traveling to and from the ceremony, provided that such travel may be completed on the day of the ceremony.
- Wearing a uniform after retirement is a privilege granted in recognition of faithful service to country. Retirees should exercise this privilege whenever possible and in such a manner as to reflect credit upon themselves and uniformed services.
- Retirees who are advanced to a higher grade upon retirement may wear the insignia of such higher grade while participating in retirement ceremonies and thereafter.
- Retirees on active duty will wear the uniform and insignia prescribed for members on Active Duty for their corresponding grade and branch. Retirees not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on the date of their retirement or the uniform for members of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate. The two uniforms may not be mixed. The grade worn will be as shown on the retired grade of rank line on the retirement order.
- Retirees not on active duty are not authorized to wear the uniform when they are instructors or responsible for military discipline at an educational institution unless the educational institution is conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces.
Retiree Uniform Restrictions.
Wear of the member's uniform is prohibited for all retirees:
In connection with the promotion of any political or commercial interests or when engaged in off duty civilian employment. Reserve technicians who are also members of the Ready Reserve may wear their uniform at their option while on duty in their civil service status.
When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except as authorized by competent authority.
When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Uniformed Services.
When specifically prohibited by DoD Regulations.
If there is any doubt about wearing the uniform to a function, the commander of the nearest installation should be contacted. Retirees in a foreign country should contact the American Embassy, the American Consulate, or a U. S. military authority. The Retirement Services Officer can also provide information and assistance."