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Many of us have one thing that really gets to us. I have to say that probably my biggest pet peeve (as it pertains to the military) are ill fitted ACU tops. I constantly find myself explaining to people how their uniform should fit.
What is your pet peeve?
What is your pet peeve?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 332
89
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Pockets - if they educated a reason of why they shouldn't have hands in pockets and not because "Army" said so maybe I'd buy into it. It took almost 11 years for someone to tell me a good reason why not to have hands in pockets - and it wasn't "oh looks so unprofessional" (our ACUs look like a bag of smashed ass to begin with).... it was because of how long it takes someone to pull them out if person became hostile. It was to get people out of the habit of being relaxed/unguarded and into a posture of self defense.
Looking professional and being professional are two different things. Some people forget the later.
Looking professional and being professional are two different things. Some people forget the later.
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SSG (Join to see)
Explain the why on the little things day in and day out, and Joe will follow you anywhere... Trust is the bedrock!
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SSG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - In cantonment.. I would say "Let me see your swinging arm profile soldier.." In the filed I would say use your pockets to keep your trigger finger warm..
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SSG Alexander Hoffman
I'd add to this and discuss the NCO's who are strict about items in the pockets. Especially in the old BDU days, it was a BIG thing that you couldn't use the pockets on the BDU shirt. Why issue them? It goes along with the ear flaps on the old winter patrol cap and hoods on raingear.
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"A Marine with cold hands and warm empty pockets is a damn fool."
Chesty - Korea
......I'm just sayin.
Chesty - Korea
......I'm just sayin.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Cpl Jeff N. I have to point out that LOTS of his pictures in the field, from Sgt > Lt > Col have him with his hands in his pockets. There are pictures of him in civilian attire at a WO Dining in, with his hands in his pockets. I think this was an issue he just thought was stupid, or didn't care about.
It was just a different era, and what was acceptable then is not acceptable now.
I bet if someone told Chesty to put his wallet in his sock, he would have looked them like they were nuts.
It was just a different era, and what was acceptable then is not acceptable now.
I bet if someone told Chesty to put his wallet in his sock, he would have looked them like they were nuts.
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While not a uniform thing, there is one thing that greatly gets under my skin. When people run inside when the music starts playing, or continues driving during the music. Do you seriously have so little pride for your country or are in so much of a hurry that you cannot stop what you are doing for less than 2 minutes to acknowledge the music and honor those who have died fighting for our country?
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SSG Daniel Deiler
Land what is really crazy is that if the music is playing you are supposed to stop what you're doing and stand at attention anyway.
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SPC (Join to see)
I don't mind at all stopping while walking or doing something outside, but while driving? Really? We're not the only ones on the road and the traffic on post is already stressful enough as it is, I don't believe anyone should stop their car in the middle of the road while driving and get out just to render a salute. It would seem to me that it's a safety hazard, and isn't the military overly obsessed about safety??
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SSgt (Join to see)
No one said get out of your vehicle and salute, however you are supposed to pull over until the music ends to pay your respects. Not just military, but everyone on base. Might be different for you army guys, not familiar with your standards and traditions.
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SPC (Join to see)
At Ft. Riley you pull over and stand outside your car. The MPs also shut down the gates before putting the colors to rest.
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SSG Christopher Adame
My biggest "irk" is all of them but, what I cannot stand worse than anything else are the Soldiers/NCOs/Officers that know the exact requirement and barely meet it on purpose. Now, they meet the standard but, those sideburns are a pubic hair close to unauthorized, the trousers are a millimeter from the third eyelet, the hair is just off the collar and ear, the mustache is within all the "lines" but sticks out three inches, etc.
That is what drives me batshit crazy! Of course, I am institutionalized and mentally unstable anyway lol.
My biggest "irk" is all of them but, what I cannot stand worse than anything else are the Soldiers/NCOs/Officers that know the exact requirement and barely meet it on purpose. Now, they meet the standard but, those sideburns are a pubic hair close to unauthorized, the trousers are a millimeter from the third eyelet, the hair is just off the collar and ear, the mustache is within all the "lines" but sticks out three inches, etc.
That is what drives me batshit crazy! Of course, I am institutionalized and mentally unstable anyway lol.
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CSM (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see)
Sir - I wasn't implying that ADA Soldiers, or any other MOS, are any less of a Soldier than Infantrymen. That wasn't my point at all, I have walked many miles right next to plenty of Stinger teams carrying way more weight than I was, also have had many Avenger teams attached throughout the years. If I offended you I meant no disrespect.
I will be in Bagram on Saturday, I will buy you a cup of coffee and we can discuss the length of your sideburns :)
Sir - I wasn't implying that ADA Soldiers, or any other MOS, are any less of a Soldier than Infantrymen. That wasn't my point at all, I have walked many miles right next to plenty of Stinger teams carrying way more weight than I was, also have had many Avenger teams attached throughout the years. If I offended you I meant no disrespect.
I will be in Bagram on Saturday, I will buy you a cup of coffee and we can discuss the length of your sideburns :)
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LTC (Join to see)
CSM (Join to see) you did not come close to offending me, my own branch does that to me more than you ever could.
Look me up when you are here, I am in the RSF Annex.
Look me up when you are here, I am in the RSF Annex.
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SFC S.t. Helms (Ret)
When I was in... I was one heck of an Aircraft Mechanic, Leader, Soldiers NCO and part time "play grunt". However, when it come to some of the non important things we had to do to display "discipline"... MEH. I was the one that hair was wrapped up in gel and sideburns were "to the lowest opening of the ear". That said, everyday my uni was pressed and my boots glowed. I found doing my MOS, my soldiers skills, taking care of my fellow soldiers and not being disrespectful seniors most important.
Disclaimer: I was only active for 9+ years. Spent 12 more as a NoGo (deployed twice). My hair and craziness calmed down once I got older and attained higher rank and more responsibility (like signing for way too much equipment that my wallet, son and future grandson could not spare).
Disclaimer: I was only active for 9+ years. Spent 12 more as a NoGo (deployed twice). My hair and craziness calmed down once I got older and attained higher rank and more responsibility (like signing for way too much equipment that my wallet, son and future grandson could not spare).
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My biggest uniform pet peeve? NCOs that believe a uniform "violation" is the end all and complete indicator of discipline.
See the uniform worn incorrectly, by all means make the correction professionally and move on.
If you think that is your sole purpose as an NCO, or thats it's anything more than a minor thing that should take mere seconds of your available time in a day Id say, you are not on the right track.
I can say without a doubt, having ones hands in pockets does not lead to failure to clean ones weapon, properly clear a side room as part of BD#6a, make you forget to stay clear of the gun in a M2A3 during turret operations, of any of a million other things Soldiers do to standard every day, even though while standing in the motor pool on a cold Friday evening waiting on last formation and a hand slips into a pocket..
See it, make the correction and move on.
See the uniform worn incorrectly, by all means make the correction professionally and move on.
If you think that is your sole purpose as an NCO, or thats it's anything more than a minor thing that should take mere seconds of your available time in a day Id say, you are not on the right track.
I can say without a doubt, having ones hands in pockets does not lead to failure to clean ones weapon, properly clear a side room as part of BD#6a, make you forget to stay clear of the gun in a M2A3 during turret operations, of any of a million other things Soldiers do to standard every day, even though while standing in the motor pool on a cold Friday evening waiting on last formation and a hand slips into a pocket..
See it, make the correction and move on.
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Suspended Profile
I absolutely agree, SGM Erik Marquez, hands in pockets is not an end all be all indicator of discipline. I was using the analogy to illustrate my point. Albeit an exaggeration on my part, I do think the way one Is observed doing anything, is indicative of how a person approaches other duties. If you cut corners or negate regulations blatantly, how is another person supposed to not expect the same in other areas, especially without observing all other duties? First impressions are huge, they set the tone for how you are percieved, SGM. I am sure we can agree there.
SPC Eric Cunningham
I have to dissagree SSG. There is a prioritization of what people care about. A soldier who understands their tasks and the purposes for such tasks will do them and do them well if they aren't true shitbags. Even a good soldier, defined as one who goes above and beyond in their duties and places mission accomplishment first and foremost, can have a hard time caring if their hands are in their pockets or their Velcro patches are perfect - often because they are focused on what really matters.
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MSG William Wold
After coming back from Vietnam, it was challenging to get into the spit and polish stuff. Senior NCO's and officers pumping you up for a mere thread out of place, or like one BN commander didn't like mustaches and 95% of anyone wearing one was in violation. Then the, Hey soldier, your getting close to the standard, better straighten up.
So I went to the NCO academy for the wrong reason. TO gain rank and run interference between the overzealous NCO and officers, and the highly intimidated over harassed junior soldier. I graduated second in class. You could cut yourself on my uniform, you could shave in the reflection of the boots. Shortly after that I blew off the promotion and took an offered early out. I just needed away from it. (sigh)
A while later, I joined the National Guard. I could handle the two days a month and loved it. They called upon my technical skills as an Army Watercraft Engineer, and immediately received the rank I had previously blew off. I was then offered a Warrant Officer position. I went to school, graduated 3rd, came back. On the day I was to be pinned, I was also offered a dual status Mil-Tech position, but at the time there was a rank inversion policy, and to accept the position I could not be a Warrant Officer. That sucked. Later they lifted that policy, but I would have had to go back thru the school , and wasn't in a position to do that.
So 28 days a month I was total civilian, and 2 days a month I did the same job just in a uniform, until I got into the senior NCO position, then I had to give up the working part of the military and became an admin person (kicking and screaming) But if I didn't advance, I would be removed, then also loose my civilian job.
I went from WG-8 to WG-11 in the job, and rank on the military side, took a bit longer. Getting up in the senior enlisted no longer working on equipment on weekend drills, all this monthly reports, admin stuff I was never fond of that you have two days to do a months worth, all the admin stuff. I was a top mechanic and excellent advisor. Basically 3 hours a weekend drill you had to actually get any "work" in.
This long past bitterness started creeping back. More and more admin stuff for the whole unit had to be done, long hours just standing in line so you pull out the manual and have inline classes, at the expense of training in their MOS. By then I had 27 military and 23 civilian.
The fallacy of trying to get 30 years civilian while having way more military than the average soldier is even allowed, at late early 50's when body starts sagging and mind start going down hill, it's just not right to require a person to do that.
But the restart of officers and senior NCO's doing this disciplining a soldier when they are within the standard, but close to not being. You are or your not. How many female soldiers nave been counseled upon being "almost" pregnant?
Then the command started this no one can even sign up for schools or extra training if they are within 7 pounds of the weight/height standard. No one could if there APFT score wasn't over 65; at least I got it knocked down as their original policy was 70. Should I tear down an engine because it's close to the wear limits or just run it another 100K miles? I welcomed early retirement from civilian side; I had more than enough from the military; as it was offered. I took a huge cut, and even more as my ex spouse gets half of both; as written 10 years prior in the divorce. I miss the "civilian" part of my job, but not one second of the military.
So I went to the NCO academy for the wrong reason. TO gain rank and run interference between the overzealous NCO and officers, and the highly intimidated over harassed junior soldier. I graduated second in class. You could cut yourself on my uniform, you could shave in the reflection of the boots. Shortly after that I blew off the promotion and took an offered early out. I just needed away from it. (sigh)
A while later, I joined the National Guard. I could handle the two days a month and loved it. They called upon my technical skills as an Army Watercraft Engineer, and immediately received the rank I had previously blew off. I was then offered a Warrant Officer position. I went to school, graduated 3rd, came back. On the day I was to be pinned, I was also offered a dual status Mil-Tech position, but at the time there was a rank inversion policy, and to accept the position I could not be a Warrant Officer. That sucked. Later they lifted that policy, but I would have had to go back thru the school , and wasn't in a position to do that.
So 28 days a month I was total civilian, and 2 days a month I did the same job just in a uniform, until I got into the senior NCO position, then I had to give up the working part of the military and became an admin person (kicking and screaming) But if I didn't advance, I would be removed, then also loose my civilian job.
I went from WG-8 to WG-11 in the job, and rank on the military side, took a bit longer. Getting up in the senior enlisted no longer working on equipment on weekend drills, all this monthly reports, admin stuff I was never fond of that you have two days to do a months worth, all the admin stuff. I was a top mechanic and excellent advisor. Basically 3 hours a weekend drill you had to actually get any "work" in.
This long past bitterness started creeping back. More and more admin stuff for the whole unit had to be done, long hours just standing in line so you pull out the manual and have inline classes, at the expense of training in their MOS. By then I had 27 military and 23 civilian.
The fallacy of trying to get 30 years civilian while having way more military than the average soldier is even allowed, at late early 50's when body starts sagging and mind start going down hill, it's just not right to require a person to do that.
But the restart of officers and senior NCO's doing this disciplining a soldier when they are within the standard, but close to not being. You are or your not. How many female soldiers nave been counseled upon being "almost" pregnant?
Then the command started this no one can even sign up for schools or extra training if they are within 7 pounds of the weight/height standard. No one could if there APFT score wasn't over 65; at least I got it knocked down as their original policy was 70. Should I tear down an engine because it's close to the wear limits or just run it another 100K miles? I welcomed early retirement from civilian side; I had more than enough from the military; as it was offered. I took a huge cut, and even more as my ex spouse gets half of both; as written 10 years prior in the divorce. I miss the "civilian" part of my job, but not one second of the military.
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Capt John Dillon
you know, I kind of agree and disagree at the same time. I used to hate the term, "Well, he's a good FIELD Marine!" What the hell does that mean? It's not that hard to keep your shit together, we never liked Marines that were doing everything possible to not look like Marines.
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SGT (Join to see)
Im not allowed to comment on the equals issue because the ones we dont speak of say what a women and man should look like and that make up just dosnt work in my promask unlike the opposite sex where it must work better i guess someone said it was a need and did extensive reasearch or that i cand have my hair long on top but down past my ears because i guess i have to be more ready to fight longer finger nails wont break while trying to clear a stoppages
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PV2 Alaina Norman
that mustache thing makes me laugh because without realizing it i had told a friend of mine that i use to work with in the army, that she needed to basically shake or clean up her lips because she was letting her hair grow. I honestly didn't even remember saying it but i know im a honest person and will say what i think sometimes.
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My pet peeve is called ACU's. They look like a soup sandwich even when worn properly.
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PVT Chris Grove
I don't particularly like the Velcro. They don't seem like a good idea in a combat situation, trying to sneak up on someone and you have to open a cargo pocket you're screwed. BDU's were great. I do like the new patterns though.
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SGT (Join to see)
Some variations of the ACUs are better off. I enjoyed the A2CUs which replaced the velcro with buttons and silent zippers.
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Not a peeve, but a funny experience. I was walking with some senior NCOs an an officer came by. One NCO did not salute. The officer stopped and
asked "Sgt don't you salute officers?"
The NCO replied "Yes if they know what they are."
Seems the LTC had put on a 1LTs cap as he left the building.
asked "Sgt don't you salute officers?"
The NCO replied "Yes if they know what they are."
Seems the LTC had put on a 1LTs cap as he left the building.
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SrA Matthew Knight
That's why if I was an officer I would always carry an extra pin on rank or two. At least then if your hat goes missing or something you can take a blank one (which are always laying around somewhere) and pin on your rank until you get yours back.
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A great leader of mine once told me that NCOs don't enforce pet peeves so therefore we don't have pet peeves. We enforce standards and discipline. It is my job as an NCO to know and understand AR 670-1, as well as the ALARACT's in place, covering the wear and appearance of the uniform. It is my job to educate my Soldiers on these standards as well as ensure they follow these standards. I love reading regulations. I love educating myself, and 670-1 is one of my favorites.
In my opinion, AR 670-1 is clear cut, black and white with most of the stuff it covers, however some stuff in there is based on the interpretation of who is reading it. Two of the most commonly debatable ones I've seen are sun glasses and hair cuts.
So what I have done is I have outlined my interpretations of it in a class with my subordinates as well as listened to their feedback on their interpretations so we are all on the same page. With that being said, my "pet peeve", if you will, with 670-1 is leaders, and Soldiers in general, not knowing or understanding it whilst trying to make corrections to someone else. In order to enforce the standards you must know the standards.
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WO1 (Join to see)
I agree that as NCO's we shouldn't have pet peeves but the truth is we all do. There is that one or more things that you first notice that is wrong about another soldier. That is when you look closer and notice other things that are wrong.
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SSG Zachery Mitchell
That shouldn't be a pet peeve. In my opinion that would be classified as upholding your DUTY as an NCO.
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SFC (Join to see)
This conversation pisses me off personally, because I can't believe we are so concern with the boots we have been wearing for years and now it's an issue... While at the same time you cut money we were able to make while on deployments... While at the same time the discipline level of many Soldier are at a all time low...
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