Should I wear my uniform while teaching military students/clients?

SPC Todd Bevans — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 14:01:07 -0500

I'm in the national guard. In one of my civilian jobs, I teach medical courses for a school that contracts out to both civilian and military sponsors. My question is, for the military courses that I teach with my company, would it be appropriate/should I wear my uniform while teaching for a military client/students on a military base? Or should I wear civilian clothing? My company doesn't have a dress code so I have flexibility here...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2019 2:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 14:10:37 -0500

If you’re not on orders, attending drill, or taking part in a military or ceremonial function, you should always wear civilian clothes. Additionally, you’re teaching as a civilian for your civilian job, so civvies are the way to go.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Nov 17 at 2019 2:56 PM

SSG Brian G. — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 14:56:38 -0500

You are not on orders, you are not active duty, at AT or at a drill. It would be inappropriate for you to wear your military uniform while teaching a class.

You are not contracted to teach this course as a military member, but as a civilian.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 17 at 2019 3:14 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 15:14:57 -0500

Two of the answers here mention being on orders and they are not wrong however the bigger take home is, who are you representing when teaching? I am active duty with a part time civilian job and I wear the uniform at the time of the company I am representing. If a high school asked you to do a color guard with three of your friends on Friday night and the four of you represent the Army well, it would be fine to wear your uniform even if not on orders.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2019 3:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 15:38:58 -0500

Besides the fact that you're not on orders at that time, by wearing your uniform you would be creating the perception that this training is endorsed by the National Guard.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 17 at 2019 3:44 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 15:44:38 -0500

Uniform is inappropriate. You represent your company in a commercial activity, not the ARNG or the Army.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Nov 18 at 2019 12:13 AM

TSgt David Holman — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 00:13:27 -0500

If you are not teaching on behalf of the military, this is an absolute no. The key to this comes from your second sentence "In one of my civilian jobs..."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 1:49 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 01:49:50 -0500

If it's not on drill, then no

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 10:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 10:17:25 -0500

Civilian clothes since you are teaching in a civilian capacity and not on military orders.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 11:08 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 11:08:38 -0500

No.

Response by SMSgt Bruce McDowell made Nov 18 at 2019 12:46 PM

SMSgt Bruce McDowell — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 12:46:34 -0500

If you are not on orders of some type or a full time NG member on duty then no!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 2:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 14:18:52 -0500

Answer has been giving already. Your words will speak volume over your uniform.

Response by SrA Daniel Ludwig made Nov 18 at 2019 2:32 PM

SrA Daniel Ludwig — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 14:32:35 -0500

If you are NOT on a directly ordered status to be there by your unit, then no. Do not wear your uniform. You are not an official representative of your unit, the guard or the US military in that capacity.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 18 at 2019 2:44 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 14:44:30 -0500

IMO you should dress based on who is paying your salary at the time you're teaching. If you're working for your private sector employer, then wear civilian clothes. If you're working for the Guard, then wear the appropriate uniform. Wearing the uniform won't make you a better instructor. Not wearing the uniform will avoid any potential issues somebody might have with a junior enlisted member teaching a class.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 2:50 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 14:50:50 -0500

Response by SSG Mike Thomas made Nov 19 at 2019 12:04 AM

SSG Mike Thomas — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:04:30 -0500

This thread is the living embodiment of “Just to piggyback off what the CO said...”