How do you feel about the recognition/attention you may get while traveling in uniform?

I've always been curious about the difference between Army and Air Force regulations. Seems that Army regulations often require soldiers to travel in uniform (as seen every time I pass through DFW). On the other hand, Air Force regulations explicitly PROHIBIT traveling in uniform under almost any circumstances, calling it a "force protection" issue (as in, not making airmen targets by having them wear the uniform).

So...what is the Army's logic for requiring people to travel in uniform?

I think it draws too much attention.  Personally, I prefer to blend in over a free beverage or upgrade.  I've never seen anything requiring Airmen to travel in uniform on commercial flights and I like it that way.  All military personnel can use the TSA PreCheck by using the DoD ID number on our cards as our "known traveler" numbers when we book flights.  That keeps your shoes on and you don't have to dismantle your hand carried items.

My understanding was that military personnel should only travel in uniform when they are on official duty and on orders for that duty.  For example, if you're traveling to formally visit another military unit.  If you're just traveling home for Easter or something, you should not be wearing your military uniform.  And if you're out at a bar, you should absolutely not be wearing your uniform, even if you are on TDY.  Respect the uniform and the profession, and don't wear the uniform if you are trying to implicitly get special treatment, etc.

I can see where safety could be a issue, but i dont think it is that big of a threat. i dont think they should travel in their BDU's, it is a work uniform. travel should be cjass A or B if your on orders. if just on leave wear what ever you want. As far as a few perks they may recieve, i have no problem after the sacrifice they have given.

I was flying back from AIT and I didn't have civvies so ACUs it was and I can't tell you how many people asked me if I was infantry or if I was going to war.

I agree and you set a very valid point... SAFETY!!! Even though we think all is great to travel in America it's far from safe! OPSEC is the key!!!

In my previous job I had to travel TDY a lot. Often times the locations we went there were few returning flights so we had to leave from meetings and drive straight to the airport while still in uniform. At the time for AF members, except deployments, you weren't supposed to travel in uniform. I would get to the airport, check in, and if there was time change into civilian clothes in the bathroom. This was almost as much a hassle as traveling in uniform in the first place and those times where it didn't make sense to change I didn't, but I always made it a point to be a bit more professional when I was in a very public area and in uniform. 

As far as benefits for wearing the uniform around, I wouldn't turn them down, but I wouldn't go out of my way to ask for them. Some times I did see other service members complaining with the gate agent that they should get an upgrade or something else and I would quietly take them aside and spot correct them. Often the member would be defensive because I was at that point in civilian clothes but when I explained my position most times they wised up quick, and when it was a superior officer I simply explained that it was reflecting poorly to those who saw the scene. 

More to the question about recognition. When someone thanked me for my service I made it a point to thank the person and ask them to think of those members that were deployed and didn't enjoy the luxury of being in a US airport. I was humbled by the citizens that took time out to thank me but I needed to redirect some of that attention to where I feel it is more deserved. 

My view on traveling in uniform is: Wear the Dress Uniform! My god people, be proud to be in the Military, if not then get the hell out. Don't cower like rats because... That's what our enemy wants, for you to be ashamed or scared to wear the uniform. Yes it could endanger your life, but know what, that's what you signed up for!

I'm generally against official travel in uniform because it attracts too much attention and makes you too visible. Since my official travel in the Navy has either been solo or in a small group with one to a few other people, I have never travelled in uniform. I also never take my sea bag but always use civilian luggage. Additionally, I always use a blue civilian passport and only show my orders to the authorities when asked. Especially for international travel I consider it an OPSEC concern. It's hard enough not to stick out like a sore thumb in some countries but wearing a uniform and carrying a sea bag means you have no hope of blending in.

I'm a Marine. I had to pick my CO up from the airport one time and a lady there was asking me what time a certain flight comes in. I just politely told her I was a U S Marine and not an airline stewardis. Never bothered me to travel in uniform. Always a good way of meeting new people. There's always a story to tell from someone.