Can you wear an ACU/IHWCU top with combat trousers (the pants with knee pad inserts) in a field environment?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 22:10:53 -0400

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Sep 17 at 2021 10:31 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 22:31:54 -0400

If you are still in, the wear out date for the ACUs has passed. However, since it is a field environments, if you are playing the part of OPFOR, you can ask your CoC.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Sep 18 at 2021 7:53 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 07:53:00 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Brother you'd have to ask your CoC about that. Only place I've seen them worn was while deployed.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Sep 18 at 2021 11:36 AM

MSG Thomas Currie — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 11:36:35 -0400

In the real world, what you wear "in a field environment" is determined by your chain of command.

Keep in mind that with any combination that isn't explicitly covered by regulations ANY level of the chain of command might find it objectionable. As a Combat Engineer you are likely to have more exposure to officers outside your immediate unit -- this could make something like this iffy. I wonder what the CG or division CSM would think of that combination...

When you are conducting engineer support for other units, you will be seen by lots of people outside your immediate chain. Some superiors are reluctant to 'interfere' with soldiers outside their direct chain, especially if they aren't sure what is or isn't allowed. On the other hand, some will make a 'correction' even when they are totally ignorant. I don't know the current climate in your unit, but I strongly suspect you would encounter a mix of both attitudes.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 11:42 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 11:42:47 -0400

I think the SGT is asking if one can wear a top other than the combat t-shirt (baseball shirt) with the combat trousers (knee pad pants). A super quick search on AR 670-1 yielded no results so its probably going to be a local policy for your 1SG or CSM to decide.
My RQ-7B Shadow maintainers were tearing though the knees in their pants performing maintenance in the field. The work area is usually gravel. The issued army knee pads are lacking, too rounded for longer use especially when on both knees, and they don't stay in place unless they are so tight they border on painful. We managed to get some of the mechanics the combat pants to both reduce fatigue and wear and tear on uniforms.
If there is no policy perhaps help your leadership develop one and back it with a reason.