Posted on Feb 22, 2014
Off Base In Uniform Hours After Close of Business (COB)? Epidemic?
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After coming back from deployment I don't know if I am being too harsh or if I have just become overly military minded but, everywhere I go I am seeing soldiers, lower enlisted to senior enlisted and officer grades alike, everywhere in their uniforms. At first seeing people at Wal-Mart and at fast food restaurants wasn't a big deal but, I have started to see soldiers at the mall (20-30min drive from post) and even a few coming out of the movie theaters!? The soldier in me wants me to pull that person aside and ask why they are still in uniform regardless of rank but, so far I have left it alone mainly because most are with family or multiple people and calling them out feels a little over the top. Is this a big problem where you are stationed? What do you think should be said to these soldiers if anything? <div><br><div>If you feel that this is a good/reasonable post please vote it up and give me your honest opinions thanks!</div><div>***UPDATE*** Made my first correction tonight!!! With great TACT may I add.</div><div>This took place at the Wal-Mart off of Wilma Rudolph around 2130.</div><div><br></div><div>I walked past this sergeant (E-5) and knew I had to say something, I asked him if he was off duty and he said yes he was, soo I said, okay well I work at Division and we are not allowed to wear our uniforms after duty hours, I don't know your situation but it is almost 2200 and I do not believe this is authorized.</div><div>He smirked and kind of chuckled and said well I need a few groceries then I am headed to the house. I said roger that sergeant I didn't know if you were new to Campbell or something so this was just a professional courtesy have a good night and he didn't reply. </div><div><br></div><div>Then I walked off and snapped this picture</div></div>
Edited 12 y ago
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 187
Only catch me in very few places with the uniform on.mostly when in transit from home to my reseve center, no need for it otherwise. When i used to stay in hotels for drill, id change before going anywhere.
Shopping is quick in and out. Besides, in the picture, I'd have asked that Soldier/NCO whats up with the sneakers.
Shopping is quick in and out. Besides, in the picture, I'd have asked that Soldier/NCO whats up with the sneakers.
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Not nearly as much of an epidemic as how many Soldiers (junior, senior, enlisted, commissioned, warrant) that are blatantly overweight. AR 600-9 states you must maintain a Soldierly appearance, not a retired appearance.
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So my two cents... not really worth much, but MY take on it.
Make it an absolute requirement under regulation with company grade repricussions; All soldiers are approved to wear the service uniform to off post establishments that are not considered bars or night-clubs. The wear of field or duty uniforms off post outside of specific duty is punishable by NJP for the first two offenses. This regulation takes effect 30 minutes after COB as set by Division Commanders and Sergeants Major.
End it all there.
Make it an absolute requirement under regulation with company grade repricussions; All soldiers are approved to wear the service uniform to off post establishments that are not considered bars or night-clubs. The wear of field or duty uniforms off post outside of specific duty is punishable by NJP for the first two offenses. This regulation takes effect 30 minutes after COB as set by Division Commanders and Sergeants Major.
End it all there.
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If they are “in uniform” I think it is ok, too many times I see them w/o head gear and that always bothered me especially before I retired.
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Your being a little wack, when I finally get released at 6 and need to get groceries for the kids does it make sense to shower and change first to get groceries, calm down super hooah
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I went to see “fury” at the movie theater a couple years ago and a CSM had the audacity to call me out there for wearing my uniform to a war movie. That’s like calling out a former nfl star from attending a football game in his jersey. Dumb. Remarks complete.
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Idk about now days, but when I was in I didn't want to make myself a soft target. I may have stopped at a convienence store for gas, but I changed as soon as I could. Also I wanted to shed the uniform and get the day out of my head before I did anything else. The reason for changing into civies was two fold for me
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In this day and age I don’t care or that is to say the rules should be changed so that soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard should all be able to wear their uniforms to and from work if that means stopping and pumping gas or getting a few groceries that’s fine but sitting at a bar and drinking all night that’s another story .
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Not all soldiers get the 9 to 5 go is as this working at division real soldiers might be on their way home at any hour of the day or night. Some work night shifts like medics and cops
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Stationed in St Pete Fla with the Navy we would drive home at the end of a work day and stop to get a bite to eat or go shopping and have our work uniforms on. It was encouraged to do so by command as it showed a Naval precence in St Pete (two Naval minesweepers. We were also reminded that we represented the U.S. Navy. This means you better be 4.0 if you did it. If not you go straight home
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