Not particularly new. In the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s only E-7 and above were permitted to wear uniforms off base, even at home in the good ole USA. We certainly were not permitted to do so at forward bases.
No limit on wearing uniforms off-base in the US in the 80’s, 90’s. . .perhaps you are referring to a local base commanders decision and in that case, that ‘order’ would only be applicable to those asigned to his base and in the local area.
Baloney - more likely local regulation or regulated by service. There were no such limitations in the Wiesbaden Military Community (included AF and Army) of central Germany in 1978-81. This time period included the heyday of the Red Brigades that had a bomb found outside a local military community center near the Wiesbaden Casino-Spa. Military personnel could be observed during the regular duty day, especially at lunch, at various restaurants on the economy. In the evening, it was all civilian clothes, though.
“In the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s only E-7 and above were permitted to wear uniforms off base, even at home in the good ole USA.”
Not at any Air Force, Army, or Navy installations I was ever at.
Which Army were you in?
When I was in the Navy during the mid 60s on until the 70s,
you could only get off the ship or base in the uniform of the day. Locker clubs outside naval bases made a fortune renting lockers to sailors for their civies. If I remember correctly, Officers and Chiefs could wear uniforms or they could wear civilian sports coats, ties and slacks off ship and base.