Flying to Korea (on orders): Travel in Uniform or Civies?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:11:19 -0400

I have been assigned to Korea, and am going unaccompanied.  This is my first OCONUS assignment (other than 2 deployments) and would like some insight on this.<div><br></div><div>I ask this because I have always understood that when traveling on official business (i.e., on orders) you do so in uniform.  In the past that meant Class A or Class B.  I also remember the 80s when traveling in uniform was discouraged for PERSEC reasons.  </div><div><br></div><div>So what advice do you have on this issue?</div>

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Mar 20 at 2014 8:26 PM

MSG Jose Colon — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 20:26:53 -0400

Civies, think comfort. It is too long of a trip.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 3:45 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 15:45:06 -0400

The Army may be different but the AF states of you're flying commercial or have commercial connections then civi's If you're flying military transport then duty uniform. I know for Korea you'll more than likely be going through Incheon Int'l Airport or via Patriot Express into Kunsan. Either way, it's civi's

Response by John Russell made May 28 at 2014 3:44 PM

John Russell — Wed, 28 May 2014 15:44:13 -0400

You are not supposed to be in uniform when flying overseas on commercial flights. But I do see a lot of people do it to be douchebags to get first class tickets or bumped up. Nowadays does one really want to be flying in your uniform while aboard any plane in this day and age?

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jul 29 at 2014 9:27 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 09:27:23 -0400

I have been there, and I flew in civvies from Chicago to Seoul, only because I flew commercial. With 8 bags, mind you.

Response by LTC Rex Wilson made Sep 11 at 2014 3:35 PM

LTC Rex Wilson — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:35:47 -0400

Civies always on International commercial travel. Security is the primary reason. You do not want to call undo attention to yourself in this current reality of the international terroist threat.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 8:53 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 08:53:35 -0400

Check your regulations on travel; I know that within the Navy, they prefer to have sailors travel in civies.

I would go the safe way and travel in civies, plus it would be a bit more comfortable; but that's my opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2018 1:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 13:06:50 -0400

You fly in Civilian clothes and it is a long flight. I was stationed at Yongsan Garrison/Seoul from March 2013-July 2014.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2018 12:18 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 00:18:39 -0400

I just PCS’d to Korea, and it specifically stated in my orders NOT to travel in uniform. However, do get a hair cut before arriving. It was sad how many people showed up, didn’t get a chance to see the barber before putting on the uniform and then looked ate up.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2018 9:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 21:27:41 -0500

Civilian clothes only

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 6:37 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 18:37:38 -0500

I wish there was a book that had a bunch of rules for people to follow that covered how to properly where a uniform. It would be especially useful for NCOs that should know said rules to enforce them.

Response by SSG Walter Corretjer made Apr 10 at 2019 6:10 AM

SSG Walter Corretjer — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 06:10:26 -0400

I always traveled in Class A or B, while in orders,everywhere during my whole 30 years career.
Besides feeling better in uniform,the treatment,respect and privileges in the airport and elsewhere with people,were astounding.
I personally recommends,to be as elegant as posible when you are at the public view.The use of the dress uniforms is a magnificent ocassion in doing so while in the service.

Response by Devansh Chaurasiya made Jul 5 at 2019 2:24 AM

Devansh Chaurasiya — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 02:24:10 -0400

chill...follow orders, ask questions if you are not clear and experience the different culture over there..you gonna love it..and ya China is close by to fly and see it over the 2-3 days off

Response by TSgt Mike Gillis made Jan 23 at 2020 3:51 PM

TSgt Mike Gillis — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 15:51:28 -0500

If you’re heading to Osan then civilian attire. It’s a looong flight from Seattle BUT at least you fly directly into the base.