Tools

Fort Drum Warns Soldiers About Public Displays Of Affection

Story Published: Jan 23, 2012 at 6:41 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 23, 2012 at 7:46 PM EDT

PDA - it's the Army's term for public display of affection.

If a soldier is in uniform, in public, PDA is not supposed to happen.

But Fort Drum's Deputy Inspector General writes in the "Mountaineer Online" that over the past several months, soldiers have been seen in public, displaying affection toward their partner.

He repeats what has been a longstanding Army custom - no kissing or holding hands in public, except for modest displays in some circumstances including welcome home ceremonies and weddings.

The policy may not be new, but this new reminder of it doesn't sit well at some places around Fort Drum.

Tiffany Hayes, who's married to a soldier, heard about it several days ago.

"It really made me upset," she said. "I believe that they're only doing it because of the whole 'gays are allowed to be in the military now', and they're worried about their image."

Another Army spouse, Robyn Saxton, asks, "Isn't that what this country should be built on - like marriages, relationships, stuff like that?"

A soldier is allowed to carry a baby or hold a child's hand while walking.

For other PDA, there's no punishment. 

But once warned, not complying becomes refusing to obey an order.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
, Watertown, NY

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On TonightFull Schedule

On Wall Street