What do you do when you see a member of the military in uniform in public?

Question

im just wondering what goes through peoples mind when i venture off post in uniform

Answer 1

I would be one of the (hopefully) many that would be shaking your hand and thanking you for your service to the United States of America.

Answer 2

I would thank them. As a Vietnam-era veteran, I know how much the support of people "back home" means. Sure, our being in Iraq is unpopular. However, I know many families who have sons and daughters, husbands and wives, who have served in the military during Iraq. I recognize the sacrifice incurred by both the service person and his/her family. I appreciate that sacrifice, and I let them know that I do.

I must add that I look for the patch on the right shoulder of the uniform and whether the person in uniform might have a Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, or Combat Medic Badge. Those guys are the heroes.

However, I should also add that those who serve, wherever they serve, have given a great deal to our country. It is appreciated.

Answer 3

I personally feel the up most respect when I see a uniformed member of the military, or any other uniformed figure of authority.

I'm humbled, never display any sines of disrespect, however I rarely talk to them. I didn't know why at first I didn't run up to the person, thank him and buy him a beer. I later realized that I felt intimidated by the amount of respect these people command.

But that's just me, and that's only at the first encounter. If I see him a second or third time, that weird affect seems to disappear.

EDIT: After looking at the other answers, I find it simply bizare that everyone assumed he was an American soldier. He could be Canadian, eh!

Answer 4

Discharged or Separated all they human beings which have served on account that 9/11/2001 can positioned on the uniform to Patriotic events, military funerals. they could positioned on them to and from those events as well. there is not any donning all of them the time. HDH is actual about being in regulation structure..haircut, fingernails, shined footwear, medals on ideal proper. get rid of the left shoulder modern unit patch, positioned on of suitable arm patch...if licensed one, is envisioned. you may positioned on your rank, service stripes and remote places bars as well. In different words you'd be status tall and searching solid or could be arrested in case you piss of the incorrect cop....a lot of them are Vets too! For us older human beings you may purely positioned on the rank you've been on the time you've been in for the time of a licensed era of warfare. celebration: i visit positioned on the uniform yet purely with Spec 4 rank. could 1975 became the cutoff of the Viet Nam warfare for this purpose. even even with the reality that i became in previous that and made Spec 5 in June seventy 5 and SSG in Nov 80 at the same time as interior the Reserves. believe me if I ever purchase a uniform i visit positioned on stripes and rocker. Retirees interior the military have a "Retired" left shoulder patch. Reservists and nationwide protect have another regulations that i do no longer keep in mind. For the military that is all in AR 670-a million SSG US military seventy 3-80 2 Edit: NO modern unit patchs!!!! you may be buried wrapped in a Flag too. slightly a lot in my e book.

Answer 5

I, myself, feel camaraderie, brothership, proud for him and anyone else in a military uniform serving the U.S. honorably and patriotically, because I have been there also once for over 20 years of my life. I was proud enough to wear my uniform off post every chance I got.

Answer 6

What do I think of when I see a member of the military in uniform in public?

Generally I think of the same question that goes thru my mind about anyone I see and dont know- are they cool or are they some kind of jackass. I have found judgment based on clothing or uniform is often misleading. Also, I know ppl in the military /police and some are heros and some are total f***ups, just like youll find anywhere else.

ADDED: hmmm 5 thumbs down... I guess everyone here likes to judge a book (person) by its cover (uniform). Sad.

Answer 7

It depends on where we are at the time but I have been known to salute him/her and or just say GOD BLESS YOU SHIPMATE/MARINE/SOLDIER in passing. Then I give a short silent prayer for that person. I've seen bumper stickers that say things like "My son/daughter is a..." and as I pass on my motorcycle, I blow my horn and render a salute to mom/dad. Since I live in s.e. Va, there are thousands of active duty, retired military here, so I have ample opportunity to show honor to my military brothers/sisters.
Why do I salute him/her? I feel I've earned the right to render a salute to a military member and our Flag while in civilian clothes after over 20 years active duty service..
(USN, retired/in-country Viet Nam vet)

Answer 8

I usually just nod to them in greeting- I wore a uniform for 13 years.

Answer 9

Most people if they see a service member in uniform in airports will shake their hands, say thank you, and maybe buy them a cup of coffee.

Sometimes you may get somebody that does that stuff no matter where they see them.

Me personally...I thank them. I wouldn't have the freedoms that I have if it wasn't for them and their families

Answer 10

To be truthful, I look at their uniform to see if they wear it with pride. That's always the first thing that pops into my head. Clean uniform, no wrinkles, sharp haircut, clean shave, shoes/boots shined properly.

Answer 11

I approach him or her and tell them "Thank You. I truly appreciate your integrity and courage."

Thank you, I hope I meet you when you are out and about in your uniform. I appreciate your selflessness and courage. It is your fortitude that keeps this country the home of the free.