Should we be allowed to keep our hands in our pockets while in uniform?

2015-11-10T01:41:16-05:00

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 10 at 2015 2:00 AM

2015-11-10T02:00:27-05:00

http://www.duffelblog.com/2013/01/soldier-discharged-for-having-his-goddamned-hands-in-his-pockets-says-csm/

Soldier Discharged For 'Having His Goddamned Hands in His Pockets', Says CSM

FT LEONARD WOOD, MO – A soldier with the 318th Military Police Company is being processed out of the Army after being found by his Sergeant Major as having “his goddamn hands in his pockets,” according to his discharge paperwork. According to his unit, Sergeant Thomas Burnette is pending separation for failing to maintain the Army’s […]

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 10 at 2015 3:50 AM

2015-11-10T03:50:32-05:00

If we're allowed to put our hands in our pockets, ISIS wins.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Nov 10 at 2015 3:55 AM

2015-11-10T03:55:41-05:00

Air Force - Fine. Army - One hand to retrieve item. Navy - Only in high winds on deck. Marines - To scratch....things.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 10 at 2015 9:35 AM

2015-11-10T09:35:05-05:00

I personally don't think it's that big of a deal. "Appearances" are subjective and ever evolving.

The better question is, does hands in the pocket interfere with the mission? If so, then no, hands out of pocket.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 9:42 AM

2015-11-10T09:42:52-05:00

Pockets? Here's he loophole, only the thumbs in the front belt line while grabbing the belt is acceptable lol.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Nov 10 at 2015 9:53 AM

2015-11-10T09:53:11-05:00

I believe I'm going to keep my mouth shut on this one. It hurts, but I won't say anything more.........

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 10 at 2015 10:02 AM

2015-11-10T10:02:49-05:00

Long live the knife hand!

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Nov 10 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-11-10T10:24:43-05:00

I personally don't care but I do lean more to the 'Yes' side of things simply because I've been in enough cold areas to know that sometimes you need to warm up your hands for a few seconds without having to wear gloves.

That and I have never seen anything "Unprofessional" with having your hands in your pockets. Now if you have them in your pockets while you're slouching or something then sure, you look like a dirt bag. But just standing there waiting for something and trying to warm up I don't see an issue.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 10 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-11-10T11:01:29-05:00

Ned to keep them warm somehow.....lol
Seriously though it does not detract from a professional appearance. Maybe allow hands in the pockets when not in formation or marching. Otherwise, what is the bid deal.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 10 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-11-10T20:01:09-05:00

We are waiting for SECDEF approval of these female bathing suits.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 11 at 2015 1:03 AM

2015-11-11T01:03:27-05:00

Let me update my response. Air Force should be allowed to put hands in pockets. After all, aren't pockets also known as Air Force Gloves? :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-11-12T09:37:04-05:00

Im going to remain non-committal on the subject. Does hands in the pockets detract from appearance anyless than someone wearing a dirty ACU? Or how about we think about this question, if we are Soldiers 24/7 and should project a professional appearance off duty, should we not be allowed to put our hands in our pockets then as well?

Response by PO2 Joe Kunsch made Nov 12 at 2015 10:47 AM

2015-11-12T10:47:34-05:00

I believe that we should be able to keep our hands in our pockets if the weather is bad or something like that. When a salute is rendered, take both hands out, salute, then put them back in.

Response by PO3 Chaz Sutherland made Nov 12 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-11-12T14:13:52-05:00

Only if it's both freezing cold and nothing official is occurring.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 16 at 2016 7:27 PM

2016-04-16T19:27:13-04:00

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 27 at 2017 10:35 AM

2017-12-27T10:35:53-05:00

I never got how pockets are unprofessional, but are used by lawyers and doctors. The military mean while is over here looking super professional cramming their hands down the front of their pants grabbing their junk for warmth somehow that's professional but pockets are a no go.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 8:01 AM

2018-07-10T08:01:07-04:00

Such a bullshit reg. When have you ever seen "No hands in pockets" in a civilian corporate guideline?