Posted on Mar 18, 2019
Are soldiers allowed to wear civilian multicam pants on post when not in Army uniform?
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Today I was over at the Fort Sill USAO to use their computers for my SSD1 when I was stopped and promptly dressed down by a sergeant for wearing a pair of multicam pants when I was wearing civilian attire. I believe he was mistaken about the pants themselves, and thought that they were uniform pants, however he did not give me a word in edgeways to explain that they were not. This raised a question in my mind, and after digging through AR670-1, I am unable to find an answer to this and I would like some input from any sergeants, or officers here. Are soldiers allowed to wear civilian "tactical" camo pants when in civilian attire while on post? In my case, for clarification, they were a pair of 511 TDUs in Crye Multicam. If any info from regulations can be added I would much appreciate it, as my platoon sergeant has ok'ed it, and I would like something to back me up should I run across said sergeant again. just in case, TL;DR, are soldiers allowed to wear civilian multicam pants on post when not in army uniform?
Army Regulations
Regulation
DA Pam 670-1
Camouflage
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 23
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Having read the entire thread (so far) let me put this to you another way...
Yes, technically, you can wear them. Yes, they will bring you grief if you do. Yes, you like them and they are comfortable. No, you shouldn't have to change to go on post.
BUT.... proper prior planning prevents piss-poor performance. If you know you are going on post that day, pick a different pair of pants. Do you ONLY own jeans (which I understand you prefer not to wear outside of work) and multicam 5.11s? No other options at all? If you have other options, then when you get dressed in the morning of a day you have to go on post, just wear different pants. If you don't have other options, get some.
A little bit of planning can prevent a ton of headache without having to go through a bunch of hassle, either.
Yes, technically, you can wear them. Yes, they will bring you grief if you do. Yes, you like them and they are comfortable. No, you shouldn't have to change to go on post.
BUT.... proper prior planning prevents piss-poor performance. If you know you are going on post that day, pick a different pair of pants. Do you ONLY own jeans (which I understand you prefer not to wear outside of work) and multicam 5.11s? No other options at all? If you have other options, then when you get dressed in the morning of a day you have to go on post, just wear different pants. If you don't have other options, get some.
A little bit of planning can prevent a ton of headache without having to go through a bunch of hassle, either.
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That day I had not intended to go on post, my PSG called me and asked me about my SSD, I told him it had not been finished, and he ordered me to go on post when I got the chance and do it. since I was already in town I figured I would just swing by and do it real fast. I didn't have any other change of clothes with me at the time (lessons learned, I just put a duffle with some spare cargos in it in the truck last night), but I also figured because the pattern on the 5.11s is the brighter multicam and they are missing pockets that the issues have that anyone would be able to tell they weren't issued pants. As they say, hindsight and all that
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I will agree in part with others that have commented, the easiest way to move forward would be to blend in. By wearing something that could easily be misconstrued as an uniformed item you make yourself a target for anyone having a bad day, or even for a common misunderstanding.
All that being said if you like the pattern and wish to continue wearing it make the logo I'm sure is on there extremely obvious. Black out the 511 logo so it stands out clearly from the pants and if you get addressed be respectful in the way you talk to whoever is making the correction and display the logo clearly. I will tell you, you are not breaking any regulations and are not doing anything "wrong" however you are making yourself stand out which could draw attention you may not be seeking.
All that being said if you like the pattern and wish to continue wearing it make the logo I'm sure is on there extremely obvious. Black out the 511 logo so it stands out clearly from the pants and if you get addressed be respectful in the way you talk to whoever is making the correction and display the logo clearly. I will tell you, you are not breaking any regulations and are not doing anything "wrong" however you are making yourself stand out which could draw attention you may not be seeking.
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I'm not Army, but retired Navy, and while I agree with those advising caution when addressing a SNCO, I disagree with those arguing for compliance simply because an ignorant NCO said so. If you are wearing authorized civilian clothing then wear it and just be respectful after getting an ear full from an S/NCO when explaining that you are not wearing an uniform article. As an S/NCO they should be respectful i hearing YOU out and accept that you're complete in companies with uniform regulations. If they can't do that then they are bad leaders - DO NOT FLOW THEIR EXAMPLE OF LEADERSHIP. If a leader cannot accept a respectful correction from a junior, they don't deserve to be leaders. You still must respect the rank they hold (don't get yourself in trouble by "disrepecting" a a senior), but you don't have to respect them as a human.
However, having said all that, pick your battles. Disrespect is extremely subjective, and your CO (or immediate officer in your chain if command) may just side with the S/NCO.
However, having said all that, pick your battles. Disrespect is extremely subjective, and your CO (or immediate officer in your chain if command) may just side with the S/NCO.
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What if you are not active duty? There may be civilian or dependents wearing these clothes. Be careful when you make on the spot corrections.
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If you want to wear them that bad don't remove the label and have them dry cleaned only( or wear a sign stating what they are). No confusion no disrespect. Just know that someone else will approach you if you do not and that would be 100% your fault.
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Yes you can wear them, they are not issued, therefore not a part of the uniform. Multicam is just a pattern and not the same pattern as OCP. I wear crye cut off shorts all the time.
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I get the comfort aspect, I do. I own more than a few pairs of them myself so I can attest. As to your question, no there is nothing in AR 670-1 that prohibits the wear of them in while off duty and in civilian attire. That said this is one of those "yes legally you can but should you" situations.
Wear something else. Simple as that. You know, as we all know and are aware that they appear to look exactly like duty uniform issue and that it will be addressed by any self respecting NCO, officer and even some lower enlisted. The person goes off of what they see as a problem.
Wear some other pattern that is not currently in issue and problem solved. You are comfortable, not in jeans and you are not passively targeting an NCO with regulation radar.
You really don't want to be that guy do you as it does and can have a downside if the right persons ear is reached and a local policy is written that WILL have you in hot water AR 670-1 or not.
Wear something else. Simple as that. You know, as we all know and are aware that they appear to look exactly like duty uniform issue and that it will be addressed by any self respecting NCO, officer and even some lower enlisted. The person goes off of what they see as a problem.
Wear some other pattern that is not currently in issue and problem solved. You are comfortable, not in jeans and you are not passively targeting an NCO with regulation radar.
You really don't want to be that guy do you as it does and can have a downside if the right persons ear is reached and a local policy is written that WILL have you in hot water AR 670-1 or not.
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Some posts have additional policies about what (civilian clothing) can be worn post. You need to check with your NCOs for any additional polices on Ft Sill.
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