Is traveling in uniform still authorized when deploying?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 May 2016 15:28:52 -0400

Traveling in uniform, is it still authorized when deploying?

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made May 13 at 2016 3:31 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Fri, 13 May 2016 15:31:50 -0400

I am pretty sure it depends on what type of flight you are on.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 3:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 May 2016 15:34:46 -0400

I believe so sir.

Response by LTC Kathleen Maddox made May 13 at 2016 3:34 PM

LTC Kathleen Maddox — Fri, 13 May 2016 15:34:55 -0400

It seems like the Army goes back and forth on that issue. When I was activated we were told to not wear uniform. I also believe it depends on the area you are traveling to. Your Command should be able to let you know.

Response by LTC Tony C. made May 13 at 2016 3:37 PM

LTC Tony C. — Fri, 13 May 2016 15:37:06 -0400

Not on commercial flights. Military flight ok. CENTCOM Memo released a few weeks ago.

Response by SSgt Aaron R Cornwell made May 13 at 2016 3:37 PM

SSgt Aaron R Cornwell — Fri, 13 May 2016 15:37:27 -0400

It depends on where you are traveling and where you start. One of my deployments I had to wear civilian clothing and couldn't leave the plan on a stop.

Response by SGT David T. made May 13 at 2016 3:50 PM

SGT David T. — Fri, 13 May 2016 15:50:10 -0400

I wouldn't recommend it, even if authorized. Force protection and all that.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made May 13 at 2016 4:38 PM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Fri, 13 May 2016 16:38:41 -0400

You should be specifically instructed on your orders. I think it is unwise on commercial flights overseas, but that should be very specific instruction on those sending you forward. Good luck!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 4:52 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 May 2016 16:52:52 -0400

When I went in July I wore civilian attire the whole time. You need to wear pants "not shorts" coming from there though.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 13 at 2016 5:24 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 13 May 2016 17:24:32 -0400

Depends. If you are going as an individual augmentee on a civilian flight into a civilian foreign airport, you typically will fly in civvies.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 13 at 2016 6:44 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 13 May 2016 18:44:43 -0400

Interesting, Good Question, I remember traveling in Uniform lots of times, Dress Uniform of course. First time I remember that changing was London when I traveled in Suit and Tie and I'm not really sure if it was Terrorism, which I don't think was the Issue so much as our SOFA at the time did not allow Uniforms in London (Result of WWII When Americans were seen as Oversexed, Overpaid and Over Here).

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 6:59 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 May 2016 18:59:02 -0400

I don't like it at all.

Members are making themselves an unnecessary target. I only see the Army and Air Force doing this.

Maybe it is one thing if traveling as a group for a deployment, as you have mentioned, but I see way too many Soldiers and Airmen acting casually, breaking uniform regulations, and not portraying themselves as proper diplomats for the US or the military. Don't like it.

If deploying as a group, fine. If traveling alone or in few, at least do it in service uniform or dress. Not the ACUs or Tiger stripes.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2016 12:33 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 May 2016 12:33:21 -0400

Yes, it is authorised, but you need to consult your individual circumstances. Check your orders and consult with your Chain of command to make sure you are following the instructions for your individual circumstances.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 7:22 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 07:22:50 -0400

Mission dependant really. If going to Afghanistan or Kuwait probably yes, some other places probably not.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 5:22 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 17:22:08 -0400

Currently the uniform is authorized for wear. When SMA Chandler was on his way out, there was an update that said no, only for R&R. But since the newest publication it IS authorized

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jul 20 at 2017 5:36 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 17:36:48 -0400

Like the high and tight , green t shirt, black watch isn't a dead give away. The only way it works is to relax grooming regs.