After 33 years, I have to ask, why is theSTD Army brown towel so small?

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:29:36 -0400

Who the hell can use that thing, beyond hand towel, buffing towel, or wrapping it around your neck, what is it good for? I mean what soldier can actually use that thing around their waist? Why can't AAFES Clothing Sales come up with the Soldiers Shower Size towel? Inquiring minds want to know.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 23 at 2015 5:31 PM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:31:59 -0400

I think you've hit on the recruiting problem CW3 Kevin Storm!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 5:57 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:57:12 -0400

I've always had an issue with that darn thing as well. It has improved over the years. At least now it can actually absorb water from your body. I'm guessing size has more to do with the ability to pack it.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:13 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:13:21 -0400

Chief,
Because no one, I say no one, has the luxury of drying oneself thoroughly when there is war things to do! We aren't in Hollywood... We dry the important bits and move on with a purpose!!! HOOAH!! :)

Oh, and they are probably try to find the last bit of sandpaper to integrate into the already tiny towels to make them more miserable. Lol

((former Army, Sir... In case, you felt compelled to make an AF-related Egyptian cotton towels reference... Which, by the way, I would not blame you.)) :)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:14 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:14:33 -0400

I can't wrap it around my waist. I only wear a 30 in the waist but it works for me!

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 23 at 2015 6:26 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:26:51 -0400

Wish I could give you a whole helluva lot of thumbs-up on this one!!! Other than when going to the field or required to possess them for PLDC, once I was done with OSUT I NEVER used the damn things cuz they were so small and did a pretty piss poor job of drying me!! Whoever came up with the dimensions for them should have been shot on sight!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:31:52 -0400

Do they actually still make them? Lol

Me personally I use the micro fiber towels. Rolls up much smaller and easier to pack in my ruck, dries quickly and really does a good job...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 24 at 2015 7:12 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 07:12:55 -0400

Historical context, at a guess.

You need a towel as part of your "Hygiene Kit" but a towel is not a piece of clothing. Dry with it, let it dry, and immediately be stored. "If" we could find the original "production" requirements for it, I'm betting they wanted something that could fit in a soldiers' pack, be easily foldable, not take up more than X space, be composed of Y material, and be washed Z times.

Anything in the National Inventory (including towels), which is issued to our Troops has a requirements list. Whether it is the old OD Green Blankets at Boot Camp with the big US stamp on them to the T-Shirts we wear. Those spec (Mil-spec) sheets are pretty extensive, and getting a new item requires someone in a position of authority to sign off on it.

I would hazard a guess that no one has ever signed off on a study for adding "normal sized towels" to "Initial Issue" because there isn't a clear and pressing need. That is something that can be covered out of personal funds, as opposed to provided by the government. The towel that is issued is "sufficient" though not desired. However in situations which it was actually designed for (like a field environment), it is the most efficient option.

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jul 24 at 2015 7:16 AM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 07:16:06 -0400

These aren't meant to wrap around your waist, you're supposed to sling it over your shoulder, put your hands on your hips and confidently walk amongst your peers without a care in the world.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 11:11 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:11:33 -0400

The army clothing bag is carefully determined down to the ounce of weight. All it takes is one slightly larger towel and soldiers will no longer be able to move with their rucks on.

Just another sacrifice soldiers make for their country. I hear, though, the airforce has giant fluffy blue towels