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
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Customs and Courtesies
Integrity
Edited 12 y ago
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 187
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they are also making themselves terrorist targets. be like CCW holders......keep people guessing. on another note....if you love the fit buy some surplus or new ones in colors we dont use. or an allied nation's surplus unis. make an effort people !!
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In 1967 while stationed in San Miguel, PI, you were not allowed off base in blue denim uniforms at any time, no excuses !! Dress whites or dress blues only, depending on the season !!
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When I was in, they had things called PX's and commissaries. Did they do away with those conveniences?
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According to the reg, active duty military members can wear their uniform anytime except in a situation that would put disgrace to the uniform. However some commands may limit wear of the field/combat uniform off base (ACU, ABU, NWU, etc.)
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Being in the Marine Corps many moons ago! We were not allowed off base unless we were in a dress uniform. And then there were regulations with that also. I live in a town with a big National Guard presence and it drives me nuts! How hard is it to just change before going to walmart? I have seen people everywhere in BDUs.
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I assume when the OP speaks of the movie theater he speaking of the ones off post. We have a large theater on Fort Bliss, TX and there are many soldiers who frequent that place while in ACUs.
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Outside of a quick stop at a convenience store or gas station to or from work, I never went out in public in BDUs/DCUs/ACUs at all. Class A's or Dress Blues was only on my way to a function of some sort....used to be that these post policies were enforced, but I have seen so many differing policies around different bases I know not what to think any more....used to be you could not be in the PX/Commissary/Shopette after 0900 in PT uniform, but I am guessing that is no longer the case around Benning, because it amazes me the number of Soldiers I see there at all hours of operation in the IPFUs....now it may be authorized, I have not researched it, just simply stating what used to was....
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For quick stops here and there it's not an issue. Lunch and during normal business hours lets say 0800 through 1700 should not be an issue. I understand you may not work those norms there again quick stops should not be an issue. Hanging out in Uniform is a no go.
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That actually brings up a question of my own. As a civilian now, I may occasionally go for a run in some pt shorts that I still have. Or hunting season comes about and an old pair of my acus (stripped of course) works perfect for the sagebrush areas in Idaho. What are the takes on that?
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SSG Alexander Hoffman
As a retiree, you'd be good from a federal law standpoint. As a honorably-discharged veteran, you technically can only wear part of the uniform within 3 months of discharge when traveling from place-of-discharge to your home of record. Or, if you're participating in a reenactment. Or if you served in time of war and wear is specifically authorized by the president.
Persons not in the armed forces of the US are technically not authorized to wear the uniform or distinctive parts of the uniform. Now what constitutes a distinctive part of the uniform is unclear.
References:
10 US Code 771 & 10 US Code 772
The table below lists the classification updates, since Jan. 3, 2012, for this section. Updates to a broader range of sections may be found at the update page for containing chapter, title, etc.
The table below lists the classification updates, since Jan. 3, 2012, for this section. Updates to a broader range of sections may be found at the update page for containing chapter, title, etc.
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SPC David Solotky
Good to know. That does make things confusing when the army navy store is selling acu and multi cam patterns as if they were going out of style.
I suppose I should find some sagebrush print to invest in.
I suppose I should find some sagebrush print to invest in.
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