Wearing the uniform in public Published Nov. 30, 2006 By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C -- Battle dress uniforms are worn nearly every day by Shaw Airmen, but wearing them off base is not always acceptable."We all play a part in projecting a professional military image," said Senior Master Sgt. Gary Devault, 20th Mission Support Squadron Airman Leadership School flight chief. Members shall not wear BDUs to restaurants where most other diners wear business attire. It is optional for members to wear BDUs at local establishments where people wear comparable civilian attire, according to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Table 2.7. "It's okay to wear BDUs wherever work attire is preferable. If it is a business suit and tie restaurant, then it's not appropriate to wear BDUs," said Chief Master Sgt. Gary Rutledge, 20th Fighter Wing command chief. "If there are waiters or waitresses for the table, I don't wear BDUs; if it is fast food then it is fine for BDUs." Dress blues should always be the attire for official functions located off base, Sgt. Devault said. At going-away luncheons, if the group is in a secluded area of the restaurant, it's acceptable to wear the uniform of the day, Chief Rutledge said. "People should stay aware of where they're wearing their uniform. Every one makes a mistake now and then, but when it becomes a habit, it becomes a problem," Sergeant Devault said. Airmen may also wear BDUs when making short convenience stops, according to AFI 36-2903, Table 2.7. When members need to shop after work they should evaluate how long they will be in the store. It is acceptable for a member to shop in BDUs if they are only buying a few items. It is not acceptable to do large amounts of shopping in BDUs, Sergeant Devault said. "If you have to quickly stop and pick up some stuff before you go home, that's okay. It's really not appropriate at places such as the mall because you're usually doing long-term shopping there," Chief Rutledge said. The solution for members who have to shop after work is to simply bring a change of clothes, Sergeant Devault said. Airmen should not stop anywhere if their uniform is dirty from work or if the uniform is unserviceable because it doesn't project the professional image we need to show, Chief Rutledge said. Airmen should think about the message they are sending, said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Webb, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron first sergeant."It is very important that we remember our uniform is a billboard and it can convey a 'position' just because someone has it on in the audience. We need to be aware of what we are saying without speaking a word," Sergeant Webb said. If an Airman sees another Airman inappropriately wearing the uniform, he or she should always be respectful when pointing out the error."I usually ask a question. For example, 'Sir, is it appropriate to be wearing the uniform here?'" Chief Rutledge said. It is always appropriate for officers and NCOs to approach a member who is not meeting uniform standards. However, it is understandable if an Airman doesn't want to approach someone who is higher in rank, he said. "If you don't want to approach a higher ranking member, write down their name and talk to your supervisor," Chief Rutledge said."We need to keep situational awareness for ourselves and our wingmen when it comes to wearing the uniform," Sergeant Devault said.