Can a platoon sgt tell a female soldier that she is required to wear a bra when in civilians?

I'll tell you a story. In my Navy days we and an Admirel call and an open mic. I remember a young female sailor asked the question about having that option to not wear a bra. The end result was no. I could only quess because she is under contract you must portray a clean imgine.

From The IG Desk: Army Regulation 670-1, paragraph 3-9 (Page 15) does provide civilian dress guidance to an extent. However, interpretations may appear to be somewhat broad, in effect leaving closer understanding or guidance up to the local Commander who is inevitably responsible for anything done by service members under his/her command. We all wish to loosen up and relax outside garrison and such is in fact encouraged while not on duty. Freedom of expression, a cherished asset of our culture, is not to be extended to violation of the concept of 'professional appearance' during one's military service. Be mindful that EVERY service member throughout our world-wide membership, regardless of rank or position, is accountable for their behavior and the manner in which they present themselves "at all times." I suggest that AR 670-1, Para. 3-9, "Civilian Clothing" items A through I are nine easily read and understood guidelines. If questions of undergarment use arise in your local assignment area, then discretion is the best policy addressable by seeking guidance from your Chain of Command which should be clear on proper wear. If any question still persists, then please make an appointment to see your local Inspector General for further guidance.

I have lived with the adage “You can add to you can’t take away from” she can under that make it a requirement for her soldiers to present a business like professional appearance and for the lady soldiers expect that “some or all” female undergarment(s) are a requirement

I am a former Marine Corps Sergeant, active duty 1986-1994. I was a platoon sergeant for 3 years of my second tour of duty back in the early 90's. Things may have changed since then but I do know that in those days, Marines had to abide by a civilian dress code. For example; if you wore pants you had to wear a belt, shoes with laces had to have their laces properly tied, crazy T-shirts with improper slogans were not allowed, tight fitting or revealing attire for men and women were not allowed, women marines had to wear proper undergarment including a bra in and out of uniform. The specific guidelines were very detail for both men and women however, the overall rule was that as a Marine, you were supposed to portray a respectable, classy image worthy of your title and the United States Marine Corps, both in or out of uniform. I am quite certain that the Army has similar standards. So, unless the dress code policies and guidelines have changed over the years, your platoon sergeant is correct. I hope this helps and thank you for your service.

I personally think that what you do on your off duty time is your business. What you also have to remember is, like law enforcement, you still have a responsibility to uphold the regulations. I personally don't care. I've been to nude beaches, nudist colonies. I've seen nipples fly all over the place. I happen to believe that God made a beautiful thing, called the human body. So, by all means, be yourself. (Off duty)

I wear my Bra (I purchase comfortable ones, and they do cost a pretty penny), so that I am comfortable and so not as to give an unprofessional loose image of myself. If you do not mind people all up in your BRA BUSINESS, because not wearing one does call attention and all females know braless calls attention and creates convo, then do not comply, but I agree with another Soldier here, you will make your time a little rough for yourself while there.

Corrections on my previous comment due to “fat finger typo”,... DO NOT deliberately disobey an order.

I am from the “old Army” (meaning 80’s/90’s era). From my understanding, a soldier in the Army is in the Army 24/7 and is subject to all orders given by a superior whether on duty or off. Of course, things may have changed after my tenure, but the UCMJ is clear that superiors have control at all times. With that said, if ordered to wear a bra, then wear a bra. It’s not an illegal order that will cause bodily injury or death, so it can be lawfully given. If the issue is of that great of importance, use the chain of command and elevate the concern; but whatever you do, do deliberately disobey as that can come back to bite.

If that Platoon Sgt is Female, she made be on to something that needs sharing. You may actually like what she has to say.
If it's a male Plt.Sgt, he needs to get over himself.

We got a blurb of one side of what really happened. This female basicly claims no one can tell she is braless which is wrong since a correction needed to be made. The rest of this story is missing. Did this come down the chain of command or was it initiated by the PSG? Does that really matter? Someone felt her appearances was unprofessional or maybe trying to look out for her safety. Moreover this is not a 9 to 5. This is the Army. Your actions and appearance reflect on you, your command, the Army and the United States 24/7/365. Army regulations apply all 24hrs of the day.

Many comments worry about SHARP. I believe they are off base on this since the issue wasn't raised in the question and if you're handling your business correctly you shouldn't have anything to worry about. There should be nothing sexual about enforcing a professional appearance. The only unwanted comment is that you can't do whatever you please as a soldier.

The only thing I would have suggested is that the PSG been present at or conducted the conversation.