I typically have thick skin when it comes to a lot of things but family and military is what had mad me, so to hear some of the things on this thread struck a nerve. Just wanted to get that point across, and yes I see it was you and one other member (female) that spoke for the members. I appreciated that..
Something I dont understand....Wearing uniforms in public
- Thread starter studd muffin
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yea i hear ya, in my culture family is everything. i would be upset too if i walked in your shoes and to have to hear what some may say.
but at the same time, i can see why and agree with some others about how you should act when in uniform. i mean, if someone in uniform is behaving disrespectfully in public, it does give a bad image to the rest. whether we like it or not, when you are in a position of authority, for example, you need to carry yourself a certain way and if you don't, you're gonna be judged.
This all depends on which service you are in actually. For us (been in the AF for over 15yrs, MSgt) our AFI strictly dictates where/when you can and cannot wear your uniform. Off duty establishments such as bars, entertainment areas (movie theatre) and certain public rallies and gatheries are strictly prohibited for the wear of any uniform combination. The only exemptions are lunch breaks and on your way home from work with occasional stops such as grocery stores and gas stations; There are some circumstances where members in training status are required to wear theirr uniform when off the duty station, however in most of these towns people seeing members in uniform is an everyday occurence and isn't noticed as much.
This is a true statment, however that is why I said there are regulations to when and wear you can wear the uniform. Now for you installation, this may very well be the case, and I am sure the members abide by this rule, hence me saying I have conseled member for wearing the uniform in an in appropiate manner or place myself, but that does not mean member don't have the right to wear his or her uniform within regulation whereever he or she feels, no matter what other think. Now having worked closely with AF, Army and Marine recruiter, I know that there were times when they wore there unforms to off duty establisments, becasue as a recruiters that's when the oppurtunity to meet a lot fo people were present, weather it be a high school or college school football, or where even a Depper (delayed entry person to the military) may tell them people are going to meet or event that will be taking place for PDC'ing (positive developing contacts).
This^^
As a civilian(entertainer), I've taken many trips abroad including a trip to both Afghanistan and Iraq, and every time I go Im usually given military issue gear as gifts from our servicemen and women. Additionally, we are allowed to buy gear from the px. I always ask if its frowned upon to wear the gear I'm given and have been told as long as Im not wearing any patches designating specific units or ranks, it's seen as a form of respect. I would never wear a whole uniform, but you'd be surprised how many people mistake me for a serviceman when just wearing a top. Even when traveling in plain clothes, i usually travel with a backpack that was given to me in Iraq, and lots of people ask if i am a serviceman. I always explain my situation, but thats only to those who ask. Many don't and just assume.....
Either way, i have the upmost respect for all servicemen and women who serve our country and i wear the gear as a show of that respect, never as some hidden agenda......and I would never think of wearing it in a bar. Generally, I wear it traveling in an out of country
Recruiters are a whole other can of worms...but I see your point.
My only issue when wearing the uniform off base is to make sure what you are doing doesn't bring discredit upon yourself or the military service you are representing by wearing it.I'll first start by saying I AM NOT bashing the military, its service men and women, or anyone reading this. " 6 or 7 OUT OF LINE posts?? Even if it is to pick up the ladies, they've earned that right??" What are you talking about? In MY experience, everyone who's joined has joined as a last resort. They didn't have anything going for themselves and couldn't get anything going so they enlisted, happily being told what to do every second of their life, but hey they got training, education, saw the world,became a man, blah, blah, blah. IMO these are the same guys wearing their uniforms to the bar, it's just now they don't have anything goin on with the ladies, which is fine, but you're just a hop, skip, and jump away from rubbing people the wrong way, and when that happens, who are these guys representing? US! I wouldn't want that. If you're sincere about serving your country, you don't do it for praise or perks. If you think you'e going to command respect from me or worse be stupid or cocky about it, you have another thing coming.What I'm saying is they signed up for this, and got what they wanted out of it. As far as the war, I'm sure their were scary times, but let's face it, our enemies were a buch of sitting ducks over there.
I am in the United States Marines as well, but most national guard and army reserve personnell wear their combtat utiity uniform everywhere they can. As Marines we are not allowed to because of uniform regulations. If I cant get respect for my service out of uniform then I dont ask for anything at most places. if my id is not good enough then I usually dont go back. and alot of people are always looking for freebies.
marines arent allowed to wear their combat uniform in public, they have formal suits. when i join the armed forces ill wear my uniform all the time just to display what ive earned. god bless our men in uniform and god bless america.
