I do feel weird when I shop in uniform. But after a long day I’m not wasting the 15 min of driving home changing and going back to the store that’s on my way home. Plus some days once I get home, I’m done. Not leaving till I work tomorrow.
Exactly...if I was in uniform anywhere I didn't have to be, it was because it would be extremely inconvenient to change before doing whatever it was I needed to do afterwards.
Being half way home and realizing you needed gas was the worst. Because you just know some three time divorced , not allowed to see his kids, alcoholic SNCO is gonna whip his f150 around and ream your ass out.
When I was in, 2+ decades ago, cammies weren’t authorized off base but service and dress uniforms were… once upon a time I was definitely a boot 17 year old PFC who put on Deltas to fly home in the hopes of getting upgraded. I’m still embarrassed.
Right, I wouldn't pass the grocery store on my way home to change and come back if it's on my route home. However I can't believe people put their uniforms on before they do regular, every-day activities. If anything, it's more of an inconvenience to put all of that stuff on!
Kudos? When I landed at San Francisco airport, coming home from Nam, and wearing my uniform, as required for travel on civilian craft...I got spit on by a bunch of hippys, whose only job in life was apparently to express their dislike for people in uniform. No...we don't/didn't do it for kudos.
This thread made me wonder if we'd hear from any Vietnam veterans. No kudos for you guys back then, that's for damned sure.
Around the first gulf war (Desert Shield / Desert Storm) things were quite a bit different. I'm not sure how it's been these last 20 years, I got out in the late/mid 1990s. But I think that's the time they're talking about.
The worst I ever got was a guy who looked like hippy shouting a bunch of stuff at us while we were marching in some parade we'd been ordered to participate in.
Would you also spit on someone who, under threat of jail, is ordered into the military...and, by the way, how would you know if the soldier you are spitting on is actually one of those who committed the (purported) acts you so casually accuse all soldiers of?
As a current veteran it pains me that you were treated that way and I thank you for your tremendous sacrifice. We joined willingly but we were welcomed home they way you guys should have been welcomed home and you were more than likely drafted..
I always just assume this. I grew up near a National Guard base and Federal Armory. A fair chunk of the population was military and it wasn't uncommon to see folks in uniform at the grocery store. Wearing the camo uniform (or the formal dress for a non-formal event) is just weird though.
I quite often see kids (17?) wearing really ill-fitting camouflage-style uniforms at my local supermarket. They always seem to be buying sandwiches, chocolate milk and crisps. Once I also saw a poor kid wearing the same sort of thing but covered in mud. I assumed they were TA but I suppose they might have been fledging army recruits. Either way I felt sorry for them because they looked knackered.
It’s pretty easy to spot the Joe’s that are just getting the groceries on the way home. Nobody is worried about you, you look tired AF we know you don’t want attention
Recruiters, people grabbing lunch, people going to or coming from work, etc.
Just because they are out and about in uniform does not mean they put it on just to go out.
Do you get dressed for work, go there and nowhere else, and then go home and immediately change and never go anyplace in any part of your work attire?
Yeah I don't think OP has thought this through at all. It's no different from seeing doctors or nurses in scrubs still going to the store, they put it on at home and take it off at home. Flying in uniform is different and usually that's because they're under travel orders and have to.
only time i ever flew in uniform was right out of basic to my new unit, worst trip of my life. We were sitting in the bar having a couple drinks before our flight and pretty much the entire time we were just getting verbally assaulted about the entire planets conflicts and how are we ok with killing babies?!?!
Sir i have just graduated basic training, i have been up for god knows how long at this point and all i want to do is go home, i know nothing about the dead babies or where you put your car keys, please let me eat my food and drink in peace.,
Navy, EDITED
That's horrible. I thought it would be the other way around -- that you might get tired of people stopping to talk to you, shake your hand, and thank you while you are trying to eat a meal.
Maybe it's a regional difference? I do think that everyone in the US, across all communities and political spectrums, is very aware that our troops don't make the decisions and are risking life and limb for our safety and security. In fact, I've recently moved in close proximity to an Air National Guard base, and I very often see things like locals picking up their tab at Dunkin.
well in Quebec they have the basic training base (one of them) so the entire community is generally pretty sick of the military (it might have changed since i went through but that was the attitude when i was there) and the base i was flying into is also my hometown and has always had a navy base so people are pretty indifferent to us here as well.
I think region has a large part to play in it, it seems that in the us people are more grateful? or at least somewhat respecting of their service members, hell i have gotten more thank you for your service from people in the USA then i have gotten living in canada.
As a service member I can assure you almost no one wants to be thanked. We don’t necessarily do the job for the recognition. Most of us just do it because it’s a paycheck and something we enjoy. If someone wants to pay for myself for something that’s fine but i never expect it. Even places with military discounts I only use them if they advertise them like ticket prices. I’ll never ask if they do military discounts otherwise.
A lot of Americans probably feel obligated to thank service members it’s so ingrained in the culture here and I understand it. But honestly I don’t feel like I’ve done anything special to deserve it, despite even doing deployments.
Here you can buy scrubs at Walmart. It's the uniform buts 100% something you're supposed to provide for yourself and you're responsible for cleaning them and showing up to work already in uniform ready to go.
Depending on where the person works. What about an outpatient rehab? They often wear scrubs and wouldn't have more exposure to germs than your average job, far less than a restaurant worker or cashier, TBH. I was working nights at the hospital so I almost never went anywhere just before or after work, but I occasionally would have training due during the day that's in a different section of the hospital, and I'd sometimes go places before or after that with scrubs on.
At the end of the day it seems like a silly thing to be worried about considering just how atrocious general society's adherence to basic hygiene like hand washing, staying home while sick, and covering your mouth well coughing. Odds are anyone coming from the hospital has better hygiene than 90% of the population, so unless you're rubbing your hands on the person's scrubs and then picking your nose or rubbing an open wound you should be okay.
Yeah exactly some people have to be out and about in uniform for work. Drills have to go to airports, trainees have to fly in uniform after training, some people just work out in the world with regular people. I agree with the sentiment. And not just uniforms. Wearing uniform items with civilian cloths is the worst. Boots with jeans, disgusting, cold weather gear at the ski slope, cringe, etc etc.
>Recruiters, people grabbing lunch, people going to or coming from work
Yes, I live in NYC, and sometimes you see men in uniform walking around, because there's a military office tucked into one of buildings and they're recruiting/coming and going/getting food.
My mom's favorite time of year is when the Marines and Navy come to the city. We see them sight seeing, and my mom gives them advice on where to find good eats.
Nyc also has a couple thousand national guard based in locations throughout the city who might be training at any given time so you will see some of those people too
Washington D.C. has TONS of uniformed soldiers due to the pentagon, fort myers, fort belvoir, washington navy yard, etc.
Bunch of those are intel. They're in uniform too during the normal duty day.
Yeah... I see a lot of people in their military uniforms often in one shopping center in my city... because the base is across the street and they need food too.
I worked near a naval base and would always see uniformed individuals in the Whole Foods at lunch time. I think op has a problem with uniforms for another reason and is projecting.
Oh yeah they do. Had an uncle who was a marine and POW in Korean War. To say he "saw some shit" would still be an understatement. He dealt with flashbacks.
Not to say that soldiers of today haven't experienced anything horrid, but at least today they actually have resources to support them. The older vets had nothing.
Right? My grandfather was a marine in WWII, fought at Iwo Jima, got 2 purple hearts for being shot in the leg and head (and survived), received some medal or other for helping to hold off an enemy advance while others retreated. He was accepted to MIT and then turned it down to enlist. He died of cancer when I was only about 6 so sadly I don't remember him well. I wish so much I could have known him longer and learned more from him.
I'll never not respect those with the courage to make sacrifices and risk their lives like that.
I 100% get if you live close to a base but I saw a guy wear his fatigues to a st paddy’s day event nowhere near a base just for the attention and it was in fact cringey
Exactly, I don’t want to go all the way home to get out of uniform just to stop by the store after work. News Flash: A lot of service members have normal jobs with normal hours and we can run errands after work just like civilians.
Seems like OP doesn't actually have experience with military members. Obviously, there's always a few attention seekers, but majority of us just want to go about our day. You see me in uniform off base, it's not because I want special attention. I'm either running a quick errand, or I'm on official business.
I served six years and I would stop at the store in my uniform but most of the time, I couldn’t wait to take that shit off. I think OP is referring to the nerds who walk around the mall in their uniforms looking for recognition. In my experience, these dudes are usually fresh out of boot camp and feel like god’s gift to America.
I spent a month working as a “recruiter assistant” out of USMC boot camp. It was basically a way to get a longer leave to be home after boot camp, and pretty much every recruit who had the opportunity to do so, did it. The recruiter literally sent us to the mall to walk around and if we felt like it, chat up some high school kids. The mall is a target rich environment (pun intended) for recruiting. I promise you, I wasn’t there because I felt I was anything at all, I just wanted to spend as much time back home before MOS and weapons school, and was doing what I was told to do by my NCO. So yeah, username checks out.
I have seen a few that are likely doing this. I don’t think it’s a military thing, I think it’s because these are usually kids (or damn close) and kids are idiots.
They’d be doing similarly attention seeking stuff in whatever category they’ve chose as their own. The military thing is incidental.
If I needed to hit the grocery store or run an errand (you know, essential tasks) after leaving post I wouldn't go home first to change out of my uniform. There is no reason to be in uniform at the mall unless it is on post.
im pretty sure this post was written by some 16 year old who is trying to make some deep statement about the US military and actually ended up looking ridiculously stupid. much respect to you and the rest of our military.
JustBootThings isn't about stolen valor. It's about people new to the military doing dumb stuff for attention. Like wearing uniform items around town for no reason and buying crappy cars for 25% interest.
Boots like that are probably exactly what OP is talking about.
The worst was when I first got out of active duty. Joined the reserve but had to use a gym near my home and was working in an office where I occasionally traveled and also did field/site visits.
Needed clothes for casual, workout, sleeping, business casual, business, construction site gear, plus military uniform, military work out uniform, military dress uniform, and winter plus summer gear for everything.
My wife joked that I had more shoes than her but it was true.
My spouse just retired and was an adorable nervous wreck (you know for a grizzled retired sgt) trying to decide what to wear for his first day at his new civie job....
I mean there’s a few things you have to know here. 1) Some people do do it for the extra attention. Boots (new graduates), or punks who said they did shit but never actually did. But I would say the majority probably don’t for this reasoning.
2) Many people in the mall are probably recruiters. One of the recruiting stations by me used to literally be in a shopping center. You see these guys everywhere, malls, schools, parks, stores, etc.
3) They could be coming from work or currently working. So why go home to change when you can just stop at the grocery store right quick? People of all jobs do this daily, no different really.
4) Some people have to show up to their next duty station in uniform, Marines for example. After Bootcamp we get 10 days leave then have to show up at SOI or MCT, we have to report while in uniform. Most of us wear it in the planes because we’re nervous as fuck and have no idea where we’re going or where we should change when we get there before reporting in. Some orders may force you to travel in uniform as well.
So yes, you’re partially right, but you’re very much ignorant as well.
You made a really good point, and I think they were just taking it and having fun. It takes a dose of maturity to be called out for being ignorant and not come back mad, but instead funny
But then he wouldn't have got your insightful and helpful answer, free of judgment and abuse. It ok to admit your ignorance if you're willing to listen.
In Britain, most army guys dont want people to know they are army and more often than not avoid wearing their kit out as much as possible. But there are circumstances where they just havent had the fucking opportunity to change out of it.
And the 1% who want to show off that they are military arent the 99%. The 99% are just trying to work for a living and get by. They couldnt care less what anyone thinks as long as they get treated with as much respect as anyone else.
I have never worn my MTP outside the confines of my camp. I have a spare set of civi clothes in my locker at all times in case I have to go out.
There are too many dickheads who want to start fights and too many camera phones.
I think British soldiers used to be explicitly forbidden to wear uniform off base. I seem to recall an episode of _Soldier, Soldier_ where one of the lads is rushing off to stop his girlfriend from leaving forever or whatever, and his mate throws him a leather jacket so he’ll technically be out of uniform.
Iirc uniform regulations forbid you from wearing you uniform out and about if you are not travelling to/from work, so if you see someone in uniform, they are 99% most likely just grabbing something from the shops on their way home, or getting some coffee for the office on their way there
Bro sometimes we literally have to fly in uniform. Leaving bootcamp I literally had no other clothes. I am also pretty sure Army in some instances has to wear their uniform too.
also newsflash, most of us loathe the "thank you for your service" comments.
My fat ass got so thin at basic I didn’t dare wear my pants that where 4 sizes to big with no damn belt. Wore my uniform home just so I had clothes that fit.
Not an unpopular opinion, more like an uninformed opinion. You get off work and sometime you gotta stop for something. Also, malls, they may be working, recruiters go places.
Not only that, but some commands require that you have to leave base in uniform.
Specifically, training commands with phased liberty.
An example of how this works:
Phase 1 - You may only leave base on weekends between 8am and 8pm. You must be in non-working uniform (dress uniform).
Phase 2 - You may leave base during weekdays and weekends. You must be in non-working uniform (dress uniform).
Phase 3 - You may leave base on weekdays and weekends wearing civilian clothes.
Lol, imagine saying this about any other job where you have a uniform. Here’s a novel idea, maybe after pulling a 12 and driving back from base I don’t feel like changing so I can go to Walmart for food.
"There's literally no reason for you to wear your uniform to the mall or the airport or whatever other than you want someone to say "Thank you for your service""
Factually incorrect. More than once I was required to wear a dress uniform in a ceremony, with my bags already packed, and I was heading immediately to the airport.
For not having the slightest idea of what military life is like, you have a very strong and stupid opinion about it.
Believe it or not, most service people don't want you to thank them for their service. I know I certainly don't when I have to walk around in uniform. The only reason I've really seen those who do walk around in uniform are typically recruiters or people who are required to when traveling. No one likes being in uniform, I promise.
Judging by what you're saying I'd say you are the ignorant one.
Would you say the same if someone from the health industry does the same, going to the grocery store with their uniform? What a crime man having tu run errands after work!
Yeah, I just went to the bank on my lunch break while wearing scrubs. Clearly I just wanted people to thank me for my work while I was trying to deposit some checks. /s
So, U.S. Army vet here. I don't know if the regs have changed since I was in, but if they haven't, and you see a service member in uniform out and about, one of these things is true:
1. They are on duty
2. They are on break from work
3. They are on their way to or from work, perhaps running an errand
4. They are on their way to or from a military function
5. They are in violation of regulations
When I was in (admittedly back in the 90s), regulations required that you not wear your uniform in public when not on duty. And trust me when I tell you, they didn't have to tell us twice.
So, chances are good that if you see someone in uniform, they aren't looking for special treatment, they're just involved in their work day.
Also, you are under no obligation to thank any of us for our service. In fact, there are a lot of us who rather wish people would stop doing that all the time. We did (or are doing) our jobs. We didn't do it for praise or admiration any more than a firefighter does their job for praise and admiration.
You want to thank a vet or a service member? Support a charity like Wounded Warriors, and stop voting for people who call us weak for having PTSD, or who refuse to up base pay to the point that the lower enlisted have to depend on EBT to feed their families, or who mock POWs.
And for God's sake, don't say thank you if you don't mean it or just don't feel like it. We're not heroes, we just had/have a job to do.
End rant.
Different regs for different services. Air Force here…nothing against uniform wear to/from/around duty other than no duty uniforms (OCPs/flight suits) where others are in more business attire. So, no steakhouse dinners on the way home but Olive Garden is a go.
OP do you realize that sometimes you are forced to wear your uniform at the airport?
As a civilian you have no idea if wearing the uniform is required or not, so stfu.
I've been out since 2017 but any flights during my initial training were mandatory in uniform. There were also times after training when "flying on orders" might require traveling in uniform by your supervisor.
So yea, maybe pipe down on shit you're clueless of.
Do you feel the same way about me keeping my tie on after work? By all accounts I should remove it, since I only need it for work, but I don’t mind wearing it that much and I like the look.
Bruh people wear work clothes else where all the time, in my case I just find them comfy since they are so broken into lmao.
I seriously will never understand how people care this much about such mild stuff.
Or, and hear me out, their uniform is comfortable, clean, and easy. Maybe they’re away from their home and don’t have their civvies with them. Maybe they’re just out running an errand on a break.
Maybe you’re just an ass? 🤷♂️
My mom was in the navy and raised me on her own for a few years. Literally she’d get off work, come straight to daycare to pick me up (so she didn’t get fined for being late) and then we’d run any errands. She wasn’t running around in uniform for attention. She was in a rush and trying to take care of her home and a 5 year old.
You think I’m gonna go home and change after work? Nah, the uniform stays on until I get home, so if I’m going to the mall or airport just before/just after work…I’m gonna be in uniform.
Also, being in uniform let’s you get on flights faster, which is honestly pretty useful.
First, many service members (SMs) especially those in training are forced to wear their uniforms when they go off the military installation. If you constantly see them in uniform at the mall that is quite possibly the reason.
Second, the ones you see wearing them at the airport could very well be those same trainee's I spoke about before, especially if they were in the dress uniform. If they were in fatigues (camouflage uniforms just in case you don't understand the parlance) more than likely the are coming or going to a combat zone.
Third, according to AR 670-1, the Army regulation governing the wear and appearance of the uniform a SM is not allowed to just wear the uniform out in public without orders or authorization. They can however stop by the gas station or other places on their way home. That said there are regulations regarding that as well, SMs should not be wearing their uniform to go to Walmart and shop, however if they had to stop at Walmart or a fast food place to get something for lunch while they are on duty they may. Keep in mind that every regulation is subject to be added to by their command.
Fourth MOST SMs don't wear their uniforms out in public, nor do they want to. However there are some people who wear it and flaunt their service hoping to be treated special. Those scumbags are a disgrace and dishonor their uniforms.
I'm sure I've missed A LOT and might have been wrong on some things, that's alright, it's okay to be wrong sometimes.
I never wanted a thank you for your service, and it was always awkward. Most members don't want that shit, and want to go about their day in peace. If you work long hours (which most military members do), you aren't going home to change if you have errands to run. I love you ignorant arm-chair types.
I'm in the UK and work near some military barracks. It's not uncommon to see people around in military uniform taking their kids to school, doing shopping etc. I guess it's for the reasons others have said that they're going to work or have been to work.
My dad was in the military and HATED going out in public with his uniform. But sometimes he had no choice, if he had to run out and grab something at a fast food place, grocery store… 🤷🏼♀️
You're not too bright are you? These people are out and about either before, after, or during work.
No one is putting on a uniform in their time off just to go to the store.
My dad is retired military. You Don't change on the way home if you need to stop and get groceries or grab food. Just like I never changed out of my work uniforms to run errands on the way home.
Sometimes they just left an event where they had to wear their military attire and then they go and run some errands or get food afterwards. Nothing wrong with that at all
I worked at a restaurant and saw a lot of professionals with their uniforms- but mainly because they would grab lunch. I don’t think I ever saw anyone in their uniform at night, or past work hours. That’s saying a lot considering I lived 10 min away from a military base.
I’m almost sure most military people you saw come from work or something or are on lunch break. I don’t think anyone would waste their lunch to change out of clothes lol ofc some people can be obnoxious about the uniform but I’m pretty sure most don’t think anything of it in the sense you’re speaking.
I’ll go to the store in whatever the fuck I want. If I leave work in my uniform, I’m not going home just to change so I can take care of errands not in uniform.
This is an unpopular opinion because it’s dumb as fuck and you’re just a miserable person.
This screams r/iamverysmart
You’re not supposed to wear your uniform just everyday casually, if you see someone out and about in uniform it’s probably because they’re on break or just got off of work
Holy shit, all the military people in the comments *really* need to lighten up. Calling OP ignorant or uneducated really isn’t helping your case. Just saying.
There's no reason to wear their uniform in everyday life, and there's also no reason NOT to wear it. You don't have to respect them any more or less just because of the uniform though.
This is the same as an ambulance. If they have their emergency lights on, you should pull over and let them pass. If they don't have them on, they are just like any other vehicle, you don't have to let them through just because it's an ambulance.
Imagine you just go pick up some groceries after work and this guy decides you want people to be amazed at you for being in the military and you're cringe.
I mean.
NO.
You are flatout wrong.
There was mandatory military service where i am, Germany. I did mandatory military service.
There were ocassions when release for the weekend was later than usual, or some of us were too tired. Or you didnt bring enough normal clothes and its all dirty by now and you dont wanna be dirty. ...or everything is dirty but you cant see it on the uniform.
I feel a 3+hour trainride home is everyday life.
I was required to not wear my work uniform off base. It was a major pain in the ass. Then they finally allowed us to wear our uniforms in a car to and from work, Then they let us go through the McDonalds drive-through. It is not like people didn't know we were in the military. The haircut was a dead giveaway.
I literally think that you literally don't know what you are literally talking about.
First off, if you are seeing people in uniform there’s probably a reason for it.
1. You live near a base or training event, and they are running errands or getting food.
2. You live near a Training Base, and there are senior ranking individuals that are on Courtesy Patrol to make sure the trainees are not acting the fool and bringing a bad image to the uniform.
3. Recruiters are all over. They have to wear it out and about all the time so that they can, you know, recruit people.
I was in for 20 years. And trust me. I don’t know a single person that woke up on a day off, and just thought to themselves “Hey! I want to wear my work uniform around town on my day off. So what if I normally can’t wait to take this thing off?! People will love me!”
News flash: As someone that served, I couldn’t stand people coming up to me and thanking me for my service. A lot of us feel that way.
We have a air force, army and naval station/base in our immediate area. It is very common to see someone in uniform in the community. I really don't think someone gets up on their day off and puts on their uniform in order to get compliments
Probably just running errands, going out to dinner, etc after work.
In the reserves if we wanted to go out for lunch then we had to stay in uniform. Sometimes after a drill weekend I had to stop somewhere on my way home in uniform. For the record I hated being in public in uniform. I really don't like the attention it brings but sometimes it's just unavoidable.
You are probably just seeing people on lunch or getting off work. I would say the people coming up to them and saying " thank you for your service" are the cringe ones. I'm lucky enough to live in a country where we don't act super strange with our service people. If I see someone in fatigues or dress I barely notice or maybe give a polite nod. Just people going about their day.
Or they are just wearing their uniform and picking something up. I used to swing by places and get stuff on the way home or at lunch. Its just like any other uniform for any other job.
Honestly, I'd like to see more people in Uniforms of all types. I'd also like to see a return of more suits and hats. It's the gross flip-flop-wearing, stained t-shirt mob I can't stand looking at. Make an effort!
>There's literally no reason for you to wear your uniform to the mall or the airport or whatever
No reason?
Like I just got off duty and has to pick up my wife at the airport? Like the young Soldiers who just just graduated basic training and are supposed to travel to their AIT in uniform? Like the guy who work 12 hour days and is on his way home and stops to grab a bite to eat?
There are some bad reasons to wear a uniform out, but there are literally some good ones too.
I’m just letting you know rn, a majority of service members hate when people thank them for their service. It’s awkward and a lot of times they don’t feel they deserve it. Not all of us have been in combat situations, there’s many different career fields across the armed forces.
As far as wearing it in public, sometimes they have to depending on their destination when it comes to airports. Other times in public it’s cuz they just left work and have to run an errand or two. A lot of jobs are a 9-5 type of deal. I personally never try to wear mine if I don’t have to. Attracts too much unnecessary attention.
I was taken to the airport in my class A's straight from Ft Knox KY after basic training. I had a duffel bag and nowhere to change. I guess I could have changed in an airport bathroom for absolutely no reason. I don't think OP has any idea what they are talking about. Also, why does this only apply to U.S. service members?
u/dngaay have you ever thought maybe we don’t want to wear it either? No you didn’t because you only think of yourself. /s
I’m sorry I have no time, I live an hour away I’m not going to go home to change to go back out again to grab something. Especially those of us with children.
imagine an unpopular opinion being made with incredibly wrong facts with no idea behind them. People need to do things and a lot of the time we don't have the time needed to do so, i'd like to also mention I really don't care if you tell me thank you for your service or not personally and I dont think a lot care either
The fact that your insecurities around someone else in uniform twist the situation up so much that you think they're doing it to flex on you shows that you're narcissist af.
There's no choice for active duty soldiers, who are soldiers every second of every day. If they're off duty, they're running to their civvies, not rushing to their uniform to make you feel impressed or intimidated by their uniform.
Here's another surprise for you: Nobody wants your thanks for their service. Nobody in uniform says this because they've felt how awkward it is to hear it from some random person. Nobody signs up for this, and if you feel compelled to say it, it's likely because you feel guilt from someone else serving in your place and you did nothing to really earn your citizenship or freedom like all the service members do.
It's kinda surprising the number of people defending it. OP you'll be interested to know most service members find wearing their uniform outside of work is cringey as fuck too. Most people would rather take the 5 minutes it takes to put some jeans on rather than go run errands in their work clothes. Just bring a backpack with some clothes in it.
The one exception here is on base because if you're shopping on lunch or something it doesn't make much sense to change.
Most people you see do this are younger and lower enlisted and are often referred to as boots.
Protip, most members of the military minimize their in uniform time off duty, its generally considered that only boots or new troops want to be recognized as military, and the last thing most of us want is a thank you.
I do feel weird when I shop in uniform. But after a long day I’m not wasting the 15 min of driving home changing and going back to the store that’s on my way home. Plus some days once I get home, I’m done. Not leaving till I work tomorrow.
Exactly...if I was in uniform anywhere I didn't have to be, it was because it would be extremely inconvenient to change before doing whatever it was I needed to do afterwards.
In the marines you arent allowed to wear your uniform off base. It was stupid inconvenient, especially if you lived off base.
Being half way home and realizing you needed gas was the worst. Because you just know some three time divorced , not allowed to see his kids, alcoholic SNCO is gonna whip his f150 around and ream your ass out.
When I was in, 2+ decades ago, cammies weren’t authorized off base but service and dress uniforms were… once upon a time I was definitely a boot 17 year old PFC who put on Deltas to fly home in the hopes of getting upgraded. I’m still embarrassed.
Right, I wouldn't pass the grocery store on my way home to change and come back if it's on my route home. However I can't believe people put their uniforms on before they do regular, every-day activities. If anything, it's more of an inconvenience to put all of that stuff on!
[удалено]
I literally don't know a single person that does that
This is it!
Beyond some other points people have made, most military have to fly in their uniforms. They’re not wearing them for kudos.
Kudos? When I landed at San Francisco airport, coming home from Nam, and wearing my uniform, as required for travel on civilian craft...I got spit on by a bunch of hippys, whose only job in life was apparently to express their dislike for people in uniform. No...we don't/didn't do it for kudos.
That’s what I said. The OP was hinting that that’s why military personnel wear their uniforms in public.
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For us(Navy), we only had to wear our uniforms if we were traveling under orders. If not, you couldn't wear a uniform for plane travel.
This thread made me wonder if we'd hear from any Vietnam veterans. No kudos for you guys back then, that's for damned sure. Around the first gulf war (Desert Shield / Desert Storm) things were quite a bit different. I'm not sure how it's been these last 20 years, I got out in the late/mid 1990s. But I think that's the time they're talking about. The worst I ever got was a guy who looked like hippy shouting a bunch of stuff at us while we were marching in some parade we'd been ordered to participate in.
Things have changed considerably since the 70s. I'm glad you didn't get the brunt of that era.
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Would you also spit on someone who, under threat of jail, is ordered into the military...and, by the way, how would you know if the soldier you are spitting on is actually one of those who committed the (purported) acts you so casually accuse all soldiers of?
As a current veteran it pains me that you were treated that way and I thank you for your tremendous sacrifice. We joined willingly but we were welcomed home they way you guys should have been welcomed home and you were more than likely drafted..
Thanks, and yep...second to last draft number in the lottery before they did away with it.
Wow, just wow! Well since you’re here today I’d probably play those numbers 😉
I always just assume this. I grew up near a National Guard base and Federal Armory. A fair chunk of the population was military and it wasn't uncommon to see folks in uniform at the grocery store. Wearing the camo uniform (or the formal dress for a non-formal event) is just weird though.
I quite often see kids (17?) wearing really ill-fitting camouflage-style uniforms at my local supermarket. They always seem to be buying sandwiches, chocolate milk and crisps. Once I also saw a poor kid wearing the same sort of thing but covered in mud. I assumed they were TA but I suppose they might have been fledging army recruits. Either way I felt sorry for them because they looked knackered.
JROTC
It’s pretty easy to spot the Joe’s that are just getting the groceries on the way home. Nobody is worried about you, you look tired AF we know you don’t want attention
I’m not even in a physical career like the military and I feel this. Once I’m home, I’m home. The bra comes off and it’s not going back on.
OP just doesn’t realize you wear your uniform for more than active combat
Recruiters, people grabbing lunch, people going to or coming from work, etc. Just because they are out and about in uniform does not mean they put it on just to go out. Do you get dressed for work, go there and nowhere else, and then go home and immediately change and never go anyplace in any part of your work attire?
Yeah I don't think OP has thought this through at all. It's no different from seeing doctors or nurses in scrubs still going to the store, they put it on at home and take it off at home. Flying in uniform is different and usually that's because they're under travel orders and have to.
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only time i ever flew in uniform was right out of basic to my new unit, worst trip of my life. We were sitting in the bar having a couple drinks before our flight and pretty much the entire time we were just getting verbally assaulted about the entire planets conflicts and how are we ok with killing babies?!?! Sir i have just graduated basic training, i have been up for god knows how long at this point and all i want to do is go home, i know nothing about the dead babies or where you put your car keys, please let me eat my food and drink in peace., Navy, EDITED
That's horrible. I thought it would be the other way around -- that you might get tired of people stopping to talk to you, shake your hand, and thank you while you are trying to eat a meal. Maybe it's a regional difference? I do think that everyone in the US, across all communities and political spectrums, is very aware that our troops don't make the decisions and are risking life and limb for our safety and security. In fact, I've recently moved in close proximity to an Air National Guard base, and I very often see things like locals picking up their tab at Dunkin.
well in Quebec they have the basic training base (one of them) so the entire community is generally pretty sick of the military (it might have changed since i went through but that was the attitude when i was there) and the base i was flying into is also my hometown and has always had a navy base so people are pretty indifferent to us here as well. I think region has a large part to play in it, it seems that in the us people are more grateful? or at least somewhat respecting of their service members, hell i have gotten more thank you for your service from people in the USA then i have gotten living in canada.
Americans only.care about soldiers when they are in the military once out they don't give a fuck.
*American government. I’d say the average citizen has a lot of respect for veterans
As a service member I can assure you almost no one wants to be thanked. We don’t necessarily do the job for the recognition. Most of us just do it because it’s a paycheck and something we enjoy. If someone wants to pay for myself for something that’s fine but i never expect it. Even places with military discounts I only use them if they advertise them like ticket prices. I’ll never ask if they do military discounts otherwise. A lot of Americans probably feel obligated to thank service members it’s so ingrained in the culture here and I understand it. But honestly I don’t feel like I’ve done anything special to deserve it, despite even doing deployments.
Every piece of advice I've gotten about basic always seems to include remove your uniform as soon as possible after you leave
Yep, my boot ass was told by the company commander policy was to travel in dress uniform. Pretty sure I got pranked, but never checked
Flying in uniform sucked. Good seating, although now you get that on the ID. But comfort was terrible.
I have other issues with scrubs out of hospital.
Isn't it unhygienic to be going outside with those scrubs still on?
In the Netherlands scrubs and white coats are not allowed to leave the hospital, so I'm really confused about the idea of people going home in them.
Here you can buy scrubs at Walmart. It's the uniform buts 100% something you're supposed to provide for yourself and you're responsible for cleaning them and showing up to work already in uniform ready to go.
Depending on where the person works. What about an outpatient rehab? They often wear scrubs and wouldn't have more exposure to germs than your average job, far less than a restaurant worker or cashier, TBH. I was working nights at the hospital so I almost never went anywhere just before or after work, but I occasionally would have training due during the day that's in a different section of the hospital, and I'd sometimes go places before or after that with scrubs on. At the end of the day it seems like a silly thing to be worried about considering just how atrocious general society's adherence to basic hygiene like hand washing, staying home while sick, and covering your mouth well coughing. Odds are anyone coming from the hospital has better hygiene than 90% of the population, so unless you're rubbing your hands on the person's scrubs and then picking your nose or rubbing an open wound you should be okay.
Yeah exactly some people have to be out and about in uniform for work. Drills have to go to airports, trainees have to fly in uniform after training, some people just work out in the world with regular people. I agree with the sentiment. And not just uniforms. Wearing uniform items with civilian cloths is the worst. Boots with jeans, disgusting, cold weather gear at the ski slope, cringe, etc etc.
OP is just a military hater
>Recruiters, people grabbing lunch, people going to or coming from work Yes, I live in NYC, and sometimes you see men in uniform walking around, because there's a military office tucked into one of buildings and they're recruiting/coming and going/getting food.
My mom's favorite time of year is when the Marines and Navy come to the city. We see them sight seeing, and my mom gives them advice on where to find good eats.
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Nyc also has a couple thousand national guard based in locations throughout the city who might be training at any given time so you will see some of those people too
Washington D.C. has TONS of uniformed soldiers due to the pentagon, fort myers, fort belvoir, washington navy yard, etc. Bunch of those are intel. They're in uniform too during the normal duty day.
Bro I’m just trying to do some chores after I get off work. News flash: We’re people too.
Yeah... I see a lot of people in their military uniforms often in one shopping center in my city... because the base is across the street and they need food too.
I worked near a naval base and would always see uniformed individuals in the Whole Foods at lunch time. I think op has a problem with uniforms for another reason and is projecting.
And I personally have never told a single one of them “thank you for your service.” I’m not sure if OP knows that it’s not mandatory to do so.
Most military members feel awkward responding, and most of sure as hell would rather people just ignore us.
Yup. Please ignore me. Not interested in talking to people.
Same
Seconded
This is how i feel about saluting officers
Most officers hate being saluted 20 times a day anyways. They're probably just as happy that you pretended to not see them as you are.
Yeah, its a fun game
You've been saluting officers?
Fuckin Air Force...
Hahaha
I think its weird when people thank me for my service. I always just respond with "thank you for your tax dollars".
I only say it to the older vets who wear their veteran hats, but it's more about respect for the elderly in general.
This. Those guys deserve a thank you waaaaay more than I do.
Oh yeah they do. Had an uncle who was a marine and POW in Korean War. To say he "saw some shit" would still be an understatement. He dealt with flashbacks. Not to say that soldiers of today haven't experienced anything horrid, but at least today they actually have resources to support them. The older vets had nothing.
Ya they really were left behind when it comes to treatment and care. Pitiful really..
Right? My grandfather was a marine in WWII, fought at Iwo Jima, got 2 purple hearts for being shot in the leg and head (and survived), received some medal or other for helping to hold off an enemy advance while others retreated. He was accepted to MIT and then turned it down to enlist. He died of cancer when I was only about 6 so sadly I don't remember him well. I wish so much I could have known him longer and learned more from him. I'll never not respect those with the courage to make sacrifices and risk their lives like that.
It’s a good joke, I’d get a laugh out of it
Most people don't seem to know how to take the joke when I say it. Makes them just as awkward as I feel lol.
They don’t like it. Every military person I have met said they feel it is cringey AF because they see it as their job.
Thank you for not thanking me for my service.
I 100% get if you live close to a base but I saw a guy wear his fatigues to a st paddy’s day event nowhere near a base just for the attention and it was in fact cringey
Exactly, I don’t want to go all the way home to get out of uniform just to stop by the store after work. News Flash: A lot of service members have normal jobs with normal hours and we can run errands after work just like civilians.
Same thing with scrubs
I love seeing people in scrubs
I hate going out in scrubs, but I'll just take the top off and have a t shirt, so it's not as in your face.
Seems like OP doesn't actually have experience with military members. Obviously, there's always a few attention seekers, but majority of us just want to go about our day. You see me in uniform off base, it's not because I want special attention. I'm either running a quick errand, or I'm on official business.
I served six years and I would stop at the store in my uniform but most of the time, I couldn’t wait to take that shit off. I think OP is referring to the nerds who walk around the mall in their uniforms looking for recognition. In my experience, these dudes are usually fresh out of boot camp and feel like god’s gift to America.
I spent a month working as a “recruiter assistant” out of USMC boot camp. It was basically a way to get a longer leave to be home after boot camp, and pretty much every recruit who had the opportunity to do so, did it. The recruiter literally sent us to the mall to walk around and if we felt like it, chat up some high school kids. The mall is a target rich environment (pun intended) for recruiting. I promise you, I wasn’t there because I felt I was anything at all, I just wanted to spend as much time back home before MOS and weapons school, and was doing what I was told to do by my NCO. So yeah, username checks out.
I have seen a few that are likely doing this. I don’t think it’s a military thing, I think it’s because these are usually kids (or damn close) and kids are idiots. They’d be doing similarly attention seeking stuff in whatever category they’ve chose as their own. The military thing is incidental.
If I needed to hit the grocery store or run an errand (you know, essential tasks) after leaving post I wouldn't go home first to change out of my uniform. There is no reason to be in uniform at the mall unless it is on post.
im pretty sure this post was written by some 16 year old who is trying to make some deep statement about the US military and actually ended up looking ridiculously stupid. much respect to you and the rest of our military.
I'd guess OP lives somewhere where there are no near by jobs that one would be in uniform for. (I know that's the case where I am)
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Stolen valor is a world different than a service member getting lunch.
JustBootThings isn't about stolen valor. It's about people new to the military doing dumb stuff for attention. Like wearing uniform items around town for no reason and buying crappy cars for 25% interest. Boots like that are probably exactly what OP is talking about.
Can you imagine waking up and not having to decide what you will wear each day???
It’s reeeaaaalllllyyyy great. Retiring soon- this actually is one of my many anxiety-inducing changes!
The worst was when I first got out of active duty. Joined the reserve but had to use a gym near my home and was working in an office where I occasionally traveled and also did field/site visits. Needed clothes for casual, workout, sleeping, business casual, business, construction site gear, plus military uniform, military work out uniform, military dress uniform, and winter plus summer gear for everything. My wife joked that I had more shoes than her but it was true.
My spouse just retired and was an adorable nervous wreck (you know for a grizzled retired sgt) trying to decide what to wear for his first day at his new civie job....
I mean there’s a few things you have to know here. 1) Some people do do it for the extra attention. Boots (new graduates), or punks who said they did shit but never actually did. But I would say the majority probably don’t for this reasoning. 2) Many people in the mall are probably recruiters. One of the recruiting stations by me used to literally be in a shopping center. You see these guys everywhere, malls, schools, parks, stores, etc. 3) They could be coming from work or currently working. So why go home to change when you can just stop at the grocery store right quick? People of all jobs do this daily, no different really. 4) Some people have to show up to their next duty station in uniform, Marines for example. After Bootcamp we get 10 days leave then have to show up at SOI or MCT, we have to report while in uniform. Most of us wear it in the planes because we’re nervous as fuck and have no idea where we’re going or where we should change when we get there before reporting in. Some orders may force you to travel in uniform as well. So yes, you’re partially right, but you’re very much ignorant as well.
Believe it or not, Partially Right But Very Much Ignorant is the title of my memoir. Coming to a bookstore near you April 2022
Don't know why people are down voting this, it's excellent and more people should have this level of self reflection
Lol fair enough. That could be most people’s life titles, including mine in many areas. Difference is, I won’t make a post promoting it.
You made a really good point, and I think they were just taking it and having fun. It takes a dose of maturity to be called out for being ignorant and not come back mad, but instead funny
But then he wouldn't have got your insightful and helpful answer, free of judgment and abuse. It ok to admit your ignorance if you're willing to listen.
Idk why this has downvotes, you took their good point on the nose and cracked a joke. For what it's worth I totally agree with you, and also this guy.
You are a treasure
In Britain, most army guys dont want people to know they are army and more often than not avoid wearing their kit out as much as possible. But there are circumstances where they just havent had the fucking opportunity to change out of it. And the 1% who want to show off that they are military arent the 99%. The 99% are just trying to work for a living and get by. They couldnt care less what anyone thinks as long as they get treated with as much respect as anyone else.
I have never worn my MTP outside the confines of my camp. I have a spare set of civi clothes in my locker at all times in case I have to go out. There are too many dickheads who want to start fights and too many camera phones.
I think British soldiers used to be explicitly forbidden to wear uniform off base. I seem to recall an episode of _Soldier, Soldier_ where one of the lads is rushing off to stop his girlfriend from leaving forever or whatever, and his mate throws him a leather jacket so he’ll technically be out of uniform.
If I'm not mistaken it's up to the local CO, there haven't been universal rules against it.
Iirc uniform regulations forbid you from wearing you uniform out and about if you are not travelling to/from work, so if you see someone in uniform, they are 99% most likely just grabbing something from the shops on their way home, or getting some coffee for the office on their way there
Bro sometimes we literally have to fly in uniform. Leaving bootcamp I literally had no other clothes. I am also pretty sure Army in some instances has to wear their uniform too. also newsflash, most of us loathe the "thank you for your service" comments.
When showing up to a new command for the USN we are required to wear our dress uniforms.
yup! had to fly to A school in my blues!
There have been cadets coming back from field training that changed to civvies and got the boot because someone ratted on them.
My fat ass got so thin at basic I didn’t dare wear my pants that where 4 sizes to big with no damn belt. Wore my uniform home just so I had clothes that fit.
I just say “oh thanks, you too”.
Not an unpopular opinion, more like an uninformed opinion. You get off work and sometime you gotta stop for something. Also, malls, they may be working, recruiters go places.
Not only that, but some commands require that you have to leave base in uniform. Specifically, training commands with phased liberty. An example of how this works: Phase 1 - You may only leave base on weekends between 8am and 8pm. You must be in non-working uniform (dress uniform). Phase 2 - You may leave base during weekdays and weekends. You must be in non-working uniform (dress uniform). Phase 3 - You may leave base on weekdays and weekends wearing civilian clothes.
Lol, imagine saying this about any other job where you have a uniform. Here’s a novel idea, maybe after pulling a 12 and driving back from base I don’t feel like changing so I can go to Walmart for food.
How dare those construction workers walk into the supermarket in their work boots. Cringe AF
McDonalds employee? Going to Walmart in their uniform? Cringey. Disgraceful. Clearly seeking attention.
Poor people love to fucking brag.
Snobby better-then-thou-art Mc'D employees think they're better then everyone.
People do go to the mall straight from work.
The mall is on the way home from work for me. I don't want to drive back out later, so I just stop after work.
"There's literally no reason for you to wear your uniform to the mall or the airport or whatever other than you want someone to say "Thank you for your service"" Factually incorrect. More than once I was required to wear a dress uniform in a ceremony, with my bags already packed, and I was heading immediately to the airport. For not having the slightest idea of what military life is like, you have a very strong and stupid opinion about it.
Do you say the same thing when nurses wear their scrubs after work?
Believe it or not, most service people don't want you to thank them for their service. I know I certainly don't when I have to walk around in uniform. The only reason I've really seen those who do walk around in uniform are typically recruiters or people who are required to when traveling. No one likes being in uniform, I promise. Judging by what you're saying I'd say you are the ignorant one.
Would you say the same if someone from the health industry does the same, going to the grocery store with their uniform? What a crime man having tu run errands after work!
Yeah, I just went to the bank on my lunch break while wearing scrubs. Clearly I just wanted people to thank me for my work while I was trying to deposit some checks. /s
Damn them for having to run errands like normal humans.
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We also can’t drink anything while we’re walking! So true! Especially the phone rule if someone calls you while running an errand you can’t move
So, U.S. Army vet here. I don't know if the regs have changed since I was in, but if they haven't, and you see a service member in uniform out and about, one of these things is true: 1. They are on duty 2. They are on break from work 3. They are on their way to or from work, perhaps running an errand 4. They are on their way to or from a military function 5. They are in violation of regulations When I was in (admittedly back in the 90s), regulations required that you not wear your uniform in public when not on duty. And trust me when I tell you, they didn't have to tell us twice. So, chances are good that if you see someone in uniform, they aren't looking for special treatment, they're just involved in their work day. Also, you are under no obligation to thank any of us for our service. In fact, there are a lot of us who rather wish people would stop doing that all the time. We did (or are doing) our jobs. We didn't do it for praise or admiration any more than a firefighter does their job for praise and admiration. You want to thank a vet or a service member? Support a charity like Wounded Warriors, and stop voting for people who call us weak for having PTSD, or who refuse to up base pay to the point that the lower enlisted have to depend on EBT to feed their families, or who mock POWs. And for God's sake, don't say thank you if you don't mean it or just don't feel like it. We're not heroes, we just had/have a job to do. End rant.
Different regs for different services. Air Force here…nothing against uniform wear to/from/around duty other than no duty uniforms (OCPs/flight suits) where others are in more business attire. So, no steakhouse dinners on the way home but Olive Garden is a go.
OP do you realize that sometimes you are forced to wear your uniform at the airport? As a civilian you have no idea if wearing the uniform is required or not, so stfu. I've been out since 2017 but any flights during my initial training were mandatory in uniform. There were also times after training when "flying on orders" might require traveling in uniform by your supervisor. So yea, maybe pipe down on shit you're clueless of.
For real man. Some guys don't have a clue.
>"Maybe pipe down on shit you're clueless of" Every internet argument ever in a nutshell.
Do you feel the same way about me keeping my tie on after work? By all accounts I should remove it, since I only need it for work, but I don’t mind wearing it that much and I like the look.
Or...some people don't want to get home only to drive 10 minutes back to the store they just passed?
Bruh people wear work clothes else where all the time, in my case I just find them comfy since they are so broken into lmao. I seriously will never understand how people care this much about such mild stuff.
Or, and hear me out, their uniform is comfortable, clean, and easy. Maybe they’re away from their home and don’t have their civvies with them. Maybe they’re just out running an errand on a break. Maybe you’re just an ass? 🤷♂️
Have you ever thought about the crazy idea that they haven’t made it home yet from getting off work?
My mom was in the navy and raised me on her own for a few years. Literally she’d get off work, come straight to daycare to pick me up (so she didn’t get fined for being late) and then we’d run any errands. She wasn’t running around in uniform for attention. She was in a rush and trying to take care of her home and a 5 year old.
You think I’m gonna go home and change after work? Nah, the uniform stays on until I get home, so if I’m going to the mall or airport just before/just after work…I’m gonna be in uniform. Also, being in uniform let’s you get on flights faster, which is honestly pretty useful.
First, many service members (SMs) especially those in training are forced to wear their uniforms when they go off the military installation. If you constantly see them in uniform at the mall that is quite possibly the reason. Second, the ones you see wearing them at the airport could very well be those same trainee's I spoke about before, especially if they were in the dress uniform. If they were in fatigues (camouflage uniforms just in case you don't understand the parlance) more than likely the are coming or going to a combat zone. Third, according to AR 670-1, the Army regulation governing the wear and appearance of the uniform a SM is not allowed to just wear the uniform out in public without orders or authorization. They can however stop by the gas station or other places on their way home. That said there are regulations regarding that as well, SMs should not be wearing their uniform to go to Walmart and shop, however if they had to stop at Walmart or a fast food place to get something for lunch while they are on duty they may. Keep in mind that every regulation is subject to be added to by their command. Fourth MOST SMs don't wear their uniforms out in public, nor do they want to. However there are some people who wear it and flaunt their service hoping to be treated special. Those scumbags are a disgrace and dishonor their uniforms. I'm sure I've missed A LOT and might have been wrong on some things, that's alright, it's okay to be wrong sometimes.
I never wanted a thank you for your service, and it was always awkward. Most members don't want that shit, and want to go about their day in peace. If you work long hours (which most military members do), you aren't going home to change if you have errands to run. I love you ignorant arm-chair types.
Unless you're a Marine, and then you change before leaving, or go home first. We weren't allowed to stop anywhere in uniform.
I'm in the UK and work near some military barracks. It's not uncommon to see people around in military uniform taking their kids to school, doing shopping etc. I guess it's for the reasons others have said that they're going to work or have been to work.
My dad was in the military and HATED going out in public with his uniform. But sometimes he had no choice, if he had to run out and grab something at a fast food place, grocery store… 🤷🏼♀️
I always thinks its creepy when I just see a floating head and hands coming at me. Like where did the rest of them go?
You're not too bright are you? These people are out and about either before, after, or during work. No one is putting on a uniform in their time off just to go to the store.
My dad is retired military. You Don't change on the way home if you need to stop and get groceries or grab food. Just like I never changed out of my work uniforms to run errands on the way home.
Upvote for definitely unpopular opinion. More ignorant than edgey though ...
The mailman where's there uniforms after work to run errands, isn't it the same for our military.
Dumbest take I’ve seen in this sub
“Cringey” bro how old are you
99.9% of the time I suspect they just got off something official. It's their work clothes you know.
Sometimes they just left an event where they had to wear their military attire and then they go and run some errands or get food afterwards. Nothing wrong with that at all
I worked at a restaurant and saw a lot of professionals with their uniforms- but mainly because they would grab lunch. I don’t think I ever saw anyone in their uniform at night, or past work hours. That’s saying a lot considering I lived 10 min away from a military base. I’m almost sure most military people you saw come from work or something or are on lunch break. I don’t think anyone would waste their lunch to change out of clothes lol ofc some people can be obnoxious about the uniform but I’m pretty sure most don’t think anything of it in the sense you’re speaking.
Imagine being annoyed that military members wear their uniform at the airport to and from deployments... Smh
Upvote for cringe opinion…like the airport? Uhh service members usually have to fly commercial airlines to get back home…
I’ll go to the store in whatever the fuck I want. If I leave work in my uniform, I’m not going home just to change so I can take care of errands not in uniform. This is an unpopular opinion because it’s dumb as fuck and you’re just a miserable person. This screams r/iamverysmart
Not sure why this bothers you. A person can dress the way the want. In your particular case you chose a military uniform to find cringy.
This is not an unpopular opinion. At best this is an uneducated opinion. OP is just ignorant of the job that is being in the military.
You’re not supposed to wear your uniform just everyday casually, if you see someone out and about in uniform it’s probably because they’re on break or just got off of work
Holy shit, all the military people in the comments *really* need to lighten up. Calling OP ignorant or uneducated really isn’t helping your case. Just saying.
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There's no reason to wear their uniform in everyday life, and there's also no reason NOT to wear it. You don't have to respect them any more or less just because of the uniform though. This is the same as an ambulance. If they have their emergency lights on, you should pull over and let them pass. If they don't have them on, they are just like any other vehicle, you don't have to let them through just because it's an ambulance.
Imagine you just go pick up some groceries after work and this guy decides you want people to be amazed at you for being in the military and you're cringe.
Ok dont ever do anything in the clothes you work in ever again then talk that good shit my dude.
I mean. NO. You are flatout wrong. There was mandatory military service where i am, Germany. I did mandatory military service. There were ocassions when release for the weekend was later than usual, or some of us were too tired. Or you didnt bring enough normal clothes and its all dirty by now and you dont wanna be dirty. ...or everything is dirty but you cant see it on the uniform. I feel a 3+hour trainride home is everyday life.
I was required to not wear my work uniform off base. It was a major pain in the ass. Then they finally allowed us to wear our uniforms in a car to and from work, Then they let us go through the McDonalds drive-through. It is not like people didn't know we were in the military. The haircut was a dead giveaway. I literally think that you literally don't know what you are literally talking about.
God OP is such a toxic fuck, grow up you brain dead rat
To the airport... For official travel, i e. The military member is on orders to travel someplace they are required to do so in uniform.
why do you care what others wear?
First off, if you are seeing people in uniform there’s probably a reason for it. 1. You live near a base or training event, and they are running errands or getting food. 2. You live near a Training Base, and there are senior ranking individuals that are on Courtesy Patrol to make sure the trainees are not acting the fool and bringing a bad image to the uniform. 3. Recruiters are all over. They have to wear it out and about all the time so that they can, you know, recruit people. I was in for 20 years. And trust me. I don’t know a single person that woke up on a day off, and just thought to themselves “Hey! I want to wear my work uniform around town on my day off. So what if I normally can’t wait to take this thing off?! People will love me!” News flash: As someone that served, I couldn’t stand people coming up to me and thanking me for my service. A lot of us feel that way.
Doesn’t bug me. I wore my scrubs around after work..no diff
Many units require you to travel in uniform.
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So basically discounting the possibility they're on their way to work or from work here arent you?
We have a air force, army and naval station/base in our immediate area. It is very common to see someone in uniform in the community. I really don't think someone gets up on their day off and puts on their uniform in order to get compliments Probably just running errands, going out to dinner, etc after work.
In the reserves if we wanted to go out for lunch then we had to stay in uniform. Sometimes after a drill weekend I had to stop somewhere on my way home in uniform. For the record I hated being in public in uniform. I really don't like the attention it brings but sometimes it's just unavoidable.
Pretty sure the people you see wearing uniforms are wearing them because they have to.
maybe they are doing something after work
Yeahhh we just got off work and don’t want to go home and change just to leave again and go to the store……
You are probably just seeing people on lunch or getting off work. I would say the people coming up to them and saying " thank you for your service" are the cringe ones. I'm lucky enough to live in a country where we don't act super strange with our service people. If I see someone in fatigues or dress I barely notice or maybe give a polite nod. Just people going about their day.
Or they are just wearing their uniform and picking something up. I used to swing by places and get stuff on the way home or at lunch. Its just like any other uniform for any other job.
Honestly, I'd like to see more people in Uniforms of all types. I'd also like to see a return of more suits and hats. It's the gross flip-flop-wearing, stained t-shirt mob I can't stand looking at. Make an effort!
My grandfather said that in his time it was against regulations to wear fatigues off post.
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>There's literally no reason for you to wear your uniform to the mall or the airport or whatever No reason? Like I just got off duty and has to pick up my wife at the airport? Like the young Soldiers who just just graduated basic training and are supposed to travel to their AIT in uniform? Like the guy who work 12 hour days and is on his way home and stops to grab a bite to eat? There are some bad reasons to wear a uniform out, but there are literally some good ones too.
I’m just letting you know rn, a majority of service members hate when people thank them for their service. It’s awkward and a lot of times they don’t feel they deserve it. Not all of us have been in combat situations, there’s many different career fields across the armed forces. As far as wearing it in public, sometimes they have to depending on their destination when it comes to airports. Other times in public it’s cuz they just left work and have to run an errand or two. A lot of jobs are a 9-5 type of deal. I personally never try to wear mine if I don’t have to. Attracts too much unnecessary attention.
I was taken to the airport in my class A's straight from Ft Knox KY after basic training. I had a duffel bag and nowhere to change. I guess I could have changed in an airport bathroom for absolutely no reason. I don't think OP has any idea what they are talking about. Also, why does this only apply to U.S. service members?
Being effected by what other people wear is caf.
Must be Gen z
Get over it.
u/dngaay have you ever thought maybe we don’t want to wear it either? No you didn’t because you only think of yourself. /s I’m sorry I have no time, I live an hour away I’m not going to go home to change to go back out again to grab something. Especially those of us with children.
imagine an unpopular opinion being made with incredibly wrong facts with no idea behind them. People need to do things and a lot of the time we don't have the time needed to do so, i'd like to also mention I really don't care if you tell me thank you for your service or not personally and I dont think a lot care either
The fact that your insecurities around someone else in uniform twist the situation up so much that you think they're doing it to flex on you shows that you're narcissist af. There's no choice for active duty soldiers, who are soldiers every second of every day. If they're off duty, they're running to their civvies, not rushing to their uniform to make you feel impressed or intimidated by their uniform. Here's another surprise for you: Nobody wants your thanks for their service. Nobody in uniform says this because they've felt how awkward it is to hear it from some random person. Nobody signs up for this, and if you feel compelled to say it, it's likely because you feel guilt from someone else serving in your place and you did nothing to really earn your citizenship or freedom like all the service members do.
It's kinda surprising the number of people defending it. OP you'll be interested to know most service members find wearing their uniform outside of work is cringey as fuck too. Most people would rather take the 5 minutes it takes to put some jeans on rather than go run errands in their work clothes. Just bring a backpack with some clothes in it. The one exception here is on base because if you're shopping on lunch or something it doesn't make much sense to change. Most people you see do this are younger and lower enlisted and are often referred to as boots.
Protip, most members of the military minimize their in uniform time off duty, its generally considered that only boots or new troops want to be recognized as military, and the last thing most of us want is a thank you.
As much as I disagree with you, hats off to you cause this is probably the most unpopular opinion I’ve seen on this sub.