Posted on Feb 22, 2014
Spouses/dependents wearing your uniform components in public?
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We have all seen it, spouses wearing their "sponsors" pt jacket, fleece jacket etc while walking around in public. I would really like to know why it is that "YOU" as the service member allow your spouse to wear a part of your uniform in public. Do you not have any pride in your uniform or your profession, or do you just not care that they do it? I would never let my wife wear my PT Jacket or anything else of mine that is essentially INITIAL ISSUE OR TA-50 in public. If she wants to support what I do and it is cold out, I'd get her an Army hoodie, not strip my name tapes off and let her walk around in MY Army issued fleece jacket. There is a discussion about Soldiers walking around in uniform after COB and "how wrong that is". So why do people think this it is OK to let their spouse wear their uniform and announce "my family is in the Army" or "give me special attention". And knowing that dependents are REALLY not so much subject to 670-1/ UCMJ in that aspect, is there any input as to what can be done about it besides walking away disgusted.<br>
Spouses
Uniforms
DA Pam 670-1
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 133
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A spouse wearing a pt jacket, wrong. A spouse where a uniform blouse with rank and names on it or even no rank or name, wrong. But a fleece with no rank, no patches, I don't see anything wrong with that. It's not a camo fleece. And that thing is comfy as hell.
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My wife wears my fleece jacket here and there because it is cold here in Washington. She doesn't wear nametapes, she doesn't wear rank. She has an older version of the PT shirt that I got at a Goodwill prior to enlisting that she really likes to wear when doing house work. It is something the dependent can get off post on there own and there isn't a policy at Clothing and Sales that stops a dependent from buying uniform parts. For me it should be worn with proper respect. The picture posted by SSG Woods shows a lack of respect. Should someone that isn't military be out walking around in ASUs. No, not at all. When it comes to PT shirts and pants, I don't think it is a problem, long as they don't look like "Peoeple of Wal*Mart standard."
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I agree here... there are so many other clothing items we can provide for our families to wear in support of our military.... You bring up a valid point in that we, active duty military, may not wear certain uniform combinations off duty and even when doing so, we must adhere to uniform dress and appearance standards.... Retirees must also adhere to specific uniform dress and appearance standards so crossing the line should not ever be allowed... Besides, every military BX and/or clothing sales store has items specifically for non uniform wear.... I see so many civilians wearing uniforms sold at Army/Navy surplus stores that it begs the question of security... and appropriateness...... So yes, I do agree with you on this and no it's not a trivial issue ... it is in fact a true social issue that needs to be addressed now...
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What about those of us that are veteran's with our own gear but are also dependents? I have my own gortex jackets etc that I occasionally wear in public. Am I one of those dependents you don't think should be able to wear something available at surplus stores, or am I a veteran that is wearing my own gear? Who are you to judge?
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When I was in the service this was something that was strictly forbidden, did this change, or is it just that they are breaking the rules? I agree with you the Army hoodie you let your wife take once you had names off is something that is allowed, but not everything else.
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While it may grate at the nerves, there are so many other ways to apply your experience and knowledge to improve the lives of those around you without seeming like you're nitpicking. I understand that as an NCO the standards are our job and that professionalism is number one, but sometimes you have to pick your battles, and chewing a service member in front of his spouse for allowing him/her to wear issued gear is not the best way to change behavior, though it is a good way to create a bad and uncomfortable situation.
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I literally stare them down with a glare and shake my head - every single time. It's trashy, but there's nothing we can do about it. I will, however, call out my own soldiers if I see their wives out and about with uniform parts and pieces on.
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They do it because they want other people to know what class they belong in and how much respect their husband has for his wife (or visa versa). I wouldn't let my wife wear a pt shirt or even a tan tee because I respect HER! It is embarrassing for her to be seen in public wearing those things. It is annoying and it really just shows that you have no respect for yourself anymore; that you have become the STEREOTYPICAL, husband's credit card in hand, ARMY WIFE! Don't be like this. Husbands: Don't let your wives be like this.
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Small issue as everyone has responded, yes. I do however have to agree though in adding in my input that being a current or former member of the US military is an honor and a privilege to most and I have been discharged for years now and it still angers and disgusts me that people find it right to do this. (whether in public or not)
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