RAF MILDENHALL, United Kingdom - Recently, media interest has focused on the one-time exception to Department of Defense policy which allowed service members to march in a pride parade in uniform.
All military members must keep in mind that approval to appear in uniform at any public event must be obtained from their local commander, with a few exceptions.
According to DoD Directive 5410.18, "Public Affairs Community Relations Policy," any event that is likely to garner national or international interest or news media coverage shall be forwarded through command channels to the Office of the Secretary of Defense public affairs for approval.
Additionally, DoD Instruction 1334.01, "Wearing of the Uniform," lists examples of when wear of the uniform is prohibited. The list includes, but is not limited to:
- When furthering any political activities, private employment or commercial interests or when it interferes with official sponsorship of the event
- When wear of the uniform would bring discredit upon the Armed Forces
- When specifically prohibited by the individual's branch of service
- When official endorsement of the event is or could be implied
"As American service members stationed overseas, each one of us is an ambassador for our nation, and that truth is even more evident when we wear our uniforms," said Col. Christopher Kulas, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander. "As such, it is imperative that we follow the guidance we have been given in the wear of that uniform.
For more information or to inquire about wear of the uniform for a local event, contact your unit chain of command or Public Affairs at DSN 238-2654.