Rules for Military Formal Wear

The uniform varies depending on the branch of the military and rank.

In the United States military, most branches have a service uniform for general day-to-day duties and a formal uniform for ceremonial occasions, formal social occasions and formal mess functions. This formal wear has developed throughout the history of the U.S. military and is mostly based on the formal wear of the British military. Formal wear is meant to impart gravitas, inspire respect, look impressive and contribute to morale and the overall military discipline of a unit. It is elaborate and multilayered and has many rules and regulations regarding its usage

Occasions

The occasions on which formal wear is required in the United States military vary from service to service. Generally speaking, however, if it is a formal occasion formal wear will be expected. These occasions include the weekly "dining in" mess ceremony that are a feature for officers. Medal presentations, visits by dignitaries, formal remembrance occasions, military funerals and military balls and cocktail evenings are other occasions where formal military wear is required.

Standards

Extremely high standards of personal grooming and cleanliness are expected when wearing military formal wear. The condition and presentation of the formal wear itself is expected to be of a very high standard as well. The uniform must be kept in first-class condition and be immaculately cleaned and pressed with no wrinkles, misplaced creases or any stains or visible markings. Footwear should be highly polished, as should all medals and insignia.

Styles

There are often multiple styles of formal wear depending on the formality or gravity of a ceremony or occasion. For officers in particular they may have several proscribed sets of formal wear ranging from formal dress "A" uniforms, to less formal uniforms for more casual affairs ("casual" in the military almost always still means "formal" in the civilian sense). For very high-ranking officers at very senior or formal occasions such as a state funeral full ceremonial dress and regalia may be required.

Medals

There are strict rules governing the occasions medals can be worn, where and how they are worn and on what uniforms. All medals are worn on the member's left chest area and are worn in order of preference. The highest ranking medals to lowest ranking medals are worn from top to bottom with the highest ranking worn on the left in the top row. The wearing of medals is authorized on most branches' formal wear and at ceremonial duties or occasions. They may also be worn to formal mess occasions, induction ceremonies, military balls and some civilian ceremonies.

References

• Military Plain Facts: Uniforms
• Army Regulation 670-1: Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia (Chap 22)
• Black Tie Guide: Military Formal Attire -- Black Tie Guide