Can the Military Wear Wedding Rings Every Day?

You’ve got the ring, and you want to show off your commitment. Hey, great! We’re all for that. However, are there scenarios in military life where your ring might need to come off? While military regulations allow for wedding rings, there are certain times it may be prudent to leave the ring behind.

The Short Answer

Yes, the military can wear wedding rings every day, assuming you aren’t on active duty in a combat zone. Technically you could wear it then, but it really isn’t in your best interest. More on that later.

You’re actually allowed to wear up to two rings, and a wedding set is just considered one ring. Often this looks like a wedding ring and maybe an academy ring or another significant ring.

When Should You Wear Your Wedding Ring?

Any time you aren’t worried about keeping a low profile, essentially. If you’re stateside or home on leave, wear that shiny new tungsten wedding band you’re so proud of. You have the option of wearing it around your neck instead, as well, if you prefer that.

When Shouldn’t You Wear Your Wedding Ring?

Any time you’re in the field while deployed, most military personnel opt not to wear their wedding rings. While there’s no steadfast rule that says you can’t, it’s usually understood as something you don’t do for three main reasons.

For starters, your ring can draw unwanted attention. If you’re trying to lay low during a tense situation, your ring can catch the sun at just the wrong angle and give away your position. 

Beyond being seen, there are some occupational hazards that can be exacerbated with a wedding ring. If you’re getting in and out of vehicles or planes, your ring can catch on a piece of equipment and seriously injure you. It’s not a pretty picture, but it’s a reality. Sure, it’s unlikely, but it’s not unprecedented. Can’t be too careful out there.

The last reason doesn’t have anything to do with physical danger or harm. Active duty life can be difficult and demanding, so your nice wedding ring will see its own share of action, even if you’re just in PT gear. Even if you aren’t in any life-threatening scenarios, doing any sort of manual labor will quickly wear on your ring, especially if it’s a softer metal or one prone to scratching. 

If you’ve invested in a ring you love, it can’t feel good to see it get damaged. Wearing it around your neck will minimize the risk of damage, but it won’t entirely negate it.

 

Source: shutterstock.com/GoodAndy45

Are There Alternatives?

Do you feel like you just have to wear your wedding ring, even on a deployment? Okay, we can work with that. Your best choice is a neutral-colored silicone wedding ring for men. Silicone won’t shine any light and comes in simple colors that won’t draw any unwanted attention. 

Best of all, silicone rings are meant to break if under extreme force, so you don’t have the same concerns you would with a metal ring. Yeah, you’ll have to get a new one, but that’ll be the worst of your troubles.

If you like, you could also go with a wood or black zirconium option. You won’t get the same benefits of easily breaking if need be, though, so weigh your options carefully.

 

So, yes, you could wear your ring every day of your military career if you so desire. It may not be the best idea, though. However, if you’re set on showing the world your commitment 24/7, a silicone ring is the safest and best option you have.