Posted on Jun 17, 2020
SSG Combat Engineer
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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.
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Responses: 30
MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
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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.
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CPT Fccme
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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.
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SSG Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
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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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Thoughts on driving home in uniform?
SGM Jeff Mccloud
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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.
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MSG Lance Kelly
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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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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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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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1SG Head Of Radiological Services Cboc
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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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SFC James Welch
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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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SSG Medic Advisor
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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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CDR Surface Warfare Officer
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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.
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