Soldiers aren’t allowed to carry umbrellas when in OCP, but can they stand under them?

2019-10-07T11:02:25-04:00

I’m currently in Army ROTC. We had a PT test this morning in the rain, which is cool and all. But afterwards, walking back to my dorm and passing people with their umbrellas made me a little envious. It got me thinking, for fun, is there a possible loophole to that rule? I don’t intend on actually using it anytime soon, but I am curious.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 7 at 2019 11:05 AM

2019-10-07T11:05:54-04:00

The regulations mention no prohibitions against standing under umbrellas...

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Oct 7 at 2019 11:07 AM

2019-10-07T11:07:45-04:00

I would say that it would violate the spirit of the regulation. Second, Don't be "That Guy" , no one like someone who looks for loopholes. Just friendly advice : )

Response by SFC Danny Watkins made Oct 7 at 2019 11:15 AM

2019-10-07T11:15:22-04:00

I never looked for "loopholes". Perhaps you shoudn't either, just sayin.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 7 at 2019 11:40 AM

2019-10-07T11:40:26-04:00

Ya know, I've been hearing about that old chestnut for years, honest...I'd read about it in the USAF Officer's Guide by Stackpole Books ages ago, honest...I did find your mentioning it, for that very reason, interesting, certainly, if nothing else....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 12:08 PM

2019-10-07T12:08:48-04:00

Welcome to the army where the general rule of thumb is that regulation trumps common sense. And don’t look for loopholes. You don’t want to be that guy.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 12:26 PM

2019-10-07T12:26:40-04:00

Standing under a robotic or drone powered umbrella is clearly within regs and i highly encourage you to develop such a system.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 1:18 PM

2019-10-07T13:18:38-04:00

It doesn't rain in the Army, so the question is moot.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Oct 7 at 2019 1:43 PM

2019-10-07T13:43:06-04:00

I always carried an umbrella... and also wore Marine Corps rain coats in the Army and Air Force... Got challenged just twice years apart..The soaking wet Majors met the dry CPL ... most of the time they never got around to issue wet weather gear..

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Oct 7 at 2019 2:42 PM

2019-10-07T14:42:35-04:00

I'm speaking to anecdote, but I always considered it part of the "mystique" of the uniform that we do not use umbrellas...ever. In the field, there is gear designed for this purpose. In dress uniform, there are prescribed forms of rain gear, specific to each service. That being said, there's potentially nothing so absolutely "BA" as seeing a service member standing rigidly attention in the middle of a full downpour during a ceremony...as if he just simply doesn't give a rat's @$$ to give the rain the time of day.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 3:02 PM

2019-10-07T15:02:41-04:00

“If it ain’t raining! You ain’t training!!”

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 7 at 2019 4:23 PM

2019-10-07T16:23:00-04:00

The "umbrella rule" varies among the Services. Often a source of humor between me and my Army friends. Actually, I think the Army has it correct. The umbrella really doesn't do that much to keep you dry. It's entirely ineffective in a hard rain and a good gust of wind can turn it inside out or destroy it completely. All in all a good rain coat, which all of the Services have as part of their Service Uniform, or rain gear, which may be part of the work or combat uniform, provides much better protection. If you're already wet in you PT uniform, it really doesn't matter.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 9:02 PM

2019-10-07T21:02:01-04:00

From reading your previous comments on being a programmer. Perhaps the USAF may be more your ally. Last I checked we are authorized to use an umbrella, as long as it is black or dark blue I believe and cant have any logos.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 9:10 PM

2019-10-07T21:10:22-04:00

Perhaps. But, If you try to be clever and find loopholes, that is what article 133 and 134 are for.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Oct 7 at 2019 10:54 PM

2019-10-07T22:54:33-04:00

Maybe the Army uses umbrellas but in the Marines (59-63) we didn't. If you were supposed to have an umbrella they would issue you one. Semper Fi.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2019 5:23 AM

2019-10-08T05:23:46-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2019 2:08 PM

2019-10-08T14:08:12-04:00

AR 670-1
a. Type. The umbrella is an optional purchase item.
b. Description. The umbrella is black, plain, with no logos or designs, and of a commercial design. c. When worn. Soldiers may carry and use an umbrella, only during inclement weather, when wearing the service (Class A and Class B), dress, mess, and evening mess uniforms. Umbrellas are not authorized in formations or when wearing field or utility uniforms. Commanders may further restrict Soldiers’ use of umbrellas as appropriate. See DA Pam 670–1

NOW STOP YOUR WHINING. GO TRAIN.

Response by SSG Jim Whitt made Oct 9 at 2019 10:20 PM

2019-10-09T22:20:24-04:00

NO.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Oct 13 at 2019 10:16 PM

2019-10-13T22:16:24-04:00

Private RallyPoint Member oh wow! I never knew we couldn’t use umbrellas! It didn’t occur to me to ask because I simply run from point A to point B, been doing it since I was little. Umbrellas break so easily and my parents couldn’t afford new ones all the time. Besides, it’s only water. Try being soaking wet from head to toe after putting up tents in the rain (yes officers who still get their hands dirty do exist lol), then go brief your commander in a cold room. I must have bit my lip at least three times.

The military is awkward about changing the rules. I was shocked when I saw pictures of servicemen overseas with full beards. I’m sure there’s a policy that grants permission because I don’t remember reading it in the reg. I’ve also seen a lot of females with their hair laying passed their collar. It’s hard to correct people when you visit places because you don’t know who changed the standard through policies. Remember, the reg is a guide. Commanders make changes at their discretion.

My recommendation...if they don’t issue it, you can’t use it at all, even if someone else is operating it.

I challenge you to educate yourself on female appearance. So many male leaders don’t know the standards for female appearance. They rely on their female leaders to make corrections but you may not always have one to help you out. Never talk to a female alone when correcting her.

Good luck!