Ragamuffin: The Uni…

…uniform, uniformity, unity

G

enerally, I don’t mind The Salvation Army uniform. But the dress uniform gets in the way when I am unloading food, putting out kettles, cleaning the corps, helping in disaster situations, trying to reach certain segments of society or cultures. I think it is time for some battle wear. Maybe an approved battle fatigue uniform would be in order. Maybe it is time for an approved casual comfortable uniform for daily battle. In our territory they follow pretty close to the O&R. Other areas of the SA world seem to have more flexibility. What gives here?

The uniformity of uniform sounds good but not necessarily practical or beneficial. Two great benefits in the USA are: it is a great PR tool and helps us get into places to serve. The regulation is sometimes stifling. Can we be a little more flexible? Now we have approved “disaster” uniforms but they are still on the dressy side. We also have t-shirts and polos with the shield but they are not “approved” uniform wear.

Here is another thought to ponder: Does a seeker coming into a SA church service feel out of place with 50 percent of the group in uniforms? Do they feel welcomed? In some countries the uniform can be a detriment due to the military style. Why do some officers get to where regular clothes on Sundays as they preach at church (corps) while others are reprimanded for not wearing the full tunic to some other meeting?

My preferred dress would be casual for regular day-to-day activities and the same for Sunday wear but that is more of a personal preference than a conviction. Would we be The Salvation Army if we did not have uniformity in the uniform? Are we segregating ourselves from the people we want to reach? I think true agape love can overcome many of the barriers but why put more barriers into the mix?

The regular military has dress uniforms and then battle wear… maybe that is a concept we can adopt?

Will young soldiers be committed to wearing Salvation Army uniform? At our commissioning I saw a teen wearing a blouse and tunic with blue jeans. Personally I thought it looked great. This topic continues to come to mind in the SA world with questions about the viability of brass bands, timbrels, red-tape, methods, corps/church and the reputation of the SA being a social vs. ministry organization. This blog won’t end the issue but it is worth bringing up. Canada, New Zealand, Australia – how do you guys do what you do and get away with it?

Approved battle wear and youth wear could be a good idea. The uniform shouts who we are. At least sometimes… I’ve been asked if I am a pilot, a bellboy or whatever. While we are on the topic – or were we – the Shield is becoming the mainstay of our movement. I like the crest due to its symbolism but most people do not recognize it. The shield has now become my logo of choice due to its simplicity.

So readers what say YOU?

Ragamuffin: Jay Davis was born in Nebraska in 1957. Being raised in The Salvation Army and the Church of the Nazarene he knew about Christ but it was not until the Jesus Freaks from Washington state came into his hometown that he found Christ as Savior and friend in 1971. He has followed Christ with service in ministry in the Church of the Nazarene, Free Methodist Church and The Salvation Army. Currently serving in Des Plaines, IL, USA, as corps officer, Jay and his lovely wife Sally endeavor to live the Jesus-style life in their community. Jay loves teaching the Bible, playing guitar and listening to smooth jazz or 70’s rock. Read Jay’s Ragamuffin blog on theRubicon every Monday and catch more of his material on his own blog.

8 Comments to Ragamuffin: The Uni…

1. I think people are already doing it. I don’t necessarily see the need to regulate it either. Some of my soldiers who are 70 years plus soliers might not be comfortable with a hoodie, but they’d wear a polo shirt.

   I guess if we keep the ‘dress’ uniform as is and allow people freedom of expression otherwise it will be fine. As you say, young people are pioneering new ways of being in uniform in a practical way.

   Dress and battle is the way forward.
Andrew Clark on September 24th, 2007

2. Great name, Ragamuffin. It’s reminiscent of grace. Something sorely needed when it comes to uniform wear.

   In Southern California, suits are rarely seen. By wearing one on Sundays, I segregate myself from those who come to church. It’s unfortunate.

   I wholeheartedly agree with your comments and hope change will be enacted. Thanks for your words.
Lisa Van Cleef on September 24th, 2007

3. Jay,

   Great point! Being in the same Territory as you - I feel the same way. To be honest my uniform wear has been slacking, but amazingly my evangelistic zeal has increased (hint of sarcasm)!? In my community - people know me as the pastor of The Salvation Army because I tell them. Your article reminds me of a few spiritual leaders in Jesus’ day who relied more on appearance than relational outreach.
Alex Norton on September 25th, 2007

4. I’m slightly off base here, but in the blogosphere, the Ragamuffin can be found at http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/

   I’m not sure the uniform debate is worth perpetuating anymore.

   Peace & blessings

   J
Johnny Laird on September 25th, 2007

5. In my territory (Zimbabwe) the uniform is HUGE - and we have two colours for two seasons! Everyone wants one. Kids sew little Ss on their shirt collars, and other people join T.S.A. just for the uniform. Why do you need battlegear? Here, people walk 300kms, slaughter beasts, sleep under the stars, and cook over fires - all in full uniform. We even have marches of witness where thousands of us march around empty fields at congresses in full uniform with flags and banners. I think it’s a real ministry to the cows in the vicinity. You would definitely feel out of place if you came to a corps on a Sunday without your uniform, but that out-of-place feeling would just incite you to whip through soldiership classes. Well, and then there’s that whole issue of people wearing uniforms before they’re soldiers (because they’re so cool!) It’s a whole other world…
Rochelle McAlister on September 26th, 2007

6. If my identity boiles down to whether or not I’m in uniform, then I’m in trouble. I wear it, it does not wear me. Another point I would like to make is “Who Cares?” I wear what I want and I don’t need DHQ/THQ permission to do so. If it is a divisional event, I’ll do what is expected of me, otherwise, I wear jeans everyday!!!

   Everyone in my town knows who the Captain is and he is too busy being the church with it’s sleeves rolled up to worry about my career.

   Don’t sweat the small stuff. We are all called to be the Army, not just look like an Army.
Robyn Bridgeo on October 1st, 2007

7. The uniform is a key to a door………Use it when it is needed, wear it when it can be effective…..

   The trick is learning when to use it to represent the great reputation we have as Christ’s soldiers…. and when to not allow it to be a barrier to those who would feel out of place in the company of dozens of uniformed members, when they don’t belong.

   It’s power is to inspire those who are won to Christ; to take a public stand and be of some practical, ministry,and use to those hungry, hurting, lost and hopeless souls outside of the Kingdom of Christ.

   Just some knee-jerk reactions to the good dialogue already on th site.
Chuck Kelly on October 22nd, 2007

8. I agree that there should be some flexibility in wearing the uniform depending on already prescribed circumstances. Maybe you can help me out, what are the actual regulations concerning the wear of the uniform? Is there a regulation book or chart? Everytime I ask someone, they just reply, “there is none, you just wear it like this or wear it like that”. Let me know…
Cynthia McQueen on March 25th, 2010

Leave a comment