Letter in Army Times about sleeve being up. Was that wrong?

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Sat, 30 May 2015 11:07:38 -0400

Not sure what uniform he was wearing, as there are so many. I saw a pix of a KIA SF SSG wearing what appears to be the same uniform and he had on the same type gloves and also had about a 6 inch gap between glove and shirt sleeve fold. Is this an organizational uniform or a personal uniform? I know that I never tailored organizational uniform shirt* to fit and if the sleeves were too long, I just folded them up.

*In my day it was an OD wool shirt left over from Korea or maybe WWII and field pants of Korea vintage.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 30 at 2015 11:09 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sat, 30 May 2015 11:09:27 -0400

Would have to see the pics you're referring to in order to render an opinion on this subject.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2015 11:25 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2015 11:25:44 -0400

Most Operational Detachment Alpha's (ODA's) do this as a norm in the socom community. Now is that the right answer to everything? No. But to be honest, in the SOC (Special Operations Command) community, are we really trying to say this is adversely affecting anyone? Not really. They do some of the stuff others don't. They are the 1% - Ive had the pleasure of working and supporting the guys on the ground in different SF groups for years. They travel light, they travel quick. They get the job done and sometimes bad things do happen. Regardless a rolled up sleeve or even being down and about thenwrist isnt going tondeter a bullet from penetrating at that level. So if they fight in a bit of comfort while in a hostile environment - making the best of what theybdo, I say keep on going brother. Another combatant down, and another life or lives saved.

Mind you this is just my opinion, I have done my time in conventional and do understand and agree with the point of views expressed. However, when it comes to the soecial breed that live and breathe with the green beret, Inwill advocate on their behalf because of what I have seen and done to support the company and companies teams while on the ground.