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
All I can say is find a hobby. First off, you are a Soldier, therefore you are never off duty if your AD. Just go get in trouble in Clarksville some Saturday night when you are “off duty” in civis, you will still be on the blotter and have a number of meetings with the CoC. Worry about yourself and those who you are responsible for. If you were really taken aback, why was it a peer rank and not a Bird Col.
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I never understood this. I always went straight home after duty to change immediately. I didnt like wearing it any longer than I had to.
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Short stops like getting or fast food on the way home is usually fine. But something like the wal-Mart or the mall call them out. Some do it actully as a test to see if they do called out on it.
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I always introduced myself and shook hands with the soldier and kindly engaged in talk about what unit he was with and his/her name then I said to them “thank you for your service” and walked away. The next day I call that company’s 1sg and inform him of the person and let that units command decide.
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I as stationed here in Hawaii at 25 ID Scofield Barracks In 86 to 90. We were told not to wear our work uniform in all of the Malls only allowed are classA and class B uniform. Nowadays I see every men in different services in their work uniform at the Malls some wearing their headgears inside. No more discipline among our services.
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When I was in the Air Force, we were allowed to stop at the store or get gas on our way home while in uniform, but were not allowed to go farther than our home or be out for long periods of time (like a movie).
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Stopping to get gas or food/dinner for the family at the grocery store after work IMO. Stopping to go to the movie theater, mall, or a bar on the way home is a no go...
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Regardless of regs... I don't understand it.. it's almost like a plee for hand outs or something.. the uniform represents pride and integrity... I don't see any of that when they're buying their Cheetos and soda...good post
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