duties. See Section 3 on Wear and placement of Authorized Insignia, Accouterments, Decorations, Service medals, and Badges. Pants: The Post uses any commercial, off the shelf, pant that is black in color for all Military Honors/Color Guard events. A Docker or dress pant style is preferred but others styles (i.e. cargo) of black pants can be worn.
American Legion Post 873 Uniform Instructions Sections 1- Articles of Clothing for the Uniforms 2- Designated Uniforms 3- Wear and placement of Authorized Insignia, Accouterments, Decorations, Service medals, and Badges Military Honors / Color Guard activities referenced in this instructions include the following: providing Military Honors/Rifle Salute grave side for an authorized veteran; marching colors during a parade; presenting the colors for an event either indoors or outdoors; acting as a guard for a Post member during their visitations or funeral or while posted to open doors for the aforementioned. Military Honors / Color Guard uniform items like the military bib scarf, gold underarm loop cord, black parka, and trooper cap should not be worn unless performing these duties. This includes the participation in transferring a Post member to Post-Everlasting unless it is done in conjunction with performing Military Honors/Rifle Salute. The Post-Everlasting ceremony is the Post's way of saying good-bye to a Post Member and to let the family that they will be missed. All Post Members should be allowed to participate in the ceremony, whether or not they have any addition uniform items beyond the American Legion Cap. Section 1- Articles of Clothing for the Uniforms The official uniform of the American Legion is the American Legion Cap. Resolution Number 46, passed by the National Executive Committee, "A Legionnaire is considered to be in uniform if wearing and official American Legion Cap." The American Legion Cap: The post uses the following as the standard for the cap- -Style: City, with "NEWFANE, NY" embroidered under the Legion seal on the left side Lined, Regular Crown for Men (Fort Knox style can be worn if preferred), Women members have the additional option of the women's style cap. -NY State emblem on the front, which is required by the Department of New York -The Post number, "873" embroidered on the front right. -Additional embroidered lettering is restricted to authorized officer titles (i.e. Commander, Past Commander, etc.) and "MILITARY HONORS" for members of the Honors Squad. The following is the Legion's Flag and Emblem website's Uniform Cap Etiquette: "The left side (emblem side) of the cap is reserved only for the Legion emblem, city, county, district, or state lettering. ***No additional items or pins are authorized on the left side*** If desired, the following items may be placed on the right side of the cap: Additional lettering, restricted to either the name of a Post or to an officer title, such as Past Commander Cap insignias or badges for past or present officers Consecutive membership insignia, membership stars, and/or authorized Legion or military service decorations Names or nicknames of individual members cannot be used on caps. The Legion uniform cap should be worn by its members only when in attendance at official Legion meetings or ceremonies or as official guests at patriotic or other civil functions or by individuals when officially representing The American Legion on public occasions. A member is considered to be in uniform if wearing an official Legion uniform cap. Therefore it is not proper to wear the cap while eating a meal at an official Legion or civic luncheon or dinner. The cap should be worn in a place of worship only by the Guard of Honor, Color Guard, and pews, the cap should be removed. Legion posts marching in formation into a place of worship should uncover at the door, hold the cap with the right hand over the heart until the arrival in the pews and commanded to take seats, remaining uncovered during the entire service. At the close of the service, upon command, the Commander of same while in marching order or standing guard. When returned to and seated in post shall arise, the members holding the cap with the right hand over the heart will march out of the place of worship and recover after marching through the door. Legion members not in formation will uncover upon entering the place of worship and remain uncovered during the entire service and will recover after leaving the place of worship. When at a funeral, the cap should be held over the heart as one approaches the casket and is not at any time worn in a place of worship (except by the Guard of Honor, Color Guard, or Commander of same while in marching order or standing guard.) At the graveside, the cap should be held in the right hand over the heart during the entire service. In cold and inclement weather, the cap should not be worn. In Legion meetings, the cap should be worn except during moments of the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and when standing in silent reverence in memory of departed comrades, when the cap should be held with the right hand over the heart. Female members of the Legion should wear their caps in the manner prescribed for female personnel of the armed services." Military Honors purchased caps are the preferred cap when performing Military Honors and Color Guard functions if the participant has been issued one and should only be worn while conducting these activities. The only additional accoutrements authorized to be placed on this cap is the Honor Pin/Folded Flag and the Honor Guard Pin if the cap is not embroidered with "Military Honors" Uniform Shirt, Short Sleeve: The Post uses the white version of this shirt. This shirt is worn with the summer uniform or otherwise directed by authorized individuals during seasonal transitions. It may also be worn in a modified fashion to events like Legion meetings or patriotic events with pants other than black in color. The shirt comes with Legion emblems on the collar and legion buttons on the pockets and shoulder epaulettes. The white New York State American Legion Patch (supplied by the Lewis Uniform Company) should be sewn on the Right shoulder, centered on the epaulet and with the top of the patch approximately 3 ½ inches down from the seam for all Military Honors/Color Guard personnel. A Left shoulder embroidered Flag patch (blue field forward) should be sewn on the Left shoulder, centered on the epaulet with the top of the patch approximately 4 inches down from the seam for all Military Honors/Color Guard Personnel. When the military bib scarf is worn during Military Honors/Color Guard duties, the top two buttons are left unbuttoned, otherwise only the top button is left unbuttoned. A gold underarm loop cord may be worn under the right arm attached through the epaulette when performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties. See Section 3 on Wear and placement of Authorized Insignia, Accouterments, Decorations, Service medals, and Badges. Uniform Shirt, Long Sleeve: The Post uses the White version of this shirt. This shirt is worn with the winter uniform or otherwise directed by authorized individuals during seasonal transitions. It may also be worn in a modified fashion to events like Legion meetings or patriotic events with pants other than black in color. The shirt comes with legion buttons on the pockets and shoulder epaulettes. It does not have Legion emblems on the collar. The white round 4 inch American Legion patch should be sewn on the Right shoulder, centered on the epaulet and with the top of the patch approximately ¾ of an inch down from the seam for all Military Honors/Color Guard personnel. A Left shoulder embroidered Flag patch (blue field forward) should be sewn on the Left shoulder, centered on the epaulet with the top of the patch approximately ¾ of an inch down from the seam for all Military Honors/Color Guard Personnel. When the military bib scarf is worn during Military Honors/Color Guard duties, the top two buttons are left unbuttoned, otherwise only the top button is left unbuttoned. A gold underarm loop cord may be worn under the right arm attached through the epaulette when performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties. See Section 3 on Wear and placement of Authorized Insignia, Accouterments, Decorations, Service medals, and Badges. Pants: The Post uses any commercial, off the shelf, pant that is black in color for all Military Honors/Color Guard events. A Docker or dress pant style is preferred but others styles (i.e. cargo) of black pants can be worn. Any suitable pant that does not detract from the uniform may be worn with a Legion Uniform Shirt for events like Post meetings when not performing Formal or Military Honors/Color Guard duties. A dark gray or black dress pant will be worn with the County Officer formal uniform. Belt/Buckle: Military Honors/Color Guard personnel should wear a black belt while performing duties. American Legion Buckles (the obsolete oval or the currently available rectangle) may be worn as well as any other buckle that does not detract from the uniform. Shoes: Military Honors/Color Guard personnel will wear a black dress shoe, similar to the Oxford or Derby style. The shoes should be "shined" or "buffed" to present an military like appearance. Patent leather or Corfam shoes are authorized for wear during Military Honors/Color Guard duties. During inclement weather (i.e. winter/snow/mud) a black boot would be authorized for wear when performing duties where personnel safety would be enhanced by their use (i.e. - rifle salute graveside in the snow). Military Honors Duty Jacket: Military Honors/Color Guard personnel will wear this jacket when instructed by an authorized person during their performance of duties. The gold underarm loop cord will only be worn on this jacket during Military Honors/Color Guard duties and to and from those duties. It may be worn without the gold underarm loop cord as a coat while in uniform to and from events where Military Honors/Color Guard are not being performed by the individual. It may be worn with or without the liner depending on the wearer's preference. The jacket (LawPro Centurion Duty Jacket in navy supplied by Quartermaster) comes with both brass and silver colored buttons. The brass buttons are preferred for uniformity and may be replaced by American Legion buttons from a uniform shirt. The Post member's name may be embroidered in gold above the top right pocket. The blue New York State American Legion Patch (supplied by the Lewis Uniform Company) should be sewn on the Right shoulder, centered on the epaulet and with the top of the patch approximately 3 inches down from the seam. A Left shoulder embroidered Flag patch (blue field forward) should be sewn on the Left shoulder, centered on the epaulet with the top of the patch approximately 3 ½ inches own from the seam. A blue round 4 inch American Legion Patch should be sewn approximately ½ inch above the left top pocket, centered on the pocket. The placement of this patch covers the law enforcement badge holder included on the jacket. The right epaulette will have to be modified with Velcro, button or pin to allow for the use of the Military Honors/Color Guard gold underarm loop cord as it comes sewn down. The jacket should be zippered closed with the slider even with the top of the pockets while performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties. Military Honors Parka: The parka will be designated for wear by Military Honors/Color Guard personnel when extreme conditions (heavy snow / high winds / extreme cold temperatures) are present on site and it is needed for the health and welfare of the personnel present. Military Honors/Color Guard personnel will wear this parka when instructed by an authorized person during their performance of duties. The gold underarm loop cord will only be worn on this jacket during Military Honors/Color Guard duties and to and from those duties. It may be worn without the gold underarm loop cord as a coat while in uniform to and from events where Military Honors/Color Guard is not being performed by the individual. It may be worn with or without the liner depending on the wearer's preference and it is designed to be worn over another coat or other layer. The Parka (Parka, Extreme Cold Weather, M-51 in black) comes with a liner. A black New York State American Legion Patch (supplied by the Lewis Uniform Company) should be sewn on the Right shoulder, centered on the epaulet and with the top of the patch approximately 2 inches down from the seam. A Left shoulder embroidered Flag patch (blue field forward) should be sewn on the Left shoulder, centered on the epaulet with the top of the patch approximately 2 inches own from the seam. A black round 4 inch American Legion patch should be sewn approximately in the area to cover ribbon bar placed on a uniform shirt. Winter Cap with emblem: The black Trooper cap (Midway Cap Co. Vinyl Faux Fur Trooper Cap from Quartermaster), Item#: H00 6160 BLK, with a modified Non-Tarnish US Army Officers Cap insignia (various suppliers) which has had an Official Legion Lapel Tack (.625" gold plated), item 715.120, with the points removed, glued in the star field above the eagle. The cap is worn in winter conditions when authorized by the person in charge of the detail while performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties only. The ear flaps can be worn up or down. If worn down, the straps will either be snapped like a chin strap or tucked back under inside the cap. They will no hang down from the cap at any time. Gloves: White- Worn while performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties or while performing duties of the Post Chaplain while holding the Bible. The short white gloves are normally worn during hot/warm weather. The long white summer weight gloves are when a more formal look is required. The long white heavy weight gloves are worn in colder weather. Black- Worn while performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties in cold weather. The gloves should be thin to allow the trigger finger to fit inside the trigger guard of the rifle. Black gloves may be worn with the Duty Jacket or Parka when not performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties. Ear Muffs: When authorized, Dark Grey or Black ear muffs may be worn when performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties during inclement weather. The muffs may be worn with either the duty jacket or the Parka. Fleece Scarf: When authorized, a tan fleece scarf may be worn when performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties during inclement weather. The fleece scarf may be worn with either the duty jacket or the Parka. It should be worn crossed at the chest, right over left, and tucked inside the jacket or parka. Military Bib Scarf: (Supplier: Glendale Parade Store, SKU #015GY, Color Silver Gray) Will only be worn when performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties as stated in the beginning of these instructions. The bib scarf should be folded over at least once at the top to remove the visible appearance of a seam and tucked inside the white uniform shirt with the top two buttons unbuttoned. Gold Underarm Loop Cord: (Supplier: Glendale Parade Store, SKU #458DG, Color Dark Gold) Will only be worn when performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties as stated in the beginning of these instructions. It is normally worn with the knot on top and both loops inside the arm with the longer unbraided line closest to the torso. Black Shoulder Cord: (Supplier: Flag and Emblem, SKU #805.300, Color Black) Will be worn by the Post Commander or the highest ranking Post member present during a visitation or transfer to Post Everlasting Ceremony to show that the Post is in mourning. This cord will be worn by the authorized person during Military Honors in the event Military Honors / Rifle Salute will be given in conjunction with the Post Everlasting Ceremony. Section 2- Designated Uniforms The official uniform of the American Legion is the American Legion Cap as stated in Resolution Number 46, passed by the National Executive Committee. The other clothing worn while wearing the cap should be appropriate for the occasion and not be counter to the American Legion's Principles. The Post has adopted the following uniforms for use but is NOT mandatory for wear by anyone in any circumstances other than when performing Military Honor / Color Guard activities. Modified Uniform: The American Legion cap and the white shirt, either short or long sleeve, may be worn with any pant or shoe to attend American Legion meetings or other patriotic events. The outfit should be appropriate for the occasion and not be counter to the American Legion's Principles. County Officer "Formal" Uniform: The Niagara County American Legion has adopted the Wear of Legion blue/navy blazer or suit coat with a white shirt and tie for Officers. The pants worn with this should be dark grey or black in color and appropriate dress shoes should be worn. Female members have the option of also wearing a navy or dark gray skirt as well. Summer Uniform: The Summer uniform consists of Legion Cap, Short Sleeve Uniform Shirt, Pants, Belt and buckle, shoes. Personnel performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties will wear gold underarm loop cord, military bib scarf (may be left off if authorized due to extreme heat/humidity), and white gloves. The duty jacket may be added in times of rain or unusually cold weather. Spring/Fall Uniform: The Spring/Fall uniform consist of Legion Cap, Short Sleeve or Long Sleeve Uniform Shirt (stipulated in instruction for mission), Pants, Belt and buckle, shoes. Personnel performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties will wear gold underarm loop cord, military bib scarf (may be left off if authorized), and white gloves. The duty jacket and black gloves may be added in times of rain or unusually cold weather. Winter Uniform: The Winter uniform consists of Legion Cap, Long Sleeve Uniform Shirt, Pants, Belt and buckle, shoes/boots. Personnel performing Military Honors/Color Guard duties will wear gold underarm loop cord, military bib scarf, and black gloves. The duty jacket, ear muffs, Parka, fleece scarf, or trooper cap may be worn and will be designated as dress on site as weather conditions can vary greatly. Military Honors personnel should bring all cold weather gear to each mission to ensure all can be in the designated uniform for the mission. Section 3-Wear and placement of Authorized Insignia, Accouterments, Decorations, Service medals, and Badges This section covers decorations, service medals, badges, unit awards and appurtenances. U.S., Foreign, State, and Legion authorized for wear on the Post uniform as well as commemorative medals and ribbons. The term "award" is an all-inclusive term, covering any decoration, service medal, badge, ribbon, or appurtenance bestowed on an individual or unit. The term ribbon is an all-inclusive term covering that portion of the suspension ribbon of a service medal of decoration that is worn instead of the service medal or decoration. The Post has adopted a "If it is there, you can wear" policy for the wear of U.S., Foreign, State and Legion medals, badges, unit awards and appurtenances. This means that you may wear the award, badge or appurtenance if it is on your official DD Form 214/215. The Post does allow an individual to wear a commemorative medal or ribbon if the individual's service record (DD Form 214/215) substantiates the wear. Insignia, Nameplate- The nameplate is blue, laminated plastic, 1 inch by 3 inches. The top line will have the name in capital letters. The second line will have "POST 873". The third line will have "MILITARY HONORS" or Post Officer Position in capital letters. The third line may also be omitted for a more generic nameplate. The bottom line will be "NEWFANE AMERICAN LEGION". The plate should also have a small American Legion button, similar to the lapel pin, secured to the top left corner. The nameplate will be worn centered left to right on the flap of the right breast pocket, and centered between the top of the button and the top of the pocket. A Military Honors nametape may be worn on all occasions and other American Legion nameplate can be worn while performing Military Honors, this to deter the addition expense of purchasing other nameplates. Wear of Service Ribbons: Personnel may wear ribbons representing decorations, service medals, service ribbons, training ribbons, and commemorative ribbons on the long sleeve or short sleeve white shirt. Ribbons are worn in order of precedence from the wearer's right to left, in one or more rows, with either no space between rows or inch between rows. The determination of whether three or four ribbons are worn in each row is based upon the size of the shirt and position of the lapel. For standardization and uniformity, the ribbons will be placed inch above the left breast pocket. Ribbon mounts will remain centered above the pocket even if the top ribbon row is offset. The following list indicates the order of precedence, by category, when medals from two or more categories are worn at the same time. a. U.S. military decorations b. U.S. unit awards c. U.S. nonmilitary decorations d. U.S. service (campaign) medals, and service and training ribbons e. U.S. Merchant Marine awards f. U.S. non-military unit awards g. Foreign military decorations h. Foreign unit awards i. Non-U.S. service awards j. State awards k. American Legion awards l. Commemorative Medals Order of precedence within categories of medals will follow the individual's service regulations. Order of medals or ribbons when worn vary slightly between services. Instances like the Air Force placing the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) in the wearer's Left side ribbon rack where the Army places this award on the wearer's right will not allow for standardization within the post. Websites like medalsofamerica.com do a good job placing the individual's awards in the designated order per each service regulation and also allows for multiservice ribbon bars and also can include commemorative medals. The following are the regulations used by each service: a. Army- Army Regulation 670-1 and DA Pam 670-1 b. Navy- NAVPERS 15665I c. Marine Corps- MCO P1020.34G d. Air Force- AFI 36-2903 e. Coast Guard- COMDTINST M1020.6I Wear of unit awards: Unit award should be awarded on a permanent basis and listed on the DD form 214/215. Personnel may wear U.S. and Foreign unit award emblems. Members will wear authorized awards per their service regulations. Army will wear in order of precedence from the wearer's right to left inch above and centered over the right breast pocket. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel will wear them integrated with their ribbon bar on the wearer's left side. Placement of Unit Award for Army The same award in an Air Force Ribbon Bar Wear of Legion awards Badges and Tacks/Pins: Legion awards, badges and tacks/pins should have proper documentation retained by the wearer. Post members will wear the Legion awards in order of precedence from the wearer's right to left inch above and centered over the right breast pocket. Ribbons and full size medals/awards should not be mixed/worn at the same time except during the presentation ceremony. The ribar can be worn in place of a Legion award medal. Tacks/Pins should be worn ¼ inch above and centered on any American legion awards/medals or Unit awards for the Army. Additional tacks or pins can be placed side by side or stack above one another for aesthetic purposes. If no Legion awards or Army unit awards are worn, the tack/pin will be inch above the pocket. If an individual is authorized to wear an Officer Badge it may be positioned on the right side at the discretion of the wearer to provide the best aesthetics on their particular uniform (i.e. right, left or below the name tag if worn) Officer Badge Ribar Legionnaire of the (County and Above) Year Tack . Appurtenances: Devices such as stars, letters, numerals, or clasps worn on the suspension ribbon of a medal, or on the ribbon bar that indicate additional awards, participation in specific events, or other distinguishing characteristics of the award. They will be worn on all authorized decorations, medals, ribbons and other awards. Applicable service regulations will dictate type, quantity and placement of the device. Wear of Badges: A badge is awarded to an individual for identification purposes of the attaining a special skill or proficiency. Most combat and special skill badges are available in full, miniature, and dress miniature sizes. They will be worn in accordance with the individual's service regulations. The following are authorized for wear when on the individual's DD Form 214/215. They will be worn in accordance with their specific Service's regulations: a. Military Badges awarded by the US Army, US Air Force, US Navy, US Coast Guard, and the Director of Civilian Marksmanship. 1. Marksmanship badges and tabs: The Army and Marines are the only services that use marksmanship badges/tabs (The Navy used them from 1910-1920). The other services issue marksmanship medals/ribbons. Marksmanship badges generally do not follow the service member after completion of service. Marine Marksmanship badges are worn on Marine Corps dress and service uniforms for the remainder of a Marine's military career, or until a different level of qualification (higher or lower) is achieved. The Army's DA Pam 670-1 states Soldiers may wear up to 3 marksmanship badges, unless they fail to qualify in accordance with AR 350-1 or are exempt from qualification by Army regulations. If the marksmanship badge is listed on the DD form 214/215, usually in section 13, then it may be worn. 2. Combat and special skill badges 3. Identification badges 4. Foreign badges b. Badges awarded by the Army or Navy Unions and by the Army and Navy Union of the United States. c. Marksmanship badges pertaining to national matches. d. Badges awarded by friendly foreign nations in recognition of military activities. e. Tabs (i.e. Special Forces, Ranger) are authorized for wear when they were awarded on a permanent basis.Microsoft Word 2010 Microsoft Word 2010