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
I think it's a personal peeve of yours.Is a soldier not a soldier after hours ?
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Mess’g With another NCO a paygrade up?
You were right but I think you’re putting your life at risk, SGT. Not saying retribution will be speedy.. and at least you didn’t do a rip and take name n number.. that might be your lifesaver. I know some like to live dangerously and you are taking baby steps.. so what is your next NCO, a SFC or maybe even a CSM?... a heck of a way to make brownie points... prob’ly with St. Pete...
You were right but I think you’re putting your life at risk, SGT. Not saying retribution will be speedy.. and at least you didn’t do a rip and take name n number.. that might be your lifesaver. I know some like to live dangerously and you are taking baby steps.. so what is your next NCO, a SFC or maybe even a CSM?... a heck of a way to make brownie points... prob’ly with St. Pete...
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There was a courtesy patrol, the SDO and a Sr NCO in class A/B that would go to the mall and other places to specifically correct soldiers still in uniform after duty hours, this was a Campbell in 1993-1996, may need to bring it back
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Really, how hard is it to pack a small bag with a change of clothes? I've been retired since 99 while serving I was in the US Army Rec command, we were always required to wear are class b's for recruiting duty. Now I see recruiters running around in their BDUs, not sure I think that's a good idea either.
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This was one of those regs that was relaxed post 9/11 it's one of the few I agree with bringing back online. I'm still pissed about having to travel to counter-IED conferences in uniform post 9/11 in direct violation of counter terrorism doctrine and common sense. However, I will say this always showed which CSM was not doing his job. The one that wasn't doing his job was the one out looking for infractions.
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I was in the military during Vietnam. In those days you didn’t leave base unless in class A or your khakis with tie (summertime). But you were allowed to wear those uniforms off base anywhere. It just wasn’t a good idea given the level of hostility toward members of the military. If we were foolish enough to leave base in fatigues, we could count on being brought up short by any NCO we met.
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My last duty post was in Germany. You couldn't go anywhere off post in uniform. There it was both a force protection and professional appearance issue. Our work uniforms are just that. They are for work. Only exceptions made were class A or Dress uniforms for official functions. The absolute worst are the soldiers who take off their blouse and walk into businesses in their t-shirts.
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I was stationed there back in 89 and this was a no no we have gone to soft on enforcing the regulations
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