The official American Legion uniform has evolved over the years from the military style blouse coat with Sam Brown Belt to the current Dark Blue Blazer and grey colored slacks, however, the one item that has not changed is the official American Legion cap, the true recognized “uniform of the American Legion”. There is proper etiquette in the wearing of the “official uniform”.
Pins showing your military rank should be avoided as “there is no rank among us”. Civic and Fraternal organization pins or patches are prohibited, as well.
The question always arises; when can I wear my American Legion Cap?
You can wear your Legion Cap at any Legion function, events where you represent the American Legion and your Post, and you are a guest at a civic function, but be aware that wearing the cap any place, such as political rallies, protests, and other controversial places that bring discredit to the American Legion is strictly forbidden.
You don’t wear your cap during a meal (males only). Even though the established etiquette states that your cap is not to be worn during an official Legion or civic dinner or luncheon, social norms have been to uncover whenever eating.
The garrison cap is the “Official Cap” of the American Legion, not a ball cap with American Legion written on it or adorned with an American Legion emblem. (American Legion Riders beret with the ALR emblem is part of the official ALR uniform).
As stated in the 2023 Officers Guide and Manual of Ceremonies, the cap should NOT be worn in a place of worship, with the exception of the guard of honor, color guard, and commander of the same while in marching order or standing guard. When one is seated, the cap should be removed unless your religion dictates otherwise or you are a female that has the option to wear her cover or remove it.
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 arriving in the pews and commanded to take seats, and remain uncovered during the entire service.
At the close of the service, upon command, the post shall rise, hold the cap with right hand over the hearts, march out of the place of worship, and recover after marching through the door. Note: During funeral services, 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.
Legionnaires not in formation will uncover upon entering the place of worship, remain uncovered during the entire service, and re-cover after leaving the place of worship. 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 doffed.
In meetings, the cap should be worn except during the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and while standing in silent reverence in memory of departed comrades, when it should be held with the right hand over the heart. A Legionnaire wearing a cap should behave in proper accordance as to salutes, etc., the same as if wearing a military uniform. If not wearing a cap, observe ordinary rules of etiquette for civilian dress.
Female Legionnaires should wear their caps in the manner prescribed for women in the armed forces. This is suitable for most situations, but taste and common sense should prevail. By American Legion tradition, a female Legionnaire may leave her cap on during the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, prayer, and meals. Legionnaires wishing to attach decorations and/or other official insignia to their caps are advised of National Executive Committee Resolution No. 58, adopted by the National Executive Committee, April 30 – May 1, 1964 resolution on the subject.
Show your Legion Pride; wear your uniform properly, with knowledge, pride, and respect.
You are the greatest Public Relation asset of this great organization.
by Larry Leonardo, Sr.
Alternate NEC, 2022-2024
Past Dept. Commander, 2018-2019
Past Dept. Sgt. at Arms, 2013-2014
Author: caLegion Contributor
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Thank you for sharing cap protocol.
Now do flag etiquette. I see too many “patriots” who show no respect to our flag. They’re riding around in their trucks with a garrison-sized flag hanging off the back. 1. That’s nationalism, not patriotism. 2. You’re causing the flag to be subjected to 65 mph winds every time you drive it down the highway.
This is great info, I’ve been trying to tell the members of a local Post exactly what you Published. But they keep telling me. This is not the Military, don’t follow proper Ediquet while wearing the American Legion Cover
I learned something new and interesting. Thank you!
March 9, 2023
Thank you very much for this much needed review. Keeping this in my AL binder along with 2023 Post Officers Guide.
Glad to have seen you and Pat recently at the D13 Meeting in Gilroy the other day.
When is the American Legion going to update our uniforms
By adding A gold Hashmark on the sleeves for every 5 years of membership our uniform coat.
Don’t our American Legion Members allowed to be proud when they wear their uniform coat/ jacket showing how long they have been member.
Also we need to show like the US Army a new uniform jacket
Why are we not Listening to our younger member we need to update our uniforms and ourselves
Allen Rodriguez
Kieth Powell Post 78
“Legionnaires not in formation will uncover upon entering the place of worship, remain uncovered during the entire service, and re-cover after leaving the place of worship. 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 doffed.” yamaka, yarmulke and kippah receivers are allowed to adornmen any hat in liue of, where generally the garrison hat stays on except during time of prayer for memory of the fallen ect in a manner of both religious and military respects combined, as within regards to ar640-1
670-1 is the moderated updated versions, following new army code for entering a building and less covers the garrison cap, as it is not a commonly worn cap. other than recruits ect. where most berets have been adopted as standard uniform past special forces and special forces support groups black in 92 where individuals of those ranks are entitle to wear their black caps in and out of service. but ask your grand parents or find the old trydoc ar640-1. it covers the full extent of garrison cap wearing. and this is why there is a breach of confusions for the old ww2 round caps, and modern garrison caps. because technically speaking drill sergeant are not allowed to wear round caps according to federal law, tho it is policy mandated uniform in the us army. where only federal national park rangers are entitle to wear the round cap today out of ww2 remembrance from dates founded. where anyone wearing a ww2 round cap other than a federal park ranger can be issued a federal park fine across all states. and that law has been present and unenforced since the construction of the Hoover Dam. So yeah, if you go to temple, or was part of SF/SFSG’s the garrison or black cap stays ON! except during prayer.
Good Info! Will share with membership. Thanks