How often do you wear your Service Uniform?

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 19:53:04 -0400

Long after I got out, I got into a discussion with a Navy Commander about the various uniform types, and he had an interesting philosophy.

He said that that "tactical uniform" (Cammies) should depict a "Keep Away" sign, while the Service uniform should be an "Approach" sign. It's not an unreasonable idea, as they are treated as one is treated as a working uniform (utilities) while the other is modeled after a business suit for an office environment.

Thinking back to my own time in, we generally wore them about once a month, then swapped to once a week.... until we gave up... and went straight cammies for like a year. Then wore them again at PCS. When I got to Quantico the rule was you MUST wear Cammies on Wednesday (Base Order).

So what have your experiences been. Do you even know where your Service Uniform is? How often did you wear the different styles? Did you dread buying new ribbons? Did you wonder what the gold chevrons were for (Marines)? And did you ever see the Blue Woolie Pullie?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 4:06 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 04:06:23 -0400

I love wearing my uniform, I worked hard for it, and now I get to do the job I love very much.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:04 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 22:04:56 -0400

As a National Guardsman, I have very little reason to wear ASUs other than at the annual Christmas party. Every now and then I'll find some other reason to put them on, but It's not too common.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 9:35 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 21:35:18 -0400

Every year for a ball. Recently had some memorial services to go to, DA Photo, but other than that it is dependent on the situation.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 10:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:27:57 -0400

I am retired, however, I wear my Army uniform an average of 6-12 times a year for various patriotic functions as authorized for retired members. Ie veterans, memorial day, supporting JROTC events (ie giving awards or judging drill competitions) I am proud to wear it to these events! I may even wear it more than many active duty members! especially the Army because most soldiers with desk jobs (ie recruiters) wear the ACU unlike the other branches.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 5 at 2015 11:34 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 11:34:23 -0400

Primarily because I am uncertain as to the authorization and too lazy to look it up. But I do look fabulous in it with all that gold.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 12:40 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:40:10 -0400

Every Friday, or when I have to do anything off base during the week. Personally I think the folks who work indoors should wear their service uniforms, and those who work outdoors should wear utilities. I get the idea that all Marines should wear their service uniforms at some time, however I think it should be left to the battalion or even company commanders discretion.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2015 9:22 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 09:22:07 -0500

It's amazing how many folks are against wearing their Service Uniform more often than once a year... Now that we're back to garrison, we should step it back up and get into it every payday activity period, which is typically every month. Most folks have their ASU photo as their profile photo, which clearly indicates that they understand it's the professional uniform. Finally, folks in higher headquarters have went back to wearing it 5 times a week (many dread it, but they are office jockeys). We wear the Class B uniform weekly, which changed shortly after I arrived. After a few years, Soldiers still want to be rid of the weekly standard. I look at it as discipline, generally, Soldiers don't want to go through the labor and cost of wearing the Service Uniform as that has generally been the reason to go back to 'wartime' standards.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 1:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 13:22:59 -0500

Rarely.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2018 8:01 AM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 08:01:52 -0400

2 times a week at least. On Tuesday and on duty days.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 9:44 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 21:44:06 -0400

So I used to for Duty and then on Tuesday’s, but at a sea command it’s like it never exist.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2018 3:35 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 15:35:19 -0500

Service uniform? I wear it once a year for my unit, and once a year for my OES Chapter when they have a meeting honoring service members, and once a year for my mother Masonic Lodge when they do the same.

Response by CSM Stuart Fuller made Sep 12 at 2020 8:09 PM

CSM Stuart Fuller — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 20:09:07 -0400

Retired my beautiful uniforms boxed up