Posted on Jun 16, 2021
When is it "ok" for soldiers to deblouse while in garrison?
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Having been at Ft Bliss (dry heat) and now being at Ft Riley (Very humid heat) when is it acceptable for soldiers to modify the uniform? We are hitting heat cat 3 & 4 every day now and there's many solders (including my wife's unit) who work outside all day every day right under the sun which is tough. Up until recently there has been no issue with them (this specific unit is a UAS platoon so they're on an air strip for hours) taking off their tops due to the extreme heat. Recently they were told "Army policy says you're allowed to roll sleeves not take off tops so no more taking them off." Knowing a bit about how regs work there is no "Army policy" but rather a regulation that leaves it up to the local commander to decide (which is usually overruled by crusty grumpy 1SG's for no reason at all).
So my question is, because I can't find supporting regs to try and help out, when is it acceptable for soldiers to remove tops? Is it just never? Is it a local call from someone willing to take the heat round because at the end of the day as NCOs we are responsible for the welfare of our soldiers?
I am somewhat hoping a medical person will chime in with the heat index recommendations or something along those lines but overall I'm curious on your thoughts.
So my question is, because I can't find supporting regs to try and help out, when is it acceptable for soldiers to remove tops? Is it just never? Is it a local call from someone willing to take the heat round because at the end of the day as NCOs we are responsible for the welfare of our soldiers?
I am somewhat hoping a medical person will chime in with the heat index recommendations or something along those lines but overall I'm curious on your thoughts.
Fort Riley
Uniforms
NCOs
Army Regulations
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 198
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As a CPL who did Basic and AIT at Bliss I can tell you that a 3rd degree sunburn can happen in MINUTES. Was on a weekend at the pool and as for being time off we got stupid and forgot where we were at. 40 Minutes outside in the sun with NO SUNSCREEN on and it being 115 in the shade. There was 3 now ONE! My two Battle buddies got axed for destruction of Government property and AR 15, sent home when they could travel. I spent the week breaking blisters on my back hauling metal Blinds from one Barracks to another all week. all i did was my upper back, the other 2 done got burnt from foot to neck. This my friends was in 1978 and the ONLY time we got to deblouse was at barracks or PT. Water and more water was the call. NEVER WALK we RAN every where we went.
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Uniform of the Day is the call of the 1SG or CSM and that includes safety calls re: heat! Mission First but People Always!! Hoo-ah!
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Back in 1971 our PT uniform was unbloused boots, and tee shirts. No running shoes or trunks. I was in the Army for two years before going into the Navy.
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Having been to ft hood TX heat indexes are constantly supervise, any leader can normally make the call depending on situation
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When I served, I was a tank mechanic, and deblousing was only allowed in the Spring and Summer on the tank ramp, when working. I was at 29 Palms where it was routinely 100+ in the shade for that time frame. It made sense and was reasonable. Most of us worked in coveralls anyway but, when in Cammies, it made sense. The rule was, though, if you weren't working blouse on and that was heavily enforced.
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I see it as discretion by the Senior enlisted involved (the person who is responsible for the health of Soldiers in a working environment). So i would make the call for uniform modification at the work site and based off of work being accomplished at said work site, That is not to say that going anywhere outside of said work area that the modified dress of Soldiers is okay. Uniform Modification In that work area only.
I would rather have a butt chewing for being over protective than for a Soldier receiving a Heat injury. JMTC
I would rather have a butt chewing for being over protective than for a Soldier receiving a Heat injury. JMTC
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