A lot of Americans probably don't like to be reminded that a few of you heroes are indeed at war. But we are, even while they're at the proverbial mall. The good news, as CavGuy mentioned is that the response to a uniform in public is almost universally positive. (OK, stay away from the recruiting station in Berkeley).

'Twasn't always so, as Tom mentioned. At times there were directives not to wear uniforms in public, but sometimes it was almost an element of survival. Who wanted the hassle of being spat at and verbally abused? It was easier and safer to travel in mufti.

The turn came during the Reagan presidency, when POTUS supposedly asked why he never saw any uniforms when he was out and about -- memories of WWII and all that. When he learned of policies that discouraged, if not forbade wear in public, he issued guidance encouraging wear of Class As during travel. The Amy went to a policy of Fatigue/BDU auth directly between work and home.

The current Army policy of wearing ACUs is good for all concerned, for soldiers as well for those whom we serve.