Is there a reg on how much time you should get for personal hygiene?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 19:15:44 -0400

Is there a policy about giving soldiers time for personal hygiene? My wifes company likes to give her windows as small as 20 mintes to get home and conduct personal hygiene or even after rucks will tell them they are expected to be at the company immediately to begin the work day. They are MPs so pushing back hit times isnt an option but maybe forward planning so they arent cutting it so close. Is there a reg that can help them here or are soldiers at the mercy of leadership when it comes to hygiene?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2018 7:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 19:43:30 -0400

As a Preventive Medicine NCO, there is nothing I can find that states how much time each person gets for personal hygiene. There is a requirement of one shower/bath per week. But that's it. Now, one recommendation is that she could shower and change at the base gym if that would give her a bigger window of personal hygiene and reporting for work. Certainly not ideal, but it is one option. Personally, I think their non-flexibility on hygiene is a bit harsh. Another option is the Open Door Policy and have Soldiers voice their concerns over this. Because, eventually, Soldiers are going to start rebelling and not do personal hygiene and show up to work nasty smelling. Which could lead to Administrative Actions for not conducting personal hygiene

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Oct 18 at 2018 8:00 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 20:00:54 -0400

Shit happens and telling soldiers to be ready to get to work almost immediately after PT is something that happens. It is up to the soldiers to plan accordingly. Even after I was promoted to SGT, and could easily make enough time for me to go home and shower, I brought a bag with my uniform(s) and hygiene items so that I could just hop over to one of the gyms to take care of business. I would advise that y'all begin to do the same. First, it takes care of that time crunch. Second, you will be amazed at how much money you save on your water bill and on fuel for the month.

Response by TSgt Mike Rumage made Oct 24 at 2018 1:33 PM

TSgt Mike Rumage — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 13:33:39 -0400

Others have suggested go to the gym and I think that is a good first step. Sometimes, people want to see how you react to adverse conditions. Let's face it, we are one of a very few occupations that include getting shot at. How we deal with the bumps in life can make us better at handling things when bullets are flying our way. Empower her to take charge of what she can take charge of. Is the gym an option? Twenty minutes to go to the gym, shower and get back would be cutting it close but--Is it doable? When we are sent TDY, we often are thrilled with any kind of shower! WooHoo! Let her work it. She and all of us need the experience of solving tough problems.