Posted on Mar 23, 2021
SFC Practical/Vocational Nursing
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I often see service members handling personal errands on the way home from work, i.e. getting a car part, buying a car, getting milk from the grocery store. I avoided doing any and all personal business in uniform, except for stopping to pump gas and maybe hitting up the drive thru. I feel people in military communities act more snooty or try to take advantage of service members in uniform. When in regular clothes, the customer service is way better and non-barcoded items seem to cost less. Even on-post, customer service seemed better when shopping in civilian clothes.

I'm curious what other peoples take is on this. If in agreement, why do you think this happens?' Anecdotal evidence is welcomed.
Edited 3 y ago
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Responses: 8
SFC Casey O'Mally
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I always got better service when I wasn't an asshole.

While that seems irrelevant to the question at hand, it really isn't. MOST people I met in the military act differently in uniform than they do in "civvies." SOME of those people become more of an asshole. Some get a sense of entitlement, or a sense of superiority, or just a swagger / bravado. Very few are truly humble.

In general, I have, personally, gotten slightly better service, on average (once factoring in my own attitude) in uniform than not. If you are finding that you (generic you, not necessarily you, SFC (Join to see) ) are getting worse service in uniform, check yourself. Other people may not be the problem.
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SGM G3 Sergeant Major
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I have never driven home in uniform, hence never stopped at the store in uniform, but the few times a year I have picked up lunch in uniform have all been pleasant.
Both on or near active duty installations, and in a city where the only folks in OCP are a few recruiters and AGRs.
I have found out many times, without asking, that places that already had a police/firefighter discount also extend that to the military when they see them.
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SFC Intelligence Analyst
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The only difference I saw in uniform is people obligatory thanking me for my service while I'm in the store. I hate that. It's so awkward and strange.

I rarely go into an off post store in uniform. Unless I am coming back from an appointment for my daughter and need to stop somewhere quick or when I took my car in to get new tires. That was the last time I wore my uniform off post somewhere. I live on base so I do most grocery shopping at the commissary. If I need to go off post, I do it in civilian clothes.

But no one has ever been "snooty" to me while I'm in uniform or tries to take advantage of me. Just the obligatory "thank you for your service."

Places I go in civilian clothes I get good customer service. I have never gotten a discount in civilian clothes unless they asked me if I'm military and I show my ID.
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