Elevate Your Uniform Etiquette.

The M:M Protocol and Etiquette Team (Ginger, Lynda and Michelle) received questions on uniforms from active duty, boots-on-the-ground spouses! 

We’ve done the research and happily provide updates and answers.

What is the proper way of wearing the cummerbund — pleats up or down? 

*Coming Soon in 2025/2026 — Pleats UP!!!

  A cummerbund is a broad-waist sash, usually pleated, which is worn with single-breasted dinner jackets or tuxedos and with the military Blue Mess/Dress Mess. 

The old saying goes “suit up, pleats up.” 

One shared tradition states that the cummerbund was adopted by the British army stationed in India long ago. 

Shedding their waistcoats in the summer, they mimicked the waist sash, a piece from the Indian officer uniform. 

Without the waistcoat they had no pockets and would use the pleats to hold tickets or such which would fall out if the pleats were turned down. Around the world, the cummerbund is often referred to as “crumb catchers” reminding you to turn the pleats up.

A discrepancy revealed in a recent review of regulations DA Pamphlet 670-1 regarding the wearing of the cummerbund prompted an update ensuring the cummerbund will be worn with pleats facing UP. 

*Update will be published soon.

Is the Army Service Uniform (ASU) definitely going away?

The Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) will eventually replace ASU. Mandatory AGSU wear-in date is 1 October 2027 and ASU wear-out date is 30 September 2027. The Dress Mess will remain an optional, formal and ceremonial uniform.

This shift allows soldiers to only need one uniform for every day and dress occasions. However, our P&E team has heard from many soldiers and spouses that they also are choosing to keep their ASUs and Dress Mess for formal military events. 

This provides them with a daily uniform (the OCP), an informal uniform (the AGSU), and an optional formal uniform (ASU or Dress Mess) to be prepared for any occasion. 

Can retired Soldiers wear their uniform for ceremonies?  

Yes, for certain ceremonies and special occasions. 

Wearing a uniform as a veteran is permitted for family events, like weddings, or those which are military centric including ceremonies and military funerals. 

Does the uniform have to have the “Retired” shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) patch on the uniform? 

Retired personnel are authorized to wear the SSI for U.S. Army retirees on the left shoulder of the AGSU.  (Reference: DA PAM 670-1, pg. 335)

The insignia is a yellow cloth disc with a black border bearing the Army logo surrounded with the words “Retired” and “Soldier For Life”. 

The Retired Service Identification Badge (RSIB) and other miniature ribbons and medals may be worn by retirees on the left lapel of civilian casual, business suits, or tuxedos when attending veterans’ functions, memorial events, formal occasions of ceremony and social functions of a military nature.

Are uniform hats worn at formal events?

Not for formal social events. 

Hats are worn outdoors but removed when inside unless a ceremony is conducted as an “outdoor ceremony”. 

Hats are worn at any time when “under arms” (carrying a weapon). 

Hats are NOT worn with a uniform for formal occasions or social events after 6:00 PM. 

Are boutonnieres or corsages worn?

Not on a uniform. 

A lovely, vintage adornment for men and women, boutonnieres (single flower for men) and corsages (an arrangement of 2-3 flowers for women) are reappearing at many military and civilian formal events.

Their delicate petals and various colored ribbons can be a beautiful addition to your formal wear, but should never be worn on a uniform.

Is there a regulation on proper attire for spouses?

No, there is no written regulation for spouses. 

It is important for all guests to adhere to the “attire” listed at the bottom right hand corner of any invitation. 

For formal occasions, be discreet and remember to choose a gown that provides enough coverage. 

When can a uniform jacket be removed?

Do NOT remove any part of the uniform.

Only after the most senior officer in the room removes his or her jacket should a service member remove their jacket. 

At no time should any other part of the uniform be removed while at an event. 

*Keep sending us your questions, and we will keep doing the research so you can continue to be informed for all of your military adventures!