Thoughts on driving home in uniform?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:05:14 -0400

I had a senior leader tell me not to long ago I shouldn’t drive home in uniform as it’s unprofessional. What are other thoughts on this? I have not had a chance to talk to him about why yet and was just curious. I respect this leader and trust him but am just curious.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 9:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:21:57 -0400

All bases overseas have a policy against it due to intelligence gathering against us, and it is strongly recommended that you don't by the counter intel classes.
I dont because I like to unwind on my drive home.
Long as you're not wearing PTs to the grocery store it's not that big of a deal though.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 9:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:28:30 -0400

I will say that a LOT of things have been labeled "unprofessional" in the last 10-15 years. It seems like half the Army mid level leaders are clutching their pearls.
I won't say do not listen to your leadership, however as you grow in experience and rank take into consideration that just because someone says something is unprofessional, it doesn't mean it actually is. Instead, consider what actually brings discredit to the uniform.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 17 at 2020 9:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:29:53 -0400

My uniform saved me tickets. I find nothing unprofessional about showing civilians there are people serving in the military. In fact I feel the opposite. I am not going to act like a second class citizen, I would wear my uniform proudly. If I wear that uniform in Iraq or Afghanistan, I will wear it with pride in this country.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 9:32 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:32:01 -0400

I have been driving to and from duty in civilian clothes since I moved out of the barracks in the 1990s.
Personal preference, although there is an OPSEC/PERSEC advantage to it.
Not sure why someone would consider it unprofessional.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 17 at 2020 9:45 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:45:06 -0400

I don't think it's an "unprofessional" issue as much as it is a OPSEC or security issue. Being out in public in uniform makes you a more likely potential target. I would wear my uniform if I were going directly from the base to home. If I had other errands (other than a quick stop for fuel), I always changed into civilian attire prior to departing the base.

As CPT Private RallyPoint Member stated, just because someone SAYS a thing is unprofessional, doesn't make it so. Know your applicable AR's and local policies.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 10:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 22:32:26 -0400

Only time that I changed before going off base was when I was in Europe, OPSEC reasons necessitated it. But CONUS, long as I'm not out hanging around or something I never found an issue with it

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 11:15 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 23:15:28 -0400

Wear the uniform, it is absolutely professional. Never heard it’s unprofessional, sounds like a personal issue of that person.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 17 at 2020 11:56 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 23:56:40 -0400

Look right now that is kinda like painting a target on your back. I wore civvies while traveling, but had my uniform in the back seat- got me out of a few tickets.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 1:57 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 01:57:42 -0400

There is a claim to make that it may be a potential OPSEC issue, and there have been times and places where anti-military sentiment has led to policy that Soldiers not wear their uniforms off base. However I would challenge the notion that it is unprofessional.

There was a time, during the height of the combined efforts in SWA, that wearing combat uniforms was encouraged. You used to have to travel in Dress uniform and then travelling in ACU's became encouraged, partially as a means to remind the general public that we were involved in the Global War On Terrorism. It was not unprofessional then; it would not be now.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 3:10 AM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:10:55 -0400

Given the ongoing racial discussions, I’ve recently heard more than one Black SVCM explain how they always commute in uniform because then the police and others won’t harass them. I prefer to commute in liberty attire but I’m white and normally never have to think about these things.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 4:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:00:58 -0400

I have driven home in uniform, every single time I have come to work in a uniform.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 9:55 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:55:19 -0400

I would say that it would be more of a OPSEC/Safety issue. I personally don't see the issue with it. I just find it uncomfortable driving for so long with those boots on.

Response by SFC James Welch made Jun 18 at 2020 9:55 AM

SFC James Welch — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:55:41 -0400

I drove home in uniform until civies became my uniform. Of course that was a far different time than what goes on now. Nothing wrong with traveling to and from work in Uniform!

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 18 at 2020 10:37 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:37:15 -0400

The only time it would be unprofessional is if you wear it incorrectly like wearing a TOC cap or blouse off and t-shirt untucked. I see that stuff all the time in my neighborhood and it irks me.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 12:15 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 12:15:47 -0400

Nothing unprofessional about it, as long as you wear it correctly. I normally commute in civvies, but it's mainly a comfort thing. The ship I'm stationed on is in the shipyards and we have to walk about 3/4 of a mile from the parking lot. In the summer I'd much rather do that in shorts, a t-shirt, and running shoes than in working uniform and boots. But there are times when I have to wear the uniform out and I do so proudly.

Response by MSG Lance Kelly made Jun 18 at 2020 2:39 PM

MSG Lance Kelly — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 14:39:18 -0400

I was stationed in the Bronx, NY and took public transportation to and from work. Yes, you are a target but also you are a positive sight for the people. For some, it was the first time seeing someone actively serving in uniform. I never felt in danger, I was looked up to by the people, they stopped to say, "thank you" and ask me basic questions. Seeing the shear joy in a child's face when they see you and tug at their parent to let them know there was a real Soldier standing near them so priceless. As someone else mentioned, at times it got me a free ride on public transportation. While stationed in West Los Angeles my co-workers and myself had our lunch meals paid for many times. It made people feel like they were doing something useful for our military.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jun 18 at 2020 7:04 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:04:59 -0400

Marines can’t get thru the gate unless your right. BDUs on base only.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 18 at 2020 9:05 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 21:05:28 -0400

Unless you're doing something like stopping at the bar on the way home, I don't see any issues with "professionalism".

Response by SPC Scott Verdin made Jun 19 at 2020 3:06 AM

SPC Scott Verdin — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 03:06:53 -0400

I was in the Army Reserves from 92-96 so I had to drive to work and drive home in uniform so no one at our unit found it unprofessional.

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Jun 19 at 2020 9:41 AM

PO1 Richard Cormier — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:41:51 -0400

OK, my time may be dated but back in the 80's we were allowed to wear our uniforms (all) between worksite and home. That being said, there are uniforms that we were NOT allowed to wear anywhere else of base (PT, Dungaree uniform (SeaFarers), etc.) Some saw it as unprofessional to wear even driving from home to worksite but failed when asked where the military member was supposed to change and how much time would be given to them as they did NOT live at the worksite.

It is never "Unprofessional" to display pride in service. So long as the uniform is appropriate for wearing into town, then there are no restrictions. If it is a "work uniform" (ie: PT's or such) that can NOT be worn downtown, they are still fine for getting from location to home to change.

My $0.02 for what it is worth.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 19 at 2020 11:20 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 11:20:23 -0400

Stop it. This is covered in AT Level 1.

https://jko.jten.mil/courses/atl1/launch.html

Level I Antiterrorism Awareness Training

This stand alone training is sponsored by the Joint Staff in coordination with the Military Services. Completion of this training meets the annual requirement for Level I Antiterrorism Training prescribed by DoDI 2000.16. The purpose of this training is to increase your awareness of terrorism and to improve your ability to apply personal protective measures. It also provides links to resources you can use in the future.

Response by Col Ian O'Connell made Jun 19 at 2020 2:15 PM

Col Ian O'Connell — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 14:15:55 -0400

The only reason to not wear a uniform to and from work is if the force protection condition dictates it., particularly when you are in the US. As others have said, showing the community who we are is a good thing. Obviously, don't do anything that would be illegal under the UCMJ (such as attending a political event or demonstration) or would bring disrepute on the uniform (going to a so called "gentlemen's club" for example). Service regulations should give specific guidance.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Jun 19 at 2020 3:32 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:32:58 -0400

Not sure about the unprofessional part, but in Europe service members are highly encouraged no to drive to and from work in uniform. This is done for security reasons.

Response by SFC James Himes made Jun 19 at 2020 7:02 PM

SFC James Himes — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 19:02:43 -0400

My son is current active duty Marine and since the recent unrest and riots they have been directed to not travel off base in uniform. So he travels to his office at Great Lakes Navel Station and changes at the office and then back into civies to go home. Damn shame we have come to this in our country that our service men are not safe travelling the streets of America.
I can also remember a time when you didn't base in any kind of utilities because it was considered unprofessional. I think only the Marines enforced that these days.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2020 8:21 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 20:21:16 -0400

there are service specific standards. USMC no. USA yes but with limitations. Personally I think it can be a recruiting tool, I still remember how exciting it was to a see a SM in uniform when I was kid. But If you were to find yourself in a bad situation, of no fault of your own while in uniform, it could bring discredit upon yourself and the service.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2020 8:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 20:23:22 -0400

What difference does it make?
Don't drive home. That'll show your "senior leader".

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 19 at 2020 9:58 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 21:58:44 -0400

AR670-1 authorizes travel to and from work and stops for essentials such as fuel in uniform. I did this for 22 years

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Jun 24 at 2020 3:43 PM

1SG Charles Hunter — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 15:43:58 -0400

Is this for your daily commute? Heck, your neighbors already know you're in the military. If you're traveling interstate in OCP, that's not classy.

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Jun 19 at 2021 1:18 PM

TSgt Gary McPherson — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 13:18:46 -0400

Nothing wrong in doing so as long as it is neat and clean.That said with all the crazies out there now days I would wear a light jacket over the uniform.We also did this when I was a LEO.Safety.Less of a target

Response by SPC(P) Mark Newman made Jun 25 at 2021 7:37 PM

SPC(P) Mark Newman — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 19:37:05 -0400

If you remember in 1986 an Army Intelligence officer in uniform had been approached and shot dead. I was a PFC (in AIT for MI) just heading to Perm Party when our CO called us in and said no one from the intel school was to wear their uniform off base, especially while traveling. So we went to the airport in civies that were too big, with crewcuts and our giant green duffel bags. Undercover.
I guess that was more of an opsec (TravSec?) thing that lasted a few months at most.
But THAT I get.
Wearing a uniform generally is something to be proud of.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 25 at 2021 10:15 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 22:15:31 -0400

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