Why don't we wear our medals?
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BobCav
Member
Here's the official DOD Instruction on "Wearing of the Uniform" and yes, it supercedes the UCMJ....
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/133401p.pdf
According to the DOD Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: (http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833m_0996/p134833m.pdf)
C2.4.4. Unlike military personnel and retirees, MOH recipients may wear their uniforms at any time or place they choose.
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/133401p.pdf
According to the DOD Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: (http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833m_0996/p134833m.pdf)
C2.4.4. Unlike military personnel and retirees, MOH recipients may wear their uniforms at any time or place they choose.
madmike
Member
I don't EVER want to earn that privilege.
VA27
Member
I think it's combination of the American serviceman's natural modesty and tradition. Before WWI, veterans of previous wars would wear their medals on national holidays and at veterans get togethers. After WWI the practice seemed to go out of style and just never came back in.
After the national media made villians out of the returning Vietnam servicemen, we put that part of our lives away and never spoke of it.
Many years ago, at a Vietnam veterans gathering, most of the folks (Yes, folks. We were honored with the presence of 5 former Army Nurses, who were absolutly the hit of the event!) wore their ribbon bars or medals.
I was having a conversation with one fella and the subject of his Silver Star came up. He told me that while occasionally someone might get an award that they didn't really deserve, a LOT of people who EARNED one never got one.
"But at the end of the day", he said as he reached out and touched my Vietnam Service ribbon, "that's the one that counts. That's the one that makes you my brother." He passed away a couple of years ago, gone too soon.
Since that conversation took place I wear the Vietnam Service ribbon on my cap when I'm off duty. People who don't know what it is never notice it, or if they do they don't know what it is. But my brothers do, and they'll come up and speak to me and we'll share a story or two and we'll both be better for having shared.
To my brothers, welcome home and thank you for your service.
After the national media made villians out of the returning Vietnam servicemen, we put that part of our lives away and never spoke of it.
Many years ago, at a Vietnam veterans gathering, most of the folks (Yes, folks. We were honored with the presence of 5 former Army Nurses, who were absolutly the hit of the event!) wore their ribbon bars or medals.
I was having a conversation with one fella and the subject of his Silver Star came up. He told me that while occasionally someone might get an award that they didn't really deserve, a LOT of people who EARNED one never got one.
"But at the end of the day", he said as he reached out and touched my Vietnam Service ribbon, "that's the one that counts. That's the one that makes you my brother." He passed away a couple of years ago, gone too soon.
Since that conversation took place I wear the Vietnam Service ribbon on my cap when I'm off duty. People who don't know what it is never notice it, or if they do they don't know what it is. But my brothers do, and they'll come up and speak to me and we'll share a story or two and we'll both be better for having shared.
To my brothers, welcome home and thank you for your service.
madmike
Member
Everyone who volunteered is my brother or sister.
I get majorly ticked at the leftie, "Why didn't XXX take advantage of his opportunity to see combat?" as if soldiers get a CHOICE.
"Okay, who wants to go fight a war? Anyone? Anyone?"
I get majorly ticked at the leftie, "Why didn't XXX take advantage of his opportunity to see combat?" as if soldiers get a CHOICE.
"Okay, who wants to go fight a war? Anyone? Anyone?"
Abby
Member
The only one it's ever occured to me to wear as a lapel pin would be my Iraq Campaign Medal - I chucked the medal set in the bottom of a duffel bag when we demobilized, though, and honestly have no idea where it is (or even if it came with one of the tiny ones for lapels).
It strikes me as a very tactful and tasteful way to say "I served." Then again, the occasions when I dress up to the degree of HAVING lapels are few and far between.
I think I'd feel a little uncomfortable wearing a personal award, though.
But I like the idea of veterans tastefully identifying themselves as such. I can't help but think it would be positive for our society to realize how many of us are out there.
It strikes me as a very tactful and tasteful way to say "I served." Then again, the occasions when I dress up to the degree of HAVING lapels are few and far between.
I think I'd feel a little uncomfortable wearing a personal award, though.
But I like the idea of veterans tastefully identifying themselves as such. I can't help but think it would be positive for our society to realize how many of us are out there.
madmike
Member
I can generally spot a vet without a tag.
Most of my friends that served in viet nam wont wear their ribbins but have them hanging on a wall with pictorial momentos,in their own home.Sometimes, they bring back way too many bad memories.
I was told by a VA rep that weekend warriors are not considered vets if they didnt see any active duty service.I can say there are many that would take offense to that statement as the honor was their own as well.
I was told by a VA rep that weekend warriors are not considered vets if they didnt see any active duty service.I can say there are many that would take offense to that statement as the honor was their own as well.
Over-due fines
Member
Along those lines..
Why doesn't Perky Katie and her ilk proclaim on the nightly news loud and proud when a service member WINS an award?They are sure quick enough to tell us when one of them has been charged by some left-wing fanatic of being to harsh with the enemies of this country.
Why doesn't Perky Katie and her ilk proclaim on the nightly news loud and proud when a service member WINS an award?They are sure quick enough to tell us when one of them has been charged by some left-wing fanatic of being to harsh with the enemies of this country.
madmike
Member
Why would I be surprised? And I can still spot them.
XavierBreath
Member
I've got a bit of geedunk in a frame in the den of my home, along with a couple of unit insignias and momentos. I also have a large topographical map from another time and place on the wall in my den. My wife found that, asked about it, and had it framed for me. I have them there for a couple of reasons. I want my children to know I am proud of my service. If a person is welcomed into my den, he is indeed a friend, and can ask about the geedunk and map if he wishes. I may still not discuss it, but he can ask.
I would feel very strange wearing my geedunk as a civilian. It is as though you are bragging about who you are and what you did. I don't want to do that. I knew too many young men who deserved the geedunk on my wall, but were for whatever reason, denied it. With it on the wall, in my den, I can explain that fact. With it on my chest out in public, I would not have that opportunity.
I would feel very strange wearing my geedunk as a civilian. It is as though you are bragging about who you are and what you did. I don't want to do that. I knew too many young men who deserved the geedunk on my wall, but were for whatever reason, denied it. With it on the wall, in my den, I can explain that fact. With it on my chest out in public, I would not have that opportunity.
Vern Humphrey
Member
I assure you that I, as a retired regular (an "actual retiree"), get COLA raises based on rank
In the Recomp Cases, the Supreme Court ruled that military retired pay is not a pension. It is "continued but reduced pay for continued but reduced services."
Retired Regulars are subject to recall until they die -- although present law sets age 65 as the upper limit. That law can be changed, of course.
madmike
Member
How long have you been retired? Things have changed.
Retired Reserve get ongoing increases on the base rate until age 60, and then get retired pay ("pension" colloquially) with adjustments on it, but NOT on the base rate. IOW, if you retire at $400/month you will get raises to say $405, $410. But retired reserve will get a base increase along with the active duty rate to $420, $440, THEN after age 60 will still get raises from there. There is a definite advantage to retired reserve, though I don't have the current numbers at home. (OT, if anyone does, I'd like to see them, though I can check next time I'm at the admin office.)
And as far as I'm aware, once you have finished your 8 year initial commitment, or full retirement, they have no more control over you. It would be unfair, not to mention I'm quite sure unconstitutional, to hold someone to regs longer after they volunteer for more service.
Retired pay has changed since 1985 from 50% highest to 50% highest 3 to 40% highest 3, but it certainly isn't "optional" on the government's end. It's contractual.
I'll check here, too, but to me, "retired entitled to pay" would mean military pay and not retired pay, and as there ARE two categories, that would be the reason to specify.
Obviously, if I have this all wrong, I do want to get my facts corrected.
madmike
Member
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ucmj.htm
The quoted section "subject to this chapter" only states that such personnel may be TRIED under the UCMJ.
IOW: retired reserve gets the PRIVILEGE of being tried by the military, in lieu of a civilian court, for offenses committed in a military venue.
Forex: Shoplift from the Exchange, get tried under UCMJ instead of Title 10, USC.
Article 15 by local commander and fined two months retired reserve pay would be better than a FEDERAL misdemeanor rap.
At least that's how I'm interpreting it.
The quoted section "subject to this chapter" only states that such personnel may be TRIED under the UCMJ.
IOW: retired reserve gets the PRIVILEGE of being tried by the military, in lieu of a civilian court, for offenses committed in a military venue.
Forex: Shoplift from the Exchange, get tried under UCMJ instead of Title 10, USC.
Article 15 by local commander and fined two months retired reserve pay would be better than a FEDERAL misdemeanor rap.
At least that's how I'm interpreting it.
EricTheBarbarian
Member
Im not a vietnam veteran and am no where near that old to have been so being only 21. I remember we had a sergeant major who had so many ribbons on that we joked he had to bring a private with him to wear the rest of his ribbons. Some people I have noticed dont wear their ribbons while some always do. I remember a few years ago there was a general who got in some big trouble for wearing ribbons he didnt earn. I dont have a big pile of stuff to wear but usually wear my jump wings. however, with the new uniforms not being sewn on and the wings being pin on sometimes I dont always put my wings on my uniform. When im in a hurry I dont have time to line up and pin on my wings so I go without them. it all depends on the person.
Vern Humphrey
Member
In the last month -- since my last MOPH meeting? Since the last issue of "The Officer?"
Regular retirees get standard COLAs -- I assure you.
"It would be unfair" isn't the law -- all regular retirees are subject to the UCMJ and to recall for life -- although Congress has limited recalls to those under 65.
Retired pay has changed, but not the regular retiree's subjection to the UCMJ or to recall.
Gunny45
Member
Thanks, TnRebel
I appreciate it... really.
I appreciate it... really.
XavierBreath
Member
Gents,
This thread was started with a question.
It has dissolved into a strange bickering fest over COLA, pay grades, pensions, and the UCMJ.
Let's get it back on topic. The questions posed are good ones, and the closing of this thread is imminent otherwise.
This thread was started with a question.
It has dissolved into a strange bickering fest over COLA, pay grades, pensions, and the UCMJ.
Let's get it back on topic. The questions posed are good ones, and the closing of this thread is imminent otherwise.
sixgunner455
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Because it feels weird to think about wearing them. Having some of them feels weird, unreal, representing a part of my life that is in the past but will never be over.
From one whose connection to the military is through family (father, uncle and grandfather), regardless of whether or not you wear your medals you are heroes to alot of us. My Grandfather was proud of his long career in the Marine Corps but he was always low key about his service. He's buried today with my Grandmother in the military cemetary at Ft. Rosecrans in San Diego. When he passed away three years ago the day before his 102nd birthday he was the oldest living (retired) Marine.
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DragonRider
Member
Not a vet, my dad is, but as a teacher, I would love to see more vets show their service. At the school I teach I think it would make an impact on the kids and help with the social issues certain aspects. You have served your country, I would like to see you continue to serve your country, even as a reminder.
Just my opinion, and thank you for your service. My daughter, currently 12 would like to try for West Point in a few years.
John
Note, I only read the first page of responses....
Just my opinion, and thank you for your service. My daughter, currently 12 would like to try for West Point in a few years.
John
Note, I only read the first page of responses....
AlaskaErik
Member
I've always associated ribbons and medals with the uniform in the US. In other countries it is normal for vets to wear their medals on civilian clothing. But today hardly anyone in the US would even know what they represent. Many vets wear a baseball cap or a lapel pin that other vets recognize. Others have a sticker on their bumber or window, like I do. Maybe I'll get a campaign pin for my lapel some day.
Duach Laidir
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The way it is 'Downunder' is that we wear personal medals on the left breast and those of deceased close family members on the right. One of the saddest things to see is a WW II or a Korea vet wearing his son's Viet medals on his right breast.
The only occassions to wear medals are ANZAC Day (our Remembrance Day) funerals of veterans and on military occassions, such as one's old unit's Parade Day, if present.
My old unit, 3rd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regement, parades the Colours and Battle Honours, including the United States Presidental Unit Citation, which was won alongside American units at the battle of Kapyong in Korea. Those who were in the battle wear the Citation as a personal decoration after they left the battalion.
Those currently serving with the Battalion wear it as part of their uniform, but it comes down as soon as they are off strength.
Miniatures are usually worn at Military Balls and at Scottish Balls and other formal occassions, as when wearing Scottish Dress veterans are considered to be in uniform.
Generally wearing of medals on these occassons is looked upon as being in honour of those who made the supreme sacrifice and not as a personal honour. No one except little old ladies and small children ever ask what they were for.
The only occassions to wear medals are ANZAC Day (our Remembrance Day) funerals of veterans and on military occassions, such as one's old unit's Parade Day, if present.
My old unit, 3rd Battalion of The Royal Australian Regement, parades the Colours and Battle Honours, including the United States Presidental Unit Citation, which was won alongside American units at the battle of Kapyong in Korea. Those who were in the battle wear the Citation as a personal decoration after they left the battalion.
Those currently serving with the Battalion wear it as part of their uniform, but it comes down as soon as they are off strength.
Miniatures are usually worn at Military Balls and at Scottish Balls and other formal occassions, as when wearing Scottish Dress veterans are considered to be in uniform.
Generally wearing of medals on these occassons is looked upon as being in honour of those who made the supreme sacrifice and not as a personal honour. No one except little old ladies and small children ever ask what they were for.
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