Are soldiers in the military permitted to wear their uniform off duty?

Question

Can they wear their uniform while not on duty?

Answer 1

I can only speak to the Navy (1985-1999)... the "working uniform" (dungarees / coveralls / flight suits) were ONLY to be worn on-duty or while commuting in your POV... they were not to be worn to the Exchange or off-base (bus, trolley, nor any stops during commute)

The "Working Dress" uniform could be worn anywhere (other than political events). I bartended as a 2nd job and the "WhirlyBird" in IB, CA was often full of 2nds, 1sts, Chiefs, Warrants, and LDO's in their summer whites.

"Full Dress" could also be worn anywhere... but WHEN I had to wear Full Dress, I wanted to get out of that uniform so I could hang it ASAP to avoid drycleaning it each wearing !!

Full Dress with Medals... aaaargh !! Pull it out of the cleaners, put it on 15 minutes before Inspection / Change of Command, then GET OUT OF IT !!

I was so glad when I was commissioned and could store my "cracker-jacks" forever !!

Answer 2

You talking about working uniforms or dress uniforms ? and it depends on the location. Many places overseas require the military to blend in (also not to be targets) and therefore not wear uniforms off duty. Yes the Navy can wear work uniforms off base and off duty. Most Military members don't wear the uniform off duty except to official functions or while traveling to and from their duty station.

Answer 3

At Ft Stewart, the last CG said no ACUs/BDUs after 1900, but I dont believe that has been enforced with the new CG. I see soldiers out past 1900 in their ACUs all the time. I suppose it depends on your branch, and installation. What may be ok here may not be ok at other places. Though I am sure no work uniforms to the strip clubs. Though....we did have a street party last night and I think the strip club may have come to the street party. I was pretty embarrased at the attire of some of the females. But I digress.....

Answer 4

The field (utilities-Marines, fatigues or BDUs-army) uniform is not to be worn off duty off base with the exception of the commute. Other uniforms (Alphas and Dress Blues-Marines, class As-army) may be worn for appropriate situations as not to disgrace the uniform. Under no circumstance may the uniform be worn to any politically connected event. Some regulations pertaining to the field uniforms have been relaxed due to travel needs to and from conflict areas.

Answer 5

It just depend on where they are stationed. Why would you want to wear it off duty? I love being in the Army but damn I wear the uniform all day. I want to look like a normal person after work. As normal as I can look.

Answer 6

As stated in all the answers prior, it's not technically permitted to wear your uniform when not commuting, or off duty. However, rules are lenient and not severely enforced. If you were asking if soldiers were permitted to wear their COMBAT uniform and equipment off duty outside a combat zone, the answer is absolutely not.

Answer 7

In the UK, Royal Navy personnel are encouraged to wear uniforms off-duty, provided they are not in places or engaging in behaviours that would disparage the service. They believe that it can be an effective technique to boost interest in recruiting.

Answer 8

When we are deployed, we have to be in uniform at all times (that means either regular DCUs/ACUs or PT gear). Back home, we can wear our dress uniforms whenever we want. As far as work uniforms (BDUs, ACUs) we are allowed to wear them to run errands and such (stopping at the grocery store to pick something up, getting oil changed, etc). We are not supposed to wear them to spend hours shopping at the mall, going out to "nice" restaurants, clubs, bars, etc. But who wants to wear it???

EDIT: This applies to AF only; I know Navy can't wear their work uniform ANYWHERE besides work... Army and Marines are similar to AF, though perhaps a bit more strict.

Answer 9

My soldier isn't permitted to wear his uniform (ACU's) off duty.

Answer 10

If they're regular active duty (not at basic or anything), it's only supposed to worn while on duty (and to and from work). You're not supposed to go to the store, etc. while wearing it.
A lot of people do though.