Wearing uniform in public

[persona_non_grata]

I was looking on ARRSE and saw this thread about an AIN;

• With the exception of Northern Ireland , personnel may wear uniform whilst off duty in public unless otherwise directed by the chain of command. This is no change to the current policy, which is based on the principle of personal choice.

• In circumstances where personnel wish to preserve their anonymity or the anonymity of their family and home address they will not be compelled to wear uniform in public unless on duty.

• Commanders and COs are empowered to modify regulations, but are required to inform their regional chain of command when they make such modifications.

• Whilst public visibility of officers and soldiers in uniform raises the profile of the Army, the wearing of uniform in public also brings with it a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of both dress and behaviour.

Bold text emphasises that which I think is most important.

There are a couple of footnotes, one of which is particularly relevant to NI, and you should read AIN 133/07 when it eventually arrives on your notice board.

Litotes

As far as I can tell the general sentiment is that it would be a good idea to openly wear uniform around the towns and cities as it might be beneficial for raising the public profile of the forces as a whole and so on.
I was just wondering what your opinions might be.

PNG

(Apologies if the poll doesn't work, first time for everything and all that...)

 

[phil1972]

Of course when you get your security brief they say not to do it under any circumstances. I just think it makes old folks feel safer when they seems service personnel in rig.

 

[Chalky]

You want a military supported by the public, financially and otherwise?

Then get out there and show your stuff. No-one likes paying for something they can't see, A smartly turned out Jack or Tom holding a door open, tipping a hat or giving a smile will go a long way to convincing folk that we're not all beer-swilling lunatics pissing away UK PLC's funds for the sake of it.

That's the Home Office, for a start...

 

[Nicks]

Also used to great for pulling the female species at one time !!

 

[geoffg]

Also used to great for pulling the female species at one time !!

Where do you put your hat during ******* ?? :roll:

 

[Nicks]

Also used to great for pulling the female species at one time !!

Where do you put your hat during ******* ?? :roll:

If I told you I would have to kill you afterwards !! :lol:

 

[geoffg]

[quote="NicksIf I told you I would have to kill you afterwards !! :lol:[/quote]

Is that "Eventually"

geoff(ers) :???:

 

[pots359v]

You want a military supported by the public, financially and otherwise?

Then get out there and show your stuff. No-one likes paying for something they can't see, A smartly turned out Jack or Tom holding a door open, tipping a hat or giving a smile will go a long way to convincing folk that we're not all beer-swilling lunatics pissing away UK PLC's funds for the sake of it.

That's the Home Office, for a start...

If they want to see what they are paying for all they have to do is turn the news on!

I for one will not be wearing uniform in public, unless on parade (Remembrance Sunday). Goes against all the principles we had drilled into us in training and whilst serving in NI. Security of myself and family are top of my priorities.

 

[SILVER_FOX]

Should be encouraged - yes; Should be allowed - depends on the situation.

CO's should retain the right to alter the rules to suit the requirement.

Personally I have no problem with wearing uniform in public and have on numerous occasions; that said it isn't as if I slip into my No 1's to do the shopping at ASDA at the weekend.

I believe it all comes down to common sense really and would definately not wish to see it reintroduced as standard for runs ashore.

SF

 

[sgtpepperband]

Military Uniforms

Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions have been issued by (a) ministers and (b) the chain of command regarding the change of policy on the wearing of military uniforms in public; and if he will make a statement. [60975]

Mr. Doug Henderson: Following the announcement to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 19 October 1998, Official Report, columns 968-69, of the adoption of a more open approach to the wearing of uniform in public, the single-Service Chiefs of Staff each issued guidelines to their respective service. The new guidelines came into force on 1 November 1998 for mainland Great Britain and have since been extended to include those serving abroad, taking due account of local security situations.

27 Nov 1998 : Column: 37

The guidelines allow personnel to wear uniform subject to the following caveats:

a. Personnel will not be compelled to wear uniform, other than on duty should they wish to protect their anonymity.

b. Mixed civilian and military clothing is not permitted except to cover up from residence to place of duty using private transport, when an individual or individual's family wish to protect anonymity.

c. The single Services will decide on the forms of uniform that are permissible in public.

d. For practical reasons, civilian clothes will continue to be worn by military staff in selected MOD buildings.

e. Personnel may not wear uniform when representing a third party.

f. Personnel may not consume alcohol, or visit places of entertainment, in uniform, other than on duty.

It is our intention that the adoption of a more open approach to the wearing of uniform in public will increase the visibility of Service personnel in society and enhance the public awareness of Armed Forces.

Source: Hansard

 

[slim]

Also used to great for pulling the female species at one time !!

Where do you put your hat during ******* ?? :roll:

Under her head, makes a comfortable pillow :wink:

 

[Shakey]

f. Personnel may not consume alcohol, or visit places of entertainment, in uniform, other than on duty.

Source: Hansard

Yeah right! :roll: