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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.
Professional Development
Senior Enlisted Leader
Customs and Courtesies
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 31
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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 (Join to see) stated, just because someone SAYS a thing is unprofessional, doesn't make it so. Know your applicable AR's and local policies.
As CPT (Join to see) stated, just because someone SAYS a thing is unprofessional, doesn't make it so. Know your applicable AR's and local policies.
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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.
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Sgt Ed Allen
Standard procedure for Marines "swooping" home on long weekends was to place your dress blue cover in the rear window. Many of the state troopers on the east coast were former military and would turn a blind eye to a Marine doing 65 or 70 in the 55. While it didn't save me a ticket, it did save me a night in jail when I was slowing down from doing 95 on I95 and was caught at 87 in the 55. When I showed him orders from MCAS Cherry Pt NC to Quantico VA with a time stamp of 1200 and a report time of 1600, he wrote it for 70 with the admonishment to keep it down until I was out of NC or I wouldn't make it out of NC.
Sure enough, about 5 miles further up I95, NC State Troopers were pulling people over on the North and South bound freeway with trooper just waiting for the next person in the trees in the 100 yard wide median.
Sure enough, about 5 miles further up I95, NC State Troopers were pulling people over on the North and South bound freeway with trooper just waiting for the next person in the trees in the 100 yard wide median.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
Sgt Ed Allen - When I use to speed. I would follow a speeding car from a distance. I would use that car like a scout. When I was pulled over and asked if I knew I was speeding, I always said yes, and they gave me a warning.
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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.
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.
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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
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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.
Personal preference, although there is an OPSEC/PERSEC advantage to it.
Not sure why someone would consider it unprofessional.
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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.
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Wear the uniform, it is absolutely professional. Never heard it’s unprofessional, sounds like a personal issue of that person.
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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.
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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!
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I have driven home in uniform, every single time I have come to work in a uniform.
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