When is it authorized to remove your ACU top when in uniform?

100% fix them, at no point of time soldiers allowed walking around like that especially of post

The scenario isn't talking about covers, it's talking about uniform tops.

Asking for general thoughts on the scenario CSM. Too many times SMs are afraid to say anything due to rank when it is obviously out of Regs. I made the individuals in this scenario Lieutenants because a lower enlisted may think twice to correct a group of junior officers. If this had actually happened, I would tactfully remind the individuals they were out of uniform and clearly in violation of AR 670-1.

AR 670-1 Chapter 3 section 3-1 paragraph "a" states: "Soldiers will present a professional image at all times and will continue to set the example in military presence, both on and off duty. Pride in appearance includes Soldiers' physical fitness and adherence to acceptable weight standards in accordance with AR 600-9."

What we can take from this is that the proper wear of the uniform exudes professionalism ( all buttons buttoned, boots bloused, pockets secured properly, etc.). Soldiers are looked at as professionals and the uniform we wear is just one symbol of the professionalism we are bound to demonstrate everyday. If we become complacent or sloppy in these minor details, we send the wrong message not only to our fellow Soldiers, but to everyone we come in contact with.

Improper wear of the uniform is one small discipline that can eventually evolve into the execution of bigger disciplines over time.

When we as leaders become undisciplined in the minor details in front of our lower ranking Soldiers, we send the message that it's acceptable which can lead to an epidemic of complacency.

I threw this scenario out there to make every Service Member think regardless of branch affiliation or rank. Many of us are willing to spot the correction, but how many of us are willing to approach an individual who is wrong?

The point is that everyone is well within right to initiate general military authority (along with tact) when spotting a correction regardless of the rank on either side of the situation. Everyone has a responsibility to each other to keep our organization within Regs. Although it may be an awkward situation, it's the right thing to do.

SFC Michael Fischer, You speak of training and attention to detail - I still check that the rear pocket buttons on my trousers/shorts are buttoned even if my shirt is not tucked in and hides those buttons.

Roger that CSM. I still find myself doing a uniform check of myself repeatedly during the day just like my Drill Sergeants taught me so many years ago. If I am ever corrected by a lower ranking SM, I commend them for having the courage to bring it to my attention. If I ever make it to the rank of Sergeant Major, I hope my Soldiers will continue to look out for me.

Actually, it is nothing like wearing a suit jacket... the ABU/ACU is considered work attire, so it would be the equivalent of a worker taking off his outer shirt while in a restaurant. If you wear the uniform off post, wear it correctly. If you are wearing full service dress, and remove the jacket, that is a different story.