Am I allowed to wear my uniform to go to the base exchange if I'm off duty?

Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 18:19:03 -0500

I'm in the Army Guard, is it authorized for me to wear my uniform to visit the base exchange while off duty?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 6:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 18:47:37 -0500

Yes, but you can also wear civilian attire......as long as you have your military ID on you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 8:37 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 20:37:50 -0500

Why do you think you can't?

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Dec 5 at 2016 10:39 PM

SGM Billy Herrington — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 22:39:11 -0500

For the life of me I can't understand why you would want to. Maybe it's just new to you still.

To answer your question, sure, as long as you are wearing it correctly, and properly follow all associated customs and courtesies while wearing it. If you're in doubt as to whether or not you can remember everything I'd suggest going in civilian clothes. It may keep some unbeknownst heat off of you.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 11:41 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 23:41:45 -0500

I've been in the Army Guard for 8 years and served in Afghanistan, and I still feel a tad uncomfortable wearing my uniform on base even when I need too lol, but I can't say I didn't feel the same as you when I first got in! Just be sure to double check your uniform and watch for the brass walking to and from your car and you will be fine.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Dec 6 at 2016 1:01 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 01:01:14 -0500

Son, You are a SOLDIER. It is your privilege to wear your uniform. Make sure you are 100% correct in how you wear it, follow all customs and courtesies (Salute Officers and give the greeting of the day, go to parade rest if talking to an NCO and attention if talking to an officer like they taught you in Basic Training) and DO NOT conduct yourself in a manner to bring discredit upon the Army or the uniform you are so proud to wear.
Soldier, wearing that uniform is a privilege and way too many folks have given everything while in it. You are part of a family that has lasted for over two centuries and will last until the Good Lord returns. You are justifiably proud to have earned that uniform, after all look at how many civilians pretend to be WHAT YOU ARE!
I am retired and old and broke, I came down off that wall and you went up on it. You enlisted in wartime, knowing you were going to be deployed...and that is as close to brave as most of us have ever stood. So I say wear it in Pride and show the world you are a Soldier!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 6 at 2016 8:58 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 08:58:38 -0500

Private RallyPoint Member - Trystan, it is great that you are excited to wear your uniform but I would like to add to what SGM Billy Herrington said by saying, you should also enjoy the time you get to wear civilian clothes. The time may come when you are shipped out to the combat zone and your choices are PTs or your body armor. So take the time to enjoy wearing your blue jeans and t-shirt. Make the most out of your time with friends and family. It's great that being in the Army has always been a dream of your's and I'm glad to see you make it but just like in most things, balance is always good.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 9:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:16:02 -0500

idk , but why would you want to wear uniform off duty just to go to PX. Stick with civilian clothing.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 9:30 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:30:15 -0500

Yes but why would you want to??? If you are new to the military I can see how it can be an exciting thing to wear the uniform. But a good rule of thumb is to only wear your uniform when you are performing your duty.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 10:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 10:28:22 -0500

If you haven't even been to basic yet I'd advise against it just to cover your butt. I don't know anything about Nebraska so I don't know the attitude toward the military there. I know where I am, despite there being quite a bit of military nearby, I try to avoid going anywhere in my uniform other than to and from work/drill just to avoid any potential confrontation.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Dec 6 at 2016 12:10 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 12:10:50 -0500

Is it the only, or the most comfortable clothing you have? Otherwise, why would you want to?

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 6 at 2016 1:02 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 13:02:51 -0500

I mean you can.... I don't know why you would. As long as you are aware that if you are in uniform, you are in full regulation standards regardless if you are off duty or not.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Dec 6 at 2016 1:17 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 13:17:58 -0500

Great question. I don't know why you would want to in the first place especially if you are not doing some other official function. But, if it makes you feel good, I guess there is no harm.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Dec 6 at 2016 11:09 PM

SSG Jeremy Sharp — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:09:33 -0500

In a nutshell the answer is yes, but seeing that you haven't been to basic training I would caution you against doing so. Military customs and courtesies encompass so much more than just recognizing rank and rendering proper salutations. I would hate to see you have a negative experience at the exchange that is brought on by your enthusiasm for your service, your pride in wearing the uniform but your lack of training and knowledge. I would suggest that you discuss the matter with a trusted NCO from your unit who is familiar with you and the limited training you have had. Prior to basic training, I was an ROTC cadet and was utterly amazed at what I did not know about military customs and courtesies when I went through the classes in basic and AIT. Just for instance you did not know that brass meant officers. Good Luck with you decision.