Chewing gum while in uniform

2014-09-11T15:17:28-04:00

Haven't seen post on it on Rallypoint, but if there's one, my apologies for duplicate post.

I'm not referring here to special situations such as chewing chiclets from MREs out in the field or training circumstances where no food or drinks allowed.

I'm talking about routine administrative duties conducted in regular uniform. Do you chew or allow a degree of gum chewing in your shop? Or is it technically not allowed but nobody minds?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 4:56 PM

2014-09-11T16:56:42-04:00

I don't like it when i see it i usually ask them to stop.

Response by SSgt John Carroll made Sep 11 at 2014 7:16 PM

2014-09-11T19:16:56-04:00

Not allowed during formation, and its not considered eating, drinking or smoking so AFI 36-2903 (AF dress & Appearance) doesn't say you can't do it while walking in uniform. So its under your best judgement when & where, & I'm a maintenance NCO "Regular Administrative duties" is an oxymoron for my position... Having a drink/food next to me when I'm at work isn't allowed though (Industrial Area) & Smoking when I'm covered in grease/ fuel/ Hydro/ Coolant & under a piece of equipment ain't gonna happen so if I grab a piece of nicorette or Big Red while performing my kind of regular duties then so be it.

Response by SGT Marvin "Dave" Bigham made Sep 12 at 2014 1:59 PM

2014-09-12T13:59:12-04:00

I don't allow it with my staff at the hotels I have managed either. Makes a speaker look sloppy and adds a disinterested air to a staffer "chawing his cud".

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 6:25 PM

2015-01-13T18:25:42-05:00

Pretty sure that there is no Air Force regulation about chewing gum in most cases, although it is specifically banned when in formation.

I myself go through a pack a week. I'd have a rough time if it were banned any time I'm in uniform.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-01-13T18:30:16-05:00

Sorry...I'm a recruiter and bad breath is unacceptable. I can't always brush my teeth going from one appointment to the next so I and many of my cohorts pop in some gum. I don't chew it in front of applicants...very rude to do so in my eyes. Also with many of my co workers trying to quit smoking, gum becomes a popular "substitute". I'd rather see gum chewing than smell a stale cigarette on someone's uniform.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 7:25 PM

2015-01-13T19:25:47-05:00

As long as not in formation, or otherwise distracting

Fun Story: During the holiday half-day schedule I joined my family (wife and kids) for lunch at the Fort Jackson Food Court (I was in my ACUs since I was working). As we made our way through the seating area, an 'older' gentleman got up from his seat and approached me. (I'm never sure what to expect, especially at Fort Jackson and all the folks visiting their Soldiers in training.)
He said, "Colonel, you should know better."
Taken by surprise, I asked him what I should know better?
He said, "You can't chew gum in uniform."
Very surprised at this, I said, "Sir, I had never heard that, why do you say so?"
At this he looked disgustingly at me and said, "It is against regulations and you know that" and then sat down.
Anyway, as soon as I could I asked my Command Sergeant Major, who reassured me that as long as I wasn't being distracting, or in uniform, I was fine, whew!

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 14 at 2015 1:09 AM

2015-01-14T01:09:18-05:00

Chewing gum in uniform is fine... If your kicked back in your barracks room.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 5:44 AM

2015-01-14T05:44:05-05:00

My patients appreciate my fresh breath.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 12:59 PM

2015-01-14T12:59:32-05:00

i only get bothered by it when the individuals chewing gum start popping and smacking it.

Response by PO3 Jonathan Cooper made Jan 14 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-01-14T14:49:59-05:00

I'm sure there's a regulation against it. Just like everything it depends on what the situation is, like you wear a cover on your way from the car to the house. It seems like on a lot of these issues, especially on chewing gum in uniform, it's just not allowed, but it doesn't get enforced unless it's blatent.
I once had my LCPO jokingly call out a BM during an evolution because he has a question for my Chief and had a wad (About 5 pieces of gum at once!) in his mouth. I'd take his word for it since he came from RTC and is now pusing officer candidates in OCS.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 14 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-01-14T14:55:14-05:00

I see it like dip. Do you do it in polite company visibly? Nope. Do you do it privately and/or in the field? Yep.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 6:50 PM

2015-01-14T18:50:42-05:00

We work very much in peoples' "bubble" fitting oxygen masks and other flying equipment. We have a pack of gum in case someone eats something with a strong smell. We also have a few people trying to quit smoking and it seems to calm them down a little, but not all that much.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 2:19 AM

2015-01-16T02:19:33-05:00

There is no regulation in the Army against chewing gum, except in formation.

It doesn't bother me as long as the person chewing it is doing so with good manners (mouth closed, quiet, etc...). I chew gum in uniform every day. Hell, I'm chewing gum in uniform right now. I appreciate having fresh breath.

I only mention tobacco because others have, but I feel very strongly about chewing. I don't want to see or smell anything that has come out of someone's mouth. Thankfully, chewing tobacco in buildings is banned in most federal government buildings (including military bases). I understand a lot of people in the military dip or chew, so I always have the stance that I will allow it as long as...
(a) I never see your spit {I make those in my office use a non-transparent or 100mph wrapped container to spit into}.
(b) You don't spit while you're speaking with me.
(c) You don't do it if anyone that outranks me is present.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 11:50 AM

2015-03-04T11:50:30-05:00

When I was a young captain at Camp Victory, Iraq, I had a Sergeant Major tell me, "Sir, did you know that you can't chew gum in uniform?" I looked at him and said "really?" saluted him back and moved out. I chew gum all the time in uniform, helps me focus and keeps my breath fresh :)

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 6:10 PM

2017-09-12T18:10:34-04:00

16 years wearing that uniform. Never heard of anything forbidding the chewing of gum. Is this some part of the 670-1 I just never looked at?

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Sep 12 at 2017 6:14 PM

2017-09-12T18:14:49-04:00

Don't do it. I was in the middle of 1st Sqdn 17th Cav formation during All American Review 1994 chewing gum. A 1SG from another BN saw me, came to our 1SG's and next thing I know, TOP Cobbler was behind me. I swallowed the gum quickly. Damn.

Response by PFC Bradley Campbell made Sep 12 at 2017 6:34 PM

2017-09-12T18:34:16-04:00

i dont care either way. just no high 5's while marching.

Response by PO2 Greg Larson made Sep 12 at 2017 6:45 PM

2017-09-12T18:45:01-04:00

Worked with a CPO, we called her the Manatee (sea cow), always chewing gum. Was caught with a big wad in her mouth during a graduation ceremony in front of thousands of guests. Next thing she's been shipped off to Djibouti for TDY.

Response by MAJ Daniel Buchholz made Sep 12 at 2017 7:16 PM

2017-09-12T19:16:29-04:00

I will take that any day of the week over chewing tobacco.... At least gum chewers don't walk around with a nasty spit bottle. A moderate amount of gum chewing (sugar free gum) has been proven to decrease cavities, so less chances of Soldiers becoming MRC4...

Response by 1SG Stephen Burgess made Sep 13 at 2017 12:04 PM

2017-09-13T12:04:47-04:00

Never in formation or while performing any form of D&C or during PT. Otherwise I never had time to worry about anyone chewing gum. Chew your brains out, Soldier. Just don't let me see you spit it on the ground.

Response by SPC Ray Orvin made Sep 6 at 2018 7:42 PM

2018-09-06T19:42:41-04:00

Dont put it in the damn mre!

Response by MSgt Dollar Bill Rutledge made Sep 6 at 2018 8:25 PM

2018-09-06T20:25:02-04:00

I’d rather see someone chew gum in uniform than see them smoking on a cigarette.

Response by SSG Brian Edwards made Sep 8 at 2018 1:58 PM

2018-09-08T13:58:41-04:00

I feel there are alot more issues more important than chewing gum. So what if someone chews gum, alot of times it's a great stress release. You want to keep good people in don't nit pick. Formation understandable any other time give it a break.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 3:54 PM

2018-09-08T15:54:14-04:00

Good god is this actually a topic of conversation? Not in formation and not distracting. Simple and common sense for anyone.

I use to chew I all the time when I was flying and/or working on a patient. It helped equalize the inner ear and the mechanical action of chewing gum helps slow my thoughts and help me to focus when I had a critical patient.

Now that I sit behind a desk all day I chew gum all day because it helps me focus on hours of mind numbing paperwork. Never once has anyone ever said a thing about it unless we were headed to formation and they were reminding me I still had gum in my mouth.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 4:22 PM

2018-09-08T16:22:04-04:00

There is no regulation (that I have found) that explicitly state you cannot chew gum while in uniform. The primary go to refs for this should be AR 670-1 and FM 3-21.5 (customs and courtesies). But neither state that you cannot. It’s one of those things that’s an unspoken rule of professionalism sort of like not walking on the grass, which is also not covered by regulation. If you find it please let me see it however, we just know that it’s a no go

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 4:22 PM

2018-09-08T16:22:49-04:00

Must be a Marine thing. I remember being a SPC at FLW and a Marine Ssgt yelled at me in the Px for chewing gum in uniform. I respected his commands and spit it out; however, chewing gum strenghtens the NCO jaw.

Response by SSG Steven Kelley made Sep 8 at 2018 5:21 PM

2018-09-08T17:21:19-04:00

In formation and while attending events or ceremonies; it should be corrected immediately and be dealt with so it does not happen again. I have really never been a gum person since I was a kid, however it is acceptable in my opinion as long as it is not overly obvious (chomping). Much like cell phones, use with discretion.

Response by SGT Tj Casiano made Sep 8 at 2018 6:29 PM

2018-09-08T18:29:32-04:00

Personally I never chewed gum on duty. To be honest, I hardly ever chew gum at all.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 10:08 PM

2018-09-08T22:08:25-04:00

My own take on this was that it was kind of like sunglasses, except that you needed a scrip for the "shades" when in uniform. When I had the commo shop it never came up as a real issue.

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made Sep 8 at 2018 10:15 PM

2018-09-08T22:15:02-04:00

I've seen DSs chew gum...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 11:33 PM

2018-09-08T23:33:56-04:00

Nobody cares only if you’re in formation kind of like no one cares if u dip inside your company.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 12:31 AM

2018-09-09T00:31:17-04:00

If this a reg it’s even worse than no hands in pockets people chew tobacco and dip no differents formation is a different story though

Response by SSG Christopher Cannon made Sep 9 at 2018 12:32 AM

2018-09-09T00:32:52-04:00

We are fighting two wars as long as it is not a distraction it should not be a problem.

Response by SFC Phillip Allen made Sep 9 at 2018 11:32 AM

2018-09-09T11:32:51-04:00

Chewing gum is a perfectly acceptable alternative to smokeless tobacco.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 2:29 PM

2018-09-09T14:29:19-04:00

Not in formation. Not at meetings and especially not if you are briefing.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Sep 9 at 2018 2:31 PM

2018-09-09T14:31:35-04:00

Entertaining post.

Response by PO1 Robert George made Sep 9 at 2018 3:17 PM

2018-09-09T15:17:09-04:00

If you were meant to be a cow you would have been born as one.
Aspergum and medicinal types , I can see. It's a pain in the ass to clean off shoes/boots(and my freshly scrubbed deck!). Continually popping the damn stuff is irritating as hell.
"Does your chewing gum lose it's flavor on the bed post overnight?" -Irish Rovers(I think!)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 4:47 PM

2018-09-09T16:47:22-04:00

While I was in I didn't care if someone chewed gum. I just couldn't stand someone blowing bubbles and popping their gum.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 5:05 PM

2018-09-09T17:05:53-04:00

What's the difference between chewing gum and dip? At least with the gum you're are not spitting and leaving your lady ass spit bottle all over the place. Neither should be allowed in uniform.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 5:10 PM

2018-09-09T17:10:47-04:00

I always figured it was along the lines of “no chewing/eating while walking in uniform.” That’s the only thing I ever heard about that topic.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 6:00 PM

2018-09-09T18:00:03-04:00

Stuff like this is what makes the military stupid. If there is no written regulation on it, shut up and deal with it, don't make your own regulation because then your just an immature asshat trying to make an insignificant footprint. Is this the liberal military where as long as one entitled person complains about it then it's a no-no.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 6:54 PM

2018-09-09T18:54:40-04:00

The only time I chew gum is at pt. Only after we salut and sing the dog face song.

Response by SPC Nathaniel Morgan made Sep 9 at 2018 7:01 PM

2018-09-09T19:01:47-04:00

Soldier chew tobacco in uniform so I really don’t see a big deal about gum unless they are blowing bubbles.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 8:05 PM

2018-09-09T20:05:52-04:00

Because everyone knows that chewing gum will reduce your combat readiness. A simple stick of juicy fruit will turn chesty puller into a complete turd.

Military logic.

Response by SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD made Sep 9 at 2018 9:09 PM

2018-09-09T21:09:38-04:00

Remove your cover?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 11:29 PM

2018-09-09T23:29:35-04:00

Look not enough people, do personal hygiene after pt, I'm all for regulation, but please dont make me have to smell there hot cheeto breath in formation,
Sincerely, your average joe.

Response by SrA Branon Lamphere made Sep 9 at 2018 11:39 PM

2018-09-09T23:39:12-04:00

Completely unacceptable!!

Response by SFC John Patterson made Sep 9 at 2018 11:59 PM

2018-09-09T23:59:38-04:00

Bitch about em chewing gum but not a word about sucking cancer through a filter out by the smoke shed.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2018 12:01 AM

2018-09-10T00:01:22-04:00

I had an airman chewing gum on a EAWS board. I asked him the hardest question and so did all the other board members. As soon as we were done with the board, we told him he did not pass for chewing gum during the board.

Response by FA Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2018 12:22 AM

2018-09-10T00:22:31-04:00

They dont allow it at TSC

Response by LCpl Jason Keiser made Sep 10 at 2018 2:14 AM

2018-09-10T02:14:43-04:00

What kind of question is this. I never ever saw a US MARINE cjew gum in uniform. NOTonce, i dont think us MARINES would ever stoop so low! WE have to much PRIDE.

Response by Cpl John DeConti made Sep 10 at 2018 3:47 PM

2018-09-10T15:47:30-04:00

It's much less professional to walk around on duty with dip in your mouth... Bigger fish to fry and enemies to kill... That being said... I better not catch either in my damned formations.

Response by Sgt Michael Rogers made Sep 10 at 2018 5:27 PM

2018-09-10T17:27:12-04:00

As long as it was not in formation I never cared about it. Chewing gum is less disgusting than dipping.

Response by PO1 Barbara Matthews made Sep 10 at 2018 7:18 PM

2018-09-10T19:18:08-04:00

I don't mind chewing gum, is tobacco that grosses me out, especially when they spit it out in a clear water bottle... And that gross nasty stuff. Eww (I digress).

Gum chewing was overlooked many times in the Navy. It's mostly not allowed in training commands, flight deck, engineering spaces, on the Quarterdeck, and other times it would obviously be not appropriate. The Navy regs are a little vague on it. Some commands tolerate it and others flat out don't allow it. I've been out for 12 years, it may have all changed by now.

Response by 1SG Ralph Hazlett made Sep 10 at 2018 9:19 PM

2018-09-10T21:19:11-04:00

A small piece of gum (not a wad of bubble gum) is ok and is useful to stop a dry mouth or freshen breath..as long as it isn't noticeably chewed and isn't visible while talking. If told to get rid of it, then get rid of it. It's no worse than someone chewing tobacco or dip, that is very visible.

Response by PO1 Michael Turnbeaugh made Sep 10 at 2018 9:23 PM

2018-09-10T21:23:06-04:00

Never saw anyone chewing gum during my nine years. Probably wasn't permitted on submarines but you don't want to start a habit like that when you could be at sea with no resupply for two to four months.

Response by CPT Lee Gruber made Sep 10 at 2018 10:01 PM

2018-09-10T22:01:41-04:00

When I was in the Army, Officers could not carry babies when in uniform, or carry groceries, or push shopping carts !

Response by SSG Pat O'Flaherty made Sep 10 at 2018 11:18 PM

2018-09-10T23:18:31-04:00

Why not let them have umbrellas while were at it.

Response by SGT Frank Allen made Sep 11 at 2018 12:28 AM

2018-09-11T00:28:40-04:00

Some people can type better if the chew gum. I had a clerk typist that was like that one time...

Response by SSgt Manuel Sawyer made Sep 11 at 2018 12:44 AM

2018-09-11T00:44:06-04:00

Need to chew at 5000 feet to pop ear drums properly

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2018 8:13 AM

2018-09-11T08:13:02-04:00

Don’t do it in formation or when talking to an officer, and damn sure don’t ever blow bubbles, beyond that rock on. It helps me concentrate and cuts down my appetite a little.

Response by SP5 Gary Smith made Sep 11 at 2018 9:12 AM

2018-09-11T09:12:10-04:00

Still can’t stand to see a soldier with his hands in his pockets. 50 years.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2019 1:09 PM

2019-06-22T13:09:40-04:00

For something to be "Technically not allowed,..." there'd have to be a regulation against it.
I won't pretend to have ALL regulations memorized, but I certainly can't remember any forbidding gum chewing.

Response by PO2 Seth Carron made Jun 22 at 2019 3:29 PM

2019-06-22T15:29:38-04:00

Just don't do it in formation. Other than that there's bigger things to worry about.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2019 3:46 PM

2019-08-13T15:46:45-04:00

I voted technically because it mostly fit my view. In you are in uniform and performing work and doing your job BE IT construction like myself, or admin such as finance or HR or......all the rest. Chew a small piece. Not like an obnoxious chewer and blowing bubbles but to keep the mouth wet and breath fresh. Go for it.
Now if you are in a classroom, giving a presentation, in a meeting then don't. Take out the gum and dip and whatever else. Formations! My gosh I still lean down my squad line and look for anyone chewing gum. I tell them to spit it out or tuck it in the cheek and conceal.
Its situational.

Response by 1SG Charles Griffin made Aug 17 at 2019 1:44 PM

2019-08-17T13:44:46-04:00

Well if it helps that persons breath I’m all for it.

Response by CPL Shayne Sanchez made Aug 19 at 2019 7:04 PM

2019-08-19T19:04:17-04:00

You got service members walking around with a dip in their mouths all day. Gum is cool by me....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 3:09 AM

2019-08-20T03:09:57-04:00

Gum = no
Dip = no problem
Do i have it right?

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Aug 20 at 2019 8:45 AM

2019-08-20T08:45:54-04:00

depends, did you bring enough for everyone?

Response by PO2 Roger Langford made Aug 20 at 2019 12:12 PM

2019-08-20T12:12:52-04:00

I used to pick my nose in uniform.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 3:17 PM

2019-08-20T15:17:00-04:00

It’s way better than dip. 10/10 would rather put up with smacking than spitting.

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 6:01 PM

2019-08-20T18:01:14-04:00

So as long as you’re not walking & chewing at the same time

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made Aug 20 at 2019 6:56 PM

2019-08-20T18:56:31-04:00

I’d rather they had a gum habit than a cigar or Copenhagen habit

Response by SP5 Gary Smith made Aug 20 at 2019 7:38 PM

2019-08-20T19:38:12-04:00

Really? This is the type of shit you garrison troops think about?

Response by SP5 Tim Fenoglia made Aug 21 at 2019 7:33 AM

2019-08-21T07:33:04-04:00

There's no category for "get a life".

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Aug 21 at 2019 11:14 AM

2019-08-21T11:14:58-04:00

It's been a while since I served in the Corps. Back then it was strictly not allowed.

Response by MAJ Vic Artiga made Aug 21 at 2019 7:42 PM

2019-08-21T19:42:27-04:00

I never cared if one of my soldiers chewed gum in uniform. However, I do think chewing tobacco while in uniform should be condemned. Why do we encourage soldiers to use a product that will give them cancer?

Response by SGT Charles Belford made Aug 21 at 2019 9:00 PM

2019-08-21T21:00:26-04:00

“(d) Soldiers will not walk while engaged in activities that would interfere with the hand salute and greeting of the day or detract from a professional image. Examples include, but are not limited to, walking while eating“. Now correct me if I am wrong, but this is the only part of AR 670-1 that says anything about eating food (chewing gum). By this standard you cannot chew gum and walk. However, it also says only if it does not detract from professionalism and hand salutes. Use your best judgment. And if someone finds what you are doing to be unprofessional, stop and take a look at yourself and make sure you aren’t ate up :)

Response by SGT Robert Whatley made Aug 24 at 2019 5:14 PM

2019-08-24T17:14:32-04:00

Is this realy a question?

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 10:41 AM

2020-02-26T10:41:45-05:00

As long as you are not walking

Response by SSgt James Fehlberg made Feb 26 at 2020 6:11 PM

2020-02-26T18:11:25-05:00

Nowadays you can stick a lot of things in your mouth and it’s o.k, chewing gum in uniform is still considered unprofessional if it presents an unprofessional appearance.

Response by PO2 Mike Smith made Feb 26 at 2020 7:02 PM

2020-02-26T19:02:33-05:00

Never did it and I think it is tacky to do so in public.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 7:31 PM

2020-02-26T19:31:04-05:00

Medical Gave me some nicotine gum to stop smoking so much so I’m constantly chewing on that, my chain of command does seem to mind because they all know I’m trying to cut back on drinking and smoking.

Response by SGT Pappa Russ Scarvelli made Feb 26 at 2020 7:50 PM

2020-02-26T19:50:23-05:00

Chew discretely and don't crack your gum or blow bubbles. We are professionals and don't want to give the gawkers to have anything to say. Let's maintain professionalism!

Response by PFC Albert Hoecker made Feb 26 at 2020 11:25 PM

2020-02-26T23:25:27-05:00

No comment

Response by SSG Marcus Johnson made Feb 27 at 2020 4:07 AM

2020-02-27T04:07:17-05:00

I agree

Response by LCpl Bobby Foutty made Feb 27 at 2020 9:29 AM

2020-02-27T09:29:33-05:00

No answer

Response by 1SG Ken Hampton made Feb 27 at 2020 2:07 PM

2020-02-27T14:07:40-05:00

When in formation, chewing gum is not allowed nor at of the positions.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Jun 6 at 2021 8:48 PM

2021-06-06T20:48:55-04:00

Don't do anything to disrespect those who you now represent! Never forgotten!