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: 31
SFC James Himes
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Edited 4 y ago
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.
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SFC James Himes
SFC James Himes
4 y
This is since the recent unrest and riots around major cities like Chicago.
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SFC Francisco Rosario
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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.
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Col Ian O'Connell
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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.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
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Stop it. This is covered in AT Level 1.

https://jko.jten.mil/courses/atl1/launch.html
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PO1 Richard Cormier
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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.
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SPC Scott Verdin
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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.
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SPC Scott Verdin
SPC Scott Verdin
4 y
Left one thing out everyone else that attended also did the same thing. I was also Active Duty 2yrs no lapse prior
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SGT Dave Tracy
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Unless you're doing something like stopping at the bar on the way home, I don't see any issues with "professionalism".
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Sgt Dale Briggs
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Marines can’t get thru the gate unless your right. BDUs on base only.
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LCDR District Chaplain
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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.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
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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.
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