Can I drink when off duty in Uniform? | AskTOP.net – Leader Development for Army Professionals

Can I drink when off duty in Uniform?

Is there a black and white answer for having a drink or two in uniform? I've looked into AR 670-1 and found a little info. My intent is to never drink at a bar, but have them with a meal at a restaurant. From my interpretation this should be okay.

Wear it Right! Army Uniform Tool

Great Question.

What’s the Regulation Say?

4–3. Occasions for wear
c. Restrictions on wear.
(1)  Personnel may not wear the combat uniform in off-post establishments that primarily sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. If the off-post establishment sells alcohol and food for consumption on the premises, Soldiers
may not wear the combat uniform if their activities in the establishment center on the drinking of alcohol.

My Interpretation

If you are in a place that does not primarily serve alcohol (Like a Bar) and the place you are in is an establishment that serves food and/or a location like a bowling alley, then I would say Yes, you can drink while in uniform as long as you are not there for the sole purpose of drinking and your conduct does not reflect poorly on the service.

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Mark is a Retired Command Sergeant Major with 26 years of military leadership experience. He held 3 military occupational specialties (Field Artillery, Nuclear Weapons Tech, and Ammunition Ordnance). Mark is one of the leading military authors in the fields of leadership, counseling, and training.

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  • Rich Woods

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    Is it against regulations for a soldier to consume alcoholic beverages while dressed in his dress blue uniform?

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