Wearing the uniform by retirees is authorized by Title 10, U.S. Code Section 772, and governed by a DoD directive and military service regulations.

Generally, military retirees may wear their uniform at official functions when the dignity of the occasion and good taste dictate. Wearing the uniform is appropriate for memorial services, weddings, funerals, balls, patriotic or military parades, ceremonies in which any active or reserve United States military unit is participating and functions of military associations.

Retirees may wear either the uniform prescribed at the time of their retirement or of those on active duty, but the two may not be intermixed.  Restrictions on retirees wearing the uniform vary with each service.  Refer to the respective service regulation for guidance. In general, retirees are prohibited from wearing their military uniform in connection with personal enterprises, business activities, or while attending or participating in a demonstration, assembly or activity for the purpose of furthering personal or partisan views on political, social, economic, or religious issues. In addition, retirees residing in or visiting a foreign country may not wear their their military uniform except when attending, by formal invitation, ceremonies or social functions at which wearing of the uniform is required by the terms or the invitation, or by the regulations or customs of the country.

For additional information concerning military uniforms, please refer to the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard service.

The foregoing guidance also refers to Military Rank Insignia and Military Awards and Decorations.