Does the Army have the authority to throw away your laundry?

2020-06-28T08:13:21-04:00

Our SGM goes through the barracks multiple times a day. When he checks the laundry rooms, he goes through any washers or dryers that are not currently running. We were told today that any clothes will be trashed if they are not picked up within an hour of the cycle being completed. Do they have the authority to do this? Is there a legal way to dispute this?

Nonessential Information: My unit is tasked with decontamination of areas where there are confirmed Covid 19 cases. These missions can happen at any time and are on short notice. What happens if we are on mission while we have clothes in the laundry? I personally have a sleeping disorder that causes me to often be awake when I should be sleeping. I may also fall asleep when I should be awake. What happens if a pass out during the day with clothes running?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 28 at 2020 8:17 AM

2020-06-28T08:17:00-04:00

Maybe sit down and talk with the SGM about why this is a requirement. Can you "station" laundry baskets in the room so someone else can remove your dried clothing and use the machine? Find out what the issue is and come up wtih some proposed solutions to offer

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Jun 28 at 2020 8:29 AM

2020-06-28T08:29:20-04:00

My first thought is "... there's an E-9 with nothing to do ... ". I encountered several of them during my time in uniform.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jun 28 at 2020 9:31 AM

2020-06-28T09:31:19-04:00

I would talk to the CSM and ask him to have this SGM get off your ass or you will tell MPIs and your 3. I guess that where CBR folks still are. The CSM is not guna want the boat to rock, so I sure he square away.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 9:46 AM

2020-06-28T09:46:35-04:00

The first and last time I had to use laundry in the barracks was in Panama. The first Saturday I was doing laundry I walked back in 45 minutes after I started a wash to find that someone else had put my clothes in the dryer, I also noticed that there wree more clothes folded up waiting to be picked up and less bags waiting for washers. 45 minutes later I went back to get my clothes out of the dryer only to notice that my clothes were already folded on top of the dryer, and there were no longer any laundry bags waiting for machines.
I realized that every soldier doing laundry was cycling every machine that was done whenever they walked in, so I did that too. Everyone was working as a team, rather than just dealing with their own laundry.
The moral of the story is that if you all work as a team, this won't be an issue anymore.

Or you can fight it, go to the BC first, maybe the IG after that, someone will eventually say that you can't throw a Soldier's clothes in the trash, and your E9 will move onto something else to fill his weekends, like room inspections every two hours.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Jun 28 at 2020 10:17 AM

2020-06-28T10:17:18-04:00

Very good question.
Is there a camera there? If your clothes go missing can you prove he threw them away? Because, no, he can not throw away someones personal belongings.
On the flip side of that coin, are there any cameras in there? How can you prove he threw them away and someone didn't just steal your clothes??
Here in the civilian world if you leave your clothes unattended there is a high possibility someone will steal them and the laundromat holds no responsibility. If it's your item you need to keep it secure.
An hour after the cycle is finished is more than enough time for you to get your laundry.
So: No he can't throw them away, BUT you need to make sure no one else steals them. Keep track of your stuff. You're the only person who's going to care if your laundry disappears.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-06-28T11:59:45-04:00

Absolutely not. The only reason to confiscate personal clothing is if it serves evidence for a crime or CBRN personnel has authority to decontaminate/quarantine it if you've been exposed something like COVID-19.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 28 at 2020 12:21 PM

2020-06-28T12:21:42-04:00

I love SGM Private RallyPoint Member's answer! Best idea.
There is a problem with community laundries when people don't remove their clothes from washers or dryers in a timely manner thus holding up other people using the machines during high demand times. IMO the best way to deal with this is to stay with your stuff while it washes, move it promptly to the dryer, and stay until it's dry. Bring a phone to play a game, read a book, post on RallyPoint. If you're called to duty while laundry is in progress consider asking a friend who isn't called to retrieve you stuff, maybe even complete the laundry cycle for you--paybacks later. As for the SGM, he can't "steal" your stuff and throw it away. I agree with those saying the E-9 needs a better job!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 28 at 2020 12:53 PM

2020-06-28T12:53:48-04:00

Know that I have no filter so here are straight up questions:
.
#1 What the policy of the commander via the 1SG?
#2: Has someone else complained and this SGM is the assigned and responsible NCO?
#3: In my day company-sized units only had one E8 unless they were HQ elements - so are you in a HQ unit?
#4: Does your immediate supervisor know of this issue?
#5: Know this is bottom line is sarcasm BUT since you're a SPC and not a NCO - If #4 if 'Yes' then how long has your immediate chain of command been flat on their ass?
.
If your immediate supervisor does not know then #4 applies solely to you.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jun 28 at 2020 12:55 PM

2020-06-28T12:55:51-04:00

Small potatoes.
I would not argue with him. I would follow his orders. You are lucky those caught not following such a simple order are not PT'ed until he gets tired.
Go ask if there is anything you can do to help with whatever he is thinking about.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 1:35 PM

2020-06-28T13:35:33-04:00

Basically you live in a community space. Don’t be a dirtbag. If you put laundry in and are not going to be by it (I would do mine at DCC and just read and study while it was going or I would set a timer on my phone for about 5-10 minutes before I knew it would be done) then make sure you’re back before the cycle ends so you can get your stuff out of the machine and another soldier can use it.

If you don’t do that you better hope the person who finds your stuff sitting in a washer or dryer after it’s done is nice like I was and moves your things out of the machine and either into a dryer or onto the folding table rather than just leaving them in a pile on the floor (I saw other soldiers do this a few times).

So I understand why your SGM is threatening to confiscate clothing, but he cannot do that. Just try and be responsible and respectful of others sharing your community living space and you won’t have to worry about SGM having to speak with legal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 1:45 PM

2020-06-28T13:45:46-04:00

I don’t agree with throwing other people’s clothes out, however, to resort to this measurement means leaving clothes in the wash/dryer is an ongoing problem.

Realistically there is no excuse for your laundry to stay in the wash/dryer for an extended period of time. Having your laundry in their for that long of a period is selfish because you’re not the only one who has to do laundry. Police up behind yourself and don’t make excuses to leave your clothes in the washer/dryer for an extended period.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 28 at 2020 1:48 PM

2020-06-28T13:48:23-04:00

It is highly unlikely that he or anyone would throw out your belongings. He can establish a policy that states you cannot leave laundry in the machines. Leaving it there for any reason is inpolite. Your disorder aside, it is likely you aren’t the only one in your barracks who needs to wash clothes. If someone throws out your belongings see your 1SG.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Jun 28 at 2020 1:52 PM

2020-06-28T13:52:39-04:00

I am assuming that by SGM you actually mean the BN CSM. If the CSM has given authority for soldiers to secure unattended laundry in the nearest trash receptacle there is very little you can do about it.

It is extremely selfish for someone to drop their laundry in the washer or dryer and think that they can come back 6 hours later and get it. There is obviously a problem or a damn E9 would not be worried about such a trivial problem. Wanna die on a uselessness hill? Attempt to fight on this one. Think about this, your options are to attempt to “go higher” in your NCO support channel, you are at BDE level. Wanna run it up the chain of command? You might as well start at the first full bird because your BN’s senior enlisted advisor is the right hand of that light bird. Maybe the best bet is to do your laundry and not leave it unattended.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 2:06 PM

2020-06-28T14:06:12-04:00

Doubtful. Granted, I'm in a different branch, but our barracks LPO threatens to do that on the regular. She claimed that if you leave your clothes unattended on the ship, it gets dumped overboard. I've never seen it. What she ended up doing to avoid any unpleasantness with the OIC was to lock our shit up in the building manager's supply cage. That way anyone who wanted their clothes back had to report to the office and get a summary ass chewing. I don't blame her, there's very limited washer/dryer space for 400 sailors. Just be on time.

Response by SGT David Shanley Jr. made Jun 28 at 2020 2:28 PM

2020-06-28T14:28:31-04:00

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd1842.pdf
Above is a link. Use this you will find DOD form 1842. If it happens, fill it out send it up.
if the link does work google DOD form 1842.

dd1842.pdf

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Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 28 at 2020 3:13 PM

2020-06-28T15:13:19-04:00

Not really, tho he has the power to bundle up anything lying around and lock it up untill properly claimed. Leaving things laying around is a violation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 4:00 PM

2020-06-28T16:00:09-04:00

It all comes down to, one's responsibility to take care of his or hers own, things. The washer and dryer are use by many, can't rely on someone who doesn't care about other's in the barracks.
So, it gets thrown out.

Response by SGT Justin Brothen made Jun 28 at 2020 5:10 PM

2020-06-28T17:10:08-04:00

This reminds me of Germany, they did that there. Hopefully you PCS somewhere that has a washer and dryer in your common area shared by 2 people.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Jun 28 at 2020 5:22 PM

2020-06-28T17:22:27-04:00

I think they call it time management. If you don't have the appropriate amount of time to do your laundry. Allocate time to complete the task, by doing so, you wouldn't have the issue of someone messing with your laundry

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 5:26 PM

2020-06-28T17:26:29-04:00

If you leave something unsecured, then someone else can take it. If you were at a public laundromat you would sit next to your clothes so no one stole them or tossed them on the floor.
If you fall asleep you can set an alarm to remind yourself to get your clothes. If your sleeping disorder causes you to be unable to wake from an alarm, talk to your medical provider about a medical separation.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jun 28 at 2020 6:29 PM

2020-06-28T18:29:08-04:00

For the most part when I put laundry in the machine I brought a book in to read and sat there while the laundry was washing or drying. it wasn't something I did every day. If I did leave I knew approx how long the machine took to run and checked on it to see if it was finished. it was primarily underwear, sock and towels, fatigues anyway which I had plenty of. Some civilian clothes were in those loads as well . other uniforms I sent to the cleaners and always had enough on hand to change often. I didn't leave things around for other people to deal with and it wasn't that hard.

I also had been a 1st Sergeant, Senior NCO and other NCO ranks and never did anything like that nor did any of My peers. Checking the barracks is one thing but there are also other duties, seems He had more free time on his hands than He should have. The welfare of His or Her troops should have been a priority, not bothering them in their living space and being "Chicken Shit " because He had nothing else filling His or Her time even though he had other duties they should have been attending too !

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 7:53 PM

2020-06-28T19:53:48-04:00

During my last Active Duty assignment in the 173rd, our laundry rooms had multiples signs posted that any clothes left in washers or dryers after an hour of them being finished would be taken out so other soldiers can use them. Any clothes left in the rooms after 24 hours were getting tossed. Never cared much about the authority because we had a shortage of working washers and dryers in our barracks. To us it just ensured we did our business and let fellow soldiers get a turn. Never personally saw clothes get trashed by CQ though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 1:06 AM

2020-06-29T01:06:36-04:00

put a hidden camera and blackmail anyone that throws your stuff away or do the right thing and report them with the evidence of theft.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 9:26 AM

2020-06-29T09:26:58-04:00

1. how does he know when the cycle was completed? does he have nothing better to do? 2. set a timer and go back and remove your stuff 59:59 after the cycle has ended

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 12:58 PM

2020-06-29T12:58:15-04:00

As was stated - work as a team. Everyone work together to ensure the laundry doesn't sit in the dryer.

Honestly having missions is no excuse for it to sit in the dryer for hours. If you do have a sudden mission, ask a friend to get your laundry for you. You're not all on mission at the same time.

As to what happens if you "pass out" with the washer or dryer running - set an alarm so if you do fall asleep you'll wake up when they're done.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 12:58 PM

2020-06-29T12:58:55-04:00

Well, on our Coast Guard cutter if clothes/uniform items were found "adrift" anywhere on board by the Master-at-Arms they would be put in a "lucky bag" to all be auctioned off to the crew periodically at a sale on the mess deck. This was actually a fun endeavor in itself (unless of course it was your clothes that they were auctioning off) with people joking around trying on uniform items that they wanted/needed so bad and wished would fit them that really didn't fit them. Of course everybody else could see right away at first glance that they would not fit the person haha. (A cheaper way to get needed uniform items than through normal sources!. You really felt that you scored!) So, therefore, I believe the military has the authority to deal with issues like this under "good order and discipline". Of course maybe on a ship you need to just run a "tighter ship" haha!

Response by SPC David Lowman made Jun 29 at 2020 1:19 PM

2020-06-29T13:19:40-04:00

Depends on what the command directive is when dealing with the laundry. If there is an order out into place about unsecured items. Then why shouldn't it be enforced? Also it's the service members responsibly to secure their items. Teaches discipline and working together while not deployed. If you were to be deployed would you leave your items unsecured for an extended amount of time?? Fill out a DA form IMT WF1 (hurt feeling report) and get over it.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jun 29 at 2020 5:44 PM

2020-06-29T17:44:46-04:00

If you can't manage your sleep schedule enough to get your clothes out of a dryer that other people need to use, how are you going to manage your sleep schedule if you ever get deployed? Nobody wants the Joe who falls asleep on guard duty.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 9:58 PM

2020-06-29T21:58:21-04:00

As everyone else has stated, they have no right to throw your personal property away. Use your COC to get your Company Commander to bring it up to higher. If that does nothing just give IG a call. And make sure you document anything that you or anyone else has thrown away.

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made Jun 30 at 2020 3:30 PM

2020-06-30T15:30:34-04:00

Wow! I have gotten old. We just but it in a bag, tagged it, and sent it out to the Army laundry and waited for it to return. Life has really gotten complicated. Hope you do not get guard duty to often that sleeping thing could cause you some problems. Best of luck with the laundry and your SGM.

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Jul 1 at 2020 4:35 PM

2020-07-01T16:35:02-04:00

That sleeping disorder is a way out of the military. You could get someone kiiled and I hope you are not driving while you fall asleep. You have narcolypsia and should have disqualified you from service.

Response by MSG Brenda Neal made Jul 2 at 2020 1:07 PM

2020-07-02T13:07:02-04:00

My concern would be if you passed out during a mission when someone depended on you more than your laundry. Is this sleeping disorder critical to your mission? Your teammates should have each other covered and are you left on your own? Bigger issue here than clean underwear. Did you check the dumpster?

Response by SSG Brian MacBain made Jul 4 at 2020 12:54 PM

2020-07-04T12:54:55-04:00

When I was stationed in Korea the first time in 1996, I just bought brand three new BDU's (anyone remember them?) and had them in the washer. I went down put my laundry in the dryer. Once that was done, I went to get my laundry and some a-hole stole my new BDU pants and replace them with their old ones. Shame on me for not keeping an eye on my laundry in thinking we will not steal from each other. I never caught the person, but even today if I had found out who was it will pay for what they did. Bottom line is that I was at fault for not keeping an eye on my laundry.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 11:00 AM

2020-07-05T11:00:11-04:00

First and foremost your laundry is your responsibility not someone else's. The fact that someone has thrown away your laundry is at most wrong. As a Facilities/Billeting chief while in my last year of service, I would tell my Marines to stay with your Laundry. I do have a question for you. If you were doing Laundry at a Laundry mat, would you go home and come back when it was done? NO. So take some responsibility for your own.

Response by SSG James Stodola made Jul 5 at 2020 11:23 AM

2020-07-05T11:23:55-04:00

This is an odd one I must say, I don't think I have ever heard of this happening, but then the world of the military is a big place. I think that what SGM McCLoud said is most likely the way to go in general, it is after all a team efforts regards less of the tasks involved. It sounds like, and I mean no disrespect to any of the other SGM's here, that maybe your SGM doesn't have enough to do in his own AO and is just out looking for things to do, much like I have seen new Lieutenants who wander around base looking for salutes because they have very little duties in the beginning. I would get with your fellow soldiers and see if this can be worked out by doing what someone did for you, i.e. folding your clothes for you in order to use the machines, seems like an easy and workable solution. This isn't something that you might want to bitch about to much, if in fact clothes were thrown away that in itself is an issue and should be addressed, but be careful how and how much you do so.

Response by SPC Richard Benoit Jr. made Jul 5 at 2020 12:26 PM

2020-07-05T12:26:27-04:00

Dang,your lucky to only have to worry about your laundry. When the SGM came through we always worried it was ruck time

Response by SGM Gerald Fife made Jul 5 at 2020 1:02 PM

2020-07-05T13:02:32-04:00

Back in the day, they had Quartermaster laundry. Do they today? I have never done laundry in a barracks. You say SGM did the tossing. You being Medical, my assumption, this SGM is a section leader? I can't see an Opn SGM or S2 SGM or such taking time to go trough the laundry room. And maybe with your sleeping problems perhaps you should not be in the Army? Sleep apnea and narcolepsy are indeed a problem. It is also, to the best of my knowledge, a condition that rates a disability if you were a retiree. Then again, this SGM must have too much time on his hands to go through the laundry room, or any other rooms, multiple times a day.

Response by SCPO Lonny Randolph made Jul 5 at 2020 1:07 PM

2020-07-05T13:07:02-04:00

Seems to me you have a solution searching for a problem. What would you say if someone simply stole your gear while you were off re-primering the jeep or whatever? Laundry by the steps: insert laundry into washing machine with soap and start the machine. Sit down and wait for the machine to stop. Remove laundry from the washing machine and insert it into the dryer. Start the dryer and sit down. When the dryer stops, remove the laundry, fold it and return it to your room and your locker. Note that doing laundry this way will ensure that you will not loose it and no one else will need to bother with it. Hint, this sort of behavior is called being an adult, grow up - it will make life simpler.

Response by SPC Larry McDowell made Jul 5 at 2020 3:55 PM

2020-07-05T15:55:48-04:00

Was always taught to stay with my laundry. Select a time you can be there. Great time to write home, study, in my military time boots

Response by GySgt Marc Dickerson made Jul 5 at 2020 6:58 PM

2020-07-05T18:58:20-04:00

No one has the right to dispose of your personal property, or do anything else with it. It's called theft. You may have to take this up the chain of command. Ask to speak to the Inspector General. Or contact Senators and Congressmen. That usually gets the commands attention. Worked for me twice during my career. Once when my command would not let me go on leave prior to special assignment because they misplaced my medical and dental records. And the next was when I caught my Colonel doing illegal dealings with a government contractor. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 9:49 PM

2020-07-05T21:49:02-04:00

Set an alarm. It’s not that hard.

Response by PO3 Mick Zurek made Jul 6 at 2020 8:46 PM

2020-07-06T20:46:33-04:00

Why in the world are you in the military?

Response by SSgt William Quinn made Jul 7 at 2020 12:10 PM

2020-07-07T12:10:08-04:00

Weekly, in my civilian job, an email goes out to clean the fridge out, any left over food and containers are thrown out. It happens everyday. Follow the rules. It is not your washer or drier, it is the Army's.

Response by Maj Matt McCabe made Jul 7 at 2020 3:10 PM

2020-07-07T15:10:24-04:00

Even people who are minimally compatible with military service are subject to the structure of the military.

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Jul 7 at 2020 6:16 PM

2020-07-07T18:16:27-04:00

Kid
Let me tell you that is a stretch by having laundry and on a minute notice you have a mission
I am a retired 74D Instructor and I know the drill
My concern is your sleeping disorder
Personally I would be looking at either drumming you out Or a different MOS
I am tired of listening to soldiers whine when they should be grown adults

Response by SSgt Wilson Ortiz made Jul 8 at 2020 12:15 PM

2020-07-08T12:15:01-04:00

No. Not legal at all. Easy way to file a report with Military Police for Theft of Private Property.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2020 9:28 AM

2020-07-09T09:28:50-04:00

Theory: no, nobody gets to throw away your laundry. That's theft.
Reality: bring it up and whoever threw it away might get a slap on the wrist, but then the same chain of command that slaps his wrist is going to start asking your leadership why you're unable to manage your time and take care of your laundry like an adult.
Personally, I've NEVER trusted other soldiers enough to leave my laundry unattended. I try to bring a book or something to do while my laundry is in the machines.
Also, if you have sleep apnea or narcolepsy, that's a serious problem. You might want to talk to medical about that or look at a medical separation. Falling asleep on guard duty or at other times when people are relying on you can get people killed. I respect that you're trying to do the right thing and overcome personal issues, but if the problem is big enough, then the issue is bigger than you and there's no shame in separating. Good luck!

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Jul 11 at 2020 10:49 AM

2020-07-11T10:49:40-04:00

So what your telling me is because you have a sleeping disorder that you should have special treatment? Maybe I am misreading this and it is a medical out your requesting? Where is the rest of your unit? How come some one can't just take your laundry out and move it to the dryer/washer. Why can't you do your laundry when you get back like in the middle of the night if needed? Kind of sounds like a made up issue that could be handled another way.

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Jul 12 at 2020 4:28 PM

2020-07-12T16:28:29-04:00

My first question to you is has anybody talk to this gentleman and ask what the problem is. Although I can’t think of a justification for what he’s doing he there may really be a reason for what he’s doing. Once you’ve gotten his answer it would be reasonable to ask him the same questions you’re asking us what do you do when you called away on official duty in the middle of a wash or dry cycle?

Response by SGM Omer Dalton made Jul 12 at 2020 6:58 PM

2020-07-12T18:58:01-04:00

Were/are there rules posted in the laundry room? If so, then you have no case. The SGM’s first stop should have been the 1SGT; however you best let it go. It isn’t worth the battle. If the clothing were/are destroyed, then that is another matter. What is his definition of trashed?

Response by SPC Dennis Kregel made Jul 12 at 2020 7:57 PM

2020-07-12T19:57:45-04:00

Dude if your E9 is that bored I pity you. With that said I have 2 questions. 1. Has any laundry actually been thrown away? 2. If so how did he judge that it had been there over an hour?

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Mullett made Jul 30 at 2020 2:38 PM

2020-07-30T14:38:41-04:00

As the SGM below mentioned, the Army is a team, and if you are called away, people should just help each other out.
That said, there are the unfortunate ones who take advantage. They will start their washer, and leave, relying on others to do their work for them. I have witnessed that several times. I like making examples of them.
I, personally, do my laundry when I can stay and finish it. I like to read, so it's my time to relax. If I show up to the laundry room and there are no open washers, I will move finished laundry to a dryer that appears to be close to finishing. Or, I will go ahead and put it in, if there is an open one. The nice thing about ACU and OCP is, they have nametags you can pull to identify whose laundry is in that machine.
I know it's a groaner, but "Consideration of others" goes a long way when we are all dealing with off duty requirements.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2020 3:48 AM

2020-08-01T03:48:04-04:00

I’m not saying throwing away your clothes is the wrong answer but if you just forget about I’m cycling it through, The dryer and leaving in the room, now I ain’t going to steal it, but I’m Not letting a person be selfish and out in the dryer/washer and leave it there for five hours, so if it’s just because laziness.. too bad so sad, take the loss drive on, if it’s a legitimate reason Then I’ll help you find your missing shit, albeit there is only one thief in the army and everyone else is trying to get their shit back.

Response by SGT Keith Smith made Aug 12 at 2020 12:03 PM

2020-08-12T12:03:20-04:00

Okay. If your medical condition is that bad then you could be medically discharged. I would not use this as one of the reasons for concern.
No. The regulations do not allow for the destruction on personal property. They do allow for disciplinary action for not following orders. Yes they can place written orders on how to conduct laundry as well as following the written instructions on wash and wear of military clothing. Now how did this become an issue? Most likely soldiers were leaving their cloths in the machines which was keeping other soldiers from doing their laundry. If this is the case then my advice would be take care of the problem at the lowest level. Take their crap out and sit it in front of their door. Let’s everyone know who the problem children are and places them in a bad position. If anything military is stolen, they will have to replace it at their own expense. They left it unsecured.

Response by LCDR Brian Cook made Aug 13 at 2020 2:37 PM

2020-08-13T14:37:18-04:00

Sadly, sounds like a tyrant. In the Navy I had to rein in several senior enlisted making life miserable for my troops, some like the power and abuse it. In the Navy you can always request Captains mass, an audience with the CO. As a junior officer, I always had an open door policy an hopefully your LT is a competent leader who can resolve this situation that I think is unreasonable and probably not even legal.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2020 3:59 PM

2020-08-13T15:59:07-04:00

If the clothes are unattended, you're essentially accepting the consequences of whatever happens to them. If you are concerned, don't leave your laundry unattended.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2020 12:40 PM

2020-08-14T12:40:32-04:00

Which is laundry room SOP? As someone mentioned before, 2 years ago I went to WOBC and people just took clothes out the washer into the dryer and continued that team effort. I personally dont fold others peoples clothes because I dont want to being called off for trying to assist someone, idiots do exist and SHARP complaints sharks too. On the other hand; I think you are providing some info that might hurt you. Sleep disorder?? In the military?? Falling assleep while on duty?? REALLY???

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2020 12:47 PM

2020-08-14T12:47:03-04:00

The Army does have the authority to ensure proper cleanliness and hygiene in and around the barracks, so, to answer your broad question, yes, the Army can throw your clothes away.

However, the Army must meet its obligation in a reasonable manner. Affording Soldiers only an hour under these conditions does not seem reasonable. In other conditions, 1 hour might be reasonable.

Another consideration is whether the requirement is enforceable. While the CSM can make rules governing hygiene and cleanliness of Army-owned buildings under his commander's authority and he can make rules for the Soldiers he is responsible for, it is unlikely that the CSM can uniformly enforce the 1 hour requirement.

This means that the enforcement of the requirement would probably disproportionately affect some Soldiers more than others and, if this were the outcome, the rule would be wrong.

As others have previously stated, you should take your concerns to your Chain of Command and I would recommend formally/informally documenting them by writing an email and sending it.

If your Chain of Command does not respond in a reasonable length of time and will not answer your questions, I would take your concerns to the Command IG.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Aug 14 at 2020 12:49 PM

2020-08-14T12:49:30-04:00

Hell I'd throw away one's laundry, dump dirt on it, or throw it all over the laundry room and give the CQNCO the heads up to send them to my room for a chat. It's your property to maintain on your time. If you can't manage your own time to get laundry done, then you have more problems than a Smaj throwing your clothes in the trash. If he really wanted to prove a point he could order everyone to stay in military issues clothing just to prove a point.

Response by SGT Steven Hines made Aug 14 at 2020 3:35 PM

2020-08-14T15:35:31-04:00

Your in the army, the SGM can do what ever the F*** he wants. Rule #1 if your not watching your stuff, any thing can happen to it.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Aug 14 at 2020 9:26 PM

2020-08-14T21:26:14-04:00

As a whole no one has the right or authority to discards one's clothing/laundry. But however one has the responsibility to to take care of one's affairs/Laundry. If you have time to put in washer then you have time to sit and watch your clothes from the point of entering to the point of exiting the washroom. Your not a child anymore and no one needs to babysit you. Your an adult, so grow up and take care of your duties & responsibility of your needs. Mommy no longer lives here. On your second issue I say don't be doing personal hygiene task while on duty. Do it when off duty, period. Now if you have a sleep disorder then take your self to sick call and have it checked out. It could be something very simple like tired blood (Iron deficiency) to something major which could be a number of things and a sleep study maybe recommended.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Aug 16 at 2020 2:41 AM

2020-08-16T02:41:38-04:00

Do you think maybe the SGM was just being dramatic in trying to make the point of keeping your barracks area squared away? And the sleep disorder, I'd see someone at medical about that, sounds like more of an issue than just how it affects your laundry process.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Aug 16 at 2020 8:20 AM

2020-08-16T08:20:17-04:00

When I was in the Marines, we had a "house-mouse" or "mamasan" who took care of the daily duties including your laundry for a small charge. When I was Okinawa, I worked a lot of night shifts. I would go to bed about 0900. When I woke up later in the day, mamasan would have my uniform washed and ironed. My personal items were on the table next to my bed. Never had an issue. They house-mouse kept the common areas cleaned along with the heads.

When I was in Germany at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, most of us used the post laundry. I don't know if the men had any problems with the laundry facilities in the basement. The post laundry had both regular washer and driers plus a couple of dry cleaning machines.

Never had the problems being discussed.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Aug 16 at 2020 11:04 AM

2020-08-16T11:04:40-04:00

The Army can definitely throw away your laundry or even your a**. SGM on the other hand depending on who assigned him the task and what his guidance to do so. If he isn't directed by the unit commander to take care of that laundry room or the barrack, he is just a jerk, a bully with rank. You may cordially confront him or ask your unit commander to do so. The correct way of him to do so is to put out a policy and put a sign in the laundry room to warning the "Idiot that didn't get the word"-- JFK. If no one in your chain of command doing anything to clarify the policy usage of laundry room, you can call the IG to step in. US Army does not allow any senior rank carelessly or abusively, even a general. However, it takes a congress to vote out a general. Hence we all answer to someone , so do what you willing to pay for it.

Just because they have rank or authority doesn't mean that he/she is infallible, although, rank hath its privileged. When I was in basic training qualifying for Basic Rifleman Qualification (BRQ), my drill sergeant has a pool of whose Soldier will shoot perfect score (40/40). When it my turn, my drill sergeant told me that if I get 40/40 he will let me be the first in the chow line all the time. I went and did it. So, instead of let me be the front of the chow line he made me a platoon guide, which meant at the end of the chow line all the time. Go figure, right? Anyway, I was a soccer player I could run 8 minutes and 34 second 2-mile run (best score) leg press 300 lbs, but I could barely do five pull-up or 13 push-up. My best quality in the army was shooting weapons, including 25 mm. So, there were no surprise where there were platoon guide obstacle course match up. I was disqualified since robe climbing. The moral of the story was that I got position because I was good at something. Even though, a platoon guide should be the one that has best performance and potential for leadership.

So, your SGM has to set up a clear policy before he enforces the punishment. However, if he has no authority to oversee that barrack or that laundry room, he has to go tell the person in charge of the barrack to put out his recommended guideline. Another word he may have authority to command you to COVID-19 clean up, but he has no right to throw away other people stuff in the laundry room, which he is not in charge of.

Tell SGM for me, "If the instruction is not clear, then the fault lies with the leader. However, if the leader ensure that the instruction is clear and subordinate understand what he has to do, then fault lies with the subordinate.", Sun Tzu, The Art Of War.

In the end, if you believe you are right, stick to your gun but be tactful about it. The US Army wants to create a "morally righteous, thinking, killing machine." We don't a robot, unless you are a robot.

Watis Ekthuvapranee
SSG, USA (Ret.)

PS: Warning, if he was doing that on a whim, then he is likely a vengeful person.

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Aug 16 at 2020 11:46 AM

2020-08-16T11:46:35-04:00

I believe tying up a machine others may be waiting to use is thoughtless and at the very least rude. 2nd as I was in the Navy leaving items out and not taken care or stowed away was considered gear adrift and would be taken. If lucky they could be found in the gear adrift locker. In which you would have get in locked and listen to why gear adrift is wrong and in the case of ships potentially dangerous to the ship and its personnel. Such as fire and clogging pumps

Response by SP5 Richard Welch made Aug 16 at 2020 3:37 PM

2020-08-16T15:37:58-04:00

I never experienced this, sounds like he is over zealous and is OCD. I would file a claim for lost/missing clothing with unit. In the end, he will crackdown on anyone that does this. Sounds like he is bored and needs a diversion or two during duty hours. Leaving them overnight is unacceptable, and it's normal for other troops to come in, move clothing to dryers and fold them.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Aug 17 at 2020 12:12 AM

2020-08-17T00:12:18-04:00

Really! If this is what matters to our new members! We are in a world of hurt. Sorry , bronze medal, air medal,. Now displayed belowk , I ate in a mess hall medal. No longer am a member, it means nothing

Response by PFC Keven Anderson made Aug 18 at 2020 11:57 AM

2020-08-18T11:57:34-04:00

As a veteran that's not cool the military needs to year there solders better way better

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 2:48 PM

2020-08-18T14:48:39-04:00

I can fix this real damn quick!!! Stay with your damn clothes until they are finished. If your not there then it’s considered abandoned property and can be disposed of. Don’t make excuses about being sleepy man up soldier and if you have a sleep disorder to where you can’t do your job maybe you need to look for another field of work.

Response by PO1 George White made Aug 18 at 2020 7:32 PM

2020-08-18T19:32:34-04:00

"I personally have a sleeping disorder that causes me to often be awake when I should be sleeping. I may also fall asleep when I should be awake. What happens if a pass out during the day with clothes running?"

Why are you even on active duty and not discharged on a medical at the least?

Response by GySgt Angelo Vitalone sr made Aug 25 at 2020 10:35 AM

2020-08-25T10:35:50-04:00

IT SOUNDS THE INSPECTOR WANTED TO FIND CLOTHES TO THROW AWAY

Response by CPL Linda B. made Sep 8 at 2020 2:54 PM

2020-09-08T14:54:20-04:00

If you have that much problem sleeping you probably shouldn't be in the army trying to protect people not being reliable is a sure way to get yourself another's killed

Response by SSgt Kenneth Bowman made Sep 23 at 2020 3:46 PM

2020-09-23T15:46:15-04:00

We call in gear adrift in the Marines. If your laundry is sitting still more than an hour unattended, I'd suggest you treat this as a bought lesson. Yup, we can wonder why the sgm has nothing to do. But he will want to know what it is that you were doing that you could not keep up with your laundry, set an alarm on your phone/laptop

IJS

Response by SPC Roger Opfer made Sep 25 at 2020 10:45 PM

2020-09-25T22:45:37-04:00

Sounds to me like you shouldn't be in the military if you don't know when your going to be awake or asleep. I can't believe they haven't discharged you on a medical. As far as your laundry, when your awake figure it out. It's not that hard. Your mother did.

Response by SP5 John Eskins made Sep 26 at 2020 5:31 PM

2020-09-26T17:31:56-04:00

What happens during the day,, or night when you are on a mission and fall asleep? Oh maybe some of you buddies won't make it back because they got shot, because you were sleeping! What are you doing in the military with this disorder?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2020 8:20 PM

2020-09-26T20:20:03-04:00

Finish your days work, get something to eat, find a book/iPad or phone and go do your laundry. Stay with it while it’s getting done. Simple.

Response by SSgt John VanBuskirk made Sep 27 at 2020 1:18 AM

2020-09-27T01:18:32-04:00

Set an alarm if you're afraid you'll pass out.

Response by PO3 Bertrand Reed made Sep 27 at 2020 9:28 AM

2020-09-27T09:28:03-04:00

Hey, You're in the Army now, you're not behind the plow, you'll NEVER get Rich you son of a bitch, you're in the Army now. They can take away your birthday if they want to.

Response by SFC Aubrey Campbell made Sep 27 at 2020 7:56 PM

2020-09-27T19:56:42-04:00

The issue is not the laundry or the SGM. The issue is whether or not you comply with the directive. I encountered this situation in several units. You put your clothes in a washer or dryer, you better hang around to collect them. If an “unannounced” alert is called while your clothes are in laundry room, run through the chaos, and get your CLOTHES!!! Now as one of the SGM’s said on this thread that teamwork is best. But I am here to tell you, I lost a lot of uniforms! Moral of this take away, “Set aside time to do laundry...be considerate that others have to do laundry too. By the way, the SGM would not throw out your laundry...he would just read your name tag and have a sergeant find and prepare you as a dinner meal.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Sep 27 at 2020 10:14 PM

2020-09-27T22:14:40-04:00

I don't make it a habit to sharp shoot a SGM but dear Mars god of war, he's being ridiculous. How does he know how long the clothes have been in the washer or dryer after completing the cycle? He sounds like a meter maid but the laundry room kind.

Response by MSG Moises Maldonado made Sep 27 at 2020 10:33 PM

2020-09-27T22:33:05-04:00

That(sleep) disorder would get you nowhere in the Service.. Did you tell officials at MEPS.. Suck it up GI. The ARMY Isn't you Mommy.. Do the laundry and "STAY" with it.. It is NOT that hard to do.. If the rules are.. " Do NOT leave your Laundry unattended by more than an hour " then is on you...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 6:08 PM

2020-10-21T18:08:30-04:00

.. so your concern is if you can leave your laundry in a machine longer then an hour after the cycle is complete?
Outside of the being on Mission. Why is this an issue?

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Oct 28 at 2020 9:23 PM

2020-10-28T21:23:29-04:00

At sea, there is no “standing around” waiting for laundry. Even as an officer, I frequently lost items that were clearly marked. The enlisted had all their laundry go by division berthing spaces. We swore there was a machine that ripped buttons off and fired then though our socks. Actually, over time the steam presses melted down the nylon blend type threads on shirts until the buttons fell off. The socks??! Don’t know. A tour of ship’s laundry is quite revealing. Most quickly learned to save decent clothing till port call.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Oct 30 at 2020 2:42 PM

2020-10-30T14:42:11-04:00

SPC McGrath, If you have a sleep disorder as you describe, you need to go to the doctors and get diagnosed. If you have sleep apnea you could develop heart disease or other serious conditions. I say this because I learned several years ago that I have sleep apnea and a few years later I developed a heart condition. Please get yourself checked by the medics.
The SGM is trying to keep the laundry facilities available and not have soldiers leaving their clothes unclaimed and making the machines unavailable for others to use. Does he have the authority to do that? I don't know, that's a question for the JAG, but I strongly suspect he wouldn't do it if he didn't have the authority.

Response by SSG James Harlow made Oct 31 at 2020 8:18 PM

2020-10-31T20:18:18-04:00

When I lived in the barracks I took my clothes to a laundry that washed, dried and folded by the pound. Usually about $20.00.

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Nov 1 at 2020 1:19 AM

2020-11-01T01:19:54-04:00

You are asking the wrong question Specialist. The real question is, who is responsible for securing your gear, civilian and military? I was an MP at Ft. Lewis. We worked 6 on got 2 off and rotated shifts every week, from days, to Midnights, to Swings (4 - midnight). If you have a serious sleep issue like that, I'm surprised that you have not been discharged. How do you function when in the field? I won't get in to that, that's your business, but the fact of the matter is, the dryer usually takes about 25 minutes, so you need to stay with your laundry while in the washer, and set your phone for 45 minutes, just in case you fall asleep. The perfect world, and the great days in the Army are what the SGM wrote about, soldier looking after soldier. Most of that went away with the Millennials and has only further decayed with the Generation Z's. It is no longer teamwork, though there are some that still exist, but looking out for one another especially those they don't know is an Army of years gone by.

Response by CPT Keith Messinger made Nov 1 at 2020 7:36 PM

2020-11-01T19:36:52-05:00

Your SGM can do anything he wants. You gonna challenge him over laundry?

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Nov 3 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-11-03T11:59:09-05:00

There's a difference between threatening to do something and actually doing it. Maybe he's just trying to intimidate/scare you into being more tidy. My advice would be to get the people in your barracks together and implement a system where everyone takes care of each other. If he actually throws away people's property, then there's a problem that needs to be elevated.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Dec 4 at 2020 12:53 AM

2020-12-04T00:53:11-05:00

Your SGM sounds like a real 'Blue Falcon'... I betcha the Bn Cmdr would make him buy me new issue if he threw my shit out! Nobody has any right to dispose of anyone else's personal property.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Dec 6 at 2020 5:14 PM

2020-12-06T17:14:15-05:00

Your SGM has too much time on his hands and sounds like he has OCD and/or some other issues. However- Don't leave your laundry sitting though and you won't have any issues . (within an hour) sounds reasonable, I just feel an SGM should not be babysitting babies.

Response by SSG(P) Danielle Birtha made Dec 8 at 2020 6:37 PM

2020-12-08T18:37:14-05:00

???a sleeping disorder? pass out without warning? WHY are you even in the military?
YOU ARE A DANGER TO EVERY OTHER SOLDIER IN YOUR UNIT.
Go on sick call... get a medical discharge.
Or... stay in and deal with the guilt if your buddies get killed because YOU FELL ASLEEP, WHEN YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE AWAKE!
lol... YOUR LAUNDRY IS THE LEAST OF YOUR PROBLEMS!

Response by SFC Edna Madison made Dec 16 at 2020 7:23 AM

2020-12-16T07:23:36-05:00

Never leave laundry unattended in a community laundry. Its your responsibility. If you must leave, bag it and take it with you or use a buddy system if possible.

Response by SGT Philip Klein made Dec 26 at 2020 11:54 AM

2020-12-26T11:54:14-05:00

No, can’t throw away your clothes

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2020 1:54 AM

2020-12-27T01:54:57-05:00

I thought Laundry & Bath unit handle this job?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2020 3:21 AM

2020-12-27T03:21:32-05:00

SPC, as so many others have mentioned. Set alarms or stay with your laundry. Clearly there is a problem with ppl leaving their laundry unattended for extended periods of time. I don't know your leadership but, I'm sure senior leaders do not wish to abuse their rank or appear to "have too much time on their hands" to be monitoring laundry rooms. Don't make excuses, if you have a problem, seek help through your leadership and work out the issue.

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Dec 27 at 2020 11:50 AM

2020-12-27T11:50:21-05:00

I say unless you got called away on a mission..it your fault to leave your laundry unattended, I am sure you or all were told not to leave your laundry unattended in the laundry room. Back in my military time there were a sign in our laundry room..” Clean after used” “ Do not leave laundry unattended “ if you value your your laundry it would never be left in the washer or dryer. I know it BS if your CSM throw your laundry in the trash he cares less about your laundry.. otherwise you would know this when you got to your new unit. Set aside a couple hours and do your laundry and you want get throw in the trash..

Response by MAJ Mark Steskal made Dec 27 at 2020 1:43 PM

2020-12-27T13:43:47-05:00

Be responsible. Talk about it with your chain of command. Why would a policy like the above be instituted? Because solderers were not taking care of business, leaving their junk sitting around (probably for days) until it moldered in the laundry. Perhaps they thought someone else would take care of it for them.
Maybe a little peer pressure would clear up the issue with strap hangers who don't finish their own laundry.
And oh, by the way, don't you put your name on your uniforms anyway? Should make it easy to find the culprits if that was policy.
As for disabilities, if you can't hack it or find an appropriate coping mechanism
maybe you should be seeking a medical discharge.

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Dec 27 at 2020 5:13 PM

2020-12-27T17:13:52-05:00

Sounds like your SGM is an asshat.

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Dec 27 at 2020 5:23 PM

2020-12-27T17:23:35-05:00

Since you’re referring him to a SGM and not a CSM, I’m going to assume that you’re in a TDA unit and not a TOE unit. It’s hard to believe that a Senior NCO has nothing better to do than troll the barracks timing soldier’s laundry sessions. Sounds like you’ve got yourself an asshole who cares more about what he can do TO a soldier rather than what he can do FOR a soldier. Be strong, get through it, and rest assured that the rest of the Army isn’t like that.
I’m sorry that you’ve inherited a piss-poor example of an NCO. Guys like that make good NCO’s look bad.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Dec 28 at 2020 12:35 AM

2020-12-28T00:35:19-05:00

Point blank? Yes he has that authority. Your laundry is your laundry. It is your stuff that you either bought or were issued for clothing wear. It is your responsibility to maintain and keep up with. You don't own the barracks or laundry facilities. The Army "Loans" them to you for use. It is your job to put your clothes in the laundry to wash, then stay there with them until they are ready to be put in the dryer and once dry, take them out.

Conversely the laundry is limited and multiple machines must serve and entire unit. It is rude, out and out disrespectful for soldiers to leave their laundry in machines.

As for your nonessential information? Irrelevant. Those are personal issues that you need to learn to deal with and are not the responsibility of the Army. Mission happens you get with a battle buddy and say hey, I have my clothes in the laundry, could you take care of it until I get back?

Response by PV2 Donald Dean made Dec 29 at 2020 3:44 AM

2020-12-29T03:44:47-05:00

I would treat as a standard laundry mat. Don't leave it unattended. I suspect he doesn't have the legal authority to do it. However, I am sure there are some other soldiers that are using the machines and then not picking their stuff up. Causing a "traffic jam" of sorts.

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Dec 31 at 2020 2:36 PM

2020-12-31T14:36:35-05:00

My first question would be,” How did you get in the military with that type of sleep disorder?” If you have a problem keeping up with your laundry, I’m not so sure I want you near me in any needed situation.

Response by LCpl William Swink made Jan 1 at 2021 11:19 AM

2021-01-01T11:19:44-05:00

As a specialist, one would figure you’d been in long enough to know that your needs, wants and personal issues mean nothing to the green machine... your best bet is to go see a somnambulist and deal with your sleep issues (I too am both an insomniac AND narcoleptic... and coincidentally was also NBC Decon) because nothing else is going to change...

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2021 5:31 PM

2021-01-01T17:31:16-05:00

It just sounds like a situational awareness thing coupled with personal responsibility and time management. I really don't think a SGM is going to be too interested in the back story. Other soldiers are going to need those machines too, so it would behoove you to get your stuff out of there ASAP. SGM doesn't want anyone slacking. Try to stay team focused, Everyone can't all move together if soldier so & so is back there waiting on the take all day dryer. Unit readiness! How is a unit ready if you got half the company all waiting on their tighties to dry and they can't find you to come get your stuff? SGM is probably not going to be too happy about having to attend to something like that in the first place, they got better things to do than be concerned with laundry. Last thing you want to do is something dumb that's going to put you on his radar. It doesn't usually end that well.

Response by Col Tri Trinh made Jan 1 at 2021 6:02 PM

2021-01-01T18:02:50-05:00

Don’t let this be an issue. It’s all avoidable.
Block off a time to do laundry while you watch over your stuff. Bring a book, listen to a pod cast, listen to music...you’ll be done before you know it without a worry.

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Jan 1 at 2021 10:44 PM

2021-01-01T22:44:10-05:00

Fraud, waste and abuse. I don't believe throwing items out; follows this. I am well versed in laundry wars. I just moved it forwarded it. Never folded the "undies". Usually when I cam to a base someone leaving gave me their soap and soften sheets. I did the same.

Response by LTC Zachary Hubbard made Jan 2 at 2021 1:21 PM

2021-01-02T13:21:27-05:00

When I was in I took advantage of quartermaster laundry. Is it still available? One of the best deals going!

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jan 3 at 2021 8:52 AM

2021-01-03T08:52:19-05:00

If I went to do my laundry and there were clothes left after the cycle I would take them out and put them in the next machine and if they were dry, I would put them on the top of the dryer. Dude, they never give you enough machines, move it along. Consideration of others you know. That’s why they teach it so much. If you have a problem with it you can probably hire a Panamanian to pick up your laundry outside your door and return it folded for about $5 bucks a week. When I was there they would do your boots every day too, but you don’t have to worry about that.

Response by Cpl Ernest Thomas made Jan 3 at 2021 2:20 PM

2021-01-03T14:20:09-05:00

First and foremost, don't be a self absorbed tool and walk away from your laundry while it's in the machine. If you want to walk away, then take it somewhere that'll do your laundry for you. You need to have common cortousy for the others that need to wash their clothing also. Stay with your laundry and complete it as soon as it's done! OR, move out of the barracks into a location where you can leave you clothes however you desire. You're supposed to be grown men
act like one! Second, who pissed off the SGM or as we write, SgtMaj. Y'all are on his radar for something that you're not telling us. Are there complaints of drinking, smoking or barracks bimbos? The SGM has a lot more better things to do than go looking for washers and dryers full of clothes (machines should never have clothes left in them anyway, That's Completely UNSAT!!) I'd suggest you figure out why the SGM is so concerned about your barracks and fellow soldiers and then unf#ck yourselves to the point that your SGM no longer has an interest in Y'all.. OR yall can keep up, whatever it is you're doing and watch the f#ck f#ck games continue.. Trust me when I say, you have 100% control of the outcome here. You simply need to figure out how you want to play it. Like grown men or little boys who's momma isn't there to clean up after you.

Response by CPL Robert Jones made Jan 3 at 2021 4:58 PM

2021-01-03T16:58:10-05:00

I would never think that a CSM would have enough time and energy to worry about someone
leaving clothes in a washer or dryer. I think he needs to be doing what his position details and if he’s instructing his subordinates to follow through on such a ridiculous order he really needs to thoroughly rethink what individuals job description is.

Response by CPO Jeffrey Bohemier made Jan 4 at 2021 11:54 AM

2021-01-04T11:54:19-05:00

No, they most certainly DO NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO THAT. IT’S CALLED THEFT, STEALING, or LARCENY in both military and civilian life. Being in the military doesn’t give one rights that would be against the law in the civilian world. Neither does rank, regardless of how high that rank happens to be.
It’s common curtesy to empty the washer that you’re using as soon as your load finishes. Same obviously goes for the dryer. Most barracks have a limited number of machines, especially for the amount of people that need to use them. So don’t get upset if someone empties your washer and puts your clothes in the dryer. However, you shouldn’t empty someone’s washer and then just dump their wet cloths on a table unless you want someone to come along and do the same to you.

Response by LCpl Sidney Green made Jan 4 at 2021 1:38 PM

2021-01-04T13:38:19-05:00

Throwing them away is a bit drastic. They usually go in a bin somewhere and only discarded after a time. Your excuse, however, are implausible. If any of that were to happen you'd be unfit for duty.

Response by SGT Mark Saint Cyr made Jan 15 at 2021 8:48 PM

2021-01-15T20:48:09-05:00

My first thought on this is "WTF are you doing in the Army with a sleeping disorder?"

My second thought was "Wow, the Army is seriously F-ed up if they have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for folks to serve who have serious medical issues that makes it hard for them to soldier".

My last thought was "Everyone is responsible for their own equipment. If you are leaving clothes unsecure for long periods, then you need to find a better way to get it done. Whether that paying someone from civilians to come do it, or another soldier, if it doesn't get done, it's STILL YOUR RESPONSIBILITY".

(A side note: I could always find someone to do things I wanted or needed done. While on active duty we had one kid in the unit, who was willing to do a lot of folk's laundry for a minimal charge, or take someone's duty like cq runner or whatever, just to make extra cash)

I have met a lot of SGMs over my career, some were extraordinary, and some would make me want to scratch my head, but at no time would I ever consider that whatever they were doing was something that would be considered 'wrong' on ANY level. If a SGM is doing it, and you go to legal steps over it, you had better have your ducks in line over it, or there will be hell to pay, and you'll be the one paying it, until either he PCSs or you do.

I would also NOT post in a forum somewhere, where he might see it, as this whole conversation could be considered to be INSUBORDINATION.

Final thought: What are you doing in the Army if you have these issues with authority, as well as medical issues? If I found a soldier of mine ever passed out asleep during the day, I would be ready to kick him out for the good of the service.

Just my 2 coppers...

Response by 1SG Chad Mcdaniel made Jan 29 at 2021 3:41 PM

2021-01-29T15:41:05-05:00

1st I am amazed that this SGM has the time to go through the barracks once a day let alone several times a day. 2nd has the SGM thrown away clothes? 3rd are you in Basic or AIT? 4th I find it very disrespectful to others if you leave your laundry in the washer or dry longer that is required for them to be washed or dried. 5th how bout you manage your time and avoid this situation, I understand your COVID response situation so do you have a battle buddy? 6th is this even a worthy question to pose? If your so worried about the items you may or may not have left in the laundry room provided to you at no expense, then maybe you need to learn better prioritization. But no the SGM cant throw away your items, but maybe the SGM should take the items and have you come see them to identified said clothing that you neglected to collect from the laundry. I'm sure that would be an enjoyable experience for you!

Response by SPC Arthur L Fortson Jr made Jan 30 at 2021 10:23 PM

2021-01-30T22:23:38-05:00

Advice on sick call and possible chapter 8 with benefits.

Response by SPC Arthur L Fortson Jr made Jan 30 at 2021 10:25 PM

2021-01-30T22:25:10-05:00

Laundry in this pandemic must be controlled and ensure regulations are followed.

Response by TSgt Chuck Mankin made Jan 31 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-01-31T17:44:13-05:00

The Army can do that. Plus it sounds like your sleeping disorder is more of a liability to the Army. Did you have this prior to coming in?

Response by CW3 Walter Goerner made Jan 31 at 2021 10:17 PM

2021-01-31T22:17:34-05:00

What you don't say is that the SGM actually did it. Actually your post just shows what kind of puke you are. Other soldiers want to use those washers and dryers and you show how inconsiderate you are by not attending to your clothes and leaving it to someone else to take your crap out of a washer when it's done and putting it into a dryer and the same with a dryer. If you had to leave, you should have arranged with someone to check and do it for you. When I was a Sergeant and you pulled the crap you're pulling on the other soldiers, you'd be coming to look for your clothes IN MY OFFICE and then spend your weekends on First Sergeant detail for remedial training. Why are you in the Army in the first place? If you don't like being part of the team, request an Article 16 and take your General discharge and go bye bye.

Response by 1SG Rick Seekman made Jan 31 at 2021 10:54 PM

2021-01-31T22:54:43-05:00

Seems to me that your Sergeant major would have more important things to do. Your 1SG should be the one inspecting.

Response by SSG Wayne Work made Jan 31 at 2021 11:11 PM

2021-01-31T23:11:58-05:00

Since the barracks are your home you do have the right to leave cloths in the laundry if given you are called away on a mission or other duty time. As being a First Sargent in Germany where we were oncall pretty much 24x7x365. Many times I would find items in the laudry room while doing health check of the Barracks. I never through any cloths away. First of all, given the pandemic issue I would NOT touch another persons cloths. If this is an issue after going through your chain of command (ie. Talk with your First Sargent and explain to them the issues) you can escalate this to the IGs office. SGMs should be going to the First Sargent if he/she has an issue in the Barracks. The Chain of Command goes both ways. He/she must respect this the CoC just like the rest of the military. If he/she is not then there is an issue with respecting his/her own NCOs. I was fortunate to have some very goon SGM I worked with. Hope you can resolve this fast.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Feb 1 at 2021 9:24 AM

2021-02-01T09:24:28-05:00

Tough situation. Hard to believe that the SGM doesn't have better things to do than to search washing machines for someone's clothes. In any case, you were informed of the rule to remove the laundry after a specified time and what was the consequence. Falling asleep, when required to perform a task, is never a good excuse to use in the Army. If I were you, I would seek medical help, if I find myself passing out for no apparent reason.

Response by TSgt Ken Vandevoort made Feb 10 at 2021 7:29 PM

2021-02-10T19:29:46-05:00

They didn't have to throw away our laundry. We had a Montgomery Ward dryer in our barracks that ate socks. They would disappear without a trace.

Response by AN John Denekar made Mar 4 at 2021 12:00 PM

2021-03-04T12:00:22-05:00

You should always stay in attendance while doing laundry, thus will prevent clothes from being placed in the trash.
And for the person with the sleep disorder, you should keep that a secret. Before someone high up finds out and discharges you from the service.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2021 2:29 PM

2021-03-04T14:29:13-05:00

This sounds like a situation where I would request to speak with the chain of command. I would guess this rule was made by someone without the legal knowledge or authority to do so.

Response by Rooster Cogburn made Mar 5 at 2021 7:00 AM

2021-03-05T07:00:25-05:00

Sit your ass in the laundry room and handle your shit, and nobody will throw anything away. Pretty simple really.

Gotta be the whiniest thing I ever read on this site, and fairly unbecoming of a soldier IMHO.

Response by LCDR Beverly Abshere made Mar 5 at 2021 11:51 PM

2021-03-05T23:51:21-05:00

As a side—if you have this significant of sleep disorder, why the hell are you still serving? As a retired medical officer, know that someone with this history should definitely be medically discharged.

Response by SGT Christopher Malloy made Mar 6 at 2021 8:19 AM

2021-03-06T08:19:07-05:00

Couple things. Don't leave your clothes, and the sleeping disorder you need discharged. What happens on CQ, guard duty, covid cleanup and you fall out on the equipment, just saying,

Response by MSgt J D McKee made Mar 7 at 2021 11:36 PM

2021-03-07T23:36:20-05:00

Report it as stolen if it disappears. Because that is what we call it when someone takes another's property without permission. Rank doesn't really come into it, it's a fucking crime, technically two crimes, theft for illegally taking property and vandalism or whatever if it is destroyed. How are you to know who took it? Theft is theft. Bet he never gets arrested though.

After the second or third time the SGM comes up in a law enforcement investigation he will likely get tired of being a suspect.

Of course, he will still be the SGM, and you won't be, so he can follow you around fucking with you the whole time you are blessed by his presence, it's worth considering making some arrangement to where he can't fuck with you over your laundry until he leaves.

Response by SPC Tm Fitzgerald made Mar 8 at 2021 9:01 AM

2021-03-08T09:01:53-05:00

Then why are you in the military if you have such a sleep disorder?

Response by SPC Tm Fitzgerald made Mar 8 at 2021 9:03 AM

2021-03-08T09:03:04-05:00

So how in the heck are you still in the military with such a disorder? I wouldn't want you to be my battle buddy in a wartime situation if you're likely to fall asleep on watch....wow! Clothes should be the least of your concern at this point.

Response by PFC John Lanni made Mar 10 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-03-10T18:40:15-05:00

Don't fall asleep on guard duty or driving. Sounds like a medical issue. Be careful. As far as the laundry, I know it can be an inconvenience when someone shows up to do laundry and macjines are sitting there unused loaded with someone else's wet clothes but I don't know if I would throw them out. Maybe put them in a basket or if they belong to someone that was in a bind throw them in the dryer for them. Maybe if it is the same people doing this, after warning them, just assign them some extra duty to get the message across. Try dropping the laundry off at the laundry service. I don't know if they still have that on base but they base them at the PX's when I was in and cheap. Hope you get a handle on your sleep issues SPC. Good luck.

Response by Sgt Michael Valgos made Mar 11 at 2021 1:26 AM

2021-03-11T01:26:03-05:00

Why would you leave your clothes unattended It is a hard lesson learned Be responsible for your gear If you valued it then you should have taken the time to watch over them You need to stop looking for some way to make someone else responsible for your lack there of I was a Marine for 10 years and if it was left out it would be thrown on the deck or maybe even taken Someone just gave me that utility jacket that needs to be replaced I am glad you are not guarding my home

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Mar 29 at 2021 9:53 AM

2021-03-29T09:53:33-04:00

I am astounded at the picayune subjects that are discussed on a Military Forum. Laundry Room etiquette? I would think more important issues may come to mind. Maybe I am just an old fart and tire easily. Or just Old School. :-)

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Apr 1 at 2021 11:35 PM

2021-04-01T23:35:11-04:00

As long as there is a name on one piece of clothing in the load, it should not be thrown away.
With that said...What to do about it?
Call them out in formation?
Even better make them fold their laundry in front of the formation
Scavenger hunt?
Counseling Statement?
There are so many amusing ways to fix the problem, to simply just throw them away.

No names?
Keep it for so many days, Then
Donate them.
Keep Uniforms and gear, for Soldiers/Sailors whose gear has been lost or damaged.

So many options

Response by SGT Joseph Alanzo made Apr 23 at 2021 5:31 AM

2021-04-23T05:31:41-04:00

no no

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Apr 24 at 2021 10:58 PM

2021-04-24T22:58:45-04:00

No, no one has the authority to destroy your personal property.

Response by Sgt Michael Valgos made Sep 16 at 2021 5:01 AM

2021-09-16T05:01:50-04:00

I am a Marine so I don't know what you Army people do I can tell you that if the SgtMaj said it you better listen and you better do it The military is not a democratic society You should have learned all of this in your basic training If you want to try to buck the SgtMaj go ahead but you will not win and he has the power to make your life miserable Why would you walk off and leave your clothes Be responsible and stop whining