Wearing of uniforms (Canada)

[maple_leaf_eh]

The headlines seem to be intended to keep old timers from wearing their old RCN bell bottoms. Odd, because except for the rank stripes, the officers' salt-and-peppers are indistinct from a black business suit.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(bold is my emphasis)

Unlawful use of military uniforms or certificates
419. Every one who without lawful authority, the proof of which lies on him,

(a) wears a uniform of the Canadian Forces or any other naval, army or air force or a uniform that is so similar to the uniform of any of those forces that it is likely to be mistaken therefor,

(b) wears a distinctive mark relating to wounds received or service performed in war, or a military medal, ribbon, badge, chevron or any decoration or order that is awarded for war services, or any imitation thereof, or any mark or device or thing that is likely to be mistaken for any such mark, medal, ribbon, badge, chevron, decoration or order, (this doesn't make sense - guys can't wear their medals except on an active service uniform?)

(c) has in his possession a certificate of discharge, certificate of release, statement of service or identity card from the Canadian Forces or any other naval, army or air force that has not been issued to and does not belong to him, or

(d) has in his possession a commission or warrant or a certificate of discharge, certificate of release, statement of service or identity card, issued to an officer or a person in or who has been in the Canadian Forces or any other naval, army or air force, that contains any alteration that is not verified by the initials of the officer who issued it, or by the initials of an officer thereto lawfully authorized,

is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

R.S., c. C-34, s. 377.

[Scott Bentley]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

(b) wears a distinctive mark relating to wounds received or service performed in war, or a military medal, ribbon, badge, chevron or any decoration or order that is awarded for war services, or any imitation thereof, or any mark or device or thing that is likely to be mistaken for any such mark, medal, ribbon, badge, chevron, decoration or order, (this doesn't make sense - guys can't wear their medals except on an active service uniform?)

If you go to the Governor General/DH&Rs website, it explains how to wear decorations on a Business Suit etc. Technically, they are the final authority when it comes to medals, awarding them, and how/when they are worn. I think this citation is amplifying wearing medals etc that aren't technically yours.

http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14980

My Groomsmen and I will be wearing our miniatures on our Tuxes for my wedding next year.

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by Scott Bentley

If you go to the Governor General/DH&Rs website, it explains how to wear decorations on a Business Suit etc. Technically, they are the final authority when it comes to medals, awarding them, and how/when they are worn. I think this citation is amplifying wearing medals etc that aren't technically yours.

http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14980

My Groomsmen and I will be wearing our miniatures on our Tuxes for my wedding next year.

Hi Scott

Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. Wear your medals proudly.

That is an interesting site. I note that there are very specific guides as to how and when medals are worn. I know there are a lot of people out there that wear unauthorised medals they are not entitled too and should be exposed. There is a drive in Australia currently under way to weed out these "wannabees" who wear unauthorised medals which discredit those who served their country and are awarded medals. I found one paragraph in the Canadian Governor General/DH&Rs website very interesting.

Wearing of Insignia by Unauthorized Individuals
Only the legitimate recipient may wear the insignia of an order, decoration or medal. In addition, although the insignia of a deceased person may be retained by the family as part of its heritage or given to a recognized museum, no one can wear them in any manner or under any circumstances.

In Australian Next of Kin are allowed to wear awarded medals on their right breast instead of the left breast for veterans. They are also allowed to march on Anzac Day in their own group for Next of Kin. This group is increasing in large numbers annually. It does look strange when you see some young people loaded down with medals awarded to several members in their families, but they look so proud to display them to the world to show family members who are no longer with us.

Cheers

Tony

[maple_leaf_eh]

@Little Jo - we have a similar controversy every Remembrance Day about junior wearing Granddad's WWII medals. The rules are clear, but earnest amateur heraldry "experts" think they know better. The Royal Canadian Legion's dress regulations have a similar precedence list which includes how to wear their medal on the right side of the blazer.

[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.