Wear the Uniform With Pride!!

QRQ 30 · 12-20-2005, 10:06

First of all, this is Thank a Soldier Week and I wish to thank each and everyone of you in uniform!!

I have heard that PC Commanders discourage their troops from wearing their uniforms off post. I remember the first time I was home on leave I did everything but sleep in my uniform. No stripes and no ribbons just rifle "bolo badge". I was damned proud to be a soldier and show it off.

Remember the full length mirror outside the orderly room where you could get yourself squared away to see the CQ and have him determine if you were presentable to sign out on pass?

I wish the Commanders would again encourage the wearing of the uniform with pride. I go out of my way to shake the hand and thank any soldier I see in uniform but see so few. The only two I have seen recently were two Marines collecting for Toys For Tots.

I believe there are more citizens that respect and support our troops than there are assholes! The problem is that they can't find any soldiers on the street. When I came home from Vietnam my father insisted I wear my uniform when I went out on the town on the Strip in Las Vegas. I couldn't buy a drink and was admitted to the Tropicana "Follies Berg ere" free of charge and sat so close to the stage I could rest my elbow on it. At times, while sitting at a bar (mostly C&W) an asshole would show up to start some shit. There were always more than enough civilians to put his ass in place -- OUT!!

How can our troops know that the public is really behind them if they don't show themselves?

A heartfelt thanks from a "Granny" meant more to me than slurs from hippies.

Terry Dahling

jatx · 12-20-2005, 12:52

I, too, thank them whenever I see a member of the military in uniform. I've had it be received with everything from mild confusion to tears. Some airports see more traffic than others. DFW is usually awash with camo these days.

Over the weekend, I was staying at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. There was a group of Marines out one night in their dress uniforms. They cut a wide swath. Last I saw, they were leaving the hotel with girls literally thrown over their shoulders. I have no doubt that they were properly "thanked" for their service.

Trip_Wire (RIP) · 12-20-2005, 15:17

I agree with your statement on uniforms 100%

When I was on active duty, I wore mine on pass or leave and generally traveled in it as well. I was always proud of it and the service and unit it represented. I still like to wear my Blue Mess Dress as a retiree to formal military functions, etc.

moobob · 12-26-2005, 14:25

I flew on American Airlines in uniform from San Jose last week and they upgraded my ticket to first class, including a connection flight from DFW to Florida. I wouldn't be suprized if it carried over to the return trip.

NousDefionsDoc · 12-26-2005, 14:54

One of the reasons for discouraging the wear of the uniform is terrorism. A valid concern.

I do agree with you, if you can wear it, do so and with pride.

QRQ 30 · 12-26-2005, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc

One of the reasons for discouraging the wear of the uniform is terrorism. A valid concern.

I do agree with you, if you can wear it, do so and with pride.

Perhaps "A" reason but here in the good old U. S. of A. I am more inclined, from what I have heard, to believe that commanders fear confrontations between our troops and our own "loyal American" ANTI's. IMO terrorists prefer to inflict civilian casualties.

NousDefionsDoc · 12-26-2005, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by QRQ 30

Perhaps "A" reason but here in the good old U. S. of A. I am more inclined, from what I have heard, to believe that commanders fear confrontations between our troops and our own "loyal American" ANTI's. IMO terrorists prefer to inflict civilian casualties.

We can agree to disagree. I don't doubt the conflict avoidance is also part of the reason. However, I know terrorism is one. We lost a young Corporal in the unit next door in Panama while I was there, not exactly a hotbed of anti-American sentiment at the time.

I always preferred to keep a low profile when traveling, and it is very hard to do with young ladies screaming and following one around the airport like one was the first arrival of The Beatles. People tend to notice women passed out on the floor in a trail behind where one just walked.

It's probably the hat...

QRQ 30 · 12-26-2005, 15:43

NDD we are talking of different locales. We were always encouraged, in fact ordered to wear civilian attire in most OCONUS locales.

I am talking about right here at home. Obviously, if there is a planned or foreseen amti-military/government demonstration the story would be different unless, of course, the uniform were to be full battle dress with weapon and ammo.

It no longer has to be dress uniform. I believe BDUs have become suitable attire for travel and casual off post wear. Some more current personnel can confirm or deny that. I believe it is up to the Post Cmdr in CONUS and Theater Commander OCONUS.

QRQ 30 · 12-27-2005, 08:43

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...la-home-nation

LongWire · 01-24-2006, 08:22

During this past Christmas season, there were provisions made to 670-1 to allow troops going home from BCT on exodus, to wear the new ACU. Its Seems to be a PR thing to get the new face of the army out there.

Now as far as wearing the uniform off post, it has been common practice over the last few years for Post Commanders to issue regulations as to the proper wear of the uniform off post. Wearing the uniform, and stopping off for gas, milk etc.., is okay. Wearing the uniform off post and stopping off for a drink is not!!!!!!!!

Also some Commanders have prohibited the uniform in civil court cases, stating undue influence on the prceedings, and just bad impressions of soldiers in others.

Me personally I change at work....its easiest!!!!!!!!!!!

NousDefionsDoc · 01-24-2006, 19:54

I have worn OG 107s in some of the best cat hou...did I type that out loud?

lksteve · 01-24-2006, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc

I have worn OG 107s in some of the best cat hou...did I type that out loud?

Black Angus in San Juan...?

Kraut783 · 01-24-2006, 20:42

Just FYI...my wife is a international flight attendant for American Airlines out of DFW / IDF (Dallas Tx). It's common practice to bump uniformed soldiers into business or first class if there are open seats...going to or from the U.S. I hope the tradition continues. The Craft flights (DOD chartered aircraft) are fought over and go very senior, at least out of DFW.

MogMechanic · 01-29-2006, 00:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by QRQ 30

NDD we are talking of different locales. We were always encouraged, in fact ordered to wear civilian attire in most OCONUS locales.

I am talking about right here at home. Obviously, if there is a planned or foreseen amti-military/government demonstration the story would be different unless, of course, the uniform were to be full battle dress with weapon and ammo.

It no longer has to be dress uniform. I believe BDUs have become suitable attire for travel and casual off post wear. Some more current personnel can confirm or deny that. I believe it is up to the Post Cmdr in CONUS and Theater Commander OCONUS.

There is a policy out for the Army at least that states that the BDU/DCU/ACU are authorized for wear on official travel inside CONUS. Also all Soldiers that are travelling between Basic and AIT will travel in only the BDU/ACU.

Mogvet93

AngelsSix · 03-02-2006, 21:48

I personally will not wear a uniform on a commercial aircraft unless specifically dictated. Although we came into our destination from iraq this past week and had to catch a commercial flight in our BDU's and we basically received the best treatment on the airline you can expect. I kept getting asked if I was coming or going and lots of welcome homes and thank you's!! We got first class treatment on the airline taking us home....I actually felt special.