Are there any Commanders who can tell us why they would not allow sleeves to be rolled up on a base that reaches 110+ degrees?

2016-08-05T12:43:31-04:00

If something isn't allowed. I'll follow the rule. I try not to question every reg that I feel is stupid and I know there's usually a reason behind most things, but certain regs like not being able to roll your sleeves up or not being able to have your hands in your pockets drive me crazy. I get that it doesn't look professional when you're standing around at work with your hands in your pockets. But when youre outside waiting for PT to start and you put your hands in your pockets when it's 30 degrees and someone jumps down your throat for it it seems excessive. I'm not trying to be smart or a punk either. I just need some answers.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 5 at 2016 12:46 PM

2016-08-05T12:46:20-04:00

A: Commanders may authorize sleeves to be rolled up on the ABU coat; however, the cuffs will remain visible and the sleeve will rest at, or within 1 inch of, the forearm when the arm is bent at a 90-degree angle. Regardless as to whether the sleeves are rolled up or unrolled, the cuffs will remain visible at all times. Reference AFI 36-2903, paragraph 5.1.1.

So commanders must authorize. I agree with you with those rules (hands in pocket), but unfortunately, rules are rules. I won't correct someone if they break that rule, but will correct myself if caught.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Aug 5 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-08-05T13:04:50-04:00

SrA Private RallyPoint Member When the commander makes those decisions, it is usually at the advisement of other people with knowledge about environmental factors. For example, I see you are in Louisiana, an area that does get hot, and also houses a lot of mosquitos. The sleeves on the ABU being down offer a great amount of protection from both the sun, and from insects. As for waiting for PT to start and having cold hands... you are issued gloves, and you are authorized to wear them with PT gear, check the AFI on that.

Trust me, commanders are not making decisions just to make your life harder, but it is our job as leaders to set standards, and uphold discipline and good order. Hopefully that helps.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2016 1:08 PM

2016-08-05T13:08:54-04:00

Sunburns.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-08-05T13:09:21-04:00

Probably because they can. Seriously I have known commanders that do things, that are within regulations because they don't like it or they like it. My current company commander does not like the way rolled up sleeves look so, he doesn't allow Soldiers to roll their sleeves. Is it bullshit? Yep it sure is. Is it within regulation? Yep it sure is because my unit has delegated the authority to the company commander. Silly games!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2016 1:19 PM

2016-08-05T13:19:06-04:00

Hi, SrA Strong.

I know it’s a hard case to make in 120 degree heat, but it’s actually cooler with your sleeves down. Your sweat collects in the sleeves instead of evaporating with them rolled up, and cools the skin. And keeping them rolled down keeps you from getting sunburned.

Also, it’s more tactical. That particular point isn't as relevant with the ABUs, as they’re more of an in-garrison uniform than the previous woodland pattern. But the sleeves in the woodland pattern were always rolled down in the field.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 5 at 2016 2:07 PM

2016-08-05T14:07:46-04:00

The commander you your mind? no idea what thier justification is.

Having participated in bio human engineering tests for heat related gear... stress, in tempos from 90f to140 deg f ambient. in seated position all the way to aerobic debt, and muscular failure inducing physical activity.
I'll just say my opinion is, you're not getting any cooler with your sleeves up.

When you finish your controlled series of body core temp tests I'll listen to claims of your body being cooler by exposing a few square inches of skin to the sun.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Aug 5 at 2016 2:22 PM

2016-08-05T14:22:00-04:00

Ft Bliss commander is not authorizing rolled sleeves. And in the desert sun, that is actually the smart call. Having sleeves down protects your skin from the sun and will actually be cooler in the long run.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Aug 5 at 2016 10:28 PM

2016-08-05T22:28:13-04:00

I've always been told, and I would have to agree, that having my sleeves down is actually cooler. I'm on the thin side, but whenever I rolled my sleeved up, they were always tight around my arms (which kept in all of the heat). Having them rolled down, and having the end of the sleeves loose around my wrist, kept the sun off my arms and allowed the air to flow better through the shirt. My forearms were a little hotter, but my upper arms and torso were much cooler. The net effect was that I felt quite a bit cooler. I wouldn't have banned rolled sleeves, but I can understand why some commanders might do that. I would only worry about it when uniformity was necessary or during any form of tactical training.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-08-08T11:35:55-04:00

Let me ask this: In that 1110+ degree area, if sleeves were allowed to be rolled, how many people do you think would forget to apply sunscreen and end up getting sunburns so bad they have to see medical and then get a profile to keep their sleeves down?

Response by SFC Michael Torres made Aug 9 at 2016 5:58 PM

2016-08-09T17:58:46-04:00

I'm retired after twenty two years, I was deployed all over to include Iraq twice and to Somalia. I spent many years in Fort Hood, Texas too. I use to ask the same question until I finally realized that the sleeves being down actually keep you cooler and helps soldiers from getting sun burn. When you sweat and your sleeves get wet that's how it cools you down.