Wearing uniform in public
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Wearing uniform in public
I think it's fairly true to say that the reputation of our armed forces in the eyes of the general public has not been so high for many years, and rightly so. A welcome development has been that servicemen and women are no longer discouraged from wearing uniform in public. When I was serving in the 1960s and 70s we were strongly discouraged from this practice, particularly when IRA terrorism became a real threat. Now although our forces are much smaller numerically, they are far more evident on our streets, and a good thing too.
But (and there had to be a but) in recent times I have seen the following.
A naval officer in uniform emerge from his car and wander hatless down the street, eventually entering a shop.
A pilot in (faded) flying suit, also hatless, leave his car and stroll down the street. In a belated attempt to cover up he pulls a grey civilian "hoodie" over his head.
A Lt Cdr RN (also a pilot) in best blue (or whatever the Navy call it) standing hatless on the street outside a pub smoking a cigarette!
Any one of the above would have earned me a stand-up rollocking from my flight commander had I been observed, and probably a week's duty officer into the bargain.
The question is - am I just fussy old git who shouldn't moan as these guys are doing a great job? Have standards changed to the extent that younger members are wondering what I'm on about?
By the way, I dont mean to pick on the navy, I just happen to live near a large naval air station - I'm sure RAF and army examples abound elsewhere
But (and there had to be a but) in recent times I have seen the following.
A naval officer in uniform emerge from his car and wander hatless down the street, eventually entering a shop.
A pilot in (faded) flying suit, also hatless, leave his car and stroll down the street. In a belated attempt to cover up he pulls a grey civilian "hoodie" over his head.
A Lt Cdr RN (also a pilot) in best blue (or whatever the Navy call it) standing hatless on the street outside a pub smoking a cigarette!
Any one of the above would have earned me a stand-up rollocking from my flight commander had I been observed, and probably a week's duty officer into the bargain.
The question is - am I just fussy old git who shouldn't moan as these guys are doing a great job? Have standards changed to the extent that younger members are wondering what I'm on about?
By the way, I dont mean to pick on the navy, I just happen to live near a large naval air station - I'm sure RAF and army examples abound elsewhere
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Gosh - first time in this forum. Hiya guys 
I don't know if my view is welcome here but a uniform has a really high status for the organisation it belongs to. The moment we pull on the uniform, we are advertising our airline. No swearing, no smoking, don't sit in the hotel lounge drinking wine etc...
I don't think you are being a fussy old git. Just someone who is immensely proud of the uniform and what it stands for.
I don't know if my view is welcome here but a uniform has a really high status for the organisation it belongs to. The moment we pull on the uniform, we are advertising our airline. No swearing, no smoking, don't sit in the hotel lounge drinking wine etc...
I don't think you are being a fussy old git. Just someone who is immensely proud of the uniform and what it stands for.
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Wearing Uniform in Public
Unfortunately, I am one of the 'old retired' variety who spent many years being forced to hide my uniform in public. Now that the situation has markedly changed I believe we should welcome our service heros and encourage them to be seen in uniform. Let us not make a fuss over whether they are wearing a hat or not etc,etc, as long as they are tidy and not smoking it's OK by me. Is it not better to see our service men and women proudly wearing their uniforms openly than trying to hide under a tatty coat as was very common in the not too distant past?
I can't help feeling that all this public display of uniform/fly the flag/Armed forces day, stuff means more to those outside the services than those in it. Personally I could have done without spending yet another weekend (this time in No 1s) so that the GP could 'appreciate' me. Frankly I'd rather have had the weekend off.
That may appear to sound ungrateful, but after 30 odd years in uniform I don't feel the need to strut around in it when not working.
Slight drift; Curiously, i've noticed that the 2 year national servicemen of the 50s era are particularly keen to don their blazers and badges and attend any vaguely military/veteran gathering. This is not a criticism, just an observation. I just can't see myself ever 'badging up' once my time's done. Each to their own I suppose.
That may appear to sound ungrateful, but after 30 odd years in uniform I don't feel the need to strut around in it when not working.
Slight drift; Curiously, i've noticed that the 2 year national servicemen of the 50s era are particularly keen to don their blazers and badges and attend any vaguely military/veteran gathering. This is not a criticism, just an observation. I just can't see myself ever 'badging up' once my time's done. Each to their own I suppose.
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Having experienced the United States and their attitude to their Armed Forces and the way their Armed Forces Personnel deport themselves round the streets, I am glad that attitudes in this country are swinging the same way [thanks be to the media].
However, I feel that our servicemen should be punctillious in observing the dress rules - hats to be worn, uniforms clean and pressed, etc. That way the public will see that we take pride in our appearance and therefore in our Service.
I am afraid that a shabby uniform with a beret tucked into the epaulette and a fag dangling out of the corner of the mouth just doesn't cut it...
However, I feel that our servicemen should be punctillious in observing the dress rules - hats to be worn, uniforms clean and pressed, etc. That way the public will see that we take pride in our appearance and therefore in our Service.
I am afraid that a shabby uniform with a beret tucked into the epaulette and a fag dangling out of the corner of the mouth just doesn't cut it...
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I support the wearing of uniform in public (when appropriate) as it helps break down barriers between civvies and servicemen and raises the profile of the forces.
However, if you wear uniform in public, wear it properly and with pride. If you're not going to look presentable change into civvy rig rather than looking like a half-arsed bag of sh1te - it looks bad, and reflects badly on the individual and the forces. Some seem to think that losing the head dress, loosening the tie or undoing a few buttons gives an air of relaxed cool which impresses the general public. It does not - in actual fact it just looks gash and unprofessional.
It was always a pet hate of mine and whilst I could bite my tongue for minor infractions, I did on a very few occasions have a quiet word about gross examples of taking the p1ss. Two that spring to mind were an airman walking down the local high street, beret in pocket and scoffing a poke of chips and another, a UAS APO in a Pizza Express wearing No1s (for reasons unknown) with tunic unbuttoned and generally being a loud, obnoxious, scruffy w---er. Not exactly positive images of servicemen.
Do it, but do it right.
However, if you wear uniform in public, wear it properly and with pride. If you're not going to look presentable change into civvy rig rather than looking like a half-arsed bag of sh1te - it looks bad, and reflects badly on the individual and the forces. Some seem to think that losing the head dress, loosening the tie or undoing a few buttons gives an air of relaxed cool which impresses the general public. It does not - in actual fact it just looks gash and unprofessional.
It was always a pet hate of mine and whilst I could bite my tongue for minor infractions, I did on a very few occasions have a quiet word about gross examples of taking the p1ss. Two that spring to mind were an airman walking down the local high street, beret in pocket and scoffing a poke of chips and another, a UAS APO in a Pizza Express wearing No1s (for reasons unknown) with tunic unbuttoned and generally being a loud, obnoxious, scruffy w---er. Not exactly positive images of servicemen.
Do it, but do it right.
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tstk,
Agree, I once did a straw poll, the general feeling amongst all ranks was 'bung £20 in the kitty and lets have the weekend off'. Think how much fuel they would save on an Air Day too.
As for the National Servicemen being proud to display, it is an age thing, although I know a fair number who belong to other associations and therefore do not feel this need for need it probably is.
I am a member of the Charybdis Association where the first generation survivors are keen that their particular remembrance lives on.
Agree, I once did a straw poll, the general feeling amongst all ranks was 'bung £20 in the kitty and lets have the weekend off'. Think how much fuel they would save on an Air Day too.
As for the National Servicemen being proud to display, it is an age thing, although I know a fair number who belong to other associations and therefore do not feel this need for need it probably is.
I am a member of the Charybdis Association where the first generation survivors are keen that their particular remembrance lives on.
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Standards?
Not too long ago I did stop at Gordano services on the M5 only to notice a senior RAF officer wander out from the car-park area, hatless, blue jacket half zipped up & holding hands with a female 
Had I been in uniform, I would possibly mentioned something in passing. Mind you, he probably worked at Abbeywood, so will have fallen out of the habit of dressing correctly
Had I been in uniform, I would possibly mentioned something in passing. Mind you, he probably worked at Abbeywood, so will have fallen out of the habit of dressing correctly
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As a current serviceman, I don't like wearing my uniform in public. The same threats that were around in the 80s and 90s, are still around today. The same idiots who spit and call us "baby killers" are still around today.
Not so long ago the good people of P'boro were verbally and physically abusing RAF servicemen/women. It seems to me that this Govt. has missed the point completely. I hate to say it but, I don't fight for the public or this Govt. I fight for my mates who are with me daily, doing the same as me day in day out.
Thats just my viewpoint. I don't expect everyone to agree.
Not so long ago the good people of P'boro were verbally and physically abusing RAF servicemen/women. It seems to me that this Govt. has missed the point completely. I hate to say it but, I don't fight for the public or this Govt. I fight for my mates who are with me daily, doing the same as me day in day out.
Thats just my viewpoint. I don't expect everyone to agree.
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Being from the old security conscious days I still avoid wearing uniform in public where possible. From a privacy point of view I wouldn't wish to publicly advertise which organization I work for; this would be the same if I worked for any other large and recognizable organization. However, if you do choose to wear uniform and public (and no reason why you shouldn't if you wish) then at least adhere to the uniform regulations and think about the image you portray. Wearing the Queen's uniform is an honour and should be regarded as such. If you see someone not dressed correctly then pull them up and correct the matter. Isn't this called discipline?
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It definitely seems to be a 'generation thing'.
As Boy Entrants in the early 50's, we were not allowed any civilian clothes!
We were always in uniform unless at home on leave. To get out of camp, we had to satisfy the RAF Police on duty at the guardroom that we were appropriately dressed and still were when we arrived back.
All through my service, up to mid 60's. We wore uniform for any 'Duty Journey'. The only time I travelled out of uniform was from El Adem to Aden, staging through Khartoum. We wore KD slack's and a civvy shirt and carried Passports calling us 'Government Officials'.
As Boy Entrants in the early 50's, we were not allowed any civilian clothes!
We were always in uniform unless at home on leave. To get out of camp, we had to satisfy the RAF Police on duty at the guardroom that we were appropriately dressed and still were when we arrived back.
All through my service, up to mid 60's. We wore uniform for any 'Duty Journey'. The only time I travelled out of uniform was from El Adem to Aden, staging through Khartoum. We wore KD slack's and a civvy shirt and carried Passports calling us 'Government Officials'.
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Thinking of going to the Goodwood Revival in No 1s - we'd look absolutely top-drawer and even smoking in uniform would look smart (as long as it's a pipe)! Afternoon ladies.....
Anyone done it before?
Anyone done it before?
Couple of months ago after the incidents in Luton I was with an old friend from Derry who has led lets say a colourful life, long before I knew him he has thrown the odd petrol bomb or 20 and other stuff in Derry, he has relatives who died from various incidents in 60's and 70's and grew up with what went on there. We leaving a shopping centre and 2 Army guys in Uniform coming in and he opened the door for them.
Knowing his viewpoint on Army and the services generally I asked him why and his comment was, "The War is long over, I'll not forget but not willing to hate all my life, I've attended too many funerals, I may not like them but I respect them for joining up".
Digging a little deeper and said if we went back in and couple of little scroats were spitting at the 2 guys and screaming abuse what would he do, his comment in a way surprised me in saying "grab the army and drag them away, then go back and find the little F*****s and kick the living daylights out of them, I may not like them but well sometimes you gotta do what surprises people".
I have found in the US that if someone wearing the uniform people get upset if its doing sloppy and in UK if people wish to wear it then needs to be done properly as they representing all the services not just their unit. It should be a personal thing that people are comfortable with.
Knowing his viewpoint on Army and the services generally I asked him why and his comment was, "The War is long over, I'll not forget but not willing to hate all my life, I've attended too many funerals, I may not like them but I respect them for joining up".
Digging a little deeper and said if we went back in and couple of little scroats were spitting at the 2 guys and screaming abuse what would he do, his comment in a way surprised me in saying "grab the army and drag them away, then go back and find the little F*****s and kick the living daylights out of them, I may not like them but well sometimes you gotta do what surprises people".
I have found in the US that if someone wearing the uniform people get upset if its doing sloppy and in UK if people wish to wear it then needs to be done properly as they representing all the services not just their unit. It should be a personal thing that people are comfortable with.
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What was Bicester Garrison is now a joint service base. I was ashamed to see a group captain in uniform without hat wandering around the local Tesco. Personally I felt he should not have been there in uniform anyhow. But what do I know? And in any case he wasn't aircrew so what can one expect.
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I disagree with all the posters who have a problem with hats not being worn.
They are an unnecessary hangover from the days when everyone had them on.
Most Naval aircrew never wear them from one year to the next at work, so why off base?
They are an unnecessary hangover from the days when everyone had them on.
Most Naval aircrew never wear them from one year to the next at work, so why off base?
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wearing uniform in public
i totally agree wtih you. but in my country where the mimitary has been in power, wearing uniform in public has never been an issue as officers and men were alwas admired in their neatly turned out outfits. unfortunately, you find shabily dressed personnel all over the streets and shops, this does not speak well of the services, so wear it but represent us well. its my first time here
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Most Naval aircrew never wear them from one year to the next at work, so why off base?
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Hats should definitely be worn, (doesn't matter inside or outside the fence) - The only exception is on an airfield. And yes you should pull them up if the rig/uniform is not correct -doesn't matter inside or outside the fence.
Poor old Tourist, can't find his, thats the reason he doesn't like them! Mind you where hes going doubt you'll need it hey?
Poor old Tourist, can't find his, thats the reason he doesn't like them! Mind you where hes going doubt you'll need it hey?
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1st point, many US BX actually have a serviceman at the door telling people entering to uncover. US and British have a quite different attitude to hats on in doors.
Saluting covered or uncovered is the issue. It is polite to salute on entering someone's office but if you are not wearing a hat in doors then you can't!
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I once literally bumped into a skirt wearing Air Commodore in a Sainsbury's not a million miles from Shrivenham. I made a point of looking her (I think) up and down, noticing her lack of hat and her jacket undone.
"Excuse me Ma'am," I said(trying to discretely indicate I was in the Military) "No headdress today?" Tried to give her my best disproving look then walked away. She went very red. I'll be honest, had she challenged me to identify myself I would probably have shat myself. You generally end up coming off second best in a scrap with a one star, regardless of facts.
"Excuse me Ma'am," I said(trying to discretely indicate I was in the Military) "No headdress today?" Tried to give her my best disproving look then walked away. She went very red. I'll be honest, had she challenged me to identify myself I would probably have shat myself. You generally end up coming off second best in a scrap with a one star, regardless of facts.