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
1SG Visual Information Operations Chief
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Edited 12 y ago
Only when on official business or reporting on the same day of a NCOES.  I keep my pride of what I do to myself.
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LTC Paul Labrador
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I don't mind it too much if you are on official travel....but it should be in ASU/Class B, not ACUs (unless coming home from/going to deployment).  We should not be travelling overseas in uniform at all.  My first tour in Korea (2000), they specifically told us NOT to wear uniforms in foreign airports.
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SFC Instructor/Writer  Alc Cc/Ssd 2
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Sir. And still in effect that policy in Korea. NO ACU at the airport. No even to pick or drop Soldiers.
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SSG Patrick Kinsella
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I don't have a problem with people traveling in uniform, as long as they are displaying proper military bearing. Let's face it, Soldiers and Marines can usually be spotted a mile away in the civilian population even when NOT in uniform. Haircuts, bearing and their gear give them away immediately, not to mention displaying manners that a good portion of the civilian population lacks. (such as saying Sir and Ma'am and helping people who are in need) Even out of uniform, people ask me if I'm military, and I've had drinks bought for me, and gotten special treatment at the gate.


On the other hand, Traveling to and from theater (usually on leave) often takes days, and by the time you hit the States (and the civilian public) you've got two days of stubble on your chin, your uniform is a mess, there's a good chance you spilled something on yourself, you're tired, feet dragging....not very professional looking.



Civilians don't know if you're flying to two day conference or returning from Afghanistan after your third tour. No other branch feels it's necessary to travel in uniform. Like so many things, someone needs to make a decision, and all services should follow the same rule. 
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SSG Intelligence Sergeant
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Personally, I do not enjoy the extra attention that often accompanies traveling in uniform. I think it is a wonderful thing that there are so many civilians who are appreciative of their service members, and it is reassuring to know that - generally speaking - we have the support of the nation. I am just a private person, and would rather not feel on parade. As to the original poster's comment on personal safety; for domestic travel there should not be any attempt made to disguise your military affiliation. What kind of image would it send if we suddenly disappear from the public eye? How better to show the nation, who supports us as much as we them, that we're not afraid. I don't like the extra attention of wearing my uniform in public, but I'm proud to wear it.
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SN Jennifer M.
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I loved it. Made me feel proud.
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SSG Supply Sergeant (S4)
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SGT Tobin,
With everything going on today I would be reluctant to travel in uniform unless necessary. Not that I am not proud of the uniform it is just a security risk.
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TSgt Photojournalist
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I feel a little uncomfortable with the thank you's and all but I always acknowledge it respectful personally I prefer not to travel in uniform it is easy enough really to spot someone in the military by their look and backpacks :).
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
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SSG Raymond Tobin When I got to my first duty stationed, I was nervous and as I was supposed to get earlier to the post I flew in ACUs. My flight got delayed a couple times, my bags were lost and I finally made it at 2240 to the post. At least I was in ACUs so I reported the next day in uniform with no problem. That would be the only reason I would fly again in uniform, I'm not lucky with my bags in the airports...
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SSgt Station Commander
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Edited 11 y ago
I think this issue is very clear cut, it makes you a soft target for anyone looking to take advantage of. This, to me, is very similar to wearing your uniform out in town. It's one thing when you are wearing it for official purposes such as recruiting or some sort of community event for the military. But I feel like uniforms should only be worn on base and not anywhere else. I know many do not agree with that especially since uniform regulations for their services allow it. It's ultimately a security issue and I would not want to draw attention to myself.
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COL Strategic Plans Chief
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I'm with MSG Kerwin. I would prefer that it be required for all personnel in the "protection" services realm to wear their uniforms when traveling. Police too. A person looking to target a Soldier can do so at any time. If you are traveling though the threat is usually targetted at a larger audience. The physical presence of a Soldier or a police officer, or multiple of those is a deterent. The people in the military who live on the pointy end of the spear usually thrive on conflict and are constantly in some state of alert, especially in unfamilliar areas. We tend to be more suspicious and watch our AO. Four of us looking in all directions is a hell of a deterent. Besides the threat of detection, a Soldier is also a threat in action much greater than your average civilian. At this point if someone tries to take over mass transportation with a group of Soldiers on board, it isn't going to happen peacefully. If I had my choice, I'd travel in uniform all the time and it has nothing to do with perks...I don't remember the last time that got me anything anyway. If I really got my way, we'd be armed as well. Go ahead and try to take over the plane.
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