Posted on Oct 6, 2014
Should US Military personnel avoid wearing uniforms due to recent events?
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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.
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.
Terrorism
Uniforms
Off Duty
Security
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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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.
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.
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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.
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SGM (Join to see)
SGT Croswhite - If we can't wear our uniform in our own country, we no longer need a uniform for there is no country. Better to have everyone put one on and defend the nation.
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SGM (Join to see)
SGT Croswhite. Thanks for your comments and votes. There should be a reason we wear uniforms, as you relate. Not much of a purpose on an airplane. We aren't that desperate for recruits. I'd go as far to say that no one above the rank of Sergeant should be required to do so when on PCS and so on except in a mil environment where it is practical and important. Younger soldiers then might recall they are in the public eye.
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PV2 Abbott Shaull
Like I have said before, there used to be time, when you were in the Military, you didn't weren't allowed to where civilian clothing, even when on a pass. You went everywhere in one uniform or another. Back then you didn't have Stole Valor as much either. Mainly because civilians knew what the various Branches of Services Uniforms looked liked. People respected the Military a lot more then too. It wasn't so forgotten, clowns could run around in pair high tops, in ACUs no tags, no name tag, no unit id, no rank, wearing the us flag on chest, and in serious need of shaving of his chin.
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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.
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.
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SGM (Join to see)
Maj Snyder, agree, see above note to SSGT Ingram. However, one who studies the "terrorist" ideology also knows that we must not adopt their labels; rather, we should continue to point out the fact they are simple criminals. Nor should we fall into their ideology by too much "security drama", their goal is to make us fearful, and to control us by making us change our behaviors. Some change is good, such as heightened awareness, situational awareness, tactical alertness. In my experience, we too often think of being a soldier as a job not as a profession to the point when we live overseas we are off-duty "tourists"--yet we are not. We are Ambassadors of our country .
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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.
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SFC (Join to see)
The mobile ERB thing bothers the hell out of me too, brother. If your family knows what you've done, and your friends know as well....why does the rest of the world need to know? As if they gave a damn anyway.
Still, I see guys that do that as enemy targets of opportunity i.e. lone wolf attacks.
Still, I see guys that do that as enemy targets of opportunity i.e. lone wolf attacks.
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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.
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SGM (Join to see) 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.
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.
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SGM (Join to see)
CSM Bentley, me too. However there are situations overseas where the "occupation force" thing doesn't fly. I once represented DOD in London with the Queen and we were not allowed to wear uniforms--fancy that.
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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.
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Why wasn't this in the news more? Don't remember this event being on the news when it happened.
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