I think it's great we are being allowed to roll sleeves again, but we need to do it the way we did BDUs. What do you think?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:37:39 -0400

In the photo you can see this Soldier is wearing it rolled like the Marines wear theirs. I think we need to go back to the way we rolled with BDUs, where the cuff was to the outside. It looks better , and you can just tug the cuff down to easily access your long sleeves when you needed them.

Response by SPC Phillip Ludlow made Jun 24 at 2014 1:27 AM

SPC Phillip Ludlow — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 01:27:25 -0400

there have been many times during my military service that i really wish i could have rolled up my sleeves. between fort drum to polk , to yuma, back to drum, back to polk during the spring/summer/fall and then the winters at drum you'd have to acclimatize quickly and in IMHO its just a bit too much.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 3:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 03:03:03 -0400

i would like to see this happen. if it's good enough for the other services, why not us?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 7:46 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 07:46:46 -0400

I don't see how this is even viable with either the current multicam or the ACUs - the uniform design doesn't support rolling without looking completely jacked up. Also, given the recent issues that the army has been having with tattoos, better just keep the sleeves down lest senior leader's heads start exploding when they see all the ink that ACUs have been covering up for the last 8 years.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jun 24 at 2014 9:20 AM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 09:20:20 -0400

I'm stuck in Africa where it's blazing hot and humid and insects are everywhere. I have yet to feel the benefit of having my sleeves down. It's just the Army being overly protective as usual.

Response by SFC Douglas Eshenbaugh made Jun 24 at 2014 9:36 AM

SFC Douglas Eshenbaugh — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 09:36:16 -0400

And this is why I don't have a subscription to Army Times anymore. Until we have a uniform that will support rolling the sleeves up it this question is moot.

Response by 1SG Jacob Baty made Jun 24 at 2014 9:36 AM

1SG Jacob Baty — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 09:36:50 -0400

Hey Perkins. Somewhere is a group of combat arms Soldiers walking to work wearing body armor and a rucksack in upwards of 100 lbs, carrying a 27 lb Machine Gun. They cannot roll up their sleeves for numerous reasons like, bugs, hot barrels, scrapes and scratches. They are also uncomfortably STICKY. However the reasons that you cannot have your sleeves rolled is based off their MOS. Do these guys a solid though. If they get hurt and wind up on your operating table, please have the A/C cranked. It's hot as hell out there.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 24 at 2014 9:51 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 09:51:34 -0400

The reason we went sleeves down all the time, prior to the GWOT, is that it does actually keep you cooler in the long run as it traps the perspiration on the skin and doesn't allow the wind/sun to evaporate it as quickly. Now, being a native Floridian, it went against everything I grew up believing and doing, especially in the summer months, long sleeves, hell no; but once I got used to it, it made more sense and actually worked well. As an added plus, I had less of a "farmer's" tan as my arms from the biceps down were not the only part getting sun lol! I do not think with the current design of the ACU/Multicam coat that it would work out too well if allowed to roll 'em up, but that is just my opinion as a an "older" retired guy!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 2:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:00:59 -0400

I wish they came out with this rule in the 90s. I really hated rolling up my sleeves after spending a can of starch to get my creases sharp on my BDUs. lol I think rolled sleeves was a big deal in todays Army

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 9:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 21:45:30 -0400

I would like to see sleeves rolled again, but with the pin pockets on the sleeves that is not possible. I can understand why some leaders are against it as well though. If your sleeves are up you risk sun burn on your arms. At the same time with the sleeves up it is tighter on your arms therefore trapping more body heat. Just my opinion though.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 1:26 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 01:26:23 -0400

Everyone else is able to roll their sleeves up - penpocket or not. If you take your tiime and do it correctly, it looks fine. I roll my ACU sleeves up everyday. Its hot out here. I'm not baking if I don't have to. I haven't gotten sunburned or anything. Crazy.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jul 7 at 2014 3:50 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 15:50:40 -0400

The Army might as well bring back the Wool Uniforms like what they wore during the western campaigns in the mid to late 1800's. The reason I mention this is because. I went to Fort Sumner, NM to Billy the Kids Grave (And yes he is in Jail. There is a Jail cell around his grave.) And my great aunt asked a reenactor that was there, who was wearing the Army uniform of the period, was he hot in it. And his answer was no. He mentioned that the wool pulled moisture away from the skin and it kept him cool.

So if the Army wants to keep sleeves down. Go to a wool uniform. Otherwise allow them to be rolled up.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 12:27 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 12:27:54 -0400

You gotta question the legitimacy of folks who make decisions about uniform requirements. Half the time those decisions are made by folks who no longer have laborious jobs in the brutalizing elements. The only issue I could see with rolling up the sleeves is sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer. But let the individuals make their own decisions and provide them with sunblock. If the other services can do it, then so should the Army. Also, just a question as I am not knowledgeable about Army uniform regs. Are you able to de-blouse (take of your uniform top) in your immediate work area?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 12:36 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 12:36:56 -0400

Some of us were around when you could roll your sleeves. It doesn't help. You're still hot as Hades in in a sweat shop. The result of rolling your sleeves is a breeze blocking sleeve. A better solution would be to allow soldiers to make the cuff looser in order to encourage a breeze and air to circulate. The rolled sleeve does not help at all. It just looks neat.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 6:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 18:32:11 -0400

as far as neatness and appearance i could see it but also i think if anything we should have it were you can roll your sleeves one to two rolls in the field or on deployment it definitely helps with cooling down

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 9:44 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 21:44:08 -0500

I never did like rolling my sleeves.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 8 at 2014 10:04 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 22:04:08 -0500

Is that a tattoo I see?!?!?!?!?!?............The horror!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 11:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 23:29:49 -0500

They can't even get the pen pockets to look right when you adjust the wrists of the blouse, but rolling sleeves will look acceptable? #mindblown

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 8:15 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 20:15:57 -0400

I am wondering if the standard will be the same as it was with BDUs for width of the cuff, and how high to roll. Doesn't the new pattern have longer velcro? How will this effect the roll?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 8:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 20:18:05 -0400

I'm going to have to vote for simplicity. Having rolled my BDU sleeves up for decades... I believe the Marine was just makes more sense.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 8:18 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 20:18:42 -0400

No no

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 17 at 2016 8:23 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 20:23:02 -0400

Best thing the Army did was stop rolling the sleeves .. Rolling the sleeves up exposes the service member to radiation burns, it STOPS or severely limits air flow though the uniform. It does not dramatically lessen heat retention.

If anything, in hot weather situations service members should be allowed to cuff the sleeve, allowing for a LARGER opening encouraging ventilation. That combined with unblosing and cuffing the pant leg is a significant improvement in hot weather.
Uniform choices should be based on empirical evidence that shows improved performance and adaption to environment...

Then you have the uniformity issue, sleeves up or down.. who decides, when, what month, temp, environment?
What of the SM with large arms that cannot physically roll the sleeve like that and not significantly cut off circulation when is detrimental to performance if not a physical danger condition.

Making decisions to be popular ... what a crappy leader choice.. , SMA lost a few respect points from me on this one...not that he cares much what i think..

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jun 17 at 2016 9:47 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 21:47:51 -0400

I always liked the BDU rolled sleeves...

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Jun 17 at 2016 9:53 PM

SGM Billy Herrington — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 21:53:13 -0400

I think it's dumb either way. It will look ridiculous. It negates the pen pocket and covers the Velcro where the unit patch and SSI-FWTS go.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 17 at 2016 10:56 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:56:36 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member - I actually liked the former "BDU" sleeve roll for the Army. Plus, it was an easy way to differentiate soldiers from Marines from a distance.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 11:58 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 23:58:55 -0400

I don't care as long as we get to do it. I am tired of walking around in garrison with my sleeves down when it is 90 degrees. Makes no sense.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 12:19 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 00:19:45 -0400

My other two cents......Rolling sleeves.....all fine and dandy......but then what would be the point of those shoulder pockets then? Where am I to put my pen and pencil that I need? Better yet, unit patches....how could you see them? Also.....again....of all the things to worry about in the Army......rolling the sleeves? Really?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 5:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 05:45:26 -0400

The rolling of the sleeves makes the pen pockets useless, and depending on the how high they are rolled unit patches would be covered as well. All new uniforms are treated with Permehtrin to protect from disease carrying insects such as mosquitoes. If the sleeves were rolled that part of the insect repellent system becomes ineffective. There could be an increase in cases of Malaria, Zika, West Nile, etc. That being said, I think the BDU way is a better option if it comes to that.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 9:21 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 09:21:31 -0400

As a Navy member who wore BDU's up until 2012, when we changed over to the NWU III and have always rolled sleeves the Marine way, we changed to old Army way and that is the best way...... So I would roll Army way...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 12:24 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 12:24:38 -0400

Hi, SFC Connell.

The Air Force called the BDU roll "chem rolls." In the event of a chemical or gas attack, the sleeves could be rolled down quickly just by tugging on them.

Then again, if you're in an environment where you're under threat of a chemical or gas attack, your sleeves shouldn't be up anyway.

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Jun 20 at 2016 8:17 AM

Cpl Jon Westbrook — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 08:17:59 -0400

Marine Cammies are made differently. The Velcro patch prevents you from rolling ACU/OCP sleeves the way we roll ours. So I'm inclined to agree with the OP. The soldier in this photo looks terrible with rolled sleeves. Honestly though, why is this even a thing? It seems like the Army is constantly changing shit just because they get bored and want to look slightly different. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they adopted an effective camouflage but shit man.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 10:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 10:43:44 -0400

Just for shits and giggles I tried rolling a set just to see. IMHO. It looks like grade A dog shit. Takes away from using pen holder, and limits use of pockets on shoulders. What's the use of making a practical uniform design i.e. Pen holder, pockets on shoulders when they going to turn around and do some stupid crap like this?!
But hey I guess some will be happy now...."suns out, guns out"....SMH

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 11:01 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 11:01:06 -0400

Was the fabric different in the BDUs than the ACUs? I think that having the cuff on the outside looks better. You're right on the point on regards for fast acting roll-down sleeves, SFC. If you need to quickly acting and roll your sleeves the BDU way, then by all means but if it's for an all-day occasion with permission, having the cuff outside would be best.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 20 at 2016 3:47 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:47:13 -0400

I haven't seen any guidance yet on rolling sleeves. Anyone have a link to it?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 6:18 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:18:23 -0400

Cuffs out. I liked rolling my sleeves up. Was there any decrease in skin cancer diagnoses after sleeves went down? Vascularity, biceps, tattoos; as long as we weren't in the field: sun's out, guns out!

Response by SPC James Anderson made Jun 20 at 2016 6:41 PM

SPC James Anderson — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:41:13 -0400

I cant handle our military any more, really all the shit going on in the world and we have guys complaining about problems caused by rolling sleeves. There is 36hrs of chickenshit rolled into your standard 24hr military day, if it helps out the troops some then just do it. This is right up there with our famous beret. Lets use a piece of head gear that cooks the skull, doesnt keep the sun from your eyes and you have to fucking shave! Awesome decision. Is there any chance of just allowing some common sense back into the uniforms? Kinda like my brothers white coveralls in a navy engine room, ya common sense.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 6:55 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:55:48 -0400

The "BDU" way looks "more professional" because you don't know how to roll sleeves.
Now on practicality, that's a different story.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Jun 20 at 2016 7:42 PM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 19:42:26 -0400

I spent the last five years of my career at in a Marine Corps Detachment at a multi-service school command on an Air Force Base in Texas. We were sleeves-up year-round, and I loved it. We looked sharp and distinguished from the other services.

Granted, you can't pull them down immediately like the way the Army and Air Force does (did?) it. But when Marines are in the field, the sleeves are down anyway.

Response by SSG Robert Albright made Jun 20 at 2016 8:02 PM

SSG Robert Albright — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 20:02:40 -0400

Some of us are old enough to remember when everyone rolled their !@#@#%% sleeves the same way. The justification for the !@##$%% "Army Way" (which may have stayed rolled up if you worked in an office) was NBC threat; it truly pains me to say that the Marines clearly outsmarted us on this one.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 8:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 20:27:31 -0400

I don't understand the hate for being able to go back to rolling our sleeves. We are the only branch that hasn't returned to the practice. It looked good, fit good, and presented a professional appearance. of course, that was before the wash and wear Army. Yes this will negate the pen pockets, I have my opinions on how this can be handled, but that would require a redesign to the top, and so many have already bought the new uniforms. Either way, we are always changing, even if changing back to the way things used to be, so embrace it, or be bitter all the time.

Response by 1LT Susan Bailey made Jun 20 at 2016 9:09 PM

1LT Susan Bailey — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 21:09:50 -0400

I haven't worn these since they were BDU's. But, it would seem to me that if the current sleeves allowed for the way we did them then with the cuff down, it would make it a more functional method in case you need the sleeves in a hurry. But since I wasn't out in the field during my time maybe there are reasons that contradict this. Are there?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 10:33 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 22:33:57 -0400

I think we should just wear the old khaki uniform from the 1950's! Shorts and short sleeve shirts during summertime. It only makes sense. Most of us change into shorts and t-shirts as soon as we get off because the uniforms are ridiculously hot in 100 degrees plus humidity! I don't know why the Army ever went away from them! Especially in garrison!

Response by SSG Craig LaPine made Jun 21 at 2016 2:11 AM

SSG Craig LaPine — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 02:11:51 -0400

Man I can't believe the whining in here. Maybe the multicam don't look the hottest rolled up. But when I was in the 82nd we loved summertime. Nothing sharper then a pressed uniform with sleeves rolled up, perfect shaped beret, shiny boots and a fresh cut. For y'all whining about sleeves not fitting (most of you upper echelon, probably with an outdated or forged DA 5500) should know better. Pull your head out your forth point of contact and take that yearly pay they give you for clothing, head down to the alterations shop with said uniform(s) and use that money Uncle Sam gives you oh for that said reason. Y'all remind me why I got out. Thank for the solidification. Can't fix stupid but you sure can redirect it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 6:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 06:01:19 -0400

Remember the BDU way. The pen placement might be an issue. I have no issues with it whatsoever.

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 6:22 AM

BG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 06:22:38 -0400

So these guys in the photo are having a formal ceremony for rolling a Soldier's sleeves up?! That's what it looks like...

Response by CSM James Winslow made Jun 21 at 2016 6:22 AM

CSM James Winslow — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 06:22:45 -0400

Really, does it matter? When in combat or in the field, they are going to go back down. A little relief in the form of rolled up sleeves, while physiologically irrelevant, is of great benefit when the wind hits the exposed forearms. We managed to adapt to those with bigger biceps in the past (also in the OG time (pre BDU), and we will do it again. There are more important things to worry about. And, BTW, it has always been the Commander (by way of the NCO corps) who decides the uniform of the day.

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Jun 21 at 2016 6:24 AM

SSG Richard Stevens — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 06:24:31 -0400

Yes the BDU way

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 7:08 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 07:08:17 -0400

I agree

Response by SGT Jeffrey Foster made Jun 21 at 2016 7:35 AM

SGT Jeffrey Foster — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 07:35:34 -0400

I agree the BDU way looks better but I'm
Not sure it would work with the Velcro and pockets. Also, I think the ACU design was never meant for rolled sleeves. Lastly, I'm 35 and at 30, I had the top of my left ear removed because of melanoma, likely caused from wearing the dumb beret all those years. We need to be thinking about clothing that's protective.

Response by SFC Dennis Calkins made Jun 21 at 2016 8:48 AM

SFC Dennis Calkins — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 08:48:24 -0400

Rolled sleeves with that uniform look like shit no matter how you roll them.

Response by SSG William Egan made Jun 21 at 2016 8:53 AM

SSG William Egan — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 08:53:30 -0400

IF YOU NEED TO PULL DOWN THE SLEEVE IN AN EMERGENCY, YOU SIMPLY GRAB THE EDGE AND PULL AND YOU ARE DONE.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 8:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 08:54:58 -0400

This sucks and I don't like it. It looks like crap!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 8:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 08:55:52 -0400

What we really need is a short sleeve version of the OCP. That's lighter and breathable that is designed for garrison use.

Response by SGT Jason Dietrich made Jun 21 at 2016 9:04 AM

SGT Jason Dietrich — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:04:27 -0400

You would think by now they would have developed a removeable sleeve jacket and just carry them in cargo pockets.

Response by CPO Randy Francis made Jun 21 at 2016 9:32 AM

CPO Randy Francis — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:32:48 -0400

Is this really a serious issue? I served in the Army and the Navy so I've rolled them both ways. In fact when I was in 82nd I rolled them two different ways based on the uniform I was wearing. If I wore jungle candies then I rolled them the "Marine" way if I wore the new BDUs I rolled them the "Army" way. If you do it right the "Marine" way looks fine. And if your sleeves are rolled up then you are in garrison and should have no need to immediately roll your sleeves down. As for keeping them down to prevent "radiation burns" or to access your pen pockets? Seriously? Are soldiers now too stupid to understand how to use sunscreen or their breast pockets for carrying a pen? Is this really what's become of an Army that once freed Europe from fascism?!?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 9:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 09:59:38 -0400

I agree. The BDU way looked a lot sharper.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 10:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:22:40 -0400

Apparently I missed this ALRACT or I am being punked?

In BDUs it looked good and worked well. With these enormous sleeve pockets (Thanks 1 cav) it's going to be stupid.

Response by SGT Bruce Miller made Jun 21 at 2016 11:11 AM

SGT Bruce Miller — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 11:11:14 -0400

Bdu way much easier to roll down

Response by Cory Hefner made Jun 21 at 2016 11:18 AM

Cory Hefner — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 11:18:50 -0400

Agreed.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 11:24 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 11:24:21 -0400

As a former Marine, I gotta go with the Marine way.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 11:27 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 11:27:31 -0400

I think the marines have it right. Yes, the BDU way looked better, but the marine way is faster, easier, and much more comfortable.

Response by SGT Wynn Parkinson made Jun 21 at 2016 11:42 AM

SGT Wynn Parkinson — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 11:42:22 -0400

I always hated rolling my sleeves! It's a pain.. what purpose does it serve? It's actually hotter with sleeves rolled up since it restricts air flow...not to mention the sun beating down on the skin.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Jun 21 at 2016 11:43 AM

CW4 Angel C. — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 11:43:13 -0400

Yeah but I also remember the pain in the a$$ it was when you had 2 minutes to formation and were at sleeves down then 1SG comes out with his sleeves up wanting everyone to roll theirs up. Let the Game of Sleeves begin again!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 12:23 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:23:18 -0400

After reading the news on army times I took one of my uniforms and rolled up the sleeves the BDU way to see how it would look and feel. I have kind of bigger biceps and wear a small regular top so it is a little snug around my arms but not to the point where it's cutting off circulation. To the people that say you cannot see the unit patch, that is complete bullshit. With my sleeves rolled up on my small regular top I have enough room for a 1st cav patch and have no problems using my sleeve pockets and I rarely use my pen pockets. Honestly I think if we are going to roll up our sleeves we should do it the bdu way. It looks nicer and it doesn't obstruct shoulder pockets

Response by LTC Ian Murdoch made Jun 21 at 2016 12:58 PM

LTC Ian Murdoch — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:58:15 -0400

I'm retired, so I have no dog in the fight, but I always thought the Army way looked better than the Marine way. Of course, BDUs were designed for the sleeves to be rolled.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 2:02 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:02:02 -0400

I say we should do it the way we did with the BDUs. In addition to this, I honestly think we should design our ACU tops the way the old BDU tops were done, with vertical breast pockets and our unit patches (we can leave them colored the way they are now) sewn on, or shortened, and added via Velcro on a smaller scale at the top of the sleeve. because if we roll our sleeves, it hides at least a portion of our unit/deployment patches, which could lead to issues later on.

Response by CPL Alex (Doc) Vasquez made Jun 21 at 2016 2:24 PM

CPL Alex (Doc) Vasquez — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:24:20 -0400

I agree, the way we did it with BDU's and it looked much better. Also, it always feels good to not have a sauna for arms. The rest, well, Welcome to the suck.

Response by SGT Johnny Owens made Jun 21 at 2016 2:46 PM

SGT Johnny Owens — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:46:58 -0400

The method of soldiers with the BDUs not only distinguished us from the Marines, but we set higher standards . ARMY; hooah!

Response by 1SG Michael Bennett made Jun 21 at 2016 3:08 PM

1SG Michael Bennett — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 15:08:37 -0400

I never liked how we rolled BDU sleeves! I don't think we need to Go sleeves up in the summer! Go down to T shirt like in The Stan!

Response by SFC Sam Morgan made Jun 21 at 2016 3:16 PM

SFC Sam Morgan — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 15:16:21 -0400

I don't think the sleeves should be rolled at all. I enjoyed not having to roll them because I have larger arms and it was uncomfortable. But the advantage of keeping sleeves down, especially in areas accustomed to higher temperatures and exposure to sun light, is less burning of the skin and the abilty to allow the uniform to cool the skin easier. Not to mention when working with equipment or chemicals the arms have some level of protection against spills and other hazards. I think they should remain down.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 3:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 15:24:10 -0400

I think people need to stop comparing this with how rolled sleeves looked with BDU's. With the BDU design, rolled sleeves looked neat and professional, if done correctly. I don't think the current top design looks good with rolled sleeves in any configuration.

Response by SSG Jeff Carlisle-Tierno made Jun 21 at 2016 3:46 PM

SSG Jeff Carlisle-Tierno — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 15:46:16 -0400

I was in when it was BDUs and DCUs. In infantry units, we never rolled them, save for a division change of command ceremony one time. I was actually kinda glad the Army did away with sleeve rolling, and don't really think that it should be brought back.

Response by SSG Mark Jordan made Jun 21 at 2016 4:36 PM

SSG Mark Jordan — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 16:36:00 -0400

Well SFC I think this is a good question. I think each branch has its own ESPRIT DE CORPS and tratitons. I think the army if they go back to rolling up should be the way it was before. Allso if the do make that the standard I am sure the arry will update AR 670-1 to say how to wear.

Response by COL John Hudson made Jun 21 at 2016 5:52 PM

COL John Hudson — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 17:52:18 -0400

I easily lost track of all the uniform changes we went through during my 30 years...needless to say, it was an expensive business having to buy my own uniforms, so had to find a creative solution. Sleeves? The local Commander drives uniform wear and who knows which way that wind was blowing at any one moment. So, what to do? Simple. I took two BDU shirts to a local tailor, had her cut off the sleeve a few inches below the shoulder and nicely cut off the cuff at the end of the sleeve...then sew the cuff back on to that piece that was left a few inches below the shoulder (length measured to ensure it was to regulation). To all purposes and intent, it looked exactly as if I had correctly rolled my sleeves up with the green side showing. OK, Snuffy, you say, and what happened when Sgt. Smoke or Major Muscle came calling with an order to roll down sleeves? Easy, I always kept one other long sleeve BDU close by and quickly changed into the correct shirt. Worked every time for me.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Jun 21 at 2016 8:52 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 20:52:12 -0400

I just the Senior NCO complaints about uniformity and utility. Great googly moogly!

Roll up or wear them down, I don't care. But stop the uniformity crap and the ceremony. You didn't have a ceremony for your beloved reflective belt, you don't need one for this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 9:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 21:03:50 -0400

And if that's the case, roll up sleeves because we're not in a hazardous environment in garrison then why not grow facial hair. That is the reason we can't grow facial hair because NBC mask will not seal properly. If we go let's go all out, rolled sleeves and gotees..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 10:55 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 22:55:44 -0400

Simply put, the BDU Rollup

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 11:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 23:23:20 -0400

Great. One more thing to worry about. That's just what soldiers need on top of the other 8000 things they can get griped at for every day in garrison by a CSM with too much time on their hands.
Personally, I have no desire to roll my sleeves. Not because I'm worried about my pen pockets that I never use, but because I'm so damn white that there is no amount of sunscreen at any SPF that will keep me from burning. The entire time I was active I was at Ft Sill (or the Middle East). I had at least a low grade sunburn for over 4 years.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jun 22 at 2016 12:20 AM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 00:20:05 -0400

BDU way works only when the cuff is wide enough to do it the old way, other wise the Marine way is fine too, but who listens to a CPT cause that is CSM business!

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Jun 22 at 2016 3:11 AM

MSG Chuck Pewsey — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 03:11:03 -0400

When I first enlisted we wore OD fatigues and it wasn't unusual to see sleeves rolled just below the elbow - comfortable enough. Then after Viet Nam, somebody decided there was an official roll - above the elbow. Along came BDUs and come captain came up with the reverse roll to allow sleeves to come down in case of gas attack. Some of the big bicep guys (I wasn't one) would roll their sleeves, put the shirt on and watch fingernails turn pale from lack of blood. It was a flaming pain in the ass and if you took them down, you had to take the shirt off to roll them up again. This is a work/fight uniform, not parade ground. As for khakis, we had wash and wear at one time, easy to take care of, permanent creases in the back, comfortable though every time I looked around, I smeared the collar brass. Paired with the wind breaker it was a smart uniform and comfortable most of the year. (then somebody decided there was a "right" way to wear them, zipped up 2/3 of the way. I'd worked in the pentagon and saw general officers wear them open in warm weather and I thought they looked fine that way.) Sorry, I've been waiting years to vent.

Response by 1SG Bruce Culver made Jun 22 at 2016 3:15 AM

1SG Bruce Culver — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 03:15:19 -0400

Go back to BDU and stop wasting money.

Response by SGT Scott Moreland made Jun 22 at 2016 4:28 AM

SGT Scott Moreland — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 04:28:04 -0400

If I had a choice I would go for the Marines style because it's simpler. As long as it makes functional sense and doesn't impede range of motion. Either way, it's going to take a while to get accustomed to the new look.

Response by SGM Gregory Tarancon IV made Jun 22 at 2016 7:15 AM

SGM Gregory Tarancon IV — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 07:15:19 -0400

Enough Said!

Response by LTC Timothy O'Neill made Jun 22 at 2016 9:07 AM

LTC Timothy O'Neill — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 09:07:16 -0400

I was a captain at Knox in the 70's then somebody invented the sleeve roll. There was some joking about it--quite a lot of fuss about something trivial. It got worse. BG Ulmer at Hood decided it was a waste of time (it wasn't a "policy" yet, just a fad). He was slapped down by the Chief of Staff, and the new method became an instant tradition.

But it really isn't that hard, and it avoids, I guess, the humiliation of having a small area of faded-side fabric exposed.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 22 at 2016 10:13 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:13:55 -0400

Unless they re-configure the sleeve design somewhat, not sure the current uniforms can effectively be rolled the way we used to roll the BDUs/DCUs, so I would say to roll them in the same manner as the Marines do.

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made Jun 22 at 2016 11:58 AM

SFC Mamerto Perez — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 11:58:59 -0400

I personally think the rolling of sleeves look terrible. The Army should go back to it's uniform history and stop rolling them. It maybe a little uncomfortable when it's hot. When I join the Army in 1961, nobody complained and still survive.

Response by SGT David Petree made Jun 22 at 2016 12:46 PM

SGT David Petree — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 12:46:10 -0400

I have worn them both ways in the Army!! With the cuff on the out side it is a content having to readjust the cuff, 4 or 5 times a day. It falls down when your working, or when you put the blouse on. When you roll it the [ ARMY way] it looks smart . It looks like you spent time getting the right look. Yes it seems that it`s the Marine way but it was the Army way before BDU`s It`s about the look of a profensanl . Cuff on the outside dose NOT have the LOOK. It only gets the sleeve down in 2 sec. flat.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 3:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:29:04 -0400

I recall when my wife and I got to our original duty station in 1983. I had USMC neighbors and my wife's comments made me chuckle. "Wow, they have the same uniforms as you guys, except they don't know how to roll up their sleeves." That said it all for me.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 22 at 2016 5:35 PM

SSG John Jensen — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 17:35:32 -0400

before BDUs it was the 3rd Bde Roll, as in 3rd Bde 82d Abn, and that was with jungle cammies, or jungle fatigues, with those it works because the sleeve design which flares out to the cuff, the BDUs taper in to the cuff, so the rolled sleeve wants to cut your arm off. For those of us not in the 3rd Bde, we could choose either way, often you'ld see mix of sleeve rolls in a formation

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 11:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 23:20:42 -0400

I just love to hear people responding in categorical terms "It will not help", "It does nothing", especially coming from Officers and Senior Enlisted. Why not pay attention to the Junior Enlisted, the ones that have to put up with countless hours of details and work not just under the sun but also terrible humidity? I personally hated when the Army, in tune with a paternalistic government, took away from me the ability to simply roll up my sleeves, as if countless generations across the globe had been wrong all along. Marines still do, and they are still kicking but!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 11:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 23:44:56 -0400

No, Army! Don't go down the road the Marines did! Our way of rolling sleeves looks really sharp, but it's really uncomfortable, and actually makes it hotter by restricting airflow and exposing more skin to the sun.

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made Jun 25 at 2016 1:18 AM

SFC Ernest Thurston — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 01:18:27 -0400

I think if all of the services are rolling their sleeves the Army should be allowed to also. I also think that it's a good idea for the Army to do the "Hudachek" roll. It makes it easier to tell a soldier from a Marine or a sailor. The roll was named after Gen Hudachek who was the 4th ID Commander during the time BDUs first came out in the 80's.

Response by SPC Jimmy Bowling made Jun 25 at 2016 4:42 AM

SPC Jimmy Bowling — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 04:42:05 -0400

During the time that I was in the Army we had two sets of BDU's. One set was for winter, usually from October until the beginning of April, the other was a lightweight set that was used from April until the end of September. Most of the time the S1 office decided when
to Roll sleeves and on really hot days above 100 would also allow for pant legs to be unbloused. We also wore the cuffs to the outside for easy access if we had to use our MOP Gear. For the guys that had arms like a NFL lineman they usually had to get their tops either altered or they had to have them special ordered just for them. We had one guy that had arms so big we had to actually cut his sleeves completely off, he played for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was massive. Made Brock Leaner look small.

When did they stop rolling the sleeves anyway? I was in from '83 - 92 so it must have happened after that.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2016 12:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 00:56:31 -0400

Do it the BDU way. ..no brainier!

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jun 28 at 2016 7:32 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 19:32:42 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner…This is total nonsense. A soldiers wants to roll up their sleeve to be comfortable they let them. Fifty years ago this kind of bull sh** would get an nco/officer fragged.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 28 at 2016 9:25 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:25:29 -0400

Absolutely, or optional, or only rolled between 10:15 and 11:45 on fun casual dress fridays, Or optional unless in formation, or not at all.
The next question you should ask is.. WHICH commander ? Company? BN? BDE? DIV? CORPS?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 9:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:25:45 -0400

He/she may require it as a way to maintain uniformity, just as they me require personnel to wear the beret during specific functions. But there will always be some individuals that will have some sort of bizzare profile limiting them from rolling the sleeves in garrison.

Response by CSM William Payne made Jun 28 at 2016 9:33 PM

CSM William Payne — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:33:28 -0400

I don't see this being an individual choice, but at the unit commander's discretion. Like another poster asked, at what level? But for my Soldiers it would be all or none. Not going to have a formation with some rolled up and some down. And I would think location, location, location, the further you are from the flag pole, the more discretion the commander will have at the lower level.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 9:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:41:30 -0400

It's states it clearly that it's at commanders discretion (keep in mind it doesn't say at individual Soldier's discretion) meaning that he/she identifies the need to roll up sleeves then orders the whole unit to roll up the sleeves. UNIFORMITY! I see it more as a way or tool to mitigate for heat. Now we have to worry about applying sun block on the arms cause there are Soldiers like myself that burn under the sun if not applied.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 9:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:45:59 -0400

Is the 10 day trial at Hood over? Did Big Army give an Army wide blessing?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 10:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 22:54:14 -0400

In response to your question, absolutely yes. As a side note, I'm less excited by rolled sleeves, and more excited by cuffed sleeves in the field. I've been fighting that fight for almost as long as I've been in the army, so I'll take the small victories as they come. Now, to get the commander on board!

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Jun 28 at 2016 11:37 PM

CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 23:37:14 -0400

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2016/06/28/army-approves-camo-out-rolled-sleeves-year-round/86468522/

Army approves 'camo out' rolled sleeves, year-round

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley has approved sleeve-rolling with the camo facing out. But make sure you check in with your commander before you roll.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Jun 28 at 2016 11:59 PM

CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 23:59:20 -0400

Sweet Jesus, thank you! One stupid policy down (not everyone works in an a/c office)! Now I envision CSM's/1SG's saying either EVERYONE has them up or down, no in between. And of course, everyone will have to be the same in formation. To my CSM/1SG friends (and commanders), PLEASE be on the "lenient" side of the fence on this, I assure you it will do wonders for MORALE!

THAT'S coming from a Soldier who's been in for 37 years (so far). Additionally, unless there is a special reason, it won't stop the earth from spinning on its axis if some are up and some are down in formation. I promise! Let Soldiers figure it out for themselves dependent on their comfort level! I've watched too many Soldiers trying to roll them up (or down) seconds before formation, particularly when the unit "policy" is "Copy the CSM/1SG" and the CSM/1SG enjoys screwing with his/her troops. For anyone contemplating citing regs to me, please don't. We all know there are times when "everyone has to look the same" are ignored - for good reason.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 12:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 00:13:54 -0400

I'm not gonna lie I didn't like it. I can get used to it, don't get me wrong. It's super tight but it was a snap to go back to long sleeves when done right. I did this a few days before I decided to throw my 2 cents in.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 1:08 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 01:08:25 -0400

I tried it before I threw in my 2 cents. Now that big Army has spoken it doesn't matter what my opinion is. I think I might have to use my chest pockets for the first time ever though.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 29 at 2016 1:36 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 01:36:04 -0400

Just out of curiosity, how about short sleeved camos, as I've been mentioning on here a few times already, just a thought, hope was of interest...not that rolled ups are bad, of course, only suggesting, certainly, by all means.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Jun 29 at 2016 2:00 AM

CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 02:00:30 -0400

After having read most all of the opinions here I feel like puking. I never understood the whole "sleeves down all around" thing when it was forced upon us 10(?) years ago - frankly I thought it was stupid and it pissed me off. What bugs me about the naysayers are comments such as "it looks terrible", "our patches are covered up", "it won't make you cooler", "I'll get sunburn" and so on. Back when we wore the pickle suits (pre 1982ish), the guys who had arms as big as most people's thighs were allowed to roll their sleeves up to their elbows - common sense, no big deal. Back to today: The only reason the Army is doing this is because Soldiers asked for it. God only knows how many polls were taken, risk management studies conducted, committees formed, photographs taken and compared, more polls taken, and CSM's threatening to resign if sleeves are allowed up. Soldiers want this (at least, the majority do) so suck it up and drive on people! But what really bites are all the CSMs and 1SGs who are going to screw their troops and not allow sleeves up because they don't like it - I say CSMs and 1SGs because few commanders will buck them on an issue like this.

I get it, this is a forum for people to express their opinions - I just find it disappointing this is such a big, passionate deal to a few, not to mention the senior NCO's and officers promising this will never happen in their unit. I've been in since 1978 and have dealt with every uniform issue since, both good and bad. The worst travesties I remember was when the black beret was taken from the Rangers and the khaki uniform discarded. This is about the OPTION of rolling up sleeves - no one is going to force you to do it either way, unless you have one of those "special" CSMs/1SGs. It's also kind of embarrassing when the other branches of the military read this stuff and wonder out loud "what's up with the Army?" Marvelous.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 1:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:50:50 -0400

I've always heard that the only reason the Marines don't do camo out is because they couldn't get the funding required to extend their Boot camp by two weeks for them to learn this method.

Sorry, I couldn't resist!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 7 at 2017 9:50 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 21:50:17 -0400

I'm glad to see someone else remembers. One of the major points for the BDU roll is that a tug on the sleeve brings it all of the way down, if you are hit by an irritant

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2017 11:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 23:20:47 -0400

Looks like shit either way! I do not want to see your ugly sleeve tatoos!