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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As a general rule, I try not to wear it after hours. Then again, I live close enough that swinging home is pretty convenient for me. (and always keep a change of clothes in the car) I remember the shooting at the Frankfurt airport and the sweeping changes that hit USAREUR as a result. We were not allowed to commute to and from work in uniform and had to remove all installation decals and obvious military affiliation decals, stickers and such from our vehicles.
Though a bit off topic, is also worth mentioning that even here in the States, there are people targeting us. From my own experience: Not too long ago, I was traveling in a GOV along the highway when another vehicle tried to get me to pull over. He even flashed an ID card. Eventually he ran me off the road and tried to demand my TC and I exit the vehicle. Obviously that didn't happen. Upon getting back on the roadway, he followed me for over 50 miles until we were able to link up with the CHP. Why were we targeted? Because we had military plates. Sometimes, its our own out to get us.
Regardless of right or wrong, OPSEC is key.
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SGT (Join to see)
Exactly Sergeant! That is the main reason they gave us for not wearing the uniform when I first came in and even though I have never had an actual situation like that people do not think twice about that type of stuff until it is too late and a situation happens to them... Thank you for that insight!
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My advice is to at ease that stuff. You can find plenty wrong with this current US Army to beef about, but this really should be waaaaay at the bottom. You're stressing yourself and military life is already stressful enough. And remember... there really is no such thing as "after duty hours" because when we enlisted, it was for every second of every minute.
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I always thought a soldier is a soldier even after duty hours , this regulation makes me think the ARMY has become a 9-5 occupation .. Nothing wrong to wear the Uniform as long is properly wear with pride.. My humble opinion
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I know AR 670-1 doesn't prohibit the wear of ACUs off post, instead it gives the decision to the commander, but, in the Marine Corps they are absolutely not allowed anywhere off post in their duty uniform. It makes it difficult sometimes when I want to grab a bite to eat at lunch with some of my coworkers, but they are always prepared as they generally always bring a change of clothes for when they get released for the day. It may just be me but I believe that all the branches should have a similar policy.
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The fun part is walking up to someone to correct them and find out there no longer in and through on there acus to go out hunting or play a little paintball
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What is the problem here? This policy has been in exsistence since Christ was a Corporal. Every command has their own policy on this issue. For those of you who have been challenging those whom seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time in Utilities and PT uniforms, Great Job, keep up the good work. If you think about, you are saving that soldier extra duty from the 1ST and/or ART-15 from the Commander. Actually, the soldier in question should think about it.
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SSG Alexander Hoffman
SSG Baker-
Many posts don't prohibit it at all.
Both specifically state that "The utility uniforms may be worn off post unrestricted at the discretion of the Soldier," unless the primary purpose of the establishment is alcohol.
I encourage Soldiers of any rank to make tactful on-the-spot corrections, but they should be well-educated on the rule they are accusing someone of violating.
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Hey Battle, you're spot on to make those corrections.
Having that "Monterey Mindset" that was engraved into each of us, the primary concern I think of is OPSEC. But it opens the door for all kinds of mischief.
Definitely understand some stops being necessary, But like you pointed out the movie theater and leisure stops is just flat out lazy, and creates an unprofessional light for the Uniform to be seen in.
Again, Spot on.
Having that "Monterey Mindset" that was engraved into each of us, the primary concern I think of is OPSEC. But it opens the door for all kinds of mischief.
Definitely understand some stops being necessary, But like you pointed out the movie theater and leisure stops is just flat out lazy, and creates an unprofessional light for the Uniform to be seen in.
Again, Spot on.
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There was a time when my command did not want us to wear our uniforms off post, but that changed and they encouraged us to travel in our uniform in part to better relations with the public. It that's what they wanted me to do, I did it. If they would have changed their minds and ask us not to, then I would have no qualms doing it either.
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Alright, well, easy fix. No more civilian attire. The only authorized attire for off duty time is Service A's/ASU's! =)
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SGT (Join to see)
Sergeant I am going to have to respectfully say hell no! Hahaa we just got back from deployment hundreds of days without civilian attire... I lost my sense of fashion this past year haha..
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One would think that between all the training, deployments and everything going on when you have no other choice but to wear your uniform that service members would be looking for an excuse to not be wearing their uniform. While I agree you should have pride in your uniform but just like texting in the movies; there is a proper time and place for you to wear your uniform and the movie theater just isn't one of them.
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