Traveling in Blues?

[Eclipse]

Why don't you just check your bags?

[DC]

I would not want to travel commercial air in uniform just on the basis of comfort. When traveling to my first emcampment we all went in BDUs (I car pooled with about 10 other cadets in a large van) and everything was fine. One of my Flight Commanders went to Hawk Mountain in his Blues, only to have them get ruined while at the activity...

I do not see any problem with CAP members traveling in their blues, if they want to and their CC approves, if that is what they want to do.

[mikeylikey]

One of my Flight Commanders went to Hawk Mountain in his Blues, only to have them get ruined while at the activity...

What, why??  Did he or she know it was an outdoor (outside all week) activity??

Yikes!

[DC]

One of my Flight Commanders went to Hawk Mountain in his Blues, only to have them get ruined while at the activity...

What, why??  Did he or she know it was an outdoor (outside all week) activity??

Yikes!

Yes, he knew full well that he would have to carry it around all weekend, but our DCC at the time insisted that he had to wear blues on a commercial flight. (Why, I don't know...)

[c/A1C Johnson]

Yes, it is permitted but I wouldn't recommend it.

Why not?

It draws uneeded attention to yourself thats just what i was told by my LT.

[notaNCO forever]

If you can avoid traveling in blues a highly recamend it so like stated you do not draw extra attention to yourself and it's much more comfortable.

[356cadet]

Well, whatever you decide to do, make yourself look professional. Personally, I LIKE wearing my Blues on planerides because, firstly, it makes people ask: "are you in the Air Force? Oh, the Civil Air Patrol? That sounds neat. I wanna join!" Secondly, it makes people feel safe that there is a "military" person on board to stop them from any terrorists or something (hopefully that doesn't happen, LOL).

I would recommend wearing it because it shows you are part of a respected organization, and others going to the same NCSA as you will be able to distinguish you in the airport. I know I will be wearing my Blues to the NFA (National Flight Academy) next summer.

EDIT: I recommend wearing Blues if you have high charmisma. If you're a shy guy, then I recommend wearing Civies.

[mikeylikey]

......Personally, I LIKE wearing my Blues on planerides because, firstly, it makes people ask: "are you in the Air Force? Oh, the Civil Air Patrol? That sounds neat. I wanna join!" Secondly, it makes people feel safe that there is a "military" person on board to stop them from any terrorists or something (hopefully that doesn't happen, LOL).

Really?  Thats why you wear your service dress while traveling??

[SSgt Rudin]

......Personally, I LIKE wearing my Blues on planerides because, firstly, it makes people ask: "are you in the Air Force? Oh, the Civil Air Patrol? That sounds neat. I wanna join!" Secondly, it makes people feel safe that there is a "military" person on board to stop them from any terrorists or something (hopefully that doesn't happen, LOL).

Really?  Thats why you wear your service dress while traveling??

I'll make a deal with you: if you can tell me what CAP Publication covers the rules of engagement and also cite the code of conduct with out googleing it, I'll go easy on you.

[mikeylikey]

I'll make a deal with you: if you can tell me what CAP Publication covers the rules of engagement and also cite the code of conduct with out googleing it, I'll go easy on you.

Oh yes....go easy on me.  I don't think I can handle it.  PLUS there is a CAP PUB that covers "rules of engagement"?  What CAP are you in?? 

Please let me know the CAP Code of Conduct line item I apparently violated!

[SSgt Rudin]

I'll make a deal with you: if you can tell me what CAP Publication covers the rules of engagement and also cite the code of conduct with out googleing it, I'll go easy on you.

Oh yes....go easy on me.  I don't think I can handle it.  PLUS there is a CAP PUB that covers "rules of engagement"?  What CAP are you in?? 

Please let me know the CAP Code of Conduct line item I apparently violated!

Lol, not you, sorry.

[mikeylikey]

I'll make a deal with you: if you can tell me what CAP Publication covers the rules of engagement and also cite the code of conduct with out googleing it, I'll go easy on you.

Oh yes....go easy on me.  I don't think I can handle it.  PLUS there is a CAP PUB that covers "rules of engagement"?  What CAP are you in?? 

Please let me know the CAP Code of Conduct line item I apparently violated!

Lol, not you, sorry.

Yikes......I remove my foot from my mouth, and offer a solid apology.   

[SSgt Rudin]

It's ok 

My point was that our "rules of engagement" are simply don't. And the code of conduct I was referring to are 6 Articles that instructs members of the military on how they are to act in a hostage/POW situation.

I

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

II

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

III

If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

IV

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

V

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

VI

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

So simply if you are traveling in blues because "it makes people feel safe that there is a "military" person on board to stop them from any terrorists or something" you better know exactly what you are committing too.

But even if you don't, those articles ^ would be a good thing to keep in mind, especially SM's and older cadets who would most likely to be mistaken for AD, because IF something did happen they guy with the gun only sees a uniform and could care less what CAP is and that you are a "non-combatant."

But hey, nothing beets skipping the security line or being bumped to first class 

[DC]

Should something happen on a flight I do not see how what you are wearing would affect what you do. If anything a uniform would hinder any attempt at resistance because you will become a target real quick. If you are not in uniform at least you blend in with the sheep. If you want a 'military' reason to not wear a uniform, think camouflage.

Your choice, but I wouldn't.

[mikeylikey]

Americans NEVER surrender.  This country and its citizens will fight until they have no one left to fight.  Thats why we are hated, because we fight for what we want, and will not stop until we get it.  Also because we don't degrade women, rape children, follow a strict religious doctrine as a form of government, hold open and fair elections, beat the Germans twice in two world wars, first to the moon, first to explore the worlds oceans (underwater) and spend money to purchase things we really don't need like there is no tomorrow!  Man how I do love the USA!

Oh ya......there is no reason to travel in blues unless you are flying on a military aircraft to a CAP conference, which is really not the norm any longer post 9/11.

SO.....just wear something confortable when on plane, train or automobile.      

[LtCol Hooligan]

Well, whatever you decide to do, make yourself look professional. Personally, I LIKE wearing my Blues on planerides because, firstly, it makes people ask: "are you in the Air Force? Oh, the Civil Air Patrol? That sounds neat. I wanna join!" Secondly, it makes people feel safe that there is a "military" person on board to stop them from any terrorists or something (hopefully that doesn't happen, LOL).

I would recommend wearing it because it shows you are part of a respected organization, and others going to the same NCSA as you will be able to distinguish you in the airport. I know I will be wearing my Blues to the NFA (National Flight Academy) next summer.

EDIT: I recommend wearing Blues if you have high charmisma. If you're a shy guy, then I recommend wearing Civies.

Wear your favorite CAP t-shirt and leave the uniform at home or in the bag.  You are not required to wear them on the plane and honestly don't need to.  You can change into your uniform when you arrive.  I know being in a uniform makes you feel good because others are looking at you and you are getting attention, but honestly, wearing the CAP uniform is a priviledge.  All it takes is for you to forget you are representing CAP for one second and you impact how another person views our organization.  I mean if you read the regs carefully, you should really go straight home after a CAP meeting and change out of your uniform.  No quick Walmart runs, no stopping and eating with your buddies; you are to go home, change and then do what you want.  I know you think the military guys coming home in uniform and hugging mom and dad is romantic and such, but wait until you go in the RM and come home from the sandbox to live out the dream.  Sorry if this is rough on you, but I thought it needs to be said. 

[Major Carrales]

Sorry if this is rough on you, but I thought it needs to be said. 

Good, then you I hope you will apply that I say that I think <I>bupkes</I> of that. 

At the PAO Conference it was recommended that we be "visable" in the public eye.  Our organization suffers from a lack of visibility.  People don't see us enough in uniforms, that is why we get all those bizzare looks and "what is CAP?" 

Wearing the CAP uniform is not something to be ashamed of.  A frickin' Tee-Shirt is "underwear," and I'll be condemned if I an going to represent an organization I think highly of in a article of underwear.

The way some of you talk you make wearing a CAP uniform seem like being labeled a pariah. 

As for the comment on "All it takes is for you to forget you are representing CAP for one second and you impact how another person views our organization," I believe living by the Core Values of CAP is a remedy for that.

Oh, and the regulation say "go straight home and change," funny I did't read that.

What is says is...

CAPM 39-1 23 MARCH 2005 Table 1-1 Page 6 and 7

may wear service dress uniform or light blue, short or long sleeve shirt/blouse with tie/tab and the all-weather coat, overcoat, and raincoat when traveling by commercial means (other than to and from local CAP activities) (see note 2).

Note 2 says:

Unit commanders can make exceptions for travel in small commuter aircraft that involve short flights in areas of the country where civilians wear informal clothing because of weather or cramped conditions on the commuter aircraft.

Note that the allowance is made for CAP Officers to be visible en route on commercial flights "other than to and from local CAP activities."  Could it be that this situation was "made so" that CAP Officers and Cadets would be more visible and proponents of commercial aviation?  What ever it means it certainly negates your contention this occasion.

Additionally,

more than 1 hour following the close of the activity except for travel time to and from such activities, for which the uniform is specified (seminars, conferences, NEC, or NB meetings).

Travel time includes reasonable stops for meals and restroom et al.  It takes me, for example, 1 and 1/2 hours to get home from the meeting.  I sometimes take cadets that distance to and from there, they are allowed to eat and partake of restroom or should they need to stop at WAL*Mart for some article they need.

Let the realities of the world guide your interpretations of the regulations.

[hatentx]

I have had to travel in uniform a few times with the Army. 

First I have never had an issue with TSA or metal detector in BDUs, ACUs, or Class As.  Simple if you insignia sets off the alarm as some might take the top off and run it through the x ray machine.  This biggest pain I have is taking off my boots.

Second I personally never travel in uniform unless I must.  In domestic air travel I have encountered many types of people.  Old Vets wanting to trade war stories to being spit on.  If the cadets are traveling in the uniforms I would hate to put a child through something like that.  I know it upset me when I was flying home for Christmas during my AIT to be called a baby killer.  I was 20 imagine how a 14 or 15 year old cadet would take it.

Third there is always some risk in wearing a uniform.  If you are going from the house to the Squadron or flying from Florida to Seattle.  Your conduct or even you appearance can shape the way the military is viewed.  If you are speeding and get pulled over the officer my thing or lump you into the stereotype of stupid GI or worse you add to it.  I do think the terrorist on a plane is a little out there.  Not unbelievable but not likely to happen.   The fringe benefits are nice, bumped up to first class not getting a ticket.  But I know in Army regulations you are not suppose to accept special favors due to your military service.  (I dont remember how it is worded any more got that brief a dozen times back in AIT)

I personally hate going through the dallas airport in uniform and getting clapping a cheering so if you want to get it while in CAP uniform by all means take the attention off of me.    I would just say if you you feel the need to wear the uniform while traveling then do it right but that reason should be that you cant change before or after you flight.  If not and you are that worried about getting the CAP name out there wear the corporate or a nice CAP polo.  If you are that into getting the name out there then get your Squadren out in the community doing things and actively recruit people rather than try and get some person that may not even live near you to notice your uniform and call it "getting the word out"

Oh and Yes I hope to get let go on a ticket if I am in uniform.  I was doing wrong and am willing to pay the price of the ticket and what ever else comes with it but again I am the reason that these laws are in place and still standing so a cop that would like to show his appreciation to me for my service by letting me off with a warning is better than any drink or meal someone can comp for me.

[SSgt Rudin]

Airtran - $10 for second bag, $50 for third bag
American - $15 for first bag, $25 for second bag, $100 for third bag
Delta - $25 for second bag, $80 for third bag
Northwest - $25 for second bag, $100 for third bag
Southwest Airlines - $25.00 for third bag
US Airways - $25 for second bag, $100 for third bag
United - AS OF JULY 1 - $15 for first bag, $25 for second bag, $100 for third bag

After seeing this I can understand traveling in blues if it will save you from having to check a garment bag.

Just as a point of interest I wanted to see how much it would be to ship a bag from my house(south florida) to NHGA,  if you have a 3rd bag the weighs under 50 pounds you can have it 3 days later for $32 if you ship it via UPS, 3 days later for $29 with FedEx, 2 days later for $45 or 5 days later for 19.38 with USPS.

[DC]

Airtran - $10 for second bag, $50 for third bag
American - $15 for first bag, $25 for second bag, $100 for third bag
Delta - $25 for second bag, $80 for third bag
Northwest - $25 for second bag, $100 for third bag
Southwest Airlines - $25.00 for third bag
US Airways - $25 for second bag, $100 for third bag
United - AS OF JULY 1 - $15 for first bag, $25 for second bag, $100 for third bag

After seeing this I can understand traveling in blues if it will save you from having to check a garment bag.

Just as a point of interest I wanted to see how much it would be to ship a bag from my house(south florida) to NHGA,  if you have a 3rd bag the weighs under 50 pounds you can have it 3 days later for $32 if you ship it via UPS, 3 days later for $29 with FedEx, 2 days later for $45 or 5 days later for 19.38 with USPS.

I woinder if they would consider it one bag if you bungee them together. 

Seriously, those prices suck.