Just because you got away with flip flops at your last base doesn’t mean they will be accepted at another base. Any service member can ask you to leave if you are violating the dress code - this is why my husband won’t go into the commissary if he hasn’t shaved that day. Service members are expected to “police their own” on base. It’s up to service members to be responsible for their guests and family members who use base facilities. You can find dress code posters near the main entrance of base buildings such as an Exchange, gym or commissary. Who enforces the base military dress code? It would not go well for any office if their lobby was full of spouses in bathing suits during an inspection. As the Marine pointed out to me, the general can make an unexpected appearance at any base building at any time. On base, service members conduct business wearing the uniform of the day. A dress code demonstrates respect and courtesy for our military community. The idea of a military dress code is surprising to some. These include offices, the commissary, the Exchange, the gas station and even the base gym. Most military bases have an official dress code for base buildings.

Why do military base buildings have a military dress code? I went back into the office and got the vehicle pass while wrapped in a towel.

I took the only extra material I had in the car–a towel–and draped it over my shoulders. I didn’t have a change of clothes with me, and I didn’t want the kids to miss the lessons we had already paid for. I was frustrated as I walked back to the car. “You can’t do business here dressed like that.

“I don’t care where you are heading,” the Marine said. “I’m sorry,” I said, feeling embarrassed.

I was wearing a tank-top bathing suit with shorts and flip flops. “I need a guest pass for my mom’s car please,” I said, showing the documents. The female Marine at the desk looked at me critically when I approached.

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