Should I be wearing ACUs at college?

2015-07-10T17:15:51-04:00

I am going to be attending school soon (this fall) and i want to know if i should wear my uniform to the college? Or is that only if i am there for rotc?

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 10 at 2015 5:17 PM

2015-07-10T17:17:11-04:00

Noooooo!!!!! ROTC only... and when the tell you. Take a deep breadth and enjoy being a college kid while you can. PFC Private RallyPoint Member. A would also recommend you check 670-1 and 600-20 and know the rules for wearing the uniform. ACUs are not generally an around town or campus uniform.... Of course most places also have local policies. You should defer to your ROTC detachment for guidance.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 5:19 PM

2015-07-10T17:19:39-04:00

Heed the words of the Colonel. Heed the words.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-07-10T18:39:22-04:00

Absolutely not, PFC Private RallyPoint Member.
The ACU is for wear on official duty only, and exceptions are approved by the commander.
There are force protection reasons why not as well.
I know that you are proud to be a Soldier. Be proud. But follow the regulations.
Good for you for asking the community. If you need more information, your Sergeant should be able to give you good guidance.
Good luck, Black.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jul 10 at 2015 10:19 PM

2015-07-10T22:19:10-04:00

It is not necessarily black and white. Here is what AR 670-1 says:
All-purpose wear. Some versions of the combat uniform are not intended for wear as an all-purpose uniform. The combat uniform is designed to be worn under body armor. b. Approved wear.
(1) The combat uniform is prescribed for year-round wear for all Soldiers, unless otherwise directed by the commander. Soldiers may wear the combat uniform off-post, unless prohibited by the commander. (2) Soldiers may wear the combat uniform for commercial travel per paragraph 3–7b through c.
c. Restrictions on wear.
(1) Personnel may not wear the combat uniform in off-post establishments that primarily sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. If the off-post establishment sells alcohol and food for consumption on the premises, Soldiers may not wear the combat uniform if their activities in the establishment enter on the drinking of alcohol.
(2) The combat uniform is not normally considered appropriate for social or official functions off the installation, such as memorial services, funerals, weddings, inaugurals, patriotic ceremonies, and similar functions.
(3) Commanders may further restrict wear of the combat uniform per paragraph 2–6c.
d. Organizational and equipment. The commander may prescribe organizational and individual equipment items in accordance with CTA 50–900 when the combat uniform is prescribed for parades, reviews, and ceremonies.
Based on this, I would say that it is acceptable to wear on campus if you had to leave for drill right after class and did not have time to change. I would not wear it just to wear it and if you do wear it, always make sure you are wearing it properly as you would be representing the Army to the campus.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-07-11T15:37:14-04:00

Ask your Chain of Command so that you can have an understanding based on the details of your situation. "I asked the guys on Rally Point ..." isn't going to fix much.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 11 at 2015 3:48 PM

2015-07-11T15:48:41-04:00

No, your ACUs are for official duty only unless an exception is approved by the commander.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-07-11T16:19:17-04:00

COL Williams already hit the nail on the head. I would add though, that while you are at college if you see people who are wearing the uniform incorrectly that you professionally and respectively correct them (based on 670-1) and get them squared away. Especially if you see some ate-up cadets. You have a new responsibility as a soldier to look out for others around you no matter if you are on duty or not. Have a great time at college and stay out of trouble.