Posted on Feb 22, 2014
Off Base In Uniform Hours After Close of Business (COB)? Epidemic?
80.2K
707
333
102
102
0
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>
Rules
Uniforms
Customs and Courtesies
Integrity
Edited 12 y ago
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 187
1
1
0
As a Retired CSM I would even approach someone doing that. It is unprofessional and any NCO or Senior knows better. Not to give the Junior Enlisted a brake but they see what Seniors do and follow suit. Call them out but as you said do with tact and professional tutoring of the Regs!!
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
The wearing of ACUs have gotten out of control. The main point of the rule is that the ACUs are a utility uniform ("fatigues" in the old days) and they aren't really supposed to be seen off post unless going to or from work.The intent of them in garrison is that soldiers have something practical durable and comfortable to wear to work while they're around their own people. Active duty soldiers may wear their service uniforms while off duty if they choose, within reason (no bars, strip clubs or while endorsing something or representing something). Of course, that made more sense back in the days when civilian men all wore suits.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
When I was in, we couldn't wait! to get out of uniform! These kids are begging for attention. Quite sad really.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
To me that seems way off. Being a Marine we cant wear get out of our vehicle when in uniform off base unless it is an emergency. So I personally see where you're coming from
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
During my military days during the ice age, one could only wear their uniforms directly to base and home, no stops in between. It seems after the invasion of Afghanistan off base wear of the uniform went lax.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
AR670-1 dictates how to properly wear the uniform. Post Commander dictates when and where and which uniforms may be worn. Ignorance of Command policies is no excuse.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Can we ever get a topic that doesn't center around AR 670-1, or is everyone so braindead and hopelessly inept as leaders that we think sniping your buddy actually ensures good standards, order, and discipline? The OP is actually proud as hell that he called out a higher rank in public for something very arbitrary and to be honest, not at all important, and is seeking kudos. If this doesn't epitomize the complete breakdown of leadership, emphasize toxic leadership, and point to the core issue of lack of mentorship, I don't know what does. I long for the day when a soldier's loyalty was to taking care of/squaring away his buddy, instead of trying to become internet famous on Rally Point or US Army WTF moments. Leaders- you all need to do a hell of a lot better.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Back in the 90’s Ft. Campbell used to do a “courtesy patrol”. An NCO and a EM used to walk the Governor Square mall in class B’s and issue citations to soldiers in uniform after 1800. It only lasted maybe a year then they did away with it.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
the worst is the full bird colonel flying his family to Disneyword and wearing his cammies for a shot at a free upgrade and advance seating. I seen AF Staff NCO walking towards a movie theater in cammies with no head cover on and I called him out on it.
seems the Marines are the only ones I never catch doing this.
seems the Marines are the only ones I never catch doing this.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google