What are you opinions of recruiters wearing Dress uniform vs duty uniforms?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:05:20 -0400

What is your opinion on recruiters wearing the B's to work?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 6 at 2015 6:07 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:07:19 -0400

Personally I like the dress uniform and it will impress a lot more candidates. The Marines are always looking sharpe. Army stay the course with the dress uniform and impress! Just my opinion!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 6:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:14:25 -0400

I think it looks professional, the rest of the army should start doing something like it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 8:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 20:45:15 -0400

I was a CPL recruiter a few years ago, and we only wore our dress uniforms to school visits, and functions that required a tie.

So I have more questions than answers here. First one is; is the Army issuing or reimbursing our recruiters for the extra uniforms? I ask because its a substantial investment to make for even a single NCO with few bills to make. Let alone a guy with kids. Just two uniforms won't cut it to make it from week to week.

Why are we worried about keeping up with the USMC? They're a different branch with a different mission set than we have. If we just want to project a more professional appearance, then leave it at that. Claiming that we need to keep up with our Leather Necked brothers is just muddying the water.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 6 at 2015 9:42 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 21:42:34 -0400

The USMC wears Dress "C" & "D" (Long & Short sleeve resp.) as our standard Recruiting uniform.

I had a discussion with a Navy Commander regarding working uniforms, and his philosophy was Tactical Uniforms (Cammies) should say "Keep Away" while Service & Dress uniforms say "Approach." It was an interesting take, and I couldn't find fault with it for the most part (it highlighted safety, among other aspects).

The advantage of the Service uniforms is the show off accomplishments. They invite questions about "What did you get that for?" where the subdued items on cammies don't.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 6 at 2015 9:44 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 21:44:40 -0400

I could sure, go head and do that but I am not a recruiter nor will I ever been one, but wearing the class b uniform would enhance the professionalism of the Army for sure.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 9:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 21:47:18 -0400

It all depends upon the setting and the recruiting event. In their offices or speaking to groups - ASU or "B"s. If it is an athletic event, race, or something outdoors - definetly ACUs.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 10:19 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 22:19:17 -0400

When I enlisted back in 1999, they recruiters seemed to have different uniforms on different days. Monday's and Tuesday's seemed to be class b, Wednesday Thursday BDUs, and Friday was casual day, usually khakis and organizational shirts. When my father was recruiting in the eighties I don't remember seeing him wearing BDUs at all just the Bs.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 7 at 2015 12:01 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 00:01:39 -0400

Many schools, liberal as they are, don't like camouflage.... After 911 many jobs drifted to ACU so we all looked like we were at war.... We are moving back to pre-911 posture. Bs and As are more appropriate.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 7 at 2015 1:53 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 01:53:13 -0400

Looks more impressive IMHO.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 4:24 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 04:24:52 -0400

I was a recruiter from 2003-2006. When I first started we wore class B's and it was very uncomfortable and the kids thought we looked rediculous. My station commander made the decision to have everyone get station polo' with the army logo and out names and rank. Everyone felt comfortable ( a happy employee is a more productive employee) and production went up and because we looked like normal people the kids felt we were more approachable not like cops or other figures of authority. Recruiting is not combat mission it's a world where you have to be able to relate to 17-24 yrs old kids. And you look like a stuffed shirt all they think is this guy is a square.

With all that being said there are times that you need to dress to the nines like high school presentations. Make sure you look so sharp the kids want to be you. Buy those expensive medals and keep your uniform is great shape and well as keep you in great shape. Don't get that recruiter ring ( around your waist).

Response by SSG Leevon Leggins II made Jun 7 at 2015 9:43 AM

SSG Leevon Leggins II — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 09:43:57 -0400

When I was a recruiter from 02-04 we wore Class B's Monday - Thursday, Friday polo&khakis, Dress Greens or Blues for special events, and BDU'S for DEP functions. A few here have hit the nail on the head all military recruiters should present a professional appearance like our private sector counter parts.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 2:53 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 14:53:56 -0400

It's a crap shoot. Personally I prefer alternating uniforms. This way the kids can see different versions of what we wear. Certain events dictate dress uniforms are the best choice where as others ASU's are the best choice.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 3:27 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 03:27:15 -0400

I know when I went into the recruiter's office for the first few times I always got a little more excited to leave for basic when I'd see them in ABUs rather than blues. I don't know why, it just got me into a more patriotic mindset seeing camo instead of a dress uniform. Then again, I'm also a maintainer so none of us ever really enjoy wearing blues, especially because most of the time if we have to, it mean's we definitely messed up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2018 4:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 16:48:12 -0500

I think this is where the pink and greens or old greens come in handy. The ASU isn't the uniform for it. It's not subtle

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 21 at 2018 5:59 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 05:59:28 -0400

Dress for success. Two thirds of the nations youths see friends and family in tactical gear, the Dre’s with the medals fully adorned is the way to go. I know it caught my eye when I saw my first recruiter. Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jun 21 at 2018 7:42 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 07:42:29 -0400

Growing up in Puerto Rico, I never saw recruiters coming to our schools until I decided to join the Army. I did see Marines recruiters coming to my house when my older brother decided to join. They looked super sharp, and almost made me think about joining the Marines. I was never a recruiter, but my take on it is purely advertisement especially on certain occasions when you want the kids to approach you and ask you, how did you get this? What did you do? So on.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 25 at 2018 2:31 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 14:31:57 -0400

I remember when we wore long sleeve shirt and tie in East Texas did it help put people in boots? One would say yes as appearance is the first thing a potential Soldier remembers. I will argue that it is not the uniform but the story if a Recruiter can paint a picture to a prospect it will help close the deal.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 25 at 2018 2:55 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 14:55:55 -0400

It all comes down to your Market. If you feel that b's and the dress uniform is going to help you with your mission do it. However, if your going to attract more if duty uniform do that as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 3:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 15:15:26 -0400

I think they should wear the Class B of the ASU.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Jun 27 at 2018 1:25 PM

SFC Wayne Theilen — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:25:39 -0400

I wore my class Bs the entire time I was recruiting. I never was allowed to wear BDUs or PTs.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Jun 27 at 2018 1:34 PM

SFC Wayne Theilen — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:34:41 -0400

When I was in recruiting. I was 29. And looked like I was a senior in College. I needed my uniform to stand out of the crowd. Show off those ribbons. Plus nowadays. Anyone can buy a OCP uniform from uncle bucks Army Navy store

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made Nov 29 at 2018 2:28 PM

PO2 Robert Aitchison — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 14:28:33 -0500

Another one of those old topics I missed the first time around.

In any case I'll chime in better late than never.

IMO recruiters should look sharp, so they should be in either dress uniform or service uniform, NOT in working uniform. I've seen Navy recruiters in NWUs and it looks unprofessional to me.

Related note, back in the 1980s when I joined the standard uniform for Navy Recruiters was either "Working Blues" (for the winter) or "Working Whites" (for the summer). Despite the name these were service uniforms and the blues at least looked good and professional (these are known as the "Johnny Cash" uniform). But in the Los Angeles area (and possibly in other urban areas) the recruiters were getting mistaken for police officers and getting shot at so all the recruiters in my area had to wear dress blues every day.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 29 at 2018 8:25 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 20:25:09 -0500

It’s absolutely appropriate to wear the class a or class B uniform as a recruiter just as it was every day in class while I was in ROTC instructor

Response by SSG Walter Corretjer made Sep 30 at 2019 9:32 PM

SSG Walter Corretjer — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:32:48 -0400

That's the right uniform for all indoor and light duty activities.The ACU's or Fatigue Uniform should only be used, for field operations,heavy duty work and of course combat.The Army should enfatized on this regulation much more.For me is out of order and insane,to see soldiers in ACU's or ABU doing all kind of activities, were the proper uniform should be a dress uniform.Class A or B.

Response by SSG Walter Corretjer made Sep 30 at 2019 9:49 PM

SSG Walter Corretjer — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:49:49 -0400

For me, without any doubt,is the right and proper uniform for recruiters.It should be mandatory not only for them,but for all light,indoor,classroom and office duty.It is so untasteful to see people working in an office environment wearing a combat uniform with boots.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2019 1:53 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 13:53:57 -0400

Back a long time ago, when I was a young Midshipman in NROTC, we were told that "Camo is the civilian equivalent of a dirty wifebeater shirt, ripped jeans, and flip-flops. If you're doing dirty work, that's what you wear. In the field, on the flightline, in the engineering spaces, etc. Service khakis (Class B, Chucks, Trops, whatever your service calls it) are for office spaces; polo shirt to shirt and tie. The Dress Blues are coat and tie, or winter office work, and it goes up from there."
So, I guess it internalized, and even now when almost everyone else is in NWUs (Navy equiv to ACU) at a conference, I'm still wearing khakis.
On the other hand, its to the culture of the service. In my Army JROTC, the instructors wore BDUs Mon, Tues, Thurs and Class B Wed (inspection day) and Fri.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 6 at 2021 7:58 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 07:58:50 -0400

Flexibility is the key here. As a former recruiting squadron commander, we dressed according to the event and the market.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 6 at 2021 8:06 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 08:06:27 -0400

It gives them a more professional look, it's how they were back when I was thinking of joining the Guard Lt Col Charlie Brown

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Apr 6 at 2021 9:03 AM

SSG Samuel Kermon — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:03:14 -0400

Marines wearing khaki shirts with dress blue trousers has always been sharp. The "B" uniform choice just doesn't have the same pissaz.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 6 at 2021 8:47 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 20:47:36 -0400

In general I prefer the dress uniform to class b uniforms for recruiters SFC Private RallyPoint Member. The one exception could be in tropical regions - for recruiting out of the office.
Thank you my friend Lt Col Charlie Brown for mentioning me.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 6 at 2021 9:24 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 21:24:02 -0400

Depends on the function and/or audience.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 6 at 2021 2:15 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:15:18 -0400

Depends on the Recruiter in questions operational experience.
A seasoned NCO with a chest full of ribbons is impressive, and invites questions and curiosity from potential applicants. They should wear dress uniforms frequently.
An senior NCO with 3 or less rows of ribbons looks pathetic and just leaves parents (especially prior service parents) and applicants wondering what office this individual was hiding in for 20+ years of war. They should probably stick to ACU's.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 6 at 2021 4:26 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 16:26:32 -0400

I was a Recruiter back when BDUs were in style. Todays Cammo looks like a pile of laundry

Response by SSG Walter Corretjer made Sep 8 at 2023 6:52 AM

SSG Walter Corretjer — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 06:52:23 -0400

Totally correct,the Class B is the right uniform for recruiting as well as for all out of the field activities and ceremonies.