What common uniform violation really just gets to you?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:15:19 -0400

Every service member is guilty from time to time of violating their branches respective uniform policy. The one that really gets me for some reason is when a top is too short. I can't stand seeing Soldiers walk around in tiny tops.

Response by PO2 Kristy Williams made Sep 12 at 2016 12:16 PM

PO2 Kristy Williams — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:16:42 -0400

Wearing certain uniforms that are designated for on base only out in public.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 12:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:22:42 -0400

Sort of an opposite where a regulation gets to me.

I HATE the "no hands in pockets" rule. Loathe it. I never know what to do with my hands while standing still. Hate it even worse when it's cold out. I don't see it as unprofessional, and really think the regulation and our professional appearances could do without the rule.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 12:22 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:22:58 -0400

This summer its the new rolled sleeves. Some Soldiers just can't seem to get it right and it looks ridiculous. The usual one for me is female hairstyles and nails. We have a lot of them that think they can just do whatever they want and not adhere to regulations. And when you try and correct them they complain its an EO issue.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 12:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:23:01 -0400

I have a few. When one is wearing the beret and it looks like they are trying to impersonate a Frenchie. The other is when they have pin-on badges for their ACUs/OCPs and their badges are crooked.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 12:23 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:23:57 -0400

One common uniform violation that gets to me is oily, greasy knees.... because oil and grease get on my knees.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 12 at 2016 12:31 PM

SGT David T. — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:31:43 -0400

None do anymore. I am a civilian and don't concern myself with uniform standards any more. Then again all the military I work with are O-5 or higher lol.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 12:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:45:18 -0400

The PC is mine. It's not a damn baseball cap and it's not meant to be rolled or any weird crap like that. Kills me every time.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 12:54 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:54:52 -0400

Seeing some one in uniform at events they shouldn't be. For example political campaigns!!!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Sep 12 at 2016 1:21 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 13:21:25 -0400

Back when I was in uniform? Any kind of metal on the bottom of the combat boot. Some older CSM's would do that. I am not sure if it was to preserve the rubber on the heal so they would not have to buy boots as often or to produce the irritating clack, clack, clack when they walked on linoleum......only a few did it in the 1980's and since I was not in the habbit of correcting a CSM as a lowly SPC.........had to cringe and live with it.

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made Sep 12 at 2016 1:22 PM

PO2 Robert Aitchison — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 13:22:43 -0400

Strictly speaking for the Navy it always bugs me when people wear their white hat cover (dixie cup) angled back like it's some sort of fancy yarmulke.

Or another that I always thought was against regs but see ceremonial details do ALL THE TIME is rolling the edges of the white hat cover.

And if we're talking about covers I never did like the look of the Army beret especially when it looks, well, flaccid. Though I'm pretty sure that's how it's supposed to be worn.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 1:33 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 13:33:50 -0400

wearing Navy PT shorts out in town with a normal civilian shirt.

Wear it right or not at all....

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 12 at 2016 1:35 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 13:35:27 -0400

For me, it's service uniforms. I had to wear my service uniform every Friday, so I always looked shit hot. But I knew Marines who hadn't worn it since boot camp and then they try to do a uniform inspection and you've got some with stains, some are popping buttons, belts don't fit etc. It's like they didn't even try it on before coming to inspection. I always reviewed my Marines before an inspection, but that's the most common thing I've seen.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Sep 12 at 2016 2:39 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 14:39:23 -0400

Head gear being on backwards or crooked.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 3:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 15:01:51 -0400

When soldiers have their ACU name tapes on backwards.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Sep 12 at 2016 3:42 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 15:42:32 -0400

You make sounds like there are Bikinis uniforms..

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Sep 12 at 2016 4:11 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 16:11:22 -0400

Unbuttoned pocket flaps and un-tucked boot strings. It kills me at the PX food court to see pocket flaps flopping in the wind and boot strings dangling in the breeze, NCOs all around and no corrections being made. It was death by push ups in my youth if all appropriate buttons weren't buttoned and your boot strings were out. I'm retired so I just shake my head and wonder if the small attention to detail things are left un-fixed what is out there building towards being big things.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 5:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 17:10:34 -0400

The one that really irritates me is when I see people wearing their kevlar cover backwards. For some reason there are a lot of people out there that think that the rear flap to their helmet cover is supposed to be used to cover the base plate for their NODs mount when not in use. It is actually supposed to be used to store cables from the old headsets for the MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet), which is what the ACH used to be called.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 5:40 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 17:40:56 -0400

I have a few. I hate seeing someone outside without a cover in uniform. Also when I see Sailors wearing earbuds in uniform. I saw a Sailor using an umbrella in NWUs (blue digis) once - definitely not authorized. If it is raining, wear the parka.. They look at me like I am the asshole, but I am enforcing the policies and regulations. It is never fun correcting a shipmate, and I get no pleasure in doing so.. but that's what separates good leaders and bad leaders.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 5:44 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 17:44:08 -0400

My uniform pet peeve is when I see soldiers with their trouser leg almost touching the top of their boot when in the regulation it clearly states that the bloused trouser legs should not extend below the third eyelet from the top of the boot. It really gets my blood boiling!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 5:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 17:46:49 -0400

The fatness... Can't take the fatness...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 6:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 18:18:00 -0400

Rolled sleeves in the ACU and OCP looks weird because it looked so much better on the BDUs.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 7:00 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 19:00:19 -0400

Fly is undone....the older I got, the more I forgot it!!! Oh, you meant someone else???

Response by PO3 David Fries made Sep 12 at 2016 7:18 PM

PO3 David Fries — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 19:18:09 -0400

There are two things that always annoyed me; wearing cammies in town, and trying to run from colors.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 8:49 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 20:49:08 -0400

I wouldn't call it an official "uniform violation" but I can't stand it when soldiers are wearing mis-matching tops and bottoms (Like a brand new ACU top and super old and dirty bottoms) and most common is when soldiers have horribly frayed and crooked Velcro name-tapes. A lot of soldiers wash their uniforms with the name tapes on out of laziness and it makes them look warped and absolutely awful. These new uniforms are even worse when it comes to this as the Velcro is much weaker. Just sew them on already!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 9:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 21:32:57 -0400

Hands in pockets.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Sep 12 at 2016 10:32 PM

CPT Chris Loomis — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 22:32:48 -0400

This isn't exactly a violation of AR 670-1, as far as I know, but certainly frosts my hide.... I cant stand seeing Soldiers with a go-zillion pens stuffed into their ACU/OCP pen pockets. I'm all for having a pen. But I've seen scores of Soldiers running around with two (2) pens stuffed into one slot..... Oh my goodness! It's like their "Office Depot Qualification Badge." lol!

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Sep 13 at 2016 6:27 AM

SSG Richard Stevens — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 06:27:16 -0400

When I was in the one thing that got to me was dirty boots and dirty uniforms

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Sep 13 at 2016 6:45 AM

SFC Jerry Humphries — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 06:45:31 -0400

The one that use to bother me the most was being off post and seeing a soldier in uniform pants without a blouse on. While in Walmart BK , Denny's Ect. To me that was totally unacceptable.

Response by SGT Catherine Talento made Sep 13 at 2016 7:33 AM

SGT Catherine Talento — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 07:33:08 -0400

Cellphones. If you have to take a call stop where you are, take your call and carry on. I see a lot of NCOs, especially SSG and higher do this. If you're a SGM hemming a soldier up about their uniform you need to be correct in yours. Get off the damn phones.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 8:30 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 08:30:20 -0400

I seem to have a few.

Hands in the pockets. It was something that my first NCOIC instilled in me. I used to laugh when the TSgts would see him coming & say "oh, there are my keys" as they pulled their hands out of their pockets.

Hats. I'very seen Airmen wear their hat pulled down over their heads like they are trying to tuck their chin into it. I shouldn't be able to see the crown of your head through the top of your hat.

SF Beret. I have seen some young Airmen buy berets that are too large so they can fold the side over to completely cover their ear. Sometimes I think it is a competition for them to see who can fold it over farther.

Response by MSgt Jeff Greene made Sep 13 at 2016 8:30 AM

MSgt Jeff Greene — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 08:30:40 -0400

Being outside without your cover and going places while not in complete uniform.

Response by PO2 Heather Parobek made Sep 13 at 2016 8:42 AM

PO2 Heather Parobek — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 08:42:16 -0400

People that wear parts of their uniform with Civies!

Response by PO2 Heather Parobek made Sep 13 at 2016 8:42 AM

PO2 Heather Parobek — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 08:42:36 -0400

People that wear parts of their uniform with Civies!

Response by MSgt Christopher Schoen made Sep 13 at 2016 8:56 AM

MSgt Christopher Schoen — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 08:56:18 -0400

Really gonna stir some feathers here. Retired years ago. But, we used to have keggers and could smoke without being eagle-eyed like some lower kind of lifeform. My first duty assignment, the chief (Viet Nam tours) smoked a pipe in his office and didn't care if we lit up and talked to him. Sometimes he would pour us a drink. Every SNCO had a bottle in their drawer. Now, everyone has to look over their shoulders to make sure if it is PC or unpopular. Get some balls. Lead.

Response by SSgt Dwight Deatherage made Sep 13 at 2016 9:23 AM

SSgt Dwight Deatherage — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 09:23:00 -0400

Unbuttoned pockets

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 9:53 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 09:53:08 -0400

I have issues with the cosmetics/hair. I feel women take it to extreme interpretations and men are typically afraid to address a woman about her appearance.

Response by SGT David Townsend made Sep 13 at 2016 10:09 AM

SGT David Townsend — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 10:09:55 -0400

Wrinkled uniforms!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 10:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 10:20:04 -0400

An unserviceable uniform...tears, stains, buttons missing.

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Sep 13 at 2016 10:35 AM

SFC Freddie Porter — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 10:35:12 -0400

In the last month I have two that has made me pull soldiers aside and talk to them even though I'm retired the last 8 years. The first was an E-7 leaving Womack, Ft. Bragg with no headgear on and both hands in his pockets. The second was an E-4 that had his name tag and unit crest reversed on his his white Class B shirt. In the case of the SPC, he tried to tell me directly because he was in the medical field thus he was authorized to reverse his name plate and unit crest. Sorry guys, although retired, I found the SPC's PLT SGT and let him know a young customer service soldier was that far out of uniform.

Response by SFC Audie Dame made Sep 13 at 2016 11:10 AM

SFC Audie Dame — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 11:10:01 -0400

Troops in uniform who are NOT wearing headgear.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 11:48 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 11:48:05 -0400

The wear of the patrol cap! To many ball caps rocking around here.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Sep 13 at 2016 12:13 PM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:13:30 -0400

White socks with NWU's or Coveralls. Nothing says I don't give a sh*t about uniform regs than white socks....

Response by PFC Jessi West made Sep 13 at 2016 12:14 PM

PFC Jessi West — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:14:09 -0400

Cadetiots.....no respect for the uniform

Response by PFC Jessi West made Sep 13 at 2016 12:20 PM

PFC Jessi West — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:20:32 -0400

Not a uniform violation anymore, but the hair in a pony tail in the P.T uniform drives me nuts.

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Sep 13 at 2016 12:48 PM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:48:27 -0400

Officers doing the inspections whose uniforms are screwed up as they correct ours!

Response by SGT James Colbert made Sep 13 at 2016 12:53 PM

SGT James Colbert — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:53:00 -0400

where i work.. especially i see it in new interns or new residendes... they seem to get dressed in the mirror and there velco name ,plate , or ribbons... and i always correct them

Response by SGT James Colbert made Sep 13 at 2016 12:55 PM

SGT James Colbert — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:55:58 -0400

i hate boot strings.. i had a PS who used to cut my boots strings called "snakes"

Response by Cpl George Crab made Sep 13 at 2016 12:56 PM

Cpl George Crab — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:56:41 -0400

One time, I came across a utility cover that was lost by it's owner. You know, laying on the ground, probably blown off by the typhoon winds which are kind of a Pacific thing. It was formed to almost the shape of a German peaked hat of WW2 and since it was my size, I wore that cover to show that not every cover had to be starched up and formed on the good old cover block device.

Not being a Nazi of old or even a neo Nazi, I kind of feel ashamed for doing that. This was during the early 70s.

Response by SGT James Colbert made Sep 13 at 2016 12:58 PM

SGT James Colbert — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:58:31 -0400

"Patton Wraps" when people tuck in the uniform pabts into there voots

Response by TSgt Clifton "Chip" Walker Cason made Sep 13 at 2016 1:08 PM

TSgt Clifton "Chip" Walker Cason — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 13:08:14 -0400

What always bothered me was improper wear of the Beret, and improperly bloused trousers

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 1:36 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 13:36:15 -0400

I'd have to say the new eolled sleeves policy in the army. The rolled up sleeves look ridiculous. We are trying to go back to the BDU era, but the BDU was a much better uniform than the velcro crap we have today.

Response by SSG Pedro Lara made Sep 13 at 2016 1:59 PM

SSG Pedro Lara — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 13:59:49 -0400

What gets me is all the fleas ropes on the pocket flaps with the end turn up. It takes a few seconds min to iron the flaps and remove the strings. I'm retired and I have on set of ACU n BDU iron and hanging in my closet. Looking forward the ODS Greens my first uniform in 81 and a set of each derset uniform lost in a move

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made Sep 13 at 2016 2:05 PM

Sgt Tammy Wallace — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 14:05:04 -0400

just reading the question gives me anxiety...lol...personally, I never violated a uniform policy...but for those that did, it really made me upset! I can not stand seeing our uniform disgraced...wearing it wrinkle...boots looking like crap...hands in your pocket (that's the WORST)...cover indoors, no cover outdoors...chewing gum in uniform...eating and walking while in uniform...oh em gee...the list goes on...my temperature is rising just thinking about these uniform violations... :)

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 2:07 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 14:07:52 -0400

Trivial I know, but it drives me crazy to no end when I see a male Soldier wearing earings. I mean even to the point that if I see a picture of a Soldier wearing earings on social media, I get mad. Kills me when its an NCO of some sort, because I get the impression that they feel above the regulation.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 2:37 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 14:37:22 -0400

Wearing a field uniform in public. I am a Marine and I know the Army allows its soldiers to go in public with their field uniforms but to me it's just unprofessional. And uniforms that do not fit, ether to big or to small both look bad.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 2:59 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 14:59:52 -0400

Seniors performing a uniform inspection and not wearing the uniform being inspected. I'm sorry but if you're going to require your juniors to wear the uniform for an inspection you should be wearing the same uniform. I know they aren't required to do so but it just shows that you are ready for an inspection yourself.

Response by SGT Matthew Schenkenfelder made Sep 13 at 2016 3:06 PM

SGT Matthew Schenkenfelder — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:06:33 -0400

One that really gets under my skin is improper wear of headgear. Things like someone's cover kicked back on their head like a ball cap or their beret covering half their face with the flash on the side of their head like they're a comic book character or SAS. Wear it right. I don't make the rules. If you don't like it, get out and go home.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Sep 13 at 2016 3:21 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:21:50 -0400

REPEL ROPES! Burn them, pull them, cut them whatever! Laces and pant stings. TUCK THEM IN! Second. Covers. They don't go down around YOUR EARS. parallel to the ground! If you can pull your cover to your ears it is to BIG! The photo is obviously Air Force.
Do they not do the 45 degree's for attention?

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Sep 13 at 2016 3:38 PM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:38:10 -0400

Moustaches and sideburns that push the limit. SM just be trying the system just to maintain their individuality....if you want individuality....get out!

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Sep 13 at 2016 3:39 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:39:03 -0400

The pant legs wrapped too tightly and tucked far down in the boot to give a straight "pegged" appearance with no blousing affect. On top of that, wrapping the excess laces around the top of the boot before tucking in. Unauthorized commercial boots. Even some of the ones authorized detract from uniformity, but that hardly matters much anymore I guess.

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Sep 13 at 2016 6:38 PM

SSG Don Maggart — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 18:38:46 -0400

I had the minimum hair to keep from getting an Article a High & Tight shaved smooth elsewhere just enough to hold the Beret on...laffs Talk about pissing off POG's that Done it
...MilitantCrip

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Sep 13 at 2016 6:54 PM

SSG Don Maggart — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 18:54:22 -0400

None it was a Body Count more Bodies Quicker the Task got Done...laffs....MilitantCrip

Response by SSG Scott Summers made Sep 13 at 2016 6:56 PM

SSG Scott Summers — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 18:56:19 -0400

Eye pro on the brim of the Patrol cap when not worn on the eyes.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Sep 13 at 2016 9:25 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 21:25:39 -0400

I absolutely dispice mustaches. especialy fat dudes with mustaches.

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Sep 13 at 2016 9:27 PM

SSG(P) Brian Kliesen — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 21:27:19 -0400

The Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) uniform, currently being replaced by the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), has so many problems, it is difficult to identify just one issue. This uniform was a multi-billion dollar mistake by big Army which detrimentally affected every area in which it was used while simultaneously making the US Military field a uniform that didn't work anywhere. The Marines were the only ones that got it right. Unfortunately as a reservist I will be in this uniform for the next several years. When I see this uniform, I shake my head, make corrections and try not to think about it.

Response by MCPO Kurt Stauff made Sep 14 at 2016 1:20 AM

MCPO Kurt Stauff — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 01:20:25 -0400

Women with out of spec haircuts/hairdos; and when they argued when you tried to correct them, citing EO and sexism. Gad, how I hated the fallout after Tailhook.

Response by PO1 James White made Sep 14 at 2016 2:16 AM

PO1 James White — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 02:16:48 -0400

Hiding from Colors,

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2016 5:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 05:47:18 -0400

Mismatched wear and tear of ACU top and bottoms, as in one is far more faded than the other. I write the ABC's onto the labels to keep my A set, B set, etc. from getting mixed up.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 14 at 2016 6:09 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 06:09:08 -0400

Over weight SM's with uniform buttons about to shot someone.

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Sep 14 at 2016 6:12 AM

SCPO Frank Carson — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 06:12:16 -0400

Out in public without a cover. People there are thousands of reservists out there that look exactly like civilians! They hang out in airports and city's even down country roads. Wear your damn cover! God knows you wear your civilian ball cap indoors another violation

Response by SP5 Michael Chambers made Sep 14 at 2016 9:37 AM

SP5 Michael Chambers — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 09:37:14 -0400

My pet peeve was seeing senior leaders power trip on middle rank NCO's and soldiers for petty uniform violations while obviously doing the wrong thing themselves. For example, I was once corrected for not having socks that were tall enough after having taken my platoon for a seventies mile run at altitude in the Colorado mountains to prepare for an upcoming deployment. The Sergeant Major who corrected me routinely skipped physical training despite numerous requests from the men of our unit that he join us. I felt that he was missing the bigger picture. This led not to the men wearing the correct uniform but rather caused the men to lose respect for thier senior leader who missed the big picture.

Response by SFC Samuel Campos made Sep 14 at 2016 2:31 PM

SFC Samuel Campos — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 14:31:19 -0400

Really not a uniform violation because it is done on a regular basis: General Officers, Colonel's etc and Top grade Noncoms appearing in public in BDU's or whatever the new field uniform is called. In my day,(53-73) it was fatigue uniform. If they were in a combat zone, I would have no problem, but this is State-side duty. The dress uniform looks a lot better. Just venting

Response by SSG Jose Alatorre made Sep 14 at 2016 3:02 PM

SSG Jose Alatorre — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 15:02:18 -0400

back in my day starching uniforms .

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Sep 14 at 2016 6:02 PM

1SG Al Brown — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 18:02:09 -0400

This is a great topic. Making an on the spot uniform correction is what teaches young enlisted personnel how to confront other SMs with tact. As the years go by, as you all know, it causes a hyper-vigilant condition that aids in every action from finding an IED wire to waxing your car.
P.S. It never goes away.

Response by MSG Don Burt made Sep 14 at 2016 6:36 PM

MSG Don Burt — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 18:36:45 -0400

It's bad enough to see uniforms, etc. not fitting properly or worn improperly, but what really ticks me off is to find out that the recruits were not taught proper Military Bearing and have no way of following it thru their career/s. Military Bearing encompasses MANY THINGS, and if many things are left out...we see the results. BUT, with that being said if the individual is a habitual offender, then his leaders, peers, etc. are also not doing their jobs!

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2016 6:51 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 18:51:30 -0400

Several that just get my goat.

1) While authorized I detest the rule allowing you to walk and talk on a phone.
2) Haircuts, because they are such an easy thing to maintain yet routinely violated.
3) Hands in pockets, especially while walking around.
4) Backpack violations. I remember when you could not wear one. Follow the regs for what's allowed.
5) Last One: Faded uniforms especially when in public. Somebody in the middle of dirty work I got no problem with an old faded uniform, but out in public it better be good. It sets the public opinion.
6) Ok one more - Wearing earbuds when walking around. Especially those who try to hide it under their uniform. That tells me they know it's wrong and decide to violate it anyway.

Response by SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA made Sep 14 at 2016 11:17 PM

SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 23:17:23 -0400

One time I had a Lt. Try to tell me I needed to shave. It was Sunday and we were at a barber shop. I said before he starts asking people questions like that, he should go find his belt and socks...he left without getting his haircut. So I would say, don't inspect someone and open your mouth unless you are squared away yourself.

Response by SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA made Sep 14 at 2016 11:20 PM

SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 23:20:41 -0400

The big one for me after bring retired over 11 years now would be the liberal wear of the utility uniform off base. The second one would be any miscue of being out of regulation...

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Sep 14 at 2016 11:28 PM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 23:28:32 -0400

In my day, it was "flaps"...unbuttoned pockets...

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made Sep 15 at 2016 10:55 AM

SMSgt Keith Klug — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 10:55:12 -0400

Being outside with out your cover on is mine. Especially those folks who walk with it in their hand and act like they are fixing it all the way across a parking lot and never get it on.

Response by MSgt Alex Taylor made Sep 15 at 2016 11:37 AM

MSgt Alex Taylor — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 11:37:10 -0400

The only one that really bugs me is when a person flies the United States flag the wrong way on their uniform.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 1:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:32:58 -0400

The one that gets me is when females have to much hair on their head and they can not even put their pc on the right way. But if you say something to them they just blow up and say some lame ass excuse

Response by 1LT John Heddens made Sep 15 at 2016 4:43 PM

1LT John Heddens — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 16:43:54 -0400

I was in my hometown (far away from any Chair Force installation) and went to this hole in the wall bar. There I saw this fat body chair force dude, not only wearing his tiger stripe camo, but had an empty drop leg holster on his leg. It's 1 o'clock in the morning, and I didn't feel like gettin' into it, so I just carried on. But I later found out that he left the female bartender his name and number, along with "SNIPER- THE REAL DEAL" written on a bar napkin. True story bruh

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 1:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 01:47:50 -0400

Soldiers with a SGM blouse on their boots. I can't stand seeing a Soldier with their pants bloused around their ankles.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Sep 16 at 2016 4:42 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 16:42:44 -0400

I just noticed something in this picture. Look at the feet. Is the position of attention different in the Air Force than everywhere else?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 5:52 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 17:52:15 -0400

Not having your headgear parallel to the marching surface. Like I don't know WHY it bothers me so much, but it really does.

Response by TSgt Clifton "Chip" Walker Cason made Aug 1 at 2017 12:14 PM

TSgt Clifton "Chip" Walker Cason — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 12:14:18 -0400

I still think this uniform is ugly and we should have kept the woodland camo instead of keeping up with the jones' the Air Force changed because the Army did, thats not a good reason. I think the Air Force should keep the old school traditions and uniform of WWII. The Marines have tradition they still wear their same dress uniform over 100 years old tradition(with minor changes I think)

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Aug 1 at 2017 2:53 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 14:53:16 -0400

Not that it was a uniform violation,but I used to get a kick out of the AIT trainees going into downtown Leesville La.and thinking they didn't stand out with their short hair,classA low quarters,although where those poor buggers were going after training with us,made me feel better they got to have a little fun and games before they left.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Aug 2 at 2017 6:08 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:08:16 -0400

Umbrella in the Army, How freakin stupid, It's raining, in Garrison. Open a damn umbrella!

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Aug 2 at 2017 6:42 PM

SSG Joseph VanDyck — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:42:17 -0400

Response by SGT Eric Hawkins made Aug 2 at 2017 6:47 PM

SGT Eric Hawkins — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:47:20 -0400

The AR that I routinely violated and disagreed with was the forming or "blocking" of the PC. When left in the off of the rack state, the Army PC looked ridiculous. When shaped or formed on the end of your bed-roll, it presented a cleaner, better kept appearance. I had a 1SG that was known to be the "cover-police." So, for his tenure, we all got to look ridiculous.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2017 8:24 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 08:24:01 -0400

Females are horrible. I'm just going to leave that as is. But strings at the seams drives me nuts. You can tell when someone has a new uniform because there are strings everywhere. I will (with permission) cut them or burn them every time.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Aug 3 at 2017 1:54 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 13:54:59 -0400

Flags and taps that are crooked and hanging off the velcro.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2017 6:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 18:23:15 -0400

Earbuds with uniform.. No.. Just no...

Response by SPC John Chambers made Aug 3 at 2017 8:51 PM

SPC John Chambers — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 20:51:48 -0400

Patches on the acu put in the wrong positions. It's Velcro fix it

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2017 10:26 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 10:26:49 -0400

Headphones--earrings at all on men---dirty patrol caps in garrison--females with long hair that is unkept

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 12:56 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 12:56:25 -0400

You know what bothers me? More than anything, and it's probably legal, even! When somebody wraps their fatigue/bdu/whatever they are today pant leg around their lower leg and stuffs them inside the top of their boots. Makes me think of a cartoon soldier. USE THE DARN ELASTIC BLOUSERS ALREADY!!!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 10 at 2017 11:58 AM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 11:58:46 -0400

Hair, hair, hair, sideburns etc.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 11 at 2017 11:01 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 11:01:59 -0400

It's not exactly a uniform violation. It's more a military standards violation. Being overweight and hiding it with oversize work or combat uniform. I sometimes see service members (male and female) who are obviously hiding excess stomach or hind quarters fat under their combat or work uniform. The design of the uniform with the "shirt" tail out allows this kind of camouflage, but they aren't fooling anybody.

Patches: Some Army folks let their unit patches wear down over time. They keep sticking them on the combat uniform with Velcro no matter how dirty and dog-eared they become. Looks unprofessional.

The entire Air Force work uniform. The tiger-stripe blue and green design isn't camouflage for any theater except the Base Theater. It ends up a wrinkled mess on most office workers because it can't be starched or ironed apparently.

Response by SGT Maria Q. made Aug 12 at 2017 3:23 PM

SGT Maria Q. — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 15:23:10 -0400

tight tops, messy hair and acrylic nails

Response by SPC Mark Spivey made Aug 13 at 2017 5:55 PM

SPC Mark Spivey — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 17:55:56 -0400

I have to be honest,I was always one who skirted with the regulations when it came to hair and moustache length after AIT, but I did like to have a squared away uniform. We had the OD greens anb BDU's My pet peeve I would say is guys would use cardboard around the legs to blouse the pants in the OD green uniform . To me it seemed ridiculous and toy soilder like. I know I will probably piss off a few former D.I.'s but just an opinion. I don't know how they ran with those things bouncing around.

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made Aug 25 at 2017 1:55 PM

SMSgt Keith Klug — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 13:55:49 -0400

This one is really career field specific but it really burns me up. Security Forces members who don't wear their berets properly. Some of them wear the patch in the middle of their forehead like it is a target, or wearing the beret at a severe angle, as opposed to straight across.

Response by SGT Forrest Fitzrandolph made May 15 at 2018 5:05 PM

SGT Forrest Fitzrandolph — Tue, 15 May 2018 17:05:46 -0400

An unbuttoned button or a very slight nick in your spit shined low quarters or boots!!

Response by SPC Travis Cousins made Aug 13 at 2018 4:50 PM

SPC Travis Cousins — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 16:50:21 -0400

When the barre is not worn correctly, especially in movies where is their military advisor for that one.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2018 8:35 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:35:07 -0400

With the new Regs for the females hair....it’s annoying but when corrected on it people are always like no it’s in regs and I just look at them like no it’s past the three inches. I am not a huge fan of the new regs anyway I find it unprofessional. That part is just my opinion though.

Response by Sgt Francis Santa-Teresa made May 16 at 2019 4:46 AM

Sgt Francis Santa-Teresa — Thu, 16 May 2019 04:46:02 -0400

I’ve been out from the AF since 1988 and the hands in pockets thing still gets me. Every once in a while I might find myself with my hands in my pockets when it’s cold outside, but it does look unprofessional. I work at a car dealership now and we had a young guy who was a sales manager and he always walked around with his hands in his pockets....which really annoyed the hell out of me.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Jun 30 at 2019 9:57 PM

SFC Don Ward — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 21:57:46 -0400

Cannot walk and drink a can of soda at the same time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2019 10:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 22:04:10 -0400

Yes, tiny tops and tight trousers are ridiculous. When I was in Tech Escort course was trained in the same building as other courses, to include AIT. We were told, even as NCOs we could not correct privates. We had a fire alarm and we all had to go outside and out pops this female with a waist length top and skin tight trousers. I mentioned it to the cadre and they spoke to her. I mean I know there is a regulation about the top length but how tight the trousers can be?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2019 10:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 22:08:12 -0400

Just thought of something else, I know it’s dumb but I hate the fact the Marines can’t use umbrellas. I know there’s a reason for it, but I just think it’s silly. Because now I won’t use an umbrella because it’s been ingrained in my mind.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2019 10:50 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 22:50:07 -0400

I can’t stand a weak bun or distasteful/unprofessional makeup on a female soldier. Also hands in pockets is a big one for me.

Response by PVT Andrew Burd made Jul 1 at 2019 4:24 AM

PVT Andrew Burd — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 04:24:16 -0400

sorry, but I read this as "I can't stand seeing soldiers walk around in tiny 1st Sgts."

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 6 at 2019 5:49 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:49:01 -0400

Poor overall appearance.

Response by SCPO William Akin made Jan 18 at 2020 1:22 PM

SCPO William Akin — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 13:22:34 -0500

-------"disregarding purse style and color."--------
At my age/generation all I can say is..
This was not a problem 'aboard ship' in the 1960s-- or the 1970s as far as can remember.
I can't imagine it being a problem in ANY branch at ANY time..
The times they must be a change'n

Response by PFC Harold Best made Jan 18 at 2020 3:15 PM

PFC Harold Best — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 15:15:21 -0500

Hell, I STILL do not put my hands in my pockets. I am retired for Chris sakes!

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 9:36 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 09:36:11 -0400

Not a violation, at least I don't think, but one thing that urks me to no end is sunglasses indoors while in uniform. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for wearing sunglasses in uniform (I do it all the time if it's bright out), but it makes no sense wearing them indoors.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2021 1:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 13:22:44 -0400

When Paratroopers wear their beret half off their head and cover one eye.

Response by PO1 John Crafton made Jan 2 at 2022 1:29 PM

PO1 John Crafton — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 13:29:23 -0500

If you want to look like a bag of ass, do it on your own time and in your civilian clothes. Uniform regulations are there for multiple reasons, and I'm tired of seeing people of ALL ranks in ALL services pick and choose which regulations apply to them.

If the regs, regional standing orders, or base standing orders say "Don't wear this uniform in this situation (public, drinking, transiting, political rallies, etc)", then DON'T WEAR IT. Period.

If the regs say "Don't walk around and talk on the phone while in uniform", don't do it. If you receive a call, stop, step off to the side so as not to impede foot traffic, and handle your business.

If the regs say "Lopsided and extremely asymmetrical hairstyles are not authorized", then don't run out and pay $150 for a left-half-cornrow, right-half-natural-perm hairstyle. You WILL be told to get it corrected immediately.

If the regs say to blacken the welts on your boots or dress-shoes, then they damn-well better be blackened.

It frustrates me that I constantly see senior NCOs, junior officers, and E-nothings walking around at Best Buy or eating at Applebee's in working uniforms chock-a-block full of wrinkles, with their covers tilted so bad they're damn near falling off, when the regional regs prohibit the use of those uniforms in public. While I never lose my cool when I see a sailor wearing his black trousers and dress shoes from his PB&Js, while wearing a LeBron James jersey up top, a couple of earrings, and a backwards ballcap, I damn well make sure he's been informed and corrected (privately, if possible, and with all due respect).

So my biggest peeve? People just picking and choosing which uniform regs to outright ignore.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 2 at 2022 2:52 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 14:52:13 -0500

We had a driver & gunner switching out positions. While the the guy up in the turret was swapping out his headset he had his helmet off. He noticed a car speeding towards the convoy. It was a car bomber. He engaged without a helmet on. The car bomb exploded far enough way so that it saved the convoy but he ended up being injured. Our battalion only cared about him not being in the proper uniform & was processing the soldier for an Article 15. When our Brigade HQ saw this BS, they ordered the battalion to can the Article 15 & to give the guy a medal for saving the convoy. They gave him an AAM. What a slap in the face since our battalion only cared about playing reg BS instead of rewarding heroism.