How do you feel about the recognition/attention you may get while traveling in uniform?

2014-01-31T14:24:41-05:00

Let me start by saying this : I loathe traveling in uniform.

I have encountered many other soldiers that talk about traveling in uniform and the benefits and attention they receive. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the recognition by civilians to service members, but I feel that many abuse it and take advantage of the free drinks and first class upgrades. I see it as an integrity issue and to cite the NCO creed: "I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety." Speaking of the last part, SAFETY; The Army trains us to not make ourselves targets and I see wearing the uniform in-transit as a huge bull's-eye for any potential threat, especially with past events occurring in airports, train stations, etc. Most, if not all, orders require SM's to travel in uniform whether it be the duty uniform or class A's or B's.

How do you feel about the Army's logic and have you encountered other soldiers abusing these "benefits"?

How do you feel about the recognition in general?

All responses are appreciated and I'd like to hear everyone's take on the matter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 2:34 PM

2014-01-31T14:34:47-05:00

Well said, SGT. I too do not like traveling while in uniform unless it is necessary, i.e. deployment mid-tour leave. As I pointed out in the on post conceal carry thread, Service-members in uniform are easy targets as they are generally recognizable and disarmed. I'd rather blend in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 2:47 PM

2014-01-31T14:47:28-05:00

I try to avoid stopping to and from base while in ACUs (about 10 miles from HOR) but sometimes need overrides conveinence and I am forced to make a quick stop at the grocery (or a similiar place). On these quick stops it usually goes without fail that someone stops me and thanks me for my service. I appreciate it but....I don't do this for the accolades. Sometimes I just need milk and don't feel like going home to change then going back out again. As for traveling in Class A or B's commerically while on duty?....it should be the goal of the soldier not to make himself a target of opportunity. Personnally, the slim chance of being upgraded to 1st Class doesn't override the anonimity that comes with traveling in civies. An observant threat will be able to pick you out regardless however, if some situation arose, that extra few seconds you might gain by NOT wearing your uniform to act could be the difference between life and death for you or the travelers around you.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 3:36 PM

2014-01-31T15:36:08-05:00

I go TDY a lot and I used to go out of my way to travel in civilian clothes but now I don’t see the point. Now I normally travel in uniform because of same day meetings and the size of the uniform for traveling with only a carry on and not needing to change between meetings and the airport.

I don’t take free drinks and rarely have been upgraded (some airlines do it more than others). Many people never see people in the military and if saying “thank you for your service” makes their day then I can give them that. Also I think the Antiterrorism aspect of traveling in uniform domestically is overstated. As a former AT/FP officer there are much easier targets to get Soldiers than in the secure area of the airport or at the gas station between home and work.

As long as it is allowed, I will continue to travel in uniform for official travel.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 4:40 PM

2014-01-31T16:40:42-05:00

I am not a big fan of the accolades either. The one thing I do love about flying in uniform, is the fact that you don't have to remove your shoes.

Response by SSG Matthew Thomas made Jan 31 at 2014 5:07 PM

2014-01-31T17:07:53-05:00

My orders to Germany in 2002 stated travel in Class A's so I did. Once I landed at Frankfurt I linked up at the reception area and was smoked by the NCO for traveling in my Class A's. As a PFC I was confused and never traveled on an airplane, minus deployment, in uniform.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 5:36 PM

2014-01-31T17:36:55-05:00

As U.S. military members we are automatically a target of opportunity for our enemies whenever we are in public and especially when we are in a public place in uniform (no matter which type). In the years when hijacking was one of the main terrorist ways of getting media attention - military members would travel in civilian clothes and keep their military ID in a secret hidden place incase of a worst case senario (that way they might not be used as a pawn and might be able to help take down the terrorists if the opportunity came up).Later on travelling in uniform became required, then 9/11 happened and they made the change to travelling in civilian attire to help take the target off us a little bit.  Don't get me wrong, I always liked travelling in uniform before - so that I could help promote the image of the military. I don't know if you ever read the following: 

An analogy of people through: SHEEP, WOLVES, AND
SHEEPDOGS 
 
Jill Edwards, a junior math major at the University of Washington, and a member
of the UW student senate, opposed a memorial to U graduate "Pappy" Boyington.
Boyington was a U.S. Marine aviator who earned the Medal of Honor in World War
II. Edwards said that she didn't think it was appropriate to honor a person who
killed other people. She also said that a member of the Marine Corps was NOT an
example of the sort of person the University of Washington wanted to
produce.  What follows is Gen. Dula's letter to the University of
Washington student senate leader. Read and comprehend what is being said, and
decide if you want to be a "sheep". 
 
To: Edwards, Jill (student, U) 
Subject: SHEEP, WOLVES, AND SHEEPDOGS 
Miss Edwards, I read of your 'student activity' regarding the proposed memorial
to Col Greg Boyington, USMC and a Medal of Honor winner. I suspect you will
receive a bellyful of angry e-mails from conservative folks like me.  You may be too young to appreciate fully the
sacrifices of generations of 
servicemen and servicewomen on whose shoulders you and your fellow students
stand. I forgive you for the untutored ways of youth and your naiveté. It may
be that you are, simply, a sheep. There's no dishonor in being a sheep - - as
long as you know and accept what you are. Please take a couple of minutes to
read the following. And be grateful for the millions of American sheepdogs who
permit you the freedom to express even bad ideas. 
Brett Dula 
Sheepdog, retired 
 
ON SHEEP, WOLVES, AND SHEEPDOGS - By LTC(RET) Dave Grossman, RANGER, Ph.D.,
author of "On Killing."<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

 
Honor never grows old, and honor rejoices the heart of age. It does so because
honor is, finally, about defending those noble and worthy things that deserve
defending, even if it comes at a high cost. 
In our time, that may mean social disapproval, public scorn, hardship, persecution,
or as always, even death itself. <o:p></o:p>

The question remains: <o:p></o:p>

What is worth defending? <o:p></o:p>

What is worth dying for? <o:p></o:p>

What is worth living for? <o:p></o:p>

- William J. Bennett - in a lecture to the
United States Naval Academy November 24, 1997<o:p></o:p>

 
One Vietnam veteran, an old retired colonel, once said this to me: "Most of
the people in our society are sheep. They are kind, gentle, productive creatures
who can only hurt one another by accident." 
This is true. Remember, the murder rate is six per 100,000 per year, and the
aggravated assault rate is four per 1,000 per year. What this means is that the
vast majority of Americans are not inclined to hurt one another. Some estimates
say that two million Americans are victims of violent crimes every year, a
tragic, staggering number, perhaps an all-time record rate of violent crime.
But there are almost 300 million Americans, which means that the odds of being
a victim of violent crime is considerably 
less than one in a hundred on any given year. 
Furthermore, since many violent crimes are committed by repeat
offenders, the actual number of violent citizens is considerably less than two million.  Thus there is a paradox, and we must grasp
both ends of the situation: We may well be in the most violent times in
history, but violence is still remarkably rare. This is because most citizens
are kind, decent people who are not capable of hurting each other, except by
accident or under extreme provocation. They are sheep. 
I mean nothing negative by calling them sheep. To me, it is like the pretty,
blue robin's egg. Inside it is soft and gooey but someday it will grow into
something wonderful. But the egg cannot survive without its hard blue shell.  Police officers, soldiers, and other warriors
are like that shell, and someday the civilization they protect will grow into
something wonderful.  For now, though,
they need warriors to protect them from the predators.  "Then there are the wolves," the
old war veteran said, "and the wolves 
feed on the sheep without mercy." Do you believe there are wolves out there
who will feed on the flock without mercy? You had better believe it.  There are evil men in this world and they are
capable of evil deeds. The moment you forget that or pretend it is not so, you
become a sheep. There is no safety in denial. 
"Then there are sheepdogs," he went on, "and I'm a
sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf."  If you have no capacity for violence then you
are a healthy productive citizen, a sheep. If you have a capacity for violence
and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you have defined an aggressive
sociopath, a wolf.  But what if you have
a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your 
fellow citizens? What do you have then? You have a sheepdog, a warrior, someone
who is walking the hero's path, someone who can walk into the heart of
darkness, into the universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed.  Let me expand on this old soldier's excellent
model of the sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs. We know that the sheep live in
denial, that is what makes them sheep. They do not want to believe that there
is evil in the world.  They can accept
the fact that fires can happen, which is why they want fire extinguishers, fire
sprinklers, fire alarms and fire exits throughout their kids' schools.  But many of them are outraged at the idea of
putting an armed police officer in their kid's school. Our children are
thousands of times more likely to be killed or seriously injured by school
violence than fire, but the sheep’s only response to the possibility of
violence is denial. The idea of someone coming to kill or harm their child is
just too hard, and so they chose the path of denial.  The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog.
He looks a lot like the wolf.  He has
fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the
sheepdog must not, cannot and will not ever harm the sheep.  Any sheep dog that intentionally harms the
lowliest little lamb will be punished and removed. The world cannot work any
other way, at least not in a representative democracy or a republic such as
ours.  Still, the sheepdog disturbs the
sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the land. They would
prefer that he didn't tell them where to go, or give them traffic tickets, or
stand at the ready in our airports, in camouflage fatigues, holding an M-16.
The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog cash in his fangs, spray paint
himself white, and go, "Baa" until the wolf shows up. Then the entire
flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely sheepdog.  The students, the victims, at Columbine High
School were big, tough high school students, and under ordinary circumstances
they would not have had 
the time of day for a police officer. They were not bad kids; they just had
nothing to say to a cop. When the school was under attack, however, and SWAT
teams were clearing the rooms and hallways, the officers had to physically peel
those clinging, sobbing kids off of them. This is how the little lambs feel
about their sheepdog when the wolf is at the door.  Look at what happened after September 11,
2001 when the wolf pounded hard on the door. Remember how America, more than
ever before, felt differently about their law enforcement officers and military
personnel? Remember how many times you heard the word hero?  Understand that there is nothing morally
superior about being a sheepdog; it is just what you choose to be. Also
understand that a sheepdog is a funny critter: He is always sniffing around out
on the perimeter, checking the breeze, barking at things that go bump in the
night, and yearning for a righteous battle. That is, the young sheepdogs yearn
for a righteous battle. 
 
The old sheepdogs are a little older and wiser, but they move to the sound of
the guns when needed, right along with the young ones.  Here is how the sheep and the sheepdog think
differently. The sheep 
pretend the wolf will never come, but the sheepdog lives for that day.  After the attacks on September 11, 2001, most
of the sheep, that is, most citizens in America said, "Thank God I wasn't
on one of those planes." The sheepdogs, the warriors, said, "Dear
God, I wish I could have been on one of those planes. Maybe I could have made a
difference."  When you are truly
transformed into a warrior and have truly invested yourself into warriorhood,
you want to be there. You want to be able to make a difference. 
 
There is nothing morally superior about the sheepdog, the warrior, but he does
have one real advantage. Only one. And that is that he is able to survive and
thrive in an environment that destroys 98 percent of the population.<o:p></o:p>

I am a former Marine and now a Retired Security Forces Supervisor  (USAF) and I will always think of myself as one of the sheepdogs.  Even though I am no longer in uniform, I have been in the protective mindset for our country, our people, our way of life and our military for over 32 years that will never change.  I appreciate seeing our men and women in uniform when travelling it makes me feel proud to see the heritage of service continuing with our new generations.  Our military members have and will continue to be one of our greatest ambassadors for the U.S.A. - which they are when they travel in uniform.

Response by SSG Patrick Kinsella made Jan 31 at 2014 7:46 PM

2014-01-31T19:46:05-05:00

I don't have a problem with people traveling in uniform, as long as they are displaying proper military bearing. Let's face it, Soldiers and Marines can usually be spotted a mile away in the civilian population even when NOT in uniform. Haircuts, bearing and their gear give them away immediately, not to mention displaying manners that a good portion of the civilian population lacks. (such as saying Sir and Ma'am and helping people who are in need) Even out of uniform, people ask me if I'm military, and I've had drinks bought for me, and gotten special treatment at the gate.

On the other hand, Traveling to and from theater (usually on leave) often takes days, and by the time you hit the States (and the civilian public) you've got two days of stubble on your chin, your uniform is a mess, there's a good chance you spilled something on yourself, you're tired, feet dragging....not very professional looking.

Civilians don't know if you're flying to two day conference or returning from Afghanistan after your third tour. No other branch feels it's necessary to travel in uniform. Like so many things, someone needs to make a decision, and all services should follow the same rule.

Response by CSM Chris McKeown made Jan 31 at 2014 9:45 PM

2014-01-31T21:45:05-05:00

My view on traveling in uniform is: Wear the Dress Uniform! My god people, be proud to be in the Military, if not then get the hell out. Don't cower like rats because... That's what our enemy wants, for you to be ashamed or scared to wear the uniform. Yes it could endanger your life, but know what, that's what you signed up for!

Response by Capt Jason Minnich made Jan 31 at 2014 10:02 PM

2014-01-31T22:02:23-05:00

In my previous job I had to travel TDY a lot. Often times the locations we went there were few returning flights so we had to leave from meetings and drive straight to the airport while still in uniform. At the time for AF members, except deployments, you weren't supposed to travel in uniform. I would get to the airport, check in, and if there was time change into civilian clothes in the bathroom. This was almost as much a hassle as traveling in uniform in the first place and those times where it didn't make sense to change I didn't, but I always made it a point to be a bit more professional when I was in a very public area and in uniform.

As far as benefits for wearing the uniform around, I wouldn't turn them down, but I wouldn't go out of my way to ask for them. Some times I did see other service members complaining with the gate agent that they should get an upgrade or something else and I would quietly take them aside and spot correct them. Often the member would be defensive because I was at that point in civilian clothes but when I explained my position most times they wised up quick, and when it was a superior officer I simply explained that it was reflecting poorly to those who saw the scene.

More to the question about recognition. When someone thanked me for my service I made it a point to thank the person and ask them to think of those members that were deployed and didn't enjoy the luxury of being in a US airport. I was humbled by the citizens that took time out to thank me but I needed to redirect some of that attention to where I feel it is more deserved.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 1 at 2014 1:46 AM

2014-02-01T01:46:19-05:00

I don't mind it too much if you are on official travel....but it should be in ASU/Class B, not ACUs (unless coming home from/going to deployment). We should not be travelling overseas in uniform at all. My first tour in Korea (2000), they specifically told us NOT to wear uniforms in foreign airports.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Feb 1 at 2014 1:52 AM

2014-02-01T01:52:39-05:00

Who WANTS to travel in uniform? People who are doing it for convenience because they are in a hurry, people on official DoD business and slick-sleeves fresh out of school, all of which I think are just fine.

Those soldiers fresh out of the schoolhouse are some of the most proud you'll ever meet, which is great and hell, let them wear the uniform if they choose and get their accolades. After a couple years in, they'll be the humble young super troopers we train them to be :)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 2:41 AM

2014-02-01T02:41:54-05:00

I think traveling in uniform is the closest most of us will feel to being followed by the paparazzi.

I recently did some training in Ft. Polk, and my reporting instructions said to report in uniform. I fly in civvies from Japan to Dallas and changed there before the flight to Alexandria, LA.

Well after the 14 hour flight from Japan I wasn't really in the mood to talk to strangers, but being the only service member I could see in the airport in uniform I was pretty popular. While I appreciated the supportive environment it gets pretty old answering the same few questions and smiling when you just want to relax!

"No, I'm not in the Army, I'm in the Air Force."

"No, I don't fly planes."

"Yes, I like it."

"Yes, I am making it a career."

"No, I don't know your cousin/son/daughter/friend/guy from TV."

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Feb 1 at 2014 7:11 AM

2014-02-01T07:11:37-05:00

Many, MANY years ago, I was once stuck in Alanta for two days, in uniform. I remember a lot of people asking me if I was wearing the NEW ARMY uniform, after which I would say as calmly as I could, that I was a Marine.... I remember curling up on the floor of the USO and trying to get a few hours of sleep, and wandering thru the airport for hours, waiting for the flight that would replace the flight that was canceled, but I can honestly say, not once in all those hours, did anyone even say a word to me, other than to tell me about their own military experiences, or ask me how I could join the military when I could have had a 'Normal family'... Keep in mind, that was at the tail end of Vietnam when most people pretty much made the sign for the evil eye when they saw someone in uniform.

I think the first time I ever noticed any true change in the "traveling in uniform" experience, was right around the time of the first Gulf War. I was actually struck dumb the first time someone walked up to me, held out their hand and said Thank You. I pretty much stood there, staring at them thinking, "I'm the same person...wearing the same uniform, what's changed?"

If the experience is different now for those wearing uniform, I'm delighted for them and considering what we deal with on a daily basis, I'd say, let them get the upgrades and the free food if they can... I'd say its payback, but that's just me.

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Feb 1 at 2014 9:49 AM

2014-02-01T09:49:21-05:00

I agree and you set a very valid point... SAFETY!!! Even though we think all is great to travel in America it's far from safe! OPSEC is the key!!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 9:51 AM

2014-02-01T09:51:06-05:00

Only when on official business or reporting on the same day of a NCOES.  I keep my pride of what I do to myself.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 4:02 PM

2014-02-01T16:02:11-05:00

I was flying back from AIT and I didn't have civvies so ACUs it was and I can't tell you how many people asked me if I was infantry or if I was going to war.

Response by 1SG Michael Minton made Feb 1 at 2014 7:30 PM

2014-02-01T19:30:48-05:00

I can see where safety could be a issue, but i dont think it is that big of a threat. i dont think they should travel in their BDU's, it is a work uniform. travel should be cjass A or B if your on orders. if just on leave wear what ever you want. As far as a few perks they may recieve, i have no problem after the sacrifice they have given.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 2 at 2014 6:56 PM

2014-02-02T18:56:51-05:00

I often travel in ACU on TDY IAW the MILPER Msg as airlines stink at keeping track of your stuffthat you check. At least if I hit dirt with nothing but myself and my ditch bag I can still accomplish my mission as I am in duty uniform for the function I've travelled for. I could pass on the co-traveller attention, although 99.9 percent of people mean well. I do see youngsters traveling to and fro. I have never had to correct one. Most are ready to swallow their tongue when they turn around in line at Starbucks and there is a LTC standing behind them. I do ask them simple leading questions to see if any are in need or in trouble.

I fly in an out of Newark. If you are not in uniform, you are a non person. They will not even make eye contact. Showed up three hours early to wait for 2.5 hours in line while they call unseen people and complain about the line they have perpetuated. Not their problem. They can get you another flight in a day or two. I fly in ACUs just to get to the TDY I was ordered to go to. I have never been offered a first class upgrade. I have been moved to an empty exit row once...mostly because the jerk infront of me insists on horizontal recline and I am 6'4". I stay cognizant of where I am and what I am doing as I represent the Army.

Most people have no connection to the military and have no clue about what we do. I end up being a walking PSA when traveling. Most have no idea about officers, NCOs, and enlisted; you don't do 20 years in an IET environment; career fields ; what sequestration actually did; cuts we take; sacrifices we make etc. If we don't tell the Army story someone else will, maybe someone who has no business telling it.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Feb 12 at 2014 9:04 PM

2014-02-12T21:04:44-05:00

I think it is good for Privates to do it because they crapped on in every other aspect of their lives. I also think that for NCOS: if your orders require flying it should be done in B's because the response tends to be more subdued.

That being said, getting recognition by the public isn't just about you. The American people like to see their service members in service dress. The cathartic nature of thanking a Soldier in ASUs or bumping them to 1st Class is, I think, more for their benefit. They want to do it and you should let them. You should also be humble and appreciative. As a joker I like to respond to the 'thank you for your service' with a 'thanks for paying taxes' it always gets a chuckle, smile, and reduces the awkwardness I feel when being recognized. Sometimes it leads to some pleasant conversations and goes beyond the standard handshake. We must work to humanize ourselves to the American people instead of looking like toy soldiers. Be personable with them. It will further their respect for the martial institution and also break that civilian/military divide that seems to be developing just a bit. Remember: We work for them.. never forget that.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 13 at 2014 8:23 AM

2014-02-13T08:23:08-05:00

My understanding was that military personnel should only travel in uniform when they are on official duty and on orders for that duty. For example, if you're traveling to formally visit another military unit. If you're just traveling home for Easter or something, you should not be wearing your military uniform. And if you're out at a bar, you should absolutely not be wearing your uniform, even if you are on TDY. Respect the uniform and the profession, and don't wear the uniform if you are trying to implicitly get special treatment, etc.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 8:20 PM

2014-04-09T20:20:48-04:00

I think it draws too much attention. Personally, I prefer to blend in over a free beverage or upgrade. I've never seen anything requiring Airmen to travel in uniform on commercial flights and I like it that way. All military personnel can use the TSA PreCheck by using the DoD ID number on our cards as our "known traveler" numbers when we book flights. That keeps your shoes on and you don't have to dismantle your hand carried items.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 7:37 PM

2015-01-13T19:37:51-05:00

I've always been curious about the difference between Army and Air Force regulations. Seems that Army regulations often require soldiers to travel in uniform (as seen every time I pass through DFW). On the other hand, Air Force regulations explicitly PROHIBIT traveling in uniform under almost any circumstances, calling it a "force protection" issue (as in, not making airmen targets by having them wear the uniform).

So...what is the Army's logic for requiring people to travel in uniform?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-01-22T12:40:20-05:00

I'm with MSG Kerwin. I would prefer that it be required for all personnel in the "protection" services realm to wear their uniforms when traveling. Police too. A person looking to target a Soldier can do so at any time. If you are traveling though the threat is usually targetted at a larger audience. The physical presence of a Soldier or a police officer, or multiple of those is a deterent. The people in the military who live on the pointy end of the spear usually thrive on conflict and are constantly in some state of alert, especially in unfamilliar areas. We tend to be more suspicious and watch our AO. Four of us looking in all directions is a hell of a deterent. Besides the threat of detection, a Soldier is also a threat in action much greater than your average civilian. At this point if someone tries to take over mass transportation with a group of Soldiers on board, it isn't going to happen peacefully. If I had my choice, I'd travel in uniform all the time and it has nothing to do with perks...I don't remember the last time that got me anything anyway. If I really got my way, we'd be armed as well. Go ahead and try to take over the plane.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 12:41 PM

2015-01-22T12:41:28-05:00

I think this issue is very clear cut, it makes you a soft target for anyone looking to take advantage of. This, to me, is very similar to wearing your uniform out in town. It's one thing when you are wearing it for official purposes such as recruiting or some sort of community event for the military. But I feel like uniforms should only be worn on base and not anywhere else. I know many do not agree with that especially since uniform regulations for their services allow it. It's ultimately a security issue and I would not want to draw attention to myself.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-01-27T09:43:55-05:00

SSG Raymond Tobin When I got to my first duty stationed, I was nervous and as I was supposed to get earlier to the post I flew in ACUs. My flight got delayed a couple times, my bags were lost and I finally made it at 2240 to the post. At least I was in ACUs so I reported the next day in uniform with no problem. That would be the only reason I would fly again in uniform, I'm not lucky with my bags in the airports...

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 1:55 AM

2015-02-15T01:55:08-05:00

I feel a little uncomfortable with the thank you's and all but I always acknowledge it respectful personally I prefer not to travel in uniform it is easy enough really to spot someone in the military by their look and backpacks :).

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 18 at 2015 11:43 AM

2015-03-18T11:43:45-04:00

Breaking this morning from DA G-1:

"Leaders,

Effective immediately, Soldiers are now authorized to travel by commercial
means in the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). The restriction of paragraph 3-7c
of AR 670-1 is lifted and this update will be included in the next revision.
Please insure this note is pushed to your commanders and disseminated to the
lowest levels.

c. Personnel on official travel and traveling by commercial travel means
will wear the service uniform or appropriate civilian attire. Soldiers may
wear the combat uniform on commercial flights only when
deploying/redeploying or on rest and recuperation leave to and from the
combat theater. However, commanders may authorize service or utility
uniforms for Soldiers when traveling by commercial travel for emergency
leave or casualty assistance duties.

POC for this matter is Army Uniform Policy at
[login to see] .

v/r,
Allen D. Clifton
HQDA DCS G1 SGM"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-06-23T17:08:40-04:00

SGT Tobin,
With everything going on today I would be reluctant to travel in uniform unless necessary. Not that I am not proud of the uniform it is just a security risk.

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Jul 30 at 2015 2:48 PM

2015-07-30T14:48:44-04:00

I loved it. Made me feel proud.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 30 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-07-30T14:56:46-04:00

I use to travel in uniform and my intention was to show the country that yes military folks exist, and we stand for good and the values of this country.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 12:24 PM

2015-07-31T12:24:04-04:00

Personally, I do not enjoy the extra attention that often accompanies traveling in uniform. I think it is a wonderful thing that there are so many civilians who are appreciative of their service members, and it is reassuring to know that - generally speaking - we have the support of the nation. I am just a private person, and would rather not feel on parade. As to the original poster's comment on personal safety; for domestic travel there should not be any attempt made to disguise your military affiliation. What kind of image would it send if we suddenly disappear from the public eye? How better to show the nation, who supports us as much as we them, that we're not afraid. I don't like the extra attention of wearing my uniform in public, but I'm proud to wear it.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 31 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-07-31T12:29:36-04:00

I never really minded, I get the occasional "thank you for your service" and a few nods. Overall no one has bothered me. I would like to add that the uniform is pretty comfortable.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-08-04T08:21:03-04:00

Why make yourself a target with the ever growing threats to men and women in uniform? It is nice to get appreciation for wearing the uniform, but when I'm not on duty, I travel in civilian clothes. I am not looking for free hand outs, I would much prefer to be left alone. Especially when I travel with my family. But to each his or her own, right?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 1:30 AM

2015-08-10T01:30:21-04:00

I agree we should not fly in uniform for reasons of security (also more comfortable); I tend to wear T or polo shirts that show my Army Service (I do avoid obvious military affiliation on a commercial flight, however) not to brag or get discounts, but I proud of my service... and as an Army retiree, I'm proud to wear my uniform at appropriate events. While I take common-sense safety and security precautions, Im not going to stick my head in the sand either. As for discounts, I agree its bad form to look for a "discount" unless its advertised, and you know you are clearly qualified for it.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2017 11:50 AM

2017-12-09T11:50:57-05:00

So, I'm pretty new to the army. Still in AIT. Leaving for HBL in duty uniform. I kinda wanted to in my civilian clothes so that I didn't draw a lot of attention. I was bussed here in class A' s and we stopped in a small town for lunch. I did not appreciate the stares. I don't like drawing attention to myself. I really do not think it is the smartest of ideas.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 4:04 PM

2018-09-08T16:04:02-04:00

I love it. Gives a great sense of pride as a service member and honored to wear this uniform when someone thanks me for serving. The problem is that I never know what to say back to the person. There’s many times when someone would say “thank you for your service” and I’d oddly say thank you back to the person.

My suggestion: “it’s an honor ma’am/sir”

Response by CPT William Jones made Jul 28 at 2019 10:30 PM

2019-07-28T22:30:23-04:00

I know times have changed but while I was in you were required to wear your class A uniform blouse and tie. I think today wearing commonwork/field uniform is sloppy and should not be allowed. If in public in uniform it should look business like not like you are about ready to go to war.

Response by Sgt Cheryl Peoples made Feb 26 at 2020 11:20 AM

2020-02-26T11:20:47-05:00

I'm a Marine. I had to pick my CO up from the airport one time and a lady there was asking me what time a certain flight comes in. I just politely told her I was a U S Marine and not an airline stewardis. Never bothered me to travel in uniform. Always a good way of meeting new people. There's always a story to tell from someone.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2020 12:15 PM

2020-06-19T12:15:50-04:00

I'm generally against official travel in uniform because it attracts too much attention and makes you too visible. Since my official travel in the Navy has either been solo or in a small group with one to a few other people, I have never travelled in uniform. I also never take my sea bag but always use civilian luggage. Additionally, I always use a blue civilian passport and only show my orders to the authorities when asked. Especially for international travel I consider it an OPSEC concern. It's hard enough not to stick out like a sore thumb in some countries but wearing a uniform and carrying a sea bag means you have no hope of blending in.