Posted on Aug 5, 2016
Are there any Commanders who can tell us why they would not allow sleeves to be rolled up on a base that reaches 110+ degrees?
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If something isn't allowed. I'll follow the rule. I try not to question every reg that I feel is stupid and I know there's usually a reason behind most things, but certain regs like not being able to roll your sleeves up or not being able to have your hands in your pockets drive me crazy. I get that it doesn't look professional when you're standing around at work with your hands in your pockets. But when youre outside waiting for PT to start and you put your hands in your pockets when it's 30 degrees and someone jumps down your throat for it it seems excessive. I'm not trying to be smart or a punk either. I just need some answers.
Posted in these groups: 
Regulation
Uniforms
Regulation Uniforms
Posted >1 y ago
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Hi, SrA Strong.
I know it’s a hard case to make in 120 degree heat, but it’s actually cooler with your sleeves down. Your sweat collects in the sleeves instead of evaporating with them rolled up, and cools the skin. And keeping them rolled down keeps you from getting sunburned.
Also, it’s more tactical. That particular point isn't as relevant with the ABUs, as they’re more of an in-garrison uniform than the previous woodland pattern. But the sleeves in the woodland pattern were always rolled down in the field.
I know it’s a hard case to make in 120 degree heat, but it’s actually cooler with your sleeves down. Your sweat collects in the sleeves instead of evaporating with them rolled up, and cools the skin. And keeping them rolled down keeps you from getting sunburned.
Also, it’s more tactical. That particular point isn't as relevant with the ABUs, as they’re more of an in-garrison uniform than the previous woodland pattern. But the sleeves in the woodland pattern were always rolled down in the field.
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Sgt (Join to see)
Im pretty sure thats only true if they are tight rolled. Mine are always a little loose to keep some airflow and make them easier to take off. I much prefer this over sleeves down
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Capt Chris McVeigh
Rolled sleeves provides mental relief from the heat but in reality, covering your body keeps you cooler. Can feel cooler in the short term, but not the long term. See every country that lives in climates like that. Why do you think long sleeves/pants are the norm vs shorts and a t-shirt.
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Suspended Profile
Cpl Mark McMiller - I've never seen a cowboy or farmer working in a short sleeved shirt.
LTC Paul Labrador
Capt Chris McVeigh - Correct. There is a reason why guys in the middle east wear thin cotton or linen Thawbs (the man dress). Protects your skin from the sun while allowing air circulation.
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Ft Bliss commander is not authorizing rolled sleeves. And in the desert sun, that is actually the smart call. Having sleeves down protects your skin from the sun and will actually be cooler in the long run.
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LTC Paul Labrador
MAJ Charles Blake - No irony. Given the choice between Vit D and air conditioning, I'll take air conditioning. I can always get Vit D out of a bottle..... ;o)
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SGT Dave Tracy
Having spent a few quality years at Ft. Bliss I would agree with keeping the sleeves down to prevent burning; however, opening the cuffs for a modicum of cooling can be helpful I think.
Oh, and MAJ Blake, it's not ALWAYS sunny there. A handful of times a year, to hear the locals, one might think it was the dawn of the apocalypse when they get a spritz of rain that floods the land or a dusting of snow (now that's good entertainment) that shuts down the region for a few days. That is a place unaccustomed to clouds and precipitation!
Good times, good times!
Oh, and MAJ Blake, it's not ALWAYS sunny there. A handful of times a year, to hear the locals, one might think it was the dawn of the apocalypse when they get a spritz of rain that floods the land or a dusting of snow (now that's good entertainment) that shuts down the region for a few days. That is a place unaccustomed to clouds and precipitation!
Good times, good times!
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LTC Paul Labrador
SGT Dave Tracy - Well to be fair, since there is a distinct lack of sewers, any little bit of rain tends to cause flash flooding....
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SGT Dave Tracy
LTC Paul Labrador - True enough Sir-though the locals do tend to lose their minds with any amount of precipitation.
Speaking of flooding, there are vast swaths of the training area that turn into a shallow sea for a few hours with enough rain ("enough" for the area that is) since the desert floor is slow to absorb it all.
Speaking of flooding, there are vast swaths of the training area that turn into a shallow sea for a few hours with enough rain ("enough" for the area that is) since the desert floor is slow to absorb it all.
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The commander you your mind? no idea what thier justification is.
Having participated in bio human engineering tests for heat related gear... stress, in tempos from 90f to140 deg f ambient. in seated position all the way to aerobic debt, and muscular failure inducing physical activity.
I'll just say my opinion is, you're not getting any cooler with your sleeves up.
When you finish your controlled series of body core temp tests I'll listen to claims of your body being cooler by exposing a few square inches of skin to the sun.
Having participated in bio human engineering tests for heat related gear... stress, in tempos from 90f to140 deg f ambient. in seated position all the way to aerobic debt, and muscular failure inducing physical activity.
I'll just say my opinion is, you're not getting any cooler with your sleeves up.
When you finish your controlled series of body core temp tests I'll listen to claims of your body being cooler by exposing a few square inches of skin to the sun.
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