Wearing of uniforms (Canada)

[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.

[Stan Leschert]

Originally Posted by 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.

Listen to the smart one.

When I left, everything had to be turned back in.

I now have 3 sets of Legion Uniforms, seasons .... (too much food)

Much prefer it this way.

[Jason Graveline]

Originally Posted by 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.

This (with Wiser's clap for effect).

Or you could join any one (or several) of many service organizations that have a uniform, most of which would welcome a new and enthusiastic member. The RCL, ANAVETS, RCAFA, etc. I've got great mileage out of my RCAFA uniform in the near 2 years that I've been out. And a black suit with a white tuxedo dress shirt, bow tie and miniature medals has done the trick for those rare formal events.

My 2 cents, FWIW.