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>
Rules
Uniforms
Customs and Courtesies
Integrity
Edited 12 y ago
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 187
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During my time in service, 65 to 85 it was acceptable to drop at a gas station or a grocery store on your way home..other than that only class A or class B (for those that remember them) were authorized to wear off best. It was strictly enforced. It gives a more professional appearance as well. I always thought doing away with the khaki class B uniform was a bad idea. They especially looked good with blouse boots, and we're as comfortable as the work uniform, and looked better too. Great to wear when traveling between stations as well.along with pinks and greens, they should again be brought back to the Army.
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I have always wondered why people in the Army wear their uniforms at all sorts of crazy times and locations. I once saw a kid in his ACU’s at a heavy metal concert off post at 2200. Maybe it’s just a Navy and Marine Corps thing, but we usually try to get out of uniform once on liberty, so we don’t look like “that guy” that looks like a goober. You don’t need an cammoflauge to have a smoothie at the mall and shop. Plan ahead and change your uniform leaving base.
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We had a huge problem with this at Fort Carson. You'd see soldiers in uniform at a restaurant with their spouses and or family. That's a good way to out a target on your back even if you weren't already!
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I’m certain someone’s already pointed it out, but the Navy/Marine/Coast Guard solution is: no working uniforms off-base, period, except for a gas station or ATM. The Army/Air Force hates it, but the problem was solved more than a half-century ago.
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This was commonplace in the 70s when I was stationed at Ft. Hood.
We lived off base for a while and would often shop on the easy home. I don’t see a problem with that. The only thing I would take issue with is if they were in partial uniform.
We lived off base for a while and would often shop on the easy home. I don’t see a problem with that. The only thing I would take issue with is if they were in partial uniform.
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I've said stuff especially at home depot or stores like Walmart shopping for plants I feel like they do it for attention
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Why dont we just say no uniform at all off base. Extend the workday to include time to change into and out of uniform. Problem solved. Or you could actually worry about something that matters.
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