Just graduated basic training for the army

[kaylyn]

Can I crossdress in the army. I just want to be able to wear a bra and panties while in uniform, is that okay or will I be chartered out for it.

[Miss Mandy]

I wouldn't do it soldier. Your job is to kill, not feel pretty :) Seriously, put your girly stuff on during off-time and in private...Private! What would happen if you got injured and a medic had to cut your uniform off? Think of the consequences...

[kaylyn]

My job is literally behind a desk, not combat oriented at all. So getting wounded is 98% not gonna happen.

[Miss Mandy]

Are you sure you are not in the Air Force?

[kaylyn]

Lol I'm going to an air force base for six months for job training. MI

[Tracii G]

I would put it on hold for the time you are in.
Are you going to stay in as a career?

[kaylyn]

I planned to

[Tracii G]

Well once you get to your duty station and live off base you could get away with it.
Personally like any job its not wise to do it at work if you don't want to be caught.
For some its the thrill of being caught at work CDing so pick your poison I guess.
A non combat position is pretty cushy so I applaud you for that.
Not having to smell dirt,CLP and blood everyday is a plus LOL

[kaylyn]

Do you think I could get away with it on base or is it impossible. I just don't want to get chaptered out. Is it a chapterable offense?

[AmandaM]

You'll be out of uniform. And if you get caught, you'll be the endless butt of jokes.

[Tracii G]

They might boot you out that depends on your CO.
Why even take the chance is my question.
Others find out and will give you hell over it,they will make fun of you that is a given.

[Marcelle]

Hi Kaylyn,

If it is just an urge to cross dress from time to time (feel pretty :)) I would not do so at work. You might be in a non-combat role but you could still get injured at work which may result in a very embarrassing trip to the med folks. I have to admit I don't know too much about your military being Canadian (I am a serving trans woman in the CAF) so I am not sure if cross dressing will get you chaptered out. I do know being openly transgendered could.

My advice, don't do it at work unless being a woman is so integral to your being that to not do so would be hell. If you are at that point then you have some serious decisions to make. BTW, while you may think a bra is not visible through your combat fatigues . . . it can be depending on which way your are bending/moving.

Cheers

Marcelle

[Annette_boy]

At present CDing as well as TG is against regulations and can result in a less than honorable discharge. only Gay and lesbian folks can leagly serve in US Armed forces . We have no protections in the military , so be careful with your choices of time and place and degree of dressing . Never on base or any where near base or in public while you are on active duty. I managed to hide it and keep sane for 23 years , so it can be done but carefully. Avoid the pink fog at all cost.

Hugs Annette U.S. N. (ret)

[Kate Simmons]

As others have said best to do it in your off time and not in a barracks situation for sure. :)

[JaytoJillian]

As an entry-level service member, you are going to be stuck in the barracks for a while--most commands have local regulations that mandate that single enlisted personnel live in the barracks, or at least maintain a room there. That room can be "inspected" at ANY time whether you are present or not. Even if you are not under-dressing, you are taking a risk just by possessing female clothing articles in the barracks. Don't think for one second that you would be able to explain away the lingerie that "Sgt. Snorkel" finds in your room by telling him it belongs to your girlfriend, as there is no hanky panky allowed in the barracks. You'd only be putting yourself on report, albeit for a much lesser offense.

The safest COA is to keep a drag bag in the trunk of your car, find a nearby hotel that is safe and not frequented by members of your unit. It'll give you something to look forward on payday weekends while providing a reasonably safe and private way to be yourself. The hotel could even become the base from which you launch forays into the local club scene.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,


Jill

[MarcellaMcNul]

Everyone seems to agree that the risk is not worth the reward, as do I. J-2-J has offered an excellent strategy that will protect your future while allowing for the "hobby".

[Krisi]

If you really want to know if it's OK to crossdress or underdress in the Army, you're going to have to ask the Army. If you get caught, handing your commanding officer a printout of a thread on a crossdressing forum isn't going to make a difference. Personally, I think it would be pretty dumb to wear a bra under your uniform.

Have you considered that if crossdressing is very important to you, the Army may not be the best career choice for you? The two don't go well together.

[Linda E. Woodworth]

I served 26+ years in the USN active and reserve.

I saved my CD'ing for when I was home or away on leave. This hobby does not work aboard a submarine let alone a warship!

J to J has an excellent suggestion and one I hope you seriously consider. I suspect the amount of hazing you'll get if found out would defy comprehension.

In the end it isn't worth it.

[Dana921]

Hi Kaylyn,

Check out this group. We have a serving army person transitioning while in the Army. The Army announced about a year ago that only the Secretary of the Army could decide to discharge a soldier for being Transgender, the official military policy is suppose to happen in the next month or so, but I suspect it will be longer. Here is the link.

http://www.spartapride.org/

Another link for former Military members is,

http://transveteran.org/


Now having said that, I do agree with others that you can save yourself a lot of grief and challenges, if this is simply a part time thing, by dressing off post. If you have decided this is whom you are then the links will help you find a way.

Dana

[Lori Kurtz]

Don't think for one second that you would be able to explain away the lingerie that "Sgt. Snorkel" finds in your room

I don't want to trivialize something that is serious business, but when I pictured the look on "Sgt. Snorkel"'s face as he holds up those cute dainty little panties, I couldn't help but laugh.

[Jill_cd]

At present CDing as well as TG is against regulations and can result in a less than honorable discharge. only Gay and lesbian folks can leagly serve in US Armed forces . We have no protections in the military , so be careful with your choices of time and place and degree of dressing . Never on base or any where near base or in public while you are on active duty. I managed to hide it and keep sane for 23 years , so it can be done but carefully. Avoid the pink fog at all cost.

Hugs Annette U.S. N. (ret)

Well said, Annette. I, too, managed to keep it under wraps, while in the U.S. Navy, but I didn't serve for 23 years. Keep it quiet and hidden. I can relate to what Kristen Beck, retired Navy Senior Chief SEAL, said in an interview about dressing. "I'd buy things and then purge. You couldn't have that stuff around or even close".

Jill

[abby054]

As a veteran of many years in the Army, most of it as a Chairborne Ranger like you, I recommend keeping your off- duty activities off duty and off the army base. Army guys are still Army guys. They will not be kind on issues like this, particularly those among your peer group. It is unlikely that you will be chaptered out, but if found out, you will have difficulty fitting into a system where effectiveness depends on cohesion within the unit. Just because there is a thaw in official policies does not mean that there are no icebergs still floating around. Be careful.

[I Am Paula]

kaylin- This is a copy and paste from one of my other posts. I think it applies equally here.
"You entered freely into a contract with the coast guard, agreeing to their rules. This contract is binding, and not subject to interpretation."

[josie_S]

As an entry-level service member, you are going to be stuck in the barracks for a while--most commands have local regulations that mandate that single enlisted personnel live in the barracks, or at least maintain a room there. That room can be "inspected" at ANY time whether you are present or not. Even if you are not under-dressing, you are taking a risk just by possessing female clothing articles in the barracks. Don't think for one second that you would be able to explain away the lingerie that "Sgt. Snorkel" finds in your room by telling him it belongs to your girlfriend, as there is no hanky panky allowed in the barracks. You'd only be putting yourself on report, albeit for a much lesser offense.

The safest COA is to keep a drag bag in the trunk of your car, find a nearby hotel that is safe and not frequented by members of your unit. It'll give you something to look forward on payday weekends while providing a reasonably safe and private way to be yourself. The hotel could even become the base from which you launch forays into the local club scene.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,


Jill

OMG this is both great and hilarious...great because Jillian is right: barracks inspections are real and can happen at any time and living in the Bs does not leave you much privacy, if any. Often you have to be an NCO to get your own room, which means more than likely you'll be sharing very small quarters, and bathrooms. And if you get caught or Sgt Snorkel (LOL!) does find frilly things among your dress greens, then not only will there likely be official consequences, but your fellow soldiers might be merciless in their taunting and jeering. I was active duty in the 90s (NO!) but I doubt that soldiers have changed much since then.

Another piece of advice I might give besides finding a good hotel is looking for a good makeover service nearby. No tracks left behind, you'll look great and most likely get a ton of great pictures from it. and you'll learn a lot about putting on makeup, mannerisms etc. Either way, have fun! And be safe!

[Beverley Sims]

I will answer the question, as no one else has.......


NO! It is not okay.

Now take everyone else's advice, keep your dresses in a bag in the boot of your car.

The military police are only likely to want to look there if they suspect you have stolen something.

Barracks inspections happen at any time and these days for more security reasons that can be discussed here.

Dress when you are a hundred miles from base and in some seedy hotel that you can afford to rent a room in.

That probably isn't safe either..

When do you finish your service with the coast guard?......... :-)

[AmandaM]

On base, it's easy for them to search your car. I'd put the clothes in a suitcase with your mom or sister's name tag on it. Or put a box with a note in it saying, "Joe, please ship this to me, here is my address".

[Stephanie47]

"Google" the issue and you'll see the military is reviewing its policy towards transgender men and women. Right now there is no protection afforded transgender men and women. See #19 above. The military is dominated by male mind set. Even if you end up legally doing what you want to do you run the risk of being ridiculed and shunned by others. If you end up living off base, then maybe you can express yourself. On base..forget it. If one is only a cross-dresser I really do not understand this preoccupation of wanting to destroy one's career by wearing women's underwear on the job. Keep in mind if you do end up overseas in a combat zone there is always a risk on being injured or wounded. Don't ever do anything to disgrace the uniform....

Stephanie, a Nam combat vet (11B20)

[Alice Torn]

My roommate in Air force training came out as gay, in 1976, and was discharged out. i was discharged because of a religion i converted to then. Take advice from others here, just dress off duty off base, and not underdress in uniform. Murphy's law does happen!

[heatherdress]

I fully agree with every recommendation thus far. Do not crossdress, or underdress, while on duty, anywhere, anytime. Period.

I would like to go one steep further. Thank you for entering the military service. It is challenging, demanding, rewarding, different than any other occupation you might have entered. You have just finished Basic Training. Congratulations. But you need to get focused real fast if you want to be successful. Forget about taking foolish risks like crossdressing on duty. There are more important things you should be doing on duty than thinking about wearing a bra. You should be focused on learning your skills and becoming the best soldier you can be - period.

Keep your crossdressing private. You have 30 days of leave a year. 12 holidays. 52 weekends. You have nights free. You can figure out how to spend your free time. You are not the only crossdresser in the US Army - but figure out how and when and where to dress - and don't tell anyone. Don't tell anyone, period.

Thanks for your service. Good luck on your career. Do well in your continued training. And don't even think about wearing a bra and panties on duty.

[Tina_gm]

1st, congratulations on completing basic training. I was enlisted in the Air Force for 4 years.... *I heard that Miss Mandy*.. lol. I can tell you that NO, no whatever dressing while on duty in uniform. I would highly suggest not dressing anywhere, anytime while on base. You joined voluntarily. You are fully aware of the expectations of you as far as appearance goes. Hair has to be no longer than such a length, in or out of uniform. facial hair is highly restricted (no beards) mustache is not to touch your upper lip or go past the corner of your mouth. unless that has changed.....

Yes, now they are allowing homosexual people into the armed forces. But the same PDA laws are still in effect. I don't THINK they would kick you out if you were spotted dressing in an lgbt friendly establishment.... but as of right now, there is no laws or rules in regards to transgender people in the armed forces. Someday that may change, but for now, I would basically plan to keep your dressing on hold until your time is up.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Kaylin :hugs:, Thanks for your service to our country !! Now see line #4 in my signature.-...:daydreaming:...

[phylis anne]

miss mandy ,
hrumph hrumph not all the usaf is 9-5 desk pilots I was in special rapid deployment units mostly cold war and we were in it thick at times as much as any grunt or marine THIS REPLY IS STRICTLY LOL @kalyn in my day it was don't ask don't tell and it long before the clinton admin ,they looked the other way while off base but if you got caught on base-------, besides how will you explain to your troop sgt the nice lacy bra in our foot locker:heehee: enjoy the ride play safe
hugs phylis anne

- - - Updated - - -

@gender mutt you just descibed almost to a "T" the ol afr 3510 regs :)
hugs phylis anne

[Georgette_USA]

I would keep all CD, including under dressing, limited to off base.

I was in US NAVY in 1972, and was caught off-base dressing. Had to see the psychiatrists and security people for a while. They were mainly interested if it was a solitary pursuit and if any Homosexuality involved. Yes on first, no on second. I had a Top Secret + clearance, worked on Submarines as a launch Petty Officer for nuclear missiles. They reported back to my CO/XO there was no concern and I just went back to work as usual.
If it had become general knowledge my life would have been hell.

Not sure what ever the US military comes up with will include CDs, Seems to be relegated for now to TG/TS. Have recently met some that are working as such for now. A friend with the Air Force, who is also TG, works with SPART*A (see earlier link).

[Bea A]

You made reference to MI.. which I assume will mean you are eventually going to deal with classified material. Being TG is still listed a viable reason to deny your clearance. An MI soldier without a clearance... is quickly discharged. Tread light young soldier... your time will come.. later.

[Queen Erika]

In all sincerity, you'd be out of uniform. They should have made this very clear to you during basic...

[heatherdress]

In all sincerity, you'd be out of uniform. They should have made this very clear to you during basic...

Actually, Erika is quite correct. Section 20-28, Department of the Army Pamphlet 670-1, dated 1 July 2015, designates the undergarments required for males and females to wear while in uniform.

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/p670_1.pdf

Female bra and panties are not listed as authorized undergarments for male soldiers.

[Cristy2]

Officially no! But the policy has been under review for quite some time now and under dressing is gaining more and more tolerance in the branches depending largely on what CO you are under.

Christina (Christinac here on the forums) when she was still alive pushed hard for transgender acceptance in the service with the policy change on gays and lesbians. She was never able to win full acceptance, but was instrumental in getting the policy amended to allow fully transitioned PO transgenders. She was trying to get the policy to accept transgenders who were under medically supervised transition but have not had GRS. Sadly she passed away and I'm not sure what ever became of the work she help start.

[UNDERDRESSER]

You made reference to MI.. which I assume will mean you are eventually going to deal with classified material. Being TG is still listed a viable reason to deny your clearance. An MI soldier without a clearance... is quickly discharged. Tread light young soldier... your time will come.. later.In addition, as a closeted CD, you are vulnerable to blackmail, if they find out about it at all, on base or off, there is a good chance you'll get canned anyway, even if you've never been within a hundred miles of base while dressed. Theoretically, you could get around that by coming out to all, and making sure that your superiors know, not sure whether I'd want to risk it though.

[heatherdress]

There is currently no "tolerance for underdressing" in any branch of the military while on duty in uniform. Crossdressing permission is not up to the discretion of local commanders. It is also a behavior that would not want to be shared with other soldiers, marines, sailors, air men, coasties in your unit. If anyone does wear female undergarments, they do so secretly, at risk of discipline, without commander tolerance.

[Cristy2]

Hate to disappoint you Heather, it may not be official, but there is tolerance for it. I'm one of the commanding officers who did tolerate it in his division under the guise of "don't ask, don't tell". As long as you didn't create an issue in the ranks and keep it quiet, I did not give a rats ass in hell.

[sometimes_miss]

As always, consider the worst possible outcome if you should be outed as a crossdresser while serving in the military. If you can accept that, they proceed with your behavior. It's as simple as that.

[kaylyn]

Cristi2 your answer makes me so happy! And fills me with hope! Thank you!

[Lorileah]

Wasn't one of the responses the DI always gave "If you have to ask....then the answer is no"

Se above link to SPARTA

[Queen Erika]

Hate to disappoint you Heather, it may not be official, but there is tolerance for it. I'm one of the commanding officers who did tolerate it in his division under the guise of "don't ask, don't tell". As long as you didn't create an issue in the ranks and keep it quiet, I did not give a rats ass in hell.

Military uniforms are strictly defined. If someone is out of uniform (in whatever manner) and it's noticed, they're going to be corrected/reprimanded in some fashion or another.

If they are not noticed, then the wearer might well get away with it, but it has nothing to do with "tolerance." It had to do with not being noticed.



There is currently no "tolerance for underdressing" in any branch of the military while on duty in uniform...

You are quite right. Not being noticed as being out of uniform is a world away from "tolerance."

[Cristy2]

Call it what you will. I have been in the military since 1986 and an commanding officer for eighteen of those years. Do not presume to tell me what military tolerance is. I know what is being tolerated (even though it is a direct violation of the dress code) and what is not.

[heatherdress]

Hate to disappoint you Heather, it may not be official, but there is tolerance for it. I'm one of the commanding officers who did tolerate it in his division under the guise of "don't ask, don't tell". As long as you didn't create an issue in the ranks and keep it quiet, I did not give a rats ass in hell.

Cristy - You are not disappointing me. But "Don't ask, don't tell" was a policy which applied to gay/lesbian/bisexual Service members only. Not crossdressers. It was a step in the right direction regarding gender tolerance, but it did nothing for crossdressers and transsexual individuals. If a person was reported (usually by their chain-of-command or by other Service members), they faced medical evaluation and separation for an unfitting psychological condition. It was not a simple violation of dress code as you suggest which a commander could dismiss or tolerate. It was a serious charge and still is.

The Secretary of Defense announced last year an intent to change the military's approach to transgender Service members. A senior-level group is developing recommendations regarding the approximately 12,000 (pure guess) transgender members of the military and most believe a more tolerant policy will be announced. It will probably be more applicable to transsexual Service members but may possibly address crossdressing, which would potentially be a much larger number of troops (5%). Obstacles include: recruiting standards; medical evaluations; effect on morale and discipline; correction of past discharges; ability to provide qualified psychological counselling where needed; reassignment surgical costs if permitted; billeting and facility issues. The military is currently addressing the opening of all combat positons to women which is a major challenge. And by the way, trying to maintain combat proficiency to defend our country.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/612778

[Mollyanne]

Why would you want to "possibly" cause yourself any type of a problem?????? As an ex-service member, I put my dressing on hold until I was on leave, on a pass or discharged. In my day it was a court martial offense to X-dress and that was the least of any worries. The major concern was being badly beaten or dead. PUT IT ON HOLD!!!!!!

Molly

[Mink]

Wasn't one of the responses the DI always gave "If you have to ask....then the answer is no"

Se above link to SPARTA

what if you're asking to use the bathroom? oh god!

I say do it!

hell if you're fighting for FREEDOM

that should include the freedom to wear whatever the hell damn underwear you damn well please!

none of their damn biz nash!

[heatherdress]

what if you're asking to use the bathroom? oh god!

I say do it!

hell if you're fighting for FREEDOM

that should include the freedom to wear whatever the hell damn underwear you damn well please!

none of their damn biz nash!

Totally disagree. It is their business - to make sure trainees eat, wash, learn, follow instructions, keep motivated, stay in shape, wear proper uniforms. If something goes wrong, the DI is blamed. Military service is not a joke. If a recruit is more focused on panties and a bra then they are ill prepared to fight for freedom.

[Krisi]

You'll be out of uniform. And if you get caught, you'll be the endless butt of jokes.

Maybe the Army needs a "no bullying" rule like they have in the schools now.

BTW: Corporal Klinger was a crossdresser and he never got thrown out of the Army.

[ambigendrous]

BTW: Corporal Klinger was a crossdresser and he never got thrown out of the Army.

...and everybody on that TV SHOW did so many things that were contrary to Army regulations yet nobody ever got so much as a single Article 15 out of it...

Trying to predict real life based on a TV show is funny!

[Sallee]

Congratulations what's the worst that can happen? Ask but don't tell

[MissVirginia-Mae]

Its totally not worth it....
I was in the Air Force and had to curtail my dressing for the time I was in.
I only did it on leave and hundreds of miles away.
If you get caught by your peers, there is no way out of the abuse by them.
And, inspections are MANY as several have said and you will have no explanation for that frilly nightgown in the bottom of your trunk.
Just avoid doing it for the time you are in
Good luck!

[Sissy_Michelle]

Kaylyn,

First, congratulations on your graduation. I am sure you're looking forward to attending your job training and moving on to your permanent party duty station. There are only five MOS that do not deploy. A bus could hit you tomorrow on Post and you would be brought to the infirmary. You don't have to be deployed to get hurt, people drive like idiots everywhere and in every country.

Second, times have changed since the "don't ask, don't tell" rule was enforced. In the 24 years that I served in the Army, I knew several Soldiers that were either of the alternative lifestyle or were a crossdresser. most of them were great Soldiers and friends. No I never felt the need to turn them in because I felt then as I do now that it was their life, not mine. As long as their life didn't interfere with the safety of the mission or it's accomplishment I didn't care.

Thirdly... I didn't work behind a desk. So I could not indulge in my dressing needs as often as I would have liked to. It was a different time, with different people. From what I hear now the Army is a totally different climate and more relaxed. The senior NCOs that I knew complain to me a lot about how the Army is changing. So enjoy it. Be cautious, know the area you're in. Do Not Go Alone, off Post. The locals may not care about US customs. I went with a few of my Soldiers, that confided in me so they wouldn't be alone and get into trouble. Safety in numbers... Be careful around the barracks if there are combat arms Soldiers about. Most will not understand and you could get hurt.

Just be cautious, vigilant and most importantly don't leave without your Battle Buddy.

@--}----
Michelle

[Mink]

.
If you get caught by your peers, there is no way out of the abuse by them.
!

uh... you could tell your commanding officer or superior or whatever and they could inform them if they don't knock it off they're in trouble? like they'll get put on KP peeling taters or made to jog 10km in the rain and eventually booted out!

they're supposed to SUPPORT their fellow soldiers!

a working UNIT!

not abuse on another!

this is so bizar?

and sure there are clothing regulations... but when off duty? ... your UNDERWEAR?

can a female private be in trouble for wearing too cute of underwear that NO ONE WILL SEE?

(and if they do see it it is none of their damn biz nash just as commenting on your felling private's privates is none of your business?)

the whole thing is just bizarre!


the army or soldiers or whatever need to grow the hell up and focus on MUCH more important issues than their comrades undies... jeez!

[MissVirginia-Mae]

Mink, thats a PERFECT world situation when your CO takes care of it....
In the real world, it doesnt work that way, especially in the service....

[heatherdress]

uh... you could tell your commanding officer or superior or whatever and they could inform them if they don't knock it off they're in trouble? like they'll get put on KP peeling taters or made to jog 10km in the rain and eventually booted out!

they're supposed to SUPPORT their fellow soldiers!

a working UNIT!

not abuse on another!

this is so bizar?

and sure there are clothing regulations... but when off duty? ... your UNDERWEAR?

can a female private be in trouble for wearing too cute of underwear that NO ONE WILL SEE?

(and if they do see it it is none of their damn biz nash just as commenting on your felling private's privates is none of your business?)

the whole thing is just bizarre!


the army or soldiers or whatever need to grow the hell up and focus on MUCH more important issues than their comrades undies... jeez!

Mink - The soldier who started this thread suggested that he wanted to wear panties and a bra while in uniform, on duty - not sleeping as you conveniently changed the situation. You criticism of soldiers and the military demonstrates a total lack of understanding of what it is like to be in a military unit - where everyone must totally depend on each other to survive. It is your buddy's business when they think you are not focused, that you are more concerned about panties and a bra than doing your job. Sorry, but everything a soldier wears is carefully designed and tested - to include footgear, outer garments, duty uniforms and underwear. Yes, underwear. A tight bra and silk panties are not the optimum undergarments for duty - any duty. If you have a heat injury because you are stupid enough to wear a tight bra that is "too cute", you adversely affect everyone else. Regulations require loose fitting, not too cute, cotton underwear, which is issued to all soldiers. Also, person's reputation is everything in the military. It has to be. You don't have a 9-5 job fixing computers or pumping gas. A military career is not the joke you make it out to be. It's not as bizarre as you might think.

[Georgette_USA]

can a female private be in trouble for wearing too cute of underwear that NO ONE WILL SEE?


Actually females can get in trouble, not sure of their standard issue.

Was talking with a young FtM Trans. We got to talking about the types of clothes that FtM Trans wear, and yes some actually wear men's clothes, not just male looking female clothes. When he was in the Army, would get in trouble for having male underwear in his stuff.

[Tracii G]

Undies are issued with your uniform and you can choose boxers or briefs.

[Stephanie47]

BTW: Corporal Klinger was a crossdresser and he never got thrown out of the Army.

MASH* was not real life...just a sitcom. And, Klinger was trying anything to get out of the army. Putting on a dress really does not make you a cross-dresser. There has to be a certain mindset to it. If I remember Cpl O'Reilly had an affection for a Teddy Bear. The MD's drank too much. And, there was too much sexual harassment too.

[Leelou]

Hi Kaylyn, congratulations on making it through basic.

Thanks to all those who have served and gave you advice. So I'll defer to them and agree that you should not have any pretties in the barracks or on base. I also agree that even in a car might not be safe because your car could be searched. One thing I would add is to consider a small storage unit when the time is right.