Posted on Sep 11, 2014
PO1 Master-at-Arms
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Egc1ajdkmti  o funny chewing gum hlium volant goodspeed
Haven't seen post on it on Rallypoint, but if there's one, my apologies for duplicate post.

I'm not referring here to special situations such as chewing chiclets from MREs out in the field or training circumstances where no food or drinks allowed.

I'm talking about routine administrative duties conducted in regular uniform. Do you chew or allow a degree of gum chewing in your shop? Or is it technically not allowed but nobody minds?
Posted in these groups: 4276e14c Uniforms
Edited >1 y ago
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MSG Usarec Liason At Nrpc/Nara
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Sorry...I'm a recruiter and bad breath is unacceptable. I can't always brush my teeth going from one appointment to the next so I and many of my cohorts pop in some gum. I don't chew it in front of applicants...very rude to do so in my eyes. Also with many of my co workers trying to quit smoking, gum becomes a popular "substitute". I'd rather see gum chewing than smell a stale cigarette on someone's uniform.
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CMSgt Senior Enlisted Leader
CMSgt (Join to see)
10 y
doTerra Peppermint oil pellets! They release an altoid-like scent that even digests, so nicer breath from the source. I love them. ((note: non-smoker)) :)
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SFC Familia Gonzalez
SFC Familia Gonzalez
6 y
When you’re overproducing contracts, you can chew anything you want! Just don’t go from hero to zero. Only joking of course. Lol
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TSgt John LaBelle
TSgt John LaBelle
6 y
Basic training Ft. Jackson, SC 1987. Our platoon sgt. Allowed us to have gum and reminded us when we went to the store. If you got caught chewing gum you better have enough to share with the other DI's or the fun began. That was the catch.
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Cpl Clinton Britt
Cpl Clinton Britt
6 y
I agree. I own a business and have to go give quotes. I keep a bottle of mouth wash with me
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LTC Cavalry Officer
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Edited 10 y ago
As long as not in formation, or otherwise distracting

Fun Story: During the holiday half-day schedule I joined my family (wife and kids) for lunch at the Fort Jackson Food Court (I was in my ACUs since I was working). As we made our way through the seating area, an 'older' gentleman got up from his seat and approached me. (I'm never sure what to expect, especially at Fort Jackson and all the folks visiting their Soldiers in training.)
He said, "Colonel, you should know better."
Taken by surprise, I asked him what I should know better?
He said, "You can't chew gum in uniform."
Very surprised at this, I said, "Sir, I had never heard that, why do you say so?"
At this he looked disgustingly at me and said, "It is against regulations and you know that" and then sat down.
Anyway, as soon as I could I asked my Command Sergeant Major, who reassured me that as long as I wasn't being distracting, or in uniform, I was fine, whew!
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SPC(P) Infantryman
SPC(P) (Join to see)
>1 y
Wooooowwww very ballsy move for a private to correct an officer I wouldn’t have said anything to be honest hahaha
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PFC Anthony Schroader
PFC Anthony Schroader
>1 y
All do respect but ik my camies ur acus are still technically a uniform so if you were in ur acus like u stated thats uniform so there for you should not be chewing and walking. Well at least thats how its done in the core
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SPC Darrell Kissick
SPC Darrell Kissick
>1 y
PFC Anthony Schroader - Marines aren't capable of doing both
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PFC Anthony Schroader
PFC Anthony Schroader
>1 y
SPC Darrell Kissick because its against our uniform code
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MAJ Defense Foreign Liaison Officer
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There is no regulation in the Army against chewing gum, except in formation.

It doesn't bother me as long as the person chewing it is doing so with good manners (mouth closed, quiet, etc...). I chew gum in uniform every day. Hell, I'm chewing gum in uniform right now. I appreciate having fresh breath.

I only mention tobacco because others have, but I feel very strongly about chewing. I don't want to see or smell anything that has come out of someone's mouth. Thankfully, chewing tobacco in buildings is banned in most federal government buildings (including military bases). I understand a lot of people in the military dip or chew, so I always have the stance that I will allow it as long as...
(a) I never see your spit {I make those in my office use a non-transparent or 100mph wrapped container to spit into}.
(b) You don't spit while you're speaking with me.
(c) You don't do it if anyone that outranks me is present.
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