Remembrance Day Headdress

[Vimy01]

Hi All,

I have a few friends who are retired from the CF.  They are wondering if it would be appropriate for them to wear there beret's on remembrance day with a suit. I can't imagine anyone would object to them doing so. However, part of me thinks there might be a certain reg against this. I'd appreciate anyones insight into this matter.

Take care.

 

[PuckChaser]

Best answer is "it depends". http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/faq/index-eng.asp?cat=dress&FaqID=124

 

[Vimy01]

Thanks for the reference!
Perhaps I'll ask my 2IC tomorrow what he thinks is best. What would be your recommendation?
I don't even know how they expect retired members to get branch approval. Do they expect them to staff a memo to the CDS  :.

 

[PuckChaser]

Usually through branch associations. Most likely don't bother, and unless they're disrespecting the cap badge, people won't care either. You can't wear it in the Legion for beers anyways.[emoji14]

2iC seems like a good bet, although it's likely a RSM question.

 

[Towards_the_gap]

Dollars to donuts the RSM will say 'What the f**k are you asking me for? They can wear a soup can on their head if they bloody well want to'

 

[cavalryman]

Dollars to donuts the RSM will say 'What the f**k are you asking me for? They can wear a soup can on their head if they bloody well want to'

Great.  Thanks.  Now we have to find out what the regimental soup is  :

 

[RocketRichard]

On Remembrance Day It's almost common practice now for those who served to wear their head dress (most often berets) from their service. I've spoken to RSM's and one general and they stated they are good with it. Haven't seen any regs on it though.

 

[kratz]

Reference: RCN 026/13 NAVGEN 022/13

The only service to officially restrict current uniform items is the RCN.
IAW ref, All requests are to be sent to DGNP and approval is the exception, not the rule.

 

[Good2Golf]

The 'salty' part of Salt n Peppers would look pretty odd with a suit, I must say. :nod:

I have seen RCAF and CA Retirees wear their service berets, and/or U.N./MFO berets as well. 

 

[Haggis]

Reference: RCN 026/13 NAVGEN 022/13

The only service to officially restrict current uniform items is the RCN.
IAW ref, All requests are to be sent to DGNP and approval is the exception, not the rule.

Not entirely true.  The CF Dress Instruction Chapter 2 para 43 states:  "A former CF member
released from the Regular or Reserve Force, other than by reasons of misconduct, may seek
permission to wear uniform on specific occasions as specified in QR&O 17.06."

Further, QR&O 17.06(3) states: "A former member of the Regular Force or Reserve Force, who was released for a reason other than misconduct may wear uniform:

a. with the permission of an officer commanding a command or his designated authority and such other officers as may be designated by the Chief of the Defence Staff, when attending a military entertainment or ceremony at which the wearing of uniform is appropriate; and

b. on other occasions with the permission of the Chief of the Defence Staff."

 

[Towards_the_gap]

Of course, that is the book answer.

However, that being said, what is to stop said former member from donning his former headdress? What exact law would we be breaking, moreover who would enforce said QR&O?

I'll quantify this by saying I have absolutely no intention of digging out musty uniform bits and slapping them on for Remembrance Day, maybe it's just me but it smacks of 'look-at-me-itis'. Heck I'm pretty sure I won't even wear medals that day.

But I hate to think I need to write some grovelling letter to a staff nerd in Ottawa asking permission to wear something I purchased during my service.

 

[jollyjacktar]

Really, what are they going to do.  Cut your hair and send you to the field?  As long as you're not trying to pass yourself off ala Sgt "Not" from last year, I don't think anyone will make a fuss.

 

[Towards_the_gap]

My point exactly. Why not amend the QR&O to delete that para, if it's not being observed anyways.

 

[PuckChaser]

There's a lot of orders that need amending. I have a feeling that's significantly far down the list.

 

[Towards_the_gap]

Good point. I might, for devilments sake, write said letter (2 pages at least) with annexes and appendixes and references, and address it to the nearest officer commanding a command, just to see how long, and what response, I actually get, to 'Sgt (Ret'd) TTG Request For Permission To Wear Musty Old Beret Found in Ammo Box in Basement'.

 

[PuckChaser]

I agree with you, and it should be a blanket amendment for Remembrance Day, and UN Day (if issued UN Blue beret). Very easy to do, but so far down the list. Dress Instructions still haven't caught up with pocket badges that were worn for ~10 years in Afghanistan, and now are able to be worn on the new uniform.

 

[Tibbson]

I just pulled up a short 2014 National Remembrance Day video on YouTube and it's clear, to me at least, that retired members wearing their headdress along with their medals is certainly allowed.  A large number of vets paraded and I clearly saw the full range of headdress and badges, both historic and modern.  Everyone applauded and the GG and other dignitaries certainly didn't seem to mind when the vets marched by.  No RSM was waiting at the end of the parade to give them a blast and no Mounties were there to hand out appearance notices for violations of CC Sec 419.  Even if they were, I can't see ANY court convicting a vet for wearing his/her old headdress on Remembrance Day.

 

[Happy Guy]

As far as I could remember I have seen WWI, WWII and Korean war veterans wear their regimental head dress and medals with their civilian clothes on Remembrance Day.  I've seen the modern veterans do the same and I shall do the same when I retire and attend the ceremony.
I always thought of it as an acceptable practice.

 

[Pieman]

Upon my release I was told I was allowed to wear any part of my CF DEU uniform. I'm sure you have all seen photos of vets wearing parts of the their uniform in parades etc. 

Once you are out, you are out and a civilian. You don't need permission from anyone as far as I'm concerned. I could walk around with my beret on all the time if I so pleased, with my DEU jacket tied around my shoulders like one of those yuppie tennis sweaters from the 80's. Most people simply don't because it's just not the norm and those who served are all instilled with a sense of respect for the uniform.

I take my beret to remembrance ceremonies and will put it on my head for the minute of silence. I wear my medals on my suit jacket, and carry my beret in my hand the rest of the time. I don't feel right wearing it at any other time...especially since my hair is now *way* longer than regulation, ha.

 

[mariomike]

Upon my release I was told I was allowed to wear any part of my CF DEU uniform. I'm sure you have all seen photos of vets wearing parts of the their uniform in parades etc. 

Once you are out, you are out and a civilian. You don't need permission from anyone as far as I'm concerned. I could walk around with my beret on all the time if I so pleased, with my DEU jacket tied around my shoulders like one of those yuppie tennis sweaters from the 80's. Most people simply don't because it's just not the norm and those who served are all instilled with a sense of respect for the uniform.

Some discussion of that here,

Wearing Uniforms Post-Release/Retirement (merged)
https://army.ca/forums/threads/87160.0
8 pages.