how to wear a uniform?

[sonofva]

---

Members do not see this ad.

so this may be a dumb question, but i hear people say that you will get docked for "not knowing how to wear your uniform" to an interview. i know how to physically put it on, and arrange all the ribbons, etc. is that what they're referring to? or is there some other information/etiquette that I should be aware of. thanks!

 

[Enkidu]

so this may be a dumb question, but i hear people say that you will get docked for "not knowing how to wear your uniform" to an interview. i know how to physically put it on, and arrange all the ribbons, etc. is that what they're referring to? or is there some other information/etiquette that I should be aware of. thanks!

Find yourself an NCO to look over your uniform. He'll take care of you.

 

[DocArmy]

so this may be a dumb question, but i hear people say that you will get docked for "not knowing how to wear your uniform" to an interview. i know how to physically put it on, and arrange all the ribbons, etc. is that what they're referring to? or is there some other information/etiquette that I should be aware of. thanks!

Ribbons correct, badges/ insignia in the proper placement (go buy the pocket uniform book with the ruler), make sure your uniform is not wrinkled, no hanging threads, shoes shined, tie straight. That should be enough for an audition interview. If you're really worried, have an intern that you trust give you a once over before you go interview on your audition. Or an NCO, (or a fellow HPSPer who was prior service) if you have one available.

 

[bleeker10]

So some of this may be Army specific but the advice can apply to all branches. If you are on a rotation, you may not even need to wear the dress uniform to interview. Of the 17 interviews I did during my rotations, I only wore my dress uniform to two of them. The rest of them didn't care what I wore. In fact I wore scrubs to most of those. Just check with the interviewers on their preference.

I did have to wear my dress uniform during all 3 of my presentations. I asked a resident who was prior service/ROTC/USUHS/USMA for help if I had concerns. I made sure to get my uniform either dry cleaned at least a week before I needed it or I hung it up in the bathroom and used the hot steam from the shower to get out most of the wrinkles. Then I used a tape roller to get off all the loose hairs/threads.

The only issue I had was I lost a pocket button to my jacket. I bought my ASU in June 2010 and the buttons on my jacket are a different color than the ones being sold at the clothing store. Apparently they changed it from a brighter gold to a more silvery finish. I had to borrow a button from a fellow student since I didn't have time to get new ones. Luckily I caught the problem in plenty of time to come up with a solution. You don't want to have this problem the day of the presentation/interview.

 

[Droopy Snoopy]

Earlier this year a medical student showed up for an interview at our program (AF) wearing his short sleeve blues with a tie on.

 

[cautionmaster]

Earlier this year a medical student showed up for an interview at our program (AF) wearing his short sleeve blues with a tie on.

So?

Reference AFI36-2903 section 4.12.3 . Just because something is considered 'not the way we do things', if it's legal, then so what?

Bottom line: wear the uniform correctly, if you don't know how, then look it up. If you cant figure it out, ask. If you see something improper, first make sure you know what you are talking about, also make sure that you yourself are in regs (meaning, not wearing scrubs), then politely and respectfully mention it to the member. I stress respectfully, such as when there is a rank disparity. When alerted, correct the measure and press. The end.

 

[colbgw02]

So?

Reference AFI36-2903 section 4.12.3 . Just because something is considered 'not the way we do things', if it's legal, then so what?

Bottom line: wear the uniform correctly, if you don't know how, then look it up. If you cant figure it out, ask. If you see something improper, first make sure you know what you are talking about, also make sure that you yourself are in regs (meaning, not wearing scrubs), then politely and respectfully mention it to the member. I stress respectfully, such as when there is a rank disparity. When alerted, correct the measure and press. The end.

Is there a reg against wearing scrubs? I seem to recall you're supposed to have a white coat on if you're not in a procedure, but I didn't realize that wearing scrubs in and of itself is a no-go.

 

[cautionmaster]

Is there a reg against wearing scrubs? I seem to recall you're supposed to have a white coat on if you're not in a procedure, but I didn't realize that wearing scrubs in and of itself is a no-go.

For the AF, its in section 9.9 of AFI 36-2903

Generally scrubs are ok as long as you are not outside. Technically supposed to have rank and name tag on it I guess.

My point was less about the details. I just can't stand people (especially other med studs/residents when I was an HPSP 2LT and junior NCOs when I was active duty) who take upon themselves to be the uniform police and berate others over everything done wrong, without actually knowing the rules to begin with. Yes, uniforms should be worn properly as a respect for all who wear one. But med studs and residents should have better things to do than become the uniform police amongst their colleagues. Junior NCOs should know better than to rudely approach ANY officer about ANYTHING. In fact, all officers should have better things to do. That was something that irked me about HPSP students, maybe because we were new to the military, maybe because med students are all very motivated, in-your-face individuals, but c'mon. The only person who should nitpick that stuff are the E-9s.

You should be allowed whatever uniform you need to do you job, ie scrubs, overalls for maintaners, flight suit, whatever. Probably shouldn't go to the Green Bean in scrubs on your break, but again, minor details.