It should be noted that there are different classes of retired military, three groups in fact.
(1) Those who served honorably and then got out (ETS).
(2) Veterans who actually deployed to a fight, got out and are now subject to the VA.
(3) Those who are actually on the “Retired List” and draw a pension.
Many here are members of two or all three of these groups. The article is referring to the third group. Members on the Retired List are under orders. They carry an I.D. card, they receive pay. They are indeed as pointed out in the article subject to the UCMJ. As such they are subject to many of the same restrictions active duty military follow.
Ever go to a veterans event? See all the guys wearing field dress, or parts thereof? As Veterans they are permitted to do that. They enjoy the same freedoms really as any other citizen.
Folks on the Retired List cannot. By regulation members on the retired list are restricted to Class-A uniforms or above. In case of the Army, in place of the unit patch on the left shoulder they must wear an “Army Retired” patch. No other unit insignia save the Regimental Affiliation crest can be worn. No Presidential Citation awards can be worn. No other unit crest can be worn. Veterans can wear pretty much anything they want.
Bottom line, you give up some things to be on the payroll. If that is too much to bear, get off the payroll.
You are wrong.
1344.10 states:
4.1.3. Commissioned officers shall not use contemptuous words as prohibited by section 888 of Reference (b) or participate in activities proscribed by DoD Directives 5200.2 and 1325.6 (References (g) and (h), respectively).
4.1.4. Subject to any other restrictions in law, a member of the Armed Forces not on active duty may take the actions or participate in the activities permitted in subparagraph
4.1.1., and may take the actions and participate in the activities prohibited in subparagraph 4.1.2, provided the member is not in uniform and does not otherwise act in a manner that could reasonably give rise to the inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement.
As a retired officer I will continue to use any words I want to use to our current President (deluded, senile, douch bag), Vice President (sparkling stupid), and Defense Secretary (woke moron).
If that is too much to bear, why don’t you come over here and take me off the payroll.