Wearing uniform outside of ROTC events

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BreakerBreaker

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Would it be acceptable for a current AFROTC cadet to wear his uniform to his brother's graduation from Air Force basic training? Or are ROTC cadets only allowed to wear their uniforms at ROTC events?
 
DD, upon commissioning from USNA, wanted to receive her first salute from DS, an ROTC cadet. DS asked his battalion leadership if he’d be allowed to wear his ASU for her graduation. They said, for this very special event, yes.

Seeing DS and DD salute each other — he in his Army blues, she in her Marine blues — was priceless. It’s an image we’ll cherish forever.
 
justdoit19 said:
I would want to focus on the achievements of my graduating son.
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For sure! The intent would be to show honor & camaraderie, not to take anything away. I know the younger son would love it that his brother showed up to welcome him into the military. I'm just not sure if the older son can wear his uniform outside of ROTC prior to commissioning.

But also, I am not military, so don't know what things are viewed as tacky or overreach.
 
BreakerBreaker said:
For sure! The intent would be to show honor & camaraderie, not to take anything away. I know the younger son would love it that his brother showed up to welcome him into the military. I'm just not sure if the older son can wear his uniform outside of ROTC prior to commissioning.

But also, I am not military, so don't know what things are viewed as tacky or overreach.
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Ya and I’m speaking from a parent standpoint, where sometimes the achievements of one child seem/feel overlooked by the achievements of their siblings. In our family, having two at a SA, and two not…it’s for sure an effort to make sure all the accolades that come with the SA, don’t overshadow the achievements of the two who are not.

Good point, that the one graduating from basic would feel honored. It’s a personal choice, and one that’s probably different for everyone! It’ll make for some great pics. And ‘feel’ moments.

When ours graduated from basic, it was right for them to not have his brothers in uniform. Likewise, our enlisted wasn’t interested in attending our ensigns commissioning in his uniform. It’s a personal choice.

Congrats to both of your guys!!
 
BreakerBreaker said:
Would it be acceptable for a current AFROTC cadet to wear his uniform to his brother's graduation from Air Force basic training? Or are ROTC cadets only allowed to wear their uniforms at ROTC events?
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Being clear: I don't know if AFROTC functions differently from Navy. For Navy, Midshipman is a rank. The uniforms are official. The students wear them on operating ships during summer cruises. Granted, they're more unique and less well known, often leading to a little confusion with the ship's crew, but official none-the-less. Thus, in a comparable situation I'd say yes, it is acceptable. Wear the uniform appropriate for the formality of the ceremony, observe all customs and courtesies, and represent the USAF and DoD with honor.

On the scale of acceptable things for a AFROTC cadet to do in uniform, this is certainly on the high end. :)
 
BreakerBreaker said:
Would it be acceptable for a current AFROTC cadet to wear his uniform to his brother's graduation from Air Force basic training? Or are ROTC cadets only allowed to wear their uniforms at ROTC events?
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This is a question that he should ask of his command, not you asking strangers in an on line forum giving their opinions.

Have you asked him whether he wants to wear his ROTC uniform? You may not like his answer.
 
I'm sure there will be plenty of new Airmen and Guardians who are probably going to have a field day trying to figure out if they have to salute a cadet or not.

In my personal opinion, as long as the chain of command is cool with it, I think it is fine to wear a uniform to basic graduation. A general rule of thumb is if the event is military related or one is there due to their official duties (like a base CO being invited to a city event), then it is fine to be in uniform. If the event is a civilian event and you are being invited simply as a person (not a servicemember), then wear appropriate civilian attire. A good example is a civilian wedding. Uniforms will stand out when everyone else is in a tux/dress. You're there to celebrate the couple, not your service to the Nation (a noble thing... but not the time or place to do it).
 
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Yes; would be acceptable. Happens all the time with NROTC MIDN going to military graduations.
 
Check if a uniform is prescribed for attendees. For example, USNA graduations are summer white or service equivalent.

If a uniform is prescribed for attendees, it applies to all personnel in uniform regardless of service. Don't want to catch flak from a nearby NCO. They will not be afraid to correct a cadet (or officer, for that matter).
 
My DS, a 2/C NROTC MIDN, is attending the funeral for family friend O-5 at a National Military Cemetery. He has not heard from his advisor on this question: Is it appropriate for him to wear his uniform to this? If so, summer whites?
 
Depends on the dress for the event, in this case as determined by the family. I would ask. Here's a couple of tables for reference.

https://www.usna.edu/UniformRegs/Chapter4-CivilianClothing/standards-dress.php

Unsatisfying answer, but it is not always cut and dry--and in many situations it's better to follow preference than hard and fast uniform regulations when the event is deeply personal (i.e. wearing the less flashy service dress white or service dress blue instead of full dress white to a wedding). There's always the option of wearing civilian attire as well.
 
sc5 said:
My DS, a 2/C NROTC MIDN, is attending the funeral for family friend O-5 at a National Military Cemetery. He has not heard from his advisor on this question: Is it appropriate for him to wear his uniform to this? If so, summer whites?
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Service Dress Blue would seem the most appropriate at Arlington; it is the Navy equivalent to a civilian suit and tie. You can wear SDBs any time of year.

"May be prescribed for wear year-round to all official functions when Formal Dress, Dinner Dress or Full Dress Uniforms are not prescribed and civilian equivalent dress is coat and tie."

 
MidCakePa said:
DD, upon commissioning from USNA, wanted to receive her first salute from DS, an ROTC cadet. DS asked his battalion leadership if he’d be allowed to wear his ASU for her graduation. They said, for this very special event, yes.

Seeing DS and DD salute each other — he in his Army blues, she in her Marine blues — was priceless. It’s an image we’ll cherish forever.
Click to expand...

We did the same (both DS, though) when our oldest graduated from USNA in 2019.
 
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