Should US Military personnel avoid wearing uniforms due to recent events?

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 10:35:24 -0400

recent messages noted attacks on servicemen in CONUS. Stars & Stripes just covered warning about wearing uniforms in the economy area overseas....The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Office of Special Investigations (OSI) reported on 22 Sep 14, a uniformed Army Soldier was stopped at a red light in Springfield, OH, when unknown person(s) approached his vehicle and shot him in the face and subsequently fled the area. At this point, it appears the Soldier will survive.

Six days prior to that, also in Springfield, OH, a female Airmen in uniform was stopped at a red light when a car with 3 males inside pulled up beside her vehicle. One of the males exited the vehicle and attempted to get into her car, she sped away, they followed her, but she was able to escape unharmed.

The OSI is in the process of coordinating with the Springfield PD and the hospital where the Soldier is being treated to gain more information.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 12:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 12:31:50 -0400

SGM, I remember (and I am sure you do too!) when terrorists were all leftist leaning guys that bombed discos or hijacked planes...we thought it was good force protection then to TRY to blend in, and I think it's prudent now.

I don't think it means I am less proud or patriotic, it just means I want to work the odds so I can see my family when I come home.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Oct 6 at 2014 1:02 PM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 13:02:38 -0400

SGM, on flights and oversea yes I would avoid wearing the uniform. But if your at home going to an event or a homecoming, wear the uniform.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 11:32 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:32:19 -0400

Good morning, Sergeant Major. I was asked this question just the other day on RP, so I’ll give you the same.

No, I'm not going to change out of uniform solely out of a fear that I might be targeted because of my military affiliation. My uniform is a source of pride and honor. I earned it. I will not cower away from wearing it simply because someone might try to kill me.

The Brits issued an order to their military after Lee Rigby was killed in 2013 that their soldiers shouldn't wear their uniforms in public. That would have been the first lawful order I disobeyed. Want me? Come and get me. I frakking dare you.

Man, I wish I was still in…

Having said that, I get the need to maintain a low(er) profile. But there’s a difference between wearing your uniform in public and wearing a t-shirt in a foreign country that says “We spanked Saddam. You could be next.” (True story, saw it in London in ‘93). Being in the military makes you a target, for violence or for exploitation. So be it. We are the tip of the spear, and professional soldiers. To shirk from who we are out of fear is not the way of the warrior.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 2:04 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:04:23 -0400

SGM Private RallyPoint Member I wear the uniform to and from military duty. If I need to get gas or run a simple quick errand, I do. Same as I have for 28 years.

I keep SA of what is going on around me and who is around me. The intent of those that wish us ill will is to disrupt our way of life. With every sacrifice away from our normal routine we make, it serves as a point for the other side.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Oct 11 at 2014 11:48 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 11:48:27 -0400

"Speak softly and carry a big stick."

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made Dec 9 at 2014 7:48 PM

PV2 Abbott Shaull — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:48:11 -0500

Why wasn't this in the news more? Don't remember this event being on the news when it happened.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Dec 9 at 2014 8:05 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:05:00 -0500

Back when I was in, you couldn't go anywhere off base except to and from work if you were in your fatigues. You could stop at a convenience store for gas but that was it. It was good then and it should be good today. Additionally, I don't know anyone who would want to wear their dress uniform off base unless it was a military function. Who wants to go see a movie or go out to a bar for a couple drinks in their dress uniform? But back then, I carried 24/7, on and off base, but we didn't have stupid rules against it. Base commanders could set their policies but it was my life and for many of the years I was in uniform I rode motorcycles. So I carried. I still carry today, every day. Situational awareness is important, but when a mob attacks you may not be able to defend yourself, especially if you're unarmed and alone. Civilian politicians who would intentionally put service members lives at risk are traitors to their oath and should be removed, even physically if necessary and tried and sent to prison. But it happens so personally, I'd avoid wearing uniforms off base.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 23 at 2015 7:19 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 19:19:34 -0400

When I travel out of uniform, I try to blend in as much as possible including no mobile ERB/ military status stickers on my car. I do this for all the wackos out there.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 26 at 2016 8:57 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 20:57:37 -0400

I remember back in the 80's we weren't allowed to travel in uniform. If it was a short distance to or from work, ok, but after that not. Many times it's not hard to see who's military or not.