Can I wear my ocp uniform while traveling on leave?

2019-09-12T03:49:02-04:00

About to go on emergency leave and just wondering if I can wear my uniform on the plane so I can go surprise my mom at the airport

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 4:58 AM

2019-09-12T04:58:17-04:00

Either you didnt ask your chain of command, or you didnt like their answer. Go read the regs yourself, AR 670-1 chapter 4 covers OCPs. Chapter 3 para 6 covers traveling restrictions.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Sep 12 at 2019 6:41 AM

2019-09-12T06:41:55-04:00

Do a bit of research (AR670-1) and I guarantee you’ll find an answer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 8:30 AM

2019-09-12T08:30:00-04:00

one question: if your mom is going to be at the airport, how is this going to be a surprise? Does she not know you are in the military?

Response by SFC Michael D. made Sep 12 at 2019 8:44 AM

2019-09-12T08:44:01-04:00

I remember way back in the day you had to wear your dress greens whenever you traveled.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 12 at 2019 9:47 AM

2019-09-12T09:47:01-04:00

Do they not teach basic regulations anymore? I can see it if you were a private fresh from AIT but you are a specialist with some time under your belt. Read AR 670-1. The short answer is no. When traveling on leave, emergency or otherwise you are restricted on what can be worn. Dress uniform or civilian attire.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 10:48 AM

2019-09-12T10:48:01-04:00

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Sep 12 at 2019 11:16 AM

2019-09-12T11:16:42-04:00

I'm --- I'm --- I'm sorry I just can't comment on this one.

Response by SGT Richard Souza made Sep 12 at 2019 4:08 PM

2019-09-12T16:08:52-04:00

I always preferred to travel in inconspicuous clothes, i.e. civilians. Don't do anything to draw attention to yourself.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 4:23 PM

2019-09-12T16:23:29-04:00

I have to say, good Specialist, that if you are going home on emergency leave, the circumstances might not be all about you. I would consider the circumstances - which you don't tell us in your OP - before deciding that this is a good plan.

Having said that, I would recommend that if you want to show up in ACUs, pack them in your carry on and change on the way home after landing.

Response by SSG Charles La Porte (RET) made Sep 12 at 2019 4:24 PM

2019-09-12T16:24:25-04:00

Does she not know you're in the Army? Or that your going wherever for an emergency. It's emergency leave, not a "look at me" event.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 5:48 PM

2019-09-12T17:48:46-04:00

The short of it which should have been clear to you since BCT, don't travel in uniform.
Emergency leave should be more important than surprising your mom, does she not know you joined? Big life decision you may have made without telling her.
Change into civilian attire, focus on the reason you were granted leave. Not a surprise for showing your uniform.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 7:12 PM

2019-09-12T19:12:33-04:00

Sighs.......”Emergency Leave” huh......wear your winter APFTs...no balls.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 7:16 PM

2019-09-12T19:16:07-04:00

Wear your uniform when you absolutely have to and no other time. It’s just easier that way

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2019 1:42 AM

2019-10-15T01:42:49-04:00

I’m sure your mom would be plenty surprised if you showed up in a chicken suit. She’s not going to care what you wear on the plane or what you’re wearing when you “surprise” her. The plain clothes CSM who never seems to leave the airport likely will though.

Response by PVT Tony Notimportant made Nov 7 at 2019 10:59 AM

2019-11-07T10:59:57-05:00

First of all...why the hell would you want to wear your service uniform while traveling?!! I contract and travel aboard. You can always tell a idiot who contracts. Who wants to say “hey look i’m special and stupid “. You want to be professional and stay low key. What they (civilians) don’t know, is to your advantage. Now once they call for boarding and say active military can board. By all means take advantage of that. My opinion is that no you shouldn’t travel and announce that you serve by wear any uniform.

Response by SSG Jess Peters made Nov 17 at 2019 12:26 AM

2019-11-17T00:26:04-05:00

Only class A uniform, or civilian clothes are appropriate for travel.

Response by TSgt Robert Moore made Nov 17 at 2019 12:39 PM

2019-11-17T12:39:32-05:00

When I was in the military, you could only wear the dress uniform or civvies. There was no option for fatigues except maybe to stop for gas on the way home.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Nov 6 at 2021 5:40 PM

2021-11-06T17:40:20-04:00

A Dress Uniform is always appropriate to wear when traveling, UNLESS you are in an area where it’s restricted due to the danger/risk it brings to yourself. Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan are 3 that immediately come to mind where wearing any US Military to travel would be forbidden!

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Aug 6 at 2022 6:58 PM

2022-08-06T18:58:55-04:00

Used to be if flying military standby, cheap ticket, the airlines required you be in uniform. Full fare tickets, I'd wear civies.