Are hiking staffs/poles ever authorized for use in military uniform?

There's no specific verbiage I've seen in any training circular, pamphlet, regulation, or other official Army-wide document specifically forbidding use of a staff or pole (as opposed to, say, an umbrella or a mobile phone). Assuming that nobody's chimes in with a blanket prohibition because none exists, it then comes down to Commander's prerogative. If the appropriate level commander approves use of a staff or pole as a control measure to mitigate risk, it is not only authorized but specifically prescribed. Lo and behold, several examples have already been given of situations in which use of a staff or pole is either mandated or widely accepted in specific situations for specific reasons.

Individuals could make the same decision on an individual level to address terrain hazards, or due to being more prone to ankle-rolling or similar injuries (after all, we all conduct informal risk assessments routinely). If done during individual or collective training events, the individual would require explicit or tacit approval of those in charge of the event, or to be so far out of sight that it makes no nevermind.

Commander's prerogative works the other way too though, and use of a staff or pole could easily be specifically NOT permitted in an event. Or, as has been suggested in other posts, a unit culture might not be accepting of their use.

No idea on the regulation of this is, so I am going to do a little research. I know it is not part of the proper uniform so I don't think it can be just used to walk around base. Your question about in the field. I would think it would be considered a tool, or safety item and would be allowed under what ever regulation covers your safety side of things.

I also agree with CW5 (Join to see) In the military it is how you sell it. Is it a safety device used to prevent and aid in safe movement through rough terrain? or is it a fancy stick used to make you look like you have swag? (Sorry never used the word Swag before had to try) Anyway good question.

Ranger instructors carry walking sticks in the Florida phase for two good reasons: 1) measuring the water depth before allowing a patrol to pass a stream, etc and 2) never falling in front of Ranger students!

There is a requirement of the senior RI of the trio to ensure that a few walking sticks are brought along on the patrol. I don't remember a written requirement for all RIs to carry a stick.

I've never seen a "walking stick" used in garrison. However, it was a common sight at Bridgeport. As CSM Eric Olsen sighted, they are used for measuring water depth & id'ing hazards when crossing water.

It depends on the mission you are training for. In SERE we were taught to construct walking sticks, and to use them. As an OCE and Cadre, I've used them. I've also used trekking poles, bought with a GPC, with my team as we conducted realistic military training in mountainous terrain. It all depends on the mission and end-state. If your mission requires not looking like you are patrolling through the woods, a walking stick or trekking pole makes sense.

I don't know about authorized but I dang sure wasn't going to say anything to our CSM during OSUT at Fort Knox. Unlike Teddy Roosevelt, he did not speak softly yet carried a big stick. He was a mountain of a man that in my opinion could carry that stick around regardless of what the regs said. Lol

As with anything in the service, it is about how you sell it. The requisition of safety equipment for conducting a intense, rugged dismounted foot march will sell better than 'can I buy 38 walking sticks for my platoon'.

In the end, what was the training supposed to achieve? You will not have a walking stick when marching in the field so when in the training program do you shed them?

That would be something to think about. I mean it can be used as a weapon as well as helping with balance on long hikes.

During SERE training, they are authorized and encouraged for the Survival and Evasion portions of the course. They are considered safety devices for hiking & evading in the mountains.

No! Never. Not under any combination of circumstances would anything resembling that have gotten any traction in any unit I was ever assigned to.

You would have been squashed like a bug.

The very idea? Your hands should be holding your issued weapon. If the government didn't assign the equipment to you, you better not be wearing it or carrying it around with you.