Why I don’t travel in uniform anymore
Before the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. Army (and I’m assuming the other services) wouldn’t let you travel in uniform, unless it was the more formal Class-A’s. I’m not sure why, but it was the case.
After the wars got started, there was a need to bring soldiers back home for leave, or at the end of their tours - and they came back wearing their combat uniforms. It quickly became a staple at airports to see soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines coming through on their way homes from the war. And the nation responded!
One of the most gratifying aspects of taking that 24-hour trip home on leave from Iraq was the reactions I got from the American people in airports. People were falling over themselves to shake our hands, thank us for our service, help us, buy us coffee, etc. I even had a man give up his first-class seat to me.
Now days, the Army lets you fly in uniform as long as it’s for business, whether or not you’re going overseas or not. That’s good - I don’t have to take off my boots going through the TSA screeners (cool, huh?) and I sometimes get better seats at the ticket counter - mostly escape exit aisles. What’s bad is, everyone who sees you assumes you are either going to Iraq or Afghanistan, or coming home. And that’s a bit embarrassing.
It’s embarrassing not because people are being super nice to you, but that they are doing it assuming you are going or coming from the wars. That was OK when I really was, but since that’s not the case now, I feel like I’m taking advantage of their generosity.
The first question I get is, “are you going overseas, or headed home?” So now I have to explain that yes, while I was over there, I’m now back home and I’m just going to a school/conference. Sometimes, people don’t even give you the opportunity to explain your situation. I had a gentleman in the Chicago airport insist on buying me my favorite beverage, and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
So, while it’s great being appreciated for what you do (unlike my comrades during the 60’s and 70’s), I’ll just fly in civilian clothes from now on. Unless, of course, I’m coming back from a war zone.
By the way - to all those folks who came up and shook my hand and thanked me for my service during my recent trip through Chicago to Lexington, Kentucky, I’d like to thank you for the kindness I received. It’s times like that, that I know I’m in a great country.
Category :
Tags :
Afghanistan, airman, Iraq, Marines, Military, sailor, soldier, Support for the military, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy 
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I know, first hand, how poorly the military was treated in the 60’s and 70’s… Now, many of those who stood by and did not do the right thing have the opportunity to make up for it, and airports offer that opportunity. You should not feel you are taking advantage. People just want to thank a soldier - to feel better about themselves by doing so - to have a brief contact with someone they admire. You should let them. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or where you’re going - it matters that you are serving.
And, I thank you, too!!!
Thanks Flag Gazer!