Posted on Jun 16, 2021
When is it "ok" for soldiers to deblouse while in garrison?
109K
1.04K
347
180
180
0
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
1
1
0
It was always my understanding that this was a local decision. I know when I was at Ft. Leonardwood, they used the "wet bulb." It was figured somehow with the heat, the humidity, and whatever factors the command saw fit to throw in. Commanders would dictate what to roll up, what to roll down, and what to take off.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
UAS platoon, hmmmm, not like they're breaking track or digging foxhole. If they are performing maintenance or doing other, physically stressful activities, have the workers unblouse and NCOIC remain in uniform, otherwise stay well hydrated and deal with it. Retired, crusty, no longer grumpy 1SG here who dealt with higher temps in full gear while getting shot at/ blown up in Iraq. Learning to deal with it in peace time, helps you deal with it in combat.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
UNIFORM OF THE DAY! DO NOT MODIFY ANYTHING! NOW MAGGOTS-DROP AN GIVE ME 20!
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
First, I'd question why there isn't some form of camo netting or shelter set up to perform duties on the aircraft. I had friends who worked on the UAV's when they first started it and no hats were allowed on the flight line.
While arguments can be made in favor of clothing covering as much skin as possible, keep in mind that Afghani man-jammies are far lighter in weight than the Army uniform.
Have some folks fall out and get carried off to the local ER as great casualties. Formally request accomodations along with a few ideas so you aren't just complaining about a problem, you are trying to be part of the solution. When soldiers start dropping like flies, it's tends to look unfavorably on the commanders OER.
When the entire UAV platoon is on profile for light duty, someone's going to answer to higher for it.
While arguments can be made in favor of clothing covering as much skin as possible, keep in mind that Afghani man-jammies are far lighter in weight than the Army uniform.
Have some folks fall out and get carried off to the local ER as great casualties. Formally request accomodations along with a few ideas so you aren't just complaining about a problem, you are trying to be part of the solution. When soldiers start dropping like flies, it's tends to look unfavorably on the commanders OER.
When the entire UAV platoon is on profile for light duty, someone's going to answer to higher for it.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
As a former 68W We know about the Temp , Heat index being to different things most of the time.
With each there is the work / rest time's with each category. But we all know that is all most never done, Nor is there any shaded area's or sources of water to rehydrate. Yes every one is issued a canteen. But only the people in the barrack's can get to them at work for the most part.
Command should plan ahead and have Cold drink's and cold pack's ahead of time. As part of the daily work risk assessment.
As well as uniform of the day.
I have been in units that the ASS HAT's site in the office all day, Except to come out and give people shit for not getting every thing done with very high temp's and very cold temps while not being allowed to dress and rest appropriately.
Honestly I have had my ass ripped for not screwing my people in the heat.
Who says you can not work in the Motor pool in your P.T. uniform's when it is 105 with the heat index, And give them break's in side the motor pool building. ( With a 30min on then 15 min off )
Heat stroke can come back to bite some one.
I say ass long ass the troops are in a uniform that gives them the protection they need for the work they are doing. Leave them the Hell alone.
With each there is the work / rest time's with each category. But we all know that is all most never done, Nor is there any shaded area's or sources of water to rehydrate. Yes every one is issued a canteen. But only the people in the barrack's can get to them at work for the most part.
Command should plan ahead and have Cold drink's and cold pack's ahead of time. As part of the daily work risk assessment.
As well as uniform of the day.
I have been in units that the ASS HAT's site in the office all day, Except to come out and give people shit for not getting every thing done with very high temp's and very cold temps while not being allowed to dress and rest appropriately.
Honestly I have had my ass ripped for not screwing my people in the heat.
Who says you can not work in the Motor pool in your P.T. uniform's when it is 105 with the heat index, And give them break's in side the motor pool building. ( With a 30min on then 15 min off )
Heat stroke can come back to bite some one.
I say ass long ass the troops are in a uniform that gives them the protection they need for the work they are doing. Leave them the Hell alone.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I can't remember the words exactly, but when the WBGT Index (Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer) reached a Category 3, all training was reduced to a maximum of 15 minutes per hour. All training was suspended when the index reached Category 4. Many NCO Drill Sgts took little mercy on the unacclimated basic training recruit. Heat injuries are preventable. I was a Preventive Medicine Specialist at Ft Dix NJ. We were responsible for measuring the WBGT Index and getting the word out if we were headed into temperatures that posed an unacceptable risk to trainees and trainers.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
SFC William Linnell
I agree with the 1SG's here. I took a bunch of ass chewings as a tanker platoon sergeant as a SSG at hood. I even ordered from TASK-C the Heat Category table to be made into a poster and posted it up in the orderly room as my 1SG didn't seem to give 2 shits. And like most senior NCO's didn't want his ass chewed. I went with the philosophy of "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission". Especially when it came to the safety of my platoon. When it started becoming to CAT5 and working on the tanks, damn straight the blouse came off, folded professionally on the front slope of a tank and we went to work. Then came the word that we couldn't dress like that because the BN CDR wanted us in coveralls to save the Soldiers uniforms. Which was even friggin Hotter!! I told my guys strip between the tanks and put the coveralls on that way and fold pants and place them under blouse. I told them to tie the sleeves around waist which was the wrong way to go bc for some reason they didn't look professional working on the tank in 98* CAT5 temps.
Now, I always made sure 2 five gal igloos were filled with ice and water at all times. and I made sure that we took breaks in the shade, which we made between two tanks with the tarp, and watched them drink water. Then of course I would get the Call from CQ to come see the 1SG. Like he couldn't call me himself?? I also noticed that he torn down the Heat Category Poster. I got my ass chewed for that and then not having my men in "correct" uniform. Roger Top. I'm going to head down to BN to see the CSM. Ok? Explained it to the CSM why, which shouldn't have to. he said good job taking care of your Soldiers. Then get the fk out of my office. :)
I apologize for the long story. It just seems like after 96', a lot of common sense leadership went out the window.
Now, I always made sure 2 five gal igloos were filled with ice and water at all times. and I made sure that we took breaks in the shade, which we made between two tanks with the tarp, and watched them drink water. Then of course I would get the Call from CQ to come see the 1SG. Like he couldn't call me himself?? I also noticed that he torn down the Heat Category Poster. I got my ass chewed for that and then not having my men in "correct" uniform. Roger Top. I'm going to head down to BN to see the CSM. Ok? Explained it to the CSM why, which shouldn't have to. he said good job taking care of your Soldiers. Then get the fk out of my office. :)
I apologize for the long story. It just seems like after 96', a lot of common sense leadership went out the window.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
61-6t. Only time we unclouded was one time I’m basic. High temp and high humidity at Ft Leonard Wood. Never any other time or location.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
When you say so as the senior NCO in charge as the temperature raises then you should limit the amount of time out in the direct heat and ensure you have lots of cool water available for them.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google