Posted on Feb 26, 2014
SFC Intelligence Analyst
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So here are my thoughts, my understanding is wearing your ACUs during off duty hours is unauthorized on off post establishments with the exception of picking up an item or 2 from the store on your way home.  Shouldn't this also apply to wearing your uniform to the airport?  I get it, you are coming home on R&R during a deployment, and those are just certain exceptions that are made for those on a year long deployment.  My issue arises from Soldiers who are not deployed going on leave or pass, and wearing the ACUs to the airport to gain favor and recognition from the airline.  We all want to benefit for our military service and what we have done for our country while wearing this uniform.  I've been on 4 deployments (3 to Iraq and 1 to Afghanistan), but even when I go on regular leave or pass I always wear appropriate attire while traveling.  I'm not sure if your Soldiers are up to date on their AT level 1 training, but specifically states that we should not being wearing anything that may draw attention to us while we travel whether it be abroad or with the continental US.  This is a serious OPSEC violation, and we as Officers and NCOs should be letting our Soldiers know that they should not be traveling in ACUs.  I travel abroad often, and to see a Soldier who is going on leave flying on the same flight as me makes me nervous, because they do not know who is watching.  I am quick to pull that Soldier to the side and tell them who I am and explain to them that they should not be wearing that uniform while traveling because it draws attention to them and the others that are on the same flight.  I see it as if we are no longer putting decals on cars because it draws attention to us as servicemembers and makes us a target, than wearing this uniform in an airport or any where outside of a military establishment draws just the same if not more attention as the decal on our cars.  What are you thoughts?
Posted in these groups: 79c97f6 OPSECLegal 6 Leave454274742x356 DA Pam 670-19c21b26c Airports
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MSG Combat Engineering Senior Sergeant
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This is one of my pet peeves. My current position requires a lot of travel. I see Soldiers, and only Soldiers wearing their ACU's for domestic flights, only in the hopes that they receive some kind of freebie, and it's maddening. The risk to personal OPSEC is not worth early boarding to Atlanta. I have witnessed Soldiers travelling with their families, and the Soldier of course is wearing his ACU's. There used to be a standing rule explicitly against travelling in uniform on a commercial flight...I wonder what happened?
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SSG(P) Casualty Operations Ncoic
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10 y

MSG Dowell:

I went to BCT and AIT in 2007.  It was mandatory for us to wear our ACUs enroute.  As far as I know, that's still in effect.


Coming home on R&R from A'Stan, well by the time you arrive stateside, changing clothes in the airport is not very high on your priority list.

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SSG Willis Baker
SSG Willis Baker
10 y
MSG David, I said the same thing when I worked for TSA at Tampa International Airport.  If they were to wear any uniform while traveling it should have been Class "A's."  
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CPT Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop Commander
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You are correct.  Unless you are traveling to or from country, or traveling in an official capacity (aka. escorting a fallen hero), it is a violation of OPSEC.  I blame the airline companies for perpetuating this practice by offering early boarding to men and women in uniform, offering upgrades, offering free beverages, etc.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
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Edited 10 y ago
Other than R&R leave, I say no. If you want attention and free drinks that badly, take the time to put a service or dress uniform together and wear it well.
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MAJ Dallas D.
MAJ Dallas D.
10 y
I say no! The Army is the only service that allows this. When I graduated from AIT we were sent to the Airport in Class "A" and other than a deployment I see no reason to ever been in a public location in ACU's. Let's get back to looking like a professional organization and not be embarrassed  at the airport by the Marine in his or her dress uniform. 
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
10 y
Agreed COMPLETELY.
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SSG(P) Casualty Operations Ncoic
SSG(P) (Join to see)
10 y
SSG Hasbun:  Servicemembers should not be using their Military status as a vehicle for "bennies."  I don't do what I do for free drinks, meals, etc.  When it happens, it's nice, but then I pay it forward by doing the same for someone else in or out of uniform.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
10 y
Agreed, they shouldn't. Another reason I am glad for the ACU travel ban.
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