Military Uniform?

Question

I was wondering what the regulations are for military uniform wear in the civilian world. I am mostly curious about the Navy. I have looked at some websites about the regulations but have not found exactly what I was looking for.

I have seen Army soldiers with their BDU's (I think) or some type of uniform at the mall. I was wondering if soldiers/sailors/airmen have to wear their uniforms or civilian clothing when at places like that. The regulations say they can wear civilian clothes. But why were those soldiers wearing a uniform?

Thanks!

Answer 1

All military wear the UOD or Uniform of the Day. The BDU is the work uniform. If the troops you see at the mall are from a local military base that is what they most likely will be wearing.

If they are traveling they are usually prescribe a particular dress uniform. Once they get where they are going, the rule is that if they are going to wear their uniform it must be worn correctly. (no loosened tie, no open jacket) Otherwise, they wear civilian clothes.

.

Answer 2

The Navy cannot wear their everyday uniforms (called Utilities) off base; however all other branches can wear their BDU's. All branches may wear their working and dress uniforms off base if they wish. The only time you are required to wear you uniform off base is after bootcamp, beginning of A-school. Then you may wear civilian clothes.

You'll see people around town in their uniforms generally because they are running errands/ getting food, before or after work or maybe on lunch break and just haven't had time to go home and change yet.

Answer 3

Are you talking about only civilians wearing a uniform or military people wearing a uniform in a strictly civilian setting? Once your discharged you can wear the uniform but the insignia that designates your being in the US ARMY or NAVY has to be removed by law. What I cannot stand is someone wearing that flag *** backwards and in full day glow color on a combat uniform. If it's a combat uniform then by regulations all insignia are required to be in subdued colors only. As to what direction a flag is displayed, that is covered by some very specific rules,and *** backwards isn't one of them unless your one those left handed nitwits. Everyone wearing the flag in this manner is OUT OF UNIFORM and can be charged accordingly!

Answer 4

It depends. Navy cannot wear their BDU's in a civilian environment, like the mall, but the army and I believe the Air force can. They may be required to if they are in a certain stage of training, sometimes you do not have civilian clothes liberty in early stages of training. Chances are the people that you saw were not wearing that uniform in the mall by choice.

Answer 5

Your commander will dictate what you can and cannot wear out in public. Time for a rant:
When I was on active duty with the Navy I was sent to the Philippines. I was ordered to wear the dress blue uniform when reporting to my duty station. Wow. Wearing that dark, heavy, wool uniform in 95 degree heat and 110 heat index with the humidity must have been someones idea of a sick joke. I'm sure this rule was made my some pencil necked ****** who needed to retire instead of making up rules that don't have a shred of reality attached to them.

Answer 6

Military uniforms are not to be worn in public places unless on duty(working) or given special permission for like weddings and funerals,recruting stuff like that. Now they can where them to get food if they are working and are going there and back to base.
As for the Navy I know that the Abraham Lincoln 72 stationed in Everett,Wa will not allow you to wear your naval dress uniform off the base unless told to.And as for their utilites unless they are working they are not allowed to wear those in civilian locations either.
If the military personell is to wear their uniforms off base they must make sure that they have on correct shoes and belts must be at proper length like the pants and what pretty much must be to the code to wear them out in public. (there are supposed to be to the code while on base,but if they are on the ship most likely something is wrong on their uniform because they dont want to worry about.)(ex : roning,belts,right shoes are shined,Hats,Hair length)
I know that alot of the time my husband goes off to work with out his uniform ironed the propper way because half the time we are to tired to care that the lines are exactly where they should be so he just wears his Naval Jacket. Slackers I know.
Navy Wife

Answer 7

Perhaps running an errand after work others could be recruiters.

As a side note, when my husband came home on leave from Iraq he was in his ACU's. We went to the mall directly from the airport to buy clothes for him so we could leave for our trip to Disney the next morning. He was supposed to be back on a Friday morning and didn't fly in until Monday night...It was a very close call for him making the trip with us.

Answer 8

Most army personnel are required to wear the ACU (Army Combat Uniform) now.

Answer 9

if they were wearing their uniform- they must have been on duty ( it's like a 9-5 job)- ( I take it you live in a military community)- if not then they just want to show off- our they are on leave from Iraq and are trying to get discounts...it works, I did it!

Answer 10

army is allowed to wear their uniform in civilan life especially when recruiting. marines can never wear camis in public only their dress outfits.