Questions about the ACU/ASU

[Mr.Caketown]

ACU

My understand of this uniform is that its ok to travel in as long as its to and from duty and as long as the environment isnt primarly a social area , serve food or anything with liquor. I plan on going from my house to the airport and to my duty station in ACUs.

ASU

If im out with the family can i wear this uniform to a restaurant? My parents are bugging me for photos in uniform and i dont have a definite answer just yet.

Can someone shed some light on this for me? I dont want to go to the airport and end up in the posers section on some website because im wearing ACUs when I shouldnt be

Thanks

[rero360]

I avoid wearing my uniform whenever possible, even when on duty

The only time I'll wear a uniform not on duty is my dress uniform (class A as I don't have the ASU yet) is for funerals of fellow veterans and weddings if it is requested by the bride and groom.

drinking in uniform, ACU- NO (unless command approved function, rare these days), ASU-yes, but don't drink in excess and do anything that will bring dishonor to you and the uniform.

Read AR 670-1, what it doesn't cover, it should direct to the appropriate AR, DA Pam, etc. etc.

Honestly though, don't travel in uniform, if you are required to report in uniform, change into it just before reporting, this will allow you to look your sharpest and have a fresh shave.

[Snoopy47]

Im still in AIT, and was told specifically to be in ACU's to and from the airport coming and going to report to school.

Basically, I think they want to be able to pick us out easier. Leaving BCT they told us no ACU's on exodus at the airport. Once at AIT after BCT they told us we will ONLY be in ACU's and we are dead meat if we are not.

The only right answer is the one being told to by the SGT at that specific time and place. He/she could walk out the door and another SGT could walk in and change the entire thing.

So bascially, all one can do is get an answer from a higher athority and avoid contact with any other athority until the last instruction has been executed.

[SGT Loco]

Im still in AIT, and was told specifically to be in ACU's to and from the airport coming and going to report to school.

Usually, if you are supposed to travel in uniform, you'll be told so. AIT kids are told to, and I've been told to before when traveling for duty.

That said, I would avoid it whenever possible if you have any choice whatsoever.

[MRX9989]

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf

[Mr.Caketown]

Ok so it looks like im traveling in civvies but i am still unclear about the ASU

guidelines say "Public and official functions" which doesnt help much. I found more info on the NCO saber than i did on when to wear the ASU. Like i said i just want to clarify before i wear it into a restaurant with my fam and look like a poser.

[SGT Loco]

They mean more like social functions. Major graduation ceremonies, weddings, funerals, etc...

I would not ever suggest wearing it out to dinner. Inevitably, you'll either look like a poser or an ***. Even if you manage to avoid either of those, you'll never be able to eat in peace, and you'll constantly be stared at. Now, if the point is to garner a lot of undue attention, then that's your own deal.

It's a uniform. One that represents you and your service, and every single other person who serves or has served. Wear it in appropriate situations- ones that will reflect well on you and your comrades. You should be able to use your discretion in this regard...

[Mr.Caketown]

Good points man

Maybe my views are skewed , im so used to the Navy/ AF people wearing their dress uniforms on the Riverwalk to get try to get discounts and stuff. I guess i wont be "that guy"

Thanks

[MRX9989]

Generally speaking, there is nothing wrong with getting photos taken of you in your service uniform. Most bases even have photo studios in the PX area. Outside of that you should save it for social functions. You should avoid wearing the ACU in public and traveling with military issue or colored bags.

Your 1SG is normally in charge of the uniform policy.