Stars and Stripes: A base in Europe instructs US pilots to take off their uniforms when leaving
The American Stars and Stripes newspaper said that the US air base Spangdalm in western Germany prevented pilots from the 52nd Fighter Wing from wearing their uniforms outside the base.
According to the Pentagon-funded newspaper, Saturday’s order required pilots to travel to their duty stations in civilian clothes, a decision described as a precautionary measure.
The newspaper noted that the command of the air base refused to provide further details on the matter, citing field security reasons.
As noted by Stars and Stripes, in the past uniform policies have been introduced in the context of potential terrorist threats.
In 2010, the US European Command (EUCOM) issued a directive temporarily prohibiting military personnel from wearing uniforms off-duty, and in 2014, uniforms were banned while on duty, but in 2022 these restrictions were eased.
It’s worth mentioning that CNN had reported that US military bases in Europe have been put on high alert due to the threat of a terrorist attack, likely the highest level in at least the past ten years.
