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

Boy the Military sure has changed since I retired in 1988. These are questions that I never would have crossed my mind.

It's your body and as long as it is not offensive in any way your body is yours.

You said it was the worst thing could be said, but i didn't read any thing back about it. Other than your little statement.

::stares with lack of sympathy, hands definitely not in pockets::
[this appears to be an old question ::shrugs::]
[autoformating in my reply is shit, not redoing it]

1. Commanders (CO and up) routinely restrict civilian clothing OCONUS, for many reasons.
A. If considered to be on duty at all times (on duty civ clothing regulations in effect)
B. Widespread problems on the Camp
C. Because they want to (their personal opinion of profession appearance)
D. Off-post civilian clothing policy crafted for diplomatic and cultural reasons (CAMP, ASCC, COCOM)

2. Commanders are required to post their clothing policy, and cannot be applied individually. It must
applied equally to every applicable soldier in that command, unless your decision to wear or not
wear a piece of clothing reasonably violates professional appearance sections of 670-1. Any NCO in
your chain of command reasonably correct unprofessional appearance, but only commanders may
specifically restrict a specific type of clothing (add or subtract) and most post this.

3. Doo-rags, flip flops, white t-shirts, and tank tops are routinely banned items. Additional restrictions
such as hats being removed in doors, and specific gym clothing are often in place. This sets a
precedence for command being able to restrict civilian clothing of virtually any kind.

4. If it's that important to you, ask your Team Leader to receive clarification on the policy to ensure that
Army regulation is being followed. The chain of command works both ways.
A. IF it's a posted command clothing policy, SOL.
B. IF it's the PSG's opinion that you specifically look unprofessional, SOL unless you have reason to
believe you are being treated unequally or unethically, then go to your 1SGT (may not be worth it)
C. IF the PSG is creating her own list of required civilian clothing, unapproved by CO, especially
if it's only being enforced on you, is a NO GO.

5. Besides just doing what your E-7 tells you to do when it doesn't involve UCMJ, Explicit Regulatory, or War Crime violations, which is a pretty good base line, there are other reasons built into the professional appearance standard especially on a CENTCOM AOR Army post (Don't know where you are) which also include your safety.

My Advice:
Being in the army means a certain loss of freedom; we often can't do the things that we want to do. Make your inquiry of the chain of command. Make a reasonable decision. Unless you are being treated unethically, don't make this a hill to die on. In practice the better part of garrison discipline is simply doing what you need to do to avoid giving your chain of command and fellow soldiers reason to make your life more difficult; not being that guy/girl is an underappreciated skillset.


AR-670-1
"Soldiers are associated and identified with the Army in and out of uniform, and when on or off duty. Therefore,
when civilian clothing is worn, Soldiers will ensure that their dress and personal appearance are commensurate with the
high standards traditionally associated with Army service. Commanders are charged with determining and publishing
the local civilian clothing policy. When on a military installation, civilian headgear will be removed indoors in
accordance with established norms."

3-9
b. When on duty in civilian clothes or off duty and outside of their personal dwelling, Army personnel will present a
professional image that does not detract from the profession, unless specifically exempted by the commander for
specific mission requirements.

c. Soldiers are associated and identified with the Army in and out of uniform, and when on or off duty. Therefore,
when civilian clothing is worn, Soldiers will ensure that their dress and personal appearance are commensurate with the
high standards traditionally associated with Army service. Commanders are charged with determining and publishing
the local civilian clothing policy. When on a military installation, civilian headgear will be removed indoors in
accordance with established norms.

I'm not sure , just about positive they can't. But they can use at limited time suggest that you wear one. ie. If there is a company function in civilian attire. Maybe . There are some subjects in the military that are questionable and this is probably one of them. Don't wanna step on toes or say the wrong thing to the females. When i made platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant i was lucky enough to ask my Female NCOs first before i did or said the wrong things. You'd 99% of the time never research something like that. But it should be.

I am a female. I think yes on base. I grew up in Vegas(Las Vegas, NV). In 1984 I went to the local theater on base. In cutoff shorts, flip flops and a wife beater(A shirt) I was turned away as "obscene". Will never forget that. I now worry about nipplage. Perkiness. I am now 59 and well don't let those little bumps show! I think it's a good rule. But dang those new synthetic pants, nothing left to the imagination. Camel toe, male version etc.. In uniform and on base there should be a standard! Off base-knock your self off-unless someone pays you for what you are doing.

Probably never had this question pop up in the military of our fathers.

My unit was told we could not wear tank tops anymore because the guys were coming to the chow hall in muscle shirts that they had worn to the gym. As they went through the line to get their food from the trays, underarm hair had apparently become a concern. I think the local regulation concept applied to me the same as it would apply to you, but it would apply to everyone and would have to be published in a memorandum which could cause you some public humiliation so I think your command was trying to be more discreet in your case.

No.

Ar 670-1 should cover that.