Can I wear my uniform for my home church vacation bible school?

2016-06-09T11:07:46-04:00

My mother is in charge of my home church VBS, and is doing a lesson on spiritual armor. She asked me to come in with my uniform on and act as a prop for her lesson. I can't find any specific regulation on this situation, but I also don't want to misuse my uniform in any way shape or form. Any advice?

Response by SPC Brandon Johnson made Jun 9 at 2016 11:10 AM

2016-06-09T11:10:07-04:00

You can do whatever you want til you get caught

Response by CPL David Salazar made Jun 9 at 2016 11:13 AM

2016-06-09T11:13:42-04:00

Do it.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Jun 9 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-06-09T11:30:19-04:00

Do it, as long as you are not doing anything to embarrass yourself, your unit, or the Army. Soldiers in uniform get married in churches all the time.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-06-09T11:33:27-04:00

I just read over the regulations of AR 670-1, and I did not see anything that would preclude you from wearing your dress uniform at this VBS event. But, I would recommend you ask this of your CoC/CoS and get their guidance. But if it were me, I would not have an issue with you wearing it at the VBS as long as the other parts of the regs were followed....reference AR 670-1 paragraph 3-5 a thru e on page 12.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-06-09T11:37:11-04:00

It's actually up to your local chain of command but there is regulatory guidance that talks about appearing in uniform in support of an organization because t make it look like he military is endorsing that organization. In shout I wouldn't do it if you're not acting in an official military duty capacity then I would t wear a duty uniform. But again ask your local chain of command.

Response by MAJ L. Nicholas Smith made Jun 9 at 2016 11:42 AM

2016-06-09T11:42:13-04:00

I don't think there is an issue as long as the "prop" in her lesson is in good taste and does not reflect badly for the U.S. Soldiers attend religious services all the time in uniform on and off duty. I've done the same thing and besides, I am sure your mother also wants to show you off and is proud of you.

I would recommend that you read some of the following for both wear of the uniform (be sure you have it right) and your own freedoms/limitations considering how "interesting" things can become in an election year. When you are away from Ft. "X" and in uniform, you can become a target for anyone with a microphone and a news camera. And these days, you have to be with a network to have something playing on tv and online.

AR 670-1
DA PAM 670-1
FM 27-1, chapter 10 (SOLDIERS' RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND RESTRICTIONS)

Have fun back home and stay safe!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 12:20 PM

2016-06-09T12:20:50-04:00

So long as it does not bring discredit upon the uniform, yourself and the United States Army. Ensure you are IAW 670-1. You will be an ambassador to those not familiar with the Army and the uniform so for those who do not understand, YOU are the Army.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Jun 9 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-06-09T12:30:31-04:00

You can wear you uniform to church, you have to make sure it's put together right. As the regs state. I don't think there is anything wrong with it. We would wear them to church in basic and then on. I know when we have a family member pass away and they were a vet we all were our uniforms those of us who served that is, in honor and respect for that person. Plus on Veterans Day at our church our pastor request us to wear them if we want to for respect and honor. I know this went off subject but I was just giving examples.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 12:31 PM

2016-06-09T12:31:34-04:00

No reason why you shouldn't be able to, but I would caution because it's not in support of a military function. I haven't seen anything in AR 670-1 to hinder you. Nevertheless, I'd check with your leadership to make sure. Assuming only gets you in the hurt locker. If they give you the "go-ahead", ensure you're squared away and put your best foot forward!

Response by SGT Robert Pennington made Jun 9 at 2016 1:08 PM

2016-06-09T13:08:54-04:00

Thank you all for your rapid and knowledgable responses! I have taken the advice of several comments and decided to request clearance from my CoC. All of your responses were helpful and educational.

Response by SPC Craig Walker made Jun 9 at 2016 1:30 PM

2016-06-09T13:30:05-04:00

You will not be misusing your uniform in anyway. Think of what your uniform represent to this country so is our spiritual armor to us via God and the Holy Spirit.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 2:04 PM

2016-06-09T14:04:40-04:00

I have done it as a Sunday school teacher while stationed in Korea long time ago. I brought boots, Full LBE, helmet, body armor, helmet and a wooden sword to illustrate the Ephesians 6 story. No uniform with US Army insignia on it was necessary.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 2:29 PM

2016-06-09T14:29:16-04:00

By all means, yes!!!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 2:57 PM

2016-06-09T14:57:41-04:00

PFC P,
I volunteered at VBS at FT Bliss last year. The Chapel preferred for us to wear the VBS T-Shirt in Civilian clothes if we were working directly with the kids. Other helpers stayed in their uniform. If you will be doing manual labor for them you would need to be in a ACU/OCP otherwise be in your ASUs. Just be sure to clear it through your First Line Leader (then it should go through for the CDR's approval), and please do take pictures and storyboard it. Then submit it to your unit PAO. Tell our story….

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 3:00 PM

2016-06-09T15:00:16-04:00

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you can wear your ASU anywhere you like. Make sure your uniform is tip top (get a check from your peers). When you're in public, you represent our branch.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 3:23 PM

2016-06-09T15:23:17-04:00

You can. Don't do anything stupid, and make sure it is in regs down to the smallest detail. Don't frolick around Greenville in uniform, but it is allowed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 11:26 PM

2016-06-09T23:26:47-04:00

SGT Robert Pennington I personally do not see anything wrong with it. Maybe talk with your unit Chaplain or a Chaplain on post and get their opinion.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 9 at 2016 11:55 PM

2016-06-09T23:55:58-04:00

There is one thing that I would add. PFC Pennington, you are going to be representing all of us that have ever worn the uniform. You are going to immediately be a hero to those children because you are a SOLDIER.
Remember, you are going to make a difference in the lives of every one of those children. Make it a Positive difference.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 10 at 2016 8:02 PM

2016-06-10T20:02:04-04:00

Sounds like you have plenty of Sage Advice from the SEAs (Senior Enlisted Advisors) on Rallypoint already.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 24 at 2019 8:40 PM

2019-12-24T20:40:59-05:00

The local recruiter will be ecstatic! It's unfortunate that we even have to be so concerned. The intent of all the regs concerning wear of the uniform is that you don't bring discredit upon it and don't wear it where you are taking a political stance. The inability of some to recognize what affiliations or circumstances represent a discredit is the problem. The only duty I know of where you are required to have civilian clothing is embassy or other situations where we do not have a formal agreement with foreign nations to allow the wear. Of course you must be aware of which uniform is appropriate, but that's another discussion.