Posted on Nov 13, 2013
SFC Equal Opportunity Advisor
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This is a very serious topic that was discussed before by everyone of us here I am sure. Every base I have been there was a policy about when you could wear uniform off post. What do you think about this topic I would like to hear everyone's opinion
Posted in these groups: 4276e14c Uniforms
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Responses: 37
COL Jon Thompson
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As long as you wear the uniform correctly and do not dishonor your branch of service, there is nothing wrong with wearing a uniform off post.  Each service has its own regulations so abide by those.  As a Reserve Officer who had to travel over an hour to my duty station, I would stop before or after my drills to run errands or get something to eat.  A lot of Americans like to see their service members in uniform and it can inspire younger Americans to serve.  I do think the key is to wear the uniform correctly and to not do anything that reflects poorly on you and your service. 
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PFC Jason Rodrigues
PFC Jason Rodrigues
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Roger that Sir. I agree that as long as you are not out of regs, your uniform is squared away and you don't do anything to dishonor that uniform.
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SSG Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
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>1 y
It is hard to look professional in ACUs. It also lends more weight to the ACU being a professional uniform as opposed to a work or combat uniform.

I say take off the uniform unless it is ASUs then wear it to bed for all I care.
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SFC Bde Mobility Nco
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I see no reason to wear your uniform off post if you are a single soldier living in the barracks.
As a man with a wife and kids. I can see why you will leave your uniform on after "work".
These days people with families and active kids just do not have the time to come home change then run errands. From taking the kids to practice to picking up the kids from daycare. A service member's day in just non stop when you have a family.
At Hood most people get off at 1700 and depending on where you live its already a pain to get off post and get to Killeen and Harker Heights so if I need to stop and get something that is just what I do. It takes some people 30mins to get home from Hood so I can see just grabbing the kids and going straight to practice.
As long as you are in the correct uniform and wearing it properly I do not see an issue.
What irks my nerves are civilians wearing the Army APFT shirt with civilian clothes and cut off sleeves. Now I wish there was something to do about that.
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SFC Bde Mobility Nco
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Well I think back then people were getting drafted if I'm not mistaken. Since we are a volunteer force and provide an "outlet" for many Americans, young and old, people look at the service differently. Since people come in for different reasons and are not forced in that really takes away that stigma that was over the military back then. Just my opinion.
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SGT Internment/Resettlement Specialist
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Well put SFC.
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SFC Bde Mobility Nco
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Why thank you William lol
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LCDR Aerospace Engineering Duty, Maintenance (AMDO and AMO)
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Thank God SFC and I live in a world that does not stigmatize veterans (other than the fact that they seem to think we're all one step away from going on a PTSD-induced rampage - someone really needs to tell them that's not how that works).

The Navy didn't, previously, distinguish between "going on liberty" and going home. Only emergency stops were authorized. I'm glad they've fixed that.

But, in the end, the best liberty uniform is civilian clothes.
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Maj Assistant Director Of Operations
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I think it is convenient to wear the uniform off base (post) when eating lunch or running a quick errand during the day or even right after work.  Unfortunately, this could make you a target of opportunity.  It does provide an opportunity for civilians to socialize with veterans.  I don't mind seeing my fellow service members in uniform if they are behaving themselves :).
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SFC Equal Opportunity Advisor
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It is our job as leaders to fix anything wrong we see ma'am
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