Is there any regulation that restricts soldiers from drinking in uniform?
Yes, there are regulations restricting drinking in uniform. Each service is different in what they allow their uniformed members to do. You’ll see army guys walking around the mall in thier utilities, but you won’t see any Marines doing the same. As a Marine, regulations require you to be dressed appropriately when on liberty, so you won’t see too many guys in the local bar wearing a uniform. When wearing our dress blues, it’s on. Nov 10th, every year, you’ll see me in my blues, celebrating in Marine-style! Drinking heavily!
The Uniform code of MIlitary Justice has restrictions that would apply to drinking for the following: Title 10 USC Chapter 47 Section 912/912a Article 112a/b: Soldiers cannot drink or be under the influence of alcohol while on duty. Section 911 Article 111: Driving under the influence or reckless driving under the influence (At any time or in any vehicle) Section 933 Article 133: Conduct unbecoming officers These articles are the code of law–the law is further codified in each arm of service by that service’s specific regulations–for the Army, it’d be in the Army Regs. Essentially, you can drink while in uniform, but you are expected to 1) Act like a soldier at all times 2) not drive under the influence 3) Engage in conduct unbecoming.
Here is the Army Reg… 5A. THE NEW ACU IS USED AS A COMBAT UNIFORM DESIGNED TO BE WORN UNDER BODY ARMOR. THE UNIFORM IS PRESCRIBED FOR YEAR-ROUND WEAR FOR ALL SOLDIERS, UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE COMMANDER. SOLDIERS MAY WEAR THE ACU OFF POST UNLESS PROHIBITED BY THE COMMANDER. THE ACU WILL NOT BE WORN FOR COMMERCIAL TRAVEL UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY AR 670-1, PARAGRAPH 1-10C. THE ONLY EXCEPTION TO POLICY IS FOR SOLDIERS PARTICIPATING IN THE REST AND RECOUPERATION PROGRAM. ANY OTHER EXCEPTION TO POLICY MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, G-1 FOR APPROVAL. PERSONNEL WILL NOT WEAR THE ACU IN OFF-POST ESTABLISHMENTS THAT PRIMARILY SELL ALCOHOL. IF THE OFF-POST ESTABLISHMENT SELLS ALCOHOL AND FOOD, SOLDIERS MAY NOT WEAR THE ACU IF THEIR ACTIVITIES IN THE ESTABLISHMENT CENTER ON DRINKING ALCOHOL. THE ACU IS NOT NORMALLY CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE FOR SOCIAL OR OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS OFF THE INSTALLATION, SUCH AS MEMORIAL SERVICES, FUNERALS, WEDDINGS, INAUGURALS, PATRIOTIC CEREMONIES, ET
