[Kenton]

Hmmm.... well, I know that when I got out in 1970 I wore my pea-coat all the time, with the crow still on the arm. But then, I actually served. And I guess, at least for the first few years after seperation, I was till "technically" in the Navy. But then, I never tried to pass myself off as an evil version of Rambo either ;P

[Gefreiter]

I got out in '96, but wore my field jacket (with patches removed) for like 3 winters after.

I just didn't own a coat.

[mvpel]

There's an "otherwise provided by law" which says that the uniform becomes the personal property of the veteran, and a list of allowances for honorably discharged or retired veterans is in section 772.