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JB MDL service member uniform wear guidance for Sandy relief explained

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Zachary Wilson
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint base community members here continue to help with relief efforts across the region for people impacted by Hurricane Sandy, both on and off duty.
Military members who are volunteering their time and efforts in either official or unofficial capacities are authorized to wear their uniforms while participating in community response efforts.

"Wearing the uniform while performing volunteer work to help community recovery efforts is encouraged," said Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene, 87th Air Base Wing command chief. "Service members should however be aware that we are not permitted to participate in any fundraising or product endorsement events while in uniform."

Military members who volunteer time and effort in an official or unofficial capacity are authorized to wear the service uniform while participating in community-response efforts. However, some common rules, reflected in respective uniform wear policies, apply. Additional questions can be addressed through each service's respective governing instruction or the member's chain of command.

"Appearance in uniform is an important part of military image ... The American public and elected representatives draw certain conclusions on military effectiveness based on the image (service members) present," according to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel.

- The wear of military uniforms is not authorized when participating in any activity for commercial gain including fund-raising efforts as part of the relief effort.
- Military members may not wear uniforms to participate in political events.
- Uniforms cannot be worn to public speeches, picket lines, marches, rallies or public demonstrations. This also includes events sponsored by extremist organizations.
- Uniforms may not be worn in any fashion that may bring discredit upon the military member's branch of service.
- Service members should contact the JB MDL Public Affairs Office at 754-0541 if asked to participate in a media interview. Inform public affairs of any media contact - even if it was not previously coordinated - to ensure situational awareness and to allow PA to monitor the coverage and follow-up with reporters if necessary.

"Contributing to the recovery effort through volunteerism is a great way to demonstrate that our Joint Base MDL team is here to help," Greene said. "Many JB MDL service members and their families live in these impacted areas. As we volunteer and uphold the long-standing tradition of helping wherever needed, we demonstrate not only our service to community, but also our inherent place beside our neighbors in times of need."

For more information, the following resources are available:
U.S. Army: AR 670-1
U.S Navy: U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations
U.S. Marine Corps: MCO P1020.34G
U.S. Air Force: AFI 36-2903

For more information about JB MDL's Hurricane Sandy relief contributions visit the official website at www.jointbasemdl.af.mil, official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JBMDL, official twitter at www.twitter.com/jointbasemdl and flick at www.flickr.com/photos/jointbasemdl.