Understanding how to properly place medals on your dress blues is an essential part of respecting military traditions and representing your service branch with pride. Each branch of the military has specific guidelines for wearing decorations and medals on dress uniforms, which ensures uniformity and reflects the values of discipline and precision.
This guide will walk you through how to put medals on dress blues for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Whether you are active duty, a veteran preparing for a ceremony, or just interested in military uniforms, the instructions below will ensure you get it right.
This blog post will answer the question, “How to put medals on dress blues?”
Dress Blues
The term "dress blues" refers to formal or ceremonial uniforms, typically characterized by dark blue jackets and trousers, worn by various branches of the U.S. military, especially the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and the Army. The name comes from the prominent use of blue in the design, a color with historical significance in military attire.
The uniforms might be called the same, "dress blues", but they are vastly different in appearance for each branch. Let’s explore each branch’s dress blues.
Army Dress Blues
The Army Service Uniform (ASU), often referred to as Army Dress Blues, is the formal uniform for Army personnel. Properly wearing medals on this uniform involves adherence to Army Regulation 670-1.
How to Put Medals on Dress Blues (Army)
Identify which medals to wear: Only authorized decorations, medals, and badges earned during your service should be displayed. The best plan is to meet with your unit’s human resources specialist and have them review what medals are in your personnel file.
The last thing you want is to be accused of wearing something that you've not earned. Once you’ve determined what you are authorized to wear, you can get them from the unit’s supply specialist for free and purchase a medal rack at clothing sales. Another option is to purchase medal racks and medals from reputable company’s like USAMM and they will build your rack for you using specifications and regulations from the Army.
Placement on the uniform:
Full-size medals are worn on the left side of the chest, above the pocket. Arrange them in order of precedence, starting from the wearer’s right to left, with the most prestigious medal closer to the heart. Place medals neatly and centered, ensuring parallel alignment.
Use a medal mounting bar to secure multiple medals, attach them to a medal mounting bar. This makes alignment easier and prevents shifting during wear.
Wear ribbons properly if the occasion allows for ribbons instead of medals (such as certain service events), ensure ribbons follow the same order of precedence and placement.
Remember: The Army emphasizes precision and neatness, so double-check the alignment of your medals before stepping out in your uniform.
Marine Corps Dress Blues
The Marine Corps Dress Blues (officially known as the Blue Dress Uniform) is the most recognizable uniform in the U.S. military, often worn for formal occasions. Properly displaying medals demonstrates respect for the Corps and its history.
How to Put Medals on Dress Blues (USMC)
Determine the type of occasion. For formal events, such as the Marine Corps Ball, wear full-size medals. For semi-formal occasions, ribbons may replace medals.
Placement full-size medals on the left chest, while ribbons associated with additional awards are worn on the right chest.
Ensure medals are displayed in order of precedence, starting with the highest honor closest to the center of the chest.
Align properly and secure the medals in straight rows. The Marine Corps uniform regulation (MCO 1020.34H) is strict about maintaining sharp, clean lines.
Pro tip for Marines: Preassembled medal racks or magnet-based systems can simplify medal alignment and keep the display secure.
Navy Dress Blues
The Navy Dress Blues (officially known as the Service Dress Blue) is a formal uniform that sailors wear for ceremonies, weddings, and other significant events. Proper medal placement upholds the Navy’s tradition of attention to detail.
How to Put Medals on Dress Blues (Navy)
Remember, check your personnel records to ensure you are authorized to wear medals before you place them on your uniform. If you earned a medal for participating in a particular operation it is smart to ensure your records have been updated and reflect the addition of the award. Don't wear something unless you have an order or memo in your records that stipulates award of a medal. Only wear medals that are listed in your official service record.
Full-size medals are worn on the left chest, above the uniform pocket. Arrange medals in order of precedence, starting from the wearer’s right.
Optional mini-medals for certain occasions: Miniature medals may replace full-size medals for formal evening events, depending on the Navy’s uniform guidelines.
Check Navy uniform regulations (NAVPERS 15665J) that outline Navy requirements and the exact placement and order of medals. Double-check your placement for compliance.
Air Force Dress Blues
The Air Force Dress Blues, also known as the Service Dress Uniform, reflects professionalism and heritage. Correct medal placement ensures a polished appearance for formal occasions.
How to Put Medals on Dress Blues (Air Force)
Determine the dress uniform type and ensure full-size medals are worn on the Formal Dress Uniform for occasions like state dinners. For the Semi-Formal Uniform, ribbons replace medals.
Medals belong on the left chest, fastened above the pocket seam.
Arrange medals in a horizontal line and adhere to the official precedence order and secure them with a mounting bar: An Air Force medal rack can help ensure accurate alignment and keep medals secure during wear.
And of course, it is important to check and confirm what medals you have actually been awarded before pinning anything onto your dress blues.
Space Force Dress Blues
The Space Force introduced its official dress uniform in 2022, reflecting its cutting-edge identity while honoring military tradition. Medal placement follows a structure similar to the Air Force.
How to Put Medals on Dress Blues (Space Force)
Understand precedence for medals: Space Force personnel use regulations for arranging medals in order of importance. Full-size medals are placed on the left chest and neatly aligned.
Ensure medals align with the uniform’s pocket seam for a sharp appearance.
Pro Tip
Since uniform standards for the Space Force are newer, consult the uniform policy or check in with your unit's senior NCO for updated guidelines.
Coast Guard Dress Blues
The Coast Guard Dress Blue uniform represents the service’s maritime heritage and operational readiness. Properly displaying medals reflects the honor of serving this unique branch.
How to Put Medals on Dress Blues (Coast Guard)
Full-medals or ribbons are worn during formal events, such as military balls or ceremonial functions. Ribbons may replace medals for less formal occasions.
Medals are mounted on the left chest, following an order of precedence. Neatly align medals in rows, ensuring no overlapping or misalignment.
Double-check uniform standards: Use the Coast Guard Uniform Regulation Manual (COMDTINST M1020.6) for detailed instructions.
Fun Fact: The Coast Guard emphasizes functionality in its uniforms, so consider using a lightweight mounting system to avoid weighing down your dress blues.
Final Preparations for Medal Placement
No matter your branch of service, attention to detail is vital when attaching medals to your dress blues. Before the event, ensure you’ve followed these steps:
- Double-check your alignment using a ruler or level tool to ensure straight rows.
- Review branch-specific guidelines found in uniform manuals or service instructions.
- Perform a final inspection, ensuring your entire uniform, including medals, is free of blemishes or wrinkles.
Wearing medals on your dress blues is a symbol of your service, dedication, and accomplishments. Take pride in displaying them correctly and representing your branch with honor. But remember how to put medals on dress blues and you will never have any uniform problems at formal functions.