How to Know Military Uniform Laws

Military uniform laws exist to preserve the dignity and respect of the armed forces. Both civilians and soldiers need to know how these laws apply to them, although in many cases offenses and violations aren't extreme enough to warrant prosecution.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Follow the general uniform laws that allow only members of the armed services to wear the uniform of their branch. The law also extends to items that are considered a clear part of the uniform, such as berets, medals and jackets.
2. Dress up in your entire uniform and any rank-designating decorations if you are a retired military personnel. This exemption also applies to non-active duty members who served during wartime.
3. Learn when civilians can don military dress. If you are enrolled in an armed forces training course, then you can wear the uniform that is given to you by that branch of the service as long as you present yourself within the regulations of that division. Also, know that if you are portraying a military officer in a play or movie, you must not wear the uniform in a way that disgraces the service or its soldiers.
4. Wear your uniform legally within 3 months of an honorable discharge from any branch of the services. Note that you are only allowed to dress in your official regalia while going from the place of your discharge to your civilian home. You cannot wear your uniform after that trip if you have been discharged.
5. Bring complaints of military uniform abuse to the attention of your district attorney. She will decide whether the offense is great enough to warrant legal action under federal laws. Expect the case to be ignored since the defense often argues that free speech covers criticism of the military and the uniform plays no role in discrediting the service.
6. Find out which military-dress items are allowed to be sold to civilians. These laws vary by service branch. For example, service medals, uniform buttons and insignias of the army can neither be purchased nor worn by the general public.

Tips & Warnings

• Rank titles are subject to most of the same guidelines as military uniforms, so if know you can honorably wear your uniform, then chances are you can use your form of address too.
• Some uniforms of military services, like those of Veteran's Affairs workers, are also protected under similar laws.
• Impersonating a military officer has far greater consequences than casually breaking the rules on a holiday like Halloween.