Does anyone else feel more comfortable wearing their uniform more than civilian clothing?

SPC Stephen Riddle — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 22:38:56 -0400

Ever since I was medically retired and began wearing civilian clothing more I started feeling a disconnect from my life. It is only when I wear my uniform that I feel like myself again. Has anyone else experienced this? Its not a bad thing because I am proud of my service and if I could I would still be in the military.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 4 at 2015 10:42 PM

LTC John Shaw — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 22:42:52 -0400

Only briefly, for a few days, then as a reservist I must focus on the return to normal work and ACU is not part of it.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 4 at 2015 11:09 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 23:09:38 -0400

SPC Stephen Riddle, there were a couple of times shortly after I retired that I DID almost put my uniform on in the morning prior to going to work (at my new civilian job) but I got over it fairly quickly.

What I didn't get over was the sense of order, belonging, and family/brotherhood that I had in the Navy. Hence the reason why the only jobs I've had since I retired from the Navy are working for defense contractors where 99% of my co-workers are fellow veterans.

Response by SSG Zach McIlwain made Jul 4 at 2015 11:10 PM

SSG Zach McIlwain — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 23:10:32 -0400

Look brother as medically retired I totally feel your sentiment. I work in banking, and have learned to embrace the civilian suit. If you feel as though your service is not over, as many of us do. Find an organization, such as IAVA, The Mission Continues, DVA, VFW, but not the Legion as they do not have us at heart. This will give you purpose again and help you find your place in the civilian world.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 5 at 2015 12:36 AM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:36:37 -0400

I experienced that. Mostly I just felt naked going outside w/o a cover and wouldn't put my hands in my pockets. It fades with time. I did have an Army brat buddy walk up to me the other day and tell me my gig line was messed up...I was halfway into hurriedly fixing it when it suddenly occurred to me that it didn't matter anymore. I've been out for a long time. haha

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made Jul 5 at 2015 12:38 AM

LTC Gavin Heater — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:38:13 -0400

There are multitudes of Veteran and Service organizations that have uniform components. Joining one of these might perk you up. I wear drab Fire Retardant Arc Proof clothing at my civilian job. It is uniform like, but not like the respect ACUs and ASUs garner. Give it time. 2 years into Gray Area Retirement for me so far with 9 more years until fully retired.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 5 at 2015 12:50 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:50:59 -0400

I did when I was in. Even after I got out I still wore the dress blue shirts and my long sleeve 1549 shirt with my civvies. It was difficult getting used to civvies again.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jul 5 at 2015 1:12 AM

PVT Robert Gresham — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 01:12:54 -0400

I separated in Germany, so it would have been very out of place, and potentially dangerous to wear my uniform. I cannot, however, say that in the first few weeks that I never got up at 4:30, took a shower and put on a uniform before realizing that I no longer needed to do that.

Then I went back to bed for a while. :-))

The first time I had to go to a function that required a jacket and tie I realized that I did not have any jacket and tie other than my dress Greens, so that was something of a culture shock.

I can understand your feelings, as I too missed my uniform for a while, but at the same time I found that I relished the idea that I could change my clothes depending on my mood, so I fairly quickly got used to the idea.

Response by PFC Andrew Coon made Jul 5 at 2015 3:35 AM

PFC Andrew Coon — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 03:35:24 -0400

Not really to be honest. As a 92G I wore cook whites. Didn't wear dress greens, BDUs or ACUs to work.

Response by SPC Stephen Riddle made Jul 5 at 2015 11:46 AM

SPC Stephen Riddle — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 11:46:31 -0400

I want to thank everyone for their input and suggestions. I do miss the sense of brotherhood I felt in the military.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 5 at 2015 6:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 18:40:30 -0400

I am content wearing flip flops, khakis, and wife beaters.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jul 6 at 2015 6:13 AM

PO3 David Fries — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 06:13:19 -0400

Heck, I felt like that while I was still in. My uniform was my identity.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 11:07 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:07:41 -0400

I always feel a disconnect when not in uniform. Its not just a lifestyle, its a distinct and different life altogether. I think that is why part of me does not want to retire. Its the pride you take when wearing that uniform that makes the difference.

Response by SGT Benny Martin made Oct 27 at 2015 5:50 PM

SGT Benny Martin — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 17:50:09 -0400

I've been out of the Army since 1988 and I still feel a sense of disconnect. I'm at the VA two/three times a week attending PTSD, anxiety and depression groups. The peer support is awesome.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 27 at 2015 7:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 19:24:50 -0400

It reduces your wardrobe only you are one of those Gucci Guys.

Response by LCpl Kasey Woods made Oct 28 at 2015 5:19 PM

LCpl Kasey Woods — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:19:35 -0400

i miss the cargo pockets... they were so handy

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 2:54 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:54:05 -0400

When I joined the military for about the first two years, I did. It had it's perks. I stood a bit taller, I was more confident, and I enjoyed the recognition. Now after watching many service member get gunned down because they are in uniform (not saying it doesn't happen outside of uniform) for their US military affiliation. I don't even carry post decals on my car, let alone even have anything military on my keychain. My CAC is tucked away unless I need access to a military post or something CAC related. I think I feel safer now in civilian clothes because it's less of a safety issue and I blend in.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Nov 16 at 2015 10:40 AM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 10:40:03 -0500

Not really. I will say I loved my winter uniforms, but the summer whites were a pain. The synthetic material especially. Was happy to get home and change.

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Nov 19 at 2015 12:25 AM

SFC Matthew Parker — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 00:25:14 -0500

Spc Riddle,
Its normal to feel that way. After 20+ it was hard to wear civilian cloths during the week. Took some time but you will adapt. Now when I attend a military function that authorizes me to wear my old dress uniform it feels awkward at times. So its suits and the retirement pin on the lapel.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 10:13 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:13:31 -0500

I'm the odd ball. I've worn my uniform, maybe 30 days max out of the last 15-16 months. I have to start buying the new OCP uni soon, in preparation for my return back to Bragg next summer.

Response by SGT Steven Sanderson made Aug 26 at 2018 8:56 AM

SGT Steven Sanderson — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 08:56:46 -0400

Specialist Riddle,
That's a great first name you have there!!! I have been wearing some type of uniform since I was 8 years old (Cub Scouts), 11 years old (Boy Scouts), 15 years old (Civil Air Patrol) & marching band uniforms in Junior High & Senior High School, 17 years old (US Army, US Air Force Reserve, US Army Reserve) 10 years, and my last uniform was my Shop Foreman's uniform at Wonder Bread's Northern CA Vehicle Maintenance Department for 30 years. I have been retired since 30 NOV 2011 (disability), I am always mixing my old uniform parts from the service or my shop days.... I feel naked without one. Uniforms give us a sense of belonging and you don't have to worry about pieces of your attire clashing :) Thanks for sharing something near and dear to my heart.

Response by PO1 Roger Clites made Aug 26 at 2018 9:24 AM

PO1 Roger Clites — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 09:24:19 -0400

Absolutely and I carried that into my civilian job building trucks after my Navy retirement. My entire stock of work clothes was identical and included a matching jacket and coat. It made me feel comfortable in my new surroundings.

Response by SGT Pete Masullo made Sep 5 at 2018 8:51 AM

SGT Pete Masullo — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 08:51:22 -0400

When I was in the military I got home and changed out of whatever the uniform of the day was. Immediately. I have never worn a piece of military clothing since I left the service almost 20 years ago. Don’t get me wrong...I am proud of the time I served and I am proud for those who serve today. I just don’t believe that what you happen to be wearing at the moment defines you as a person.