Wearing of uniforms (Canada)

[Wayne McGee]

The instruction, called a NAVGEN was written by an Admiral on one of his last days of work before he steps down. It sounds like a retired naval officer, in Naval Mess Kit, probably attending the admirals' retirement dinner, acted in a manner unbecoming (imagine that)
It doesn't appear that the admiral thought this one thru and fur is still flying.
The rules concerning the wearing of uniforms by those who are not in the military are directed towards those who are trying to commit some kind of fraud by doing so.
As far as former serving members attending a Mess Dinner, wearing Mess Kit which was purchased out of their own pocket.....what's the issue.

Cheers

[charlie fitton]

Originally Posted by Wayne McGee

The instruction, called a NAVGEN was written by an Admiral on one of his last days of .....what's the issue.

Cheers

Wayne:
Thanks for the background, and ".50 cal ammo can" made me bark with laughter...

as for the rest of you - I'll take this to silly extremes...Does this mean that the Fort Henry Guard will now have to dress differently?

f

[Jon Skagfeld]

Just chiming in here...I wore my DEU whilst I attended Nov 11 ceremonies while still serving.

After my CRA release, 2005, I continued to do so as recently as last year and intend to carry on.

If I was allowed to keep my uniform, why can't I wear it on auspicious occasions?

Should someone question me, I can produce my NDI 75.

[universalgrl]

I was considering painting my MK I carrier pink Maybe not HOT pink but there is nothing wrong with the desert camo schemes like the SAS pink jeeps.
Just to be different from everybody else and their 34087 olive drab lusterless whatever's.

If you can't take a joke I know where you can pick up a very nice bridge over a lovely swamp. Cheap.

[servicepub (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Jon Skagfeld

Just chiming in here...I wore my DEU whilst I attended Nov 11 ceremonies while still serving.

After my CRA release, 2005, I continued to do so as recently as last year and intend to carry on.

If I was allowed to keep my uniform, why can't I wear it on auspicious occasions?

Should someone question me, I can produce my NDI 75.

The practice of wearing current CF uniform after retirement is not allowed and you could incur the wrath of Civvie/Military police. Whether a judge would throw away the key is fully dependant on 'intent'.
Although Mess Dress is privately purchased, it is still an order of dress of the CF and permission must be sought to wear it in retirement from DHH.
The initial stink was caused by an unknown person attending the dinner wearing a uniform of a Captain, RCN. This idividual had no ribbons and was ubnknown to any of the other guests. When asked to identify himself he admitted that he was an 'admirer' of the Navy and dressed the part in honour of the RCN. The memo that followed was to address that particular transgression but it also caught up a couple of retired Navy types in Mess Dress who had not obtained DHH approval.
Personally, I wore a uniform when I was paid to. I would not wear one today as I would not wish to be mistaken for a serving soldier. This is in respect to those that are in service and all of the risks inherent to that duty.
DUCIMUS
Clive

[rob love]

Well stated Clive.....100% agreement with all you have said.

The fellow in the RCN Navy outfit had a neat idea.......banquet crashing. I would hate to pass out at a Navy gathering though. You know the old joke: How does the Navy separate the men from the boys? With a crowbar.

[RHClarke]

Originally Posted by rob love

... You know the old joke: How does the Navy separate the men from the boys? With a crowbar.

No longer done in the Navy (so sayth an old tar whom I chat with from time to time when bored senseless). They now use hot water.

Back to reality - yes, permission is required by former members to wear mess dress at functions including weddings and mess dinners. My naval acquaintance recently went through this process, which turned out to be a fairly easy "evolution".

Personally, since I no longer fit my mess dress (no, not a real dress), I won't wear it. Instead, I wear a dinner jacket (and pants - for those who would find it necessary to take the time to ask) and black tie.

It would be fun to see a Military Policeman running in a retired senior officer for wearing his mess togs without authorization...

[servicepub (RIP)]

Originally Posted by RHClarke

It would be fun to see a Military Policeman running in a retired senior officer for wearing his mess togs without authorization...

There are times when judgement is called upon. I remember being a Junior officer in Petawawa and cramming on my Military Law course with a colleague. In the Mess were two generals, one the Base CO, the other visiting. Over a period of time their discussion became quite heated and I pointed out to my friend the section in my book that said that 'any officers involved in a fray, quarrel, or disorder...' could be placed under arrest by any other officer. He declined.

[Ed Storey]

For those who continue to wear their CF/DEU Uniform to military events long after retirement or those who are considering to continue this practice. Stop, take a good look at what Clive wrote, go and hang your old uniform in the closest and let it shrink with the other clothing. Now head out and purchase a nice blazer and flannels. On this legal civilian attire you can festoon it with all of bling acquired from a rewarding military career and wear it with honour to any military event.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by servicepub

....
The initial stink was caused by an unknown person attending the dinner wearing a uniform of a Captain, RCN. This idividual had no ribbons and was ubnknown to any of the other guests. When asked to identify himself he admitted that he was an 'admirer' of the Navy and dressed the part in honour of the RCN. The memo that followed was to address that particular transgression but it also caught up a couple of retired Navy types in Mess Dress who had not obtained DHH approval.
....

So if the problem is one fashion-statement, why the H3LL is the rest of the country suffering? Sounds like a very cowardly way of administering discipline. The bum should have been frog marched out to the street on the balls of his feet.

[Ed Storey]

Terry, take a look at some of the other comments and you will see why these types of situations happen. He was probably 'just having fun'....

[motto]

Things can get a little confusing for a civvy like myself.
The first time I went to Normandy I was mightily impressed with the number of people, re-enactors, vehicle crew etc that were wearing uniforms. This was not done in Australia.
Our ferry load of HMVs from Portsmouth pulled up on the side of the road just out of Cherbourg and I took one of those trick dog leads for a walk that has a wire down it and looks like you're walking an invisible dog.
I worked my way along the vehicles, on occasions making it look like the dog was peeing on wheels to get a reaction from onlookers.
At the head of the convoy was a group of fellows dressed as MPs. One was a plump jolly fellow who played along pretending to make the dog beg. Standing nearby was a haughty looking type dressed as an officer with beautifully polished, calf length boots. I walked over and without even thinking about it made it look as though the dog was peeing on his boot. I will never forget the withering look he gave me. I thought 'that blokes got no sense of humour at all!' and went on my way.
It was some time later that I realised the group at the head of the convoy were not re-enactors but French regular army.
Oh well, I'd done my bit for Anglo French relations. They had no way of knowing I was an Aussie.

David

[Lynn Eades]

David,While talking about French officers; There is a story about British army officers wearing red coats, so that when an officer was wounded, the troops couldn't see the blood, and followed confidently. The story goes on to tell about why French officers wear brown trousers....