What to Wear to Military Graduation?
Military graduations are a significant milestone in the lives of military personnel, and it’s essential to dress appropriately to show respect and pride. The dress code for a military graduation ceremony can vary depending on the branch of service, rank, and type of ceremony. In this article, we’ll provide guidance on what to wear to a military graduation ceremony.
General Guidelines
Before we dive into specific dress code requirements, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Dress modestly: Avoid revealing or tight clothing that may be considered inappropriate for a formal military ceremony.
- Be mindful of rank: If you’re attending a ceremony where there will be senior officers or dignitaries present, dress accordingly to show respect.
- Consider the weather: Make sure you’re prepared for the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
Dress Code Requirements by Branch
Each branch of the military has its own dress code requirements for graduation ceremonies. Here’s a breakdown of what to wear to a military graduation ceremony by branch:
Army
- Cadets: Male cadets should wear a Class A uniform (white shirt, tie, and Army dress trousers) with a black bow tie. Female cadets should wear a Class A uniform (white blouse, tie, and Army dress skirt) with a black bow tie.
- Commissioned Officers: Commissioned officers should wear a Class A uniform (white shirt, tie, and Army dress trousers) with a black bow tie.
Navy
- Midshipmen: Male midshipmen should wear a full dress blue uniform (white shirt, tie, and Navy dress trousers) with a gold stripe. Female midshipmen should wear a full dress blue uniform (white blouse, tie, and Navy dress skirt) with a gold stripe.
- Commissioned Officers: Commissioned officers should wear a full dress blue uniform (white shirt, tie, and Navy dress trousers) with a gold stripe.
Air Force
- Cadets: Male cadets should wear a dress uniform (white shirt, tie, and Air Force dress trousers) with a silver stripe. Female cadets should wear a dress uniform (white blouse, tie, and Air Force dress skirt) with a silver stripe.
- Commissioned Officers: Commissioned officers should wear a dress uniform (white shirt, tie, and Air Force dress trousers) with a silver stripe.
Marine Corps
- Midshipmen: Male midshipmen should wear a dress blue uniform (white shirt, tie, and Marine Corps dress trousers) with a gold stripe. Female midshipmen should wear a dress blue uniform (white blouse, tie, and Marine Corps dress skirt) with a gold stripe.
- Commissioned Officers: Commissioned officers should wear a dress blue uniform (white shirt, tie, and Marine Corps dress trousers) with a gold stripe.
Coast Guard
- Cadets: Male cadets should wear a full dress blue uniform (white shirt, tie, and Coast Guard dress trousers) with a gold stripe. Female cadets should wear a full dress blue uniform (white blouse, tie, and Coast Guard dress skirt) with a gold stripe.
- Commissioned Officers: Commissioned officers should wear a full dress blue uniform (white shirt, tie, and Coast Guard dress trousers) with a gold stripe.
Additional Tips
- Jewelry: Keep jewelry to a minimum, but a simple watch and wedding band are acceptable.
- Shoes: Wear dress shoes that are polished and in good condition.
- Hats: If you’re attending a ceremony where hats are required, make sure they’re properly worn and in good condition.
- Gloves: If you’re attending a ceremony where gloves are required, make sure they’re white and in good condition.
Table: Military Graduation Dress Code Requirements
| Branch | Cadets | Commissioned Officers |
|---|---|---|
| Army | Class A uniform | Class A uniform |
| Navy | Full dress blue uniform | Full dress blue uniform |
| Air Force | Dress uniform | Dress uniform |
| Marine Corps | Dress blue uniform | Dress blue uniform |
| Coast Guard | Full dress blue uniform | Full dress blue uniform |
Conclusion
Attending a military graduation ceremony is a significant honor, and it’s essential to dress appropriately to show respect and pride. By following the dress code requirements outlined above, you’ll be able to participate in the ceremony with dignity and respect. Remember to dress modestly, be mindful of rank, and consider the weather when choosing your outfit. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to attend a military graduation ceremony with confidence and style.
