Posted on Jan 31, 2014
SSG Raymond Tobin
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Let me start by saying this : I loathe traveling in uniform.

     

I have encountered many other soldiers that talk about traveling in uniform and the benefits and attention they receive. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the recognition by civilians to service members, but I feel that many abuse it and take advantage of the free drinks and first class upgrades. I see it as an integrity issue and to cite the NCO creed: "I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety." Speaking of the last part, SAFETY; The Army trains us to not make ourselves targets and I see wearing the uniform in-transit as a huge bull's-eye for any potential threat, especially with past events occurring in airports, train stations, etc. Most, if not all, orders require SM's to travel in uniform whether it be the duty uniform or class A's or B's.

 

How do you feel about the Army's logic and have you encountered other soldiers abusing these "benefits"?

 

How do you feel about the recognition in general?

 

All responses are appreciated and I'd like to hear everyone's take on the matter.

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Responses: 38
CPT William Jones
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I know times have changed but while I was in you were required to wear your class A uniform blouse and tie. I think today wearing commonwork/field uniform is sloppy and should not be allowed. If in public in uniform it should look business like not like you are about ready to go to war.
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SSgt Personnel
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I love it. Gives a great sense of pride as a service member and honored to wear this uniform when someone thanks me for serving. The problem is that I never know what to say back to the person. There’s many times when someone would say “thank you for your service” and I’d oddly say thank you back to the person.

My suggestion: “it’s an honor ma’am/sir”
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CPL Laborer
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So, I'm pretty new to the army. Still in AIT. Leaving for HBL in duty uniform. I kinda wanted to in my civilian clothes so that I didn't draw a lot of attention. I was bussed here in class A' s and we stopped in a small town for lunch. I did not appreciate the stares. I don't like drawing attention to myself. I really do not think it is the smartest of ideas.
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LTC Substitute Teacher
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Edited >1 y ago
I agree we should not fly in uniform for reasons of security (also more comfortable); I tend to wear T or polo shirts that show my Army Service (I do avoid obvious military affiliation on a commercial flight, however) not to brag or get discounts, but I proud of my service... and as an Army retiree, I'm proud to wear my uniform at appropriate events. While I take common-sense safety and security precautions, Im not going to stick my head in the sand either. As for discounts, I agree its bad form to look for a "discount" unless its advertised, and you know you are clearly qualified for it.
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SFC Retired
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Why make yourself a target with the ever growing threats to men and women in uniform? It is nice to get appreciation for wearing the uniform, but when I'm not on duty, I travel in civilian clothes. I am not looking for free hand outs, I would much prefer to be left alone. Especially when I travel with my family. But to each his or her own, right?
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SrA Edward Vong
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I never really minded, I get the occasional "thank you for your service" and a few nods. Overall no one has bothered me. I would like to add that the uniform is pretty comfortable.
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SSG Matthew Thomas
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My orders to Germany in 2002 stated travel in Class A's so I did. Once I landed at Frankfurt I linked up at the reception area and was smoked by the NCO for traveling in my Class A's. As a PFC I was confused and never traveled on an airplane, minus deployment, in uniform.
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SSG General Services Technician And State Vehicle Inspector
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Well said, SGT. I too do not like traveling while in uniform unless it is necessary, i.e. deployment mid-tour leave. As I pointed out in the on post conceal carry thread, Service-members in uniform are easy targets as they are generally recognizable and disarmed. I'd rather blend in.
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SSG Stephen Thomas
SSG Stephen Thomas
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Excellent point SSG, I know Soldiers who go out of the way to wear their uniform in the hopes of getting better seats on planes or getting on board faster, personnally I'd rather (like you) blend in.  The thanks are nice, but I'm not wearing the uniform for that. 
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SSG General Services Technician And State Vehicle Inspector
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Thanks. No doubt. I get some thanks once in a while but for me the uniform has a different meaning.
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