Posted on Jun 22, 2014
1SG Company First Sergeant
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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?
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Responses: 332
SGT Team Leader
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I hate ACUs anyway. With this uniform, almost everybody looks ate-up.

New blouse? Check. Party on the top.
Paired with your field trousers? Check. Fail on the bottom.

Reminds me of somebody standing there in a blazer and skid-marked Hanes.

I miss the BDU. Something about the confidence that comes with making things shiny and starchy...
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LCpl Senior Staff Writer
LCpl (Join to see)
10 y
The process I had was simple enough. Newest set of desert/woodlands are the inspection camis, and are always pressed and ready to rock, next two sets are work camis, last two sets are flight suits. Always worn and washed as a set, every time you need a new set of camis everything moves back one. No excuse for not making yourself look good when you go to work.
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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
CSM (Join to see)
10 y
Bahahaha! "Skid-marked Hanes" Bahahaha! That's why you're issued brown drawers, I get it now!
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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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10 y
SGT (Join to see)
I agree with you. The BDUs did look sharp when you illegally starched them so the creases could cut someone. The spit shined boots also topped off the look. I even liked the camouflage pattern much better than the cook whites we wear now.

On another note, I like the ACUs much better in the field. I like that they are looser and allow more freedom of movement. The pattern sucks but the multi-cam/scorpion will fix that. I think it is an overall better utility uniform, even if we look like 10 pounds of crap in a five pound bag in it.
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SGT Technical Support
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>1 y
Even worse is the FRACUs, they tear if a butterfly lands on 'em and if you was 'em they all fade at different rates . . . to pink.
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MSG Wade Huffman
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OK.. have to say I agree with most of the responses so far, but I still have one to add... how about sitting in a class/briefing/presentation while the instructor / presenter READS TO YOU FROM THEIR OWN SLIDES!!! This gets my blood pressure up faster than almost anything! AAAAaaaarrrrrrrgggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! *sigh*
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Capt Current Operations Officer (S 3)
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>1 y
This seems to be the theme of the current classes I am receiving...
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MSG Wade Huffman
MSG Wade Huffman
>1 y
Capt (Join to see) Death by PowerPoint is a horrible way to go! Hang in there Sir!
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SGT Richard H.
SGT Richard H.
10 y
I wish I could give this one 100 thumbs up! I HATE when someone makes me late....and by late, I mean less than 15 minutes early.
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PV2 Senior Web Designer, Web Team Lead
PV2 (Join to see)
10 y
That's like most of the briefings I get at work in the federal govt! LOL I just end up scrolling through my email or FB on my phone to keep me from going ballistic about it!
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SFC Michael Hasbun
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Edited 11 y ago
Some of my BIGGEST peeves are as follows:

1) Iraq and Afghanistan campaign medals with no campaign stars.

2) Ribbons out of sequence.

3) Green "leader tabs" on the shoulders of the ASU's.

4) People not knowing that, if you have a group 1 (CIB/CAB, etc...) badge on your dress uniform, your Airborne or air assault wings MUST be worn below the ribbons.

5) Armed Forces Reserve Medal being worn with no device.

6) CIB's AND CAB's being worn together...

7) More than three devices on a Marksmanship badge.

8) Drivers badges and marksmanship badges being worn in the wrong order.

9) People not using shirt-stays! (Ok, it's not a requirement, but dammit people, you look like ass without them!

10) People putting a star on their National Defense medal for getting out, and then reenlisting. 

11) People confusing the medals, and the criteria for the two different GWOT medals.

12) Seeing stetsons and spurs in unauthorized areas 

13) Gig lines

14) People not understanding the "knot/hitch" system on the Good Conduct Medal


I'm sure I can think of more, but RP isn't paying me by the sentence =) I'll probably update it as I think of more.. Which I inevitably will!
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
11 y

Ma'am,

Yes, they did...

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MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
>1 y
I retired in 2005, I did not get my 20 year letter for 5 years after it was due. so for 15 years I legitimately had no device on my Armed Forces Reserve Medal, then I was awarded an hourglass. I had the National defense service medal in 1966, I had no device until 1990, so I'm improperly wearing medals by your standard!!! I was also awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, this unit award did not have the normal frame for unit awards, so none was issued or worn, so I guess that's incorrect also!
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SFC Platoon Sergeant
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9 y
CPT(P) (Join to see) - They are a thing of the past... I think that's why SFC Michael Hasbun mentioned them.
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1SG First Sergeant
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9 y
Edc6510d
Except in DA Pam 680-1, group one and four badges may be worn together above ribbons when in the dress uniform. I've had to explain and reference this multiple times to different CSMs who were presiding as presidents of boards. It's come to the point hat I carry the appropriate page with me when sponsoring soldiers.
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CMSgt Senior Enlisted Leader
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Female hair... ((le sigh))
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Capt Logistics Readiness Officer (LRO)
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>1 y
On a related side note, CMSgt (Join to see), the hair standards were WAAAYYYY more lax at OTS. I looked around at some of the upperclassmen and thought that the mess would NEVER fly at BMT. The sort of hair we refer to as an "HFM." One of the many times when I am so thankful that I started out on the enlisted side.
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CMSgt Senior Enlisted Leader
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Capt (Join to see)
HFM--HA!!! Nice, Ma'am.

Oh, I have spot mentored a few O's in my day. It was met with heartburn, but ultimately we both knew that I was right. My favorite approach is, "Ma'am, Sorry to bother you but I think that your hair fell out of its bun/clip/ponytail." and a smile. :)
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Capt Logistics Readiness Officer (LRO)
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>1 y
One of my early experiences as a SrA, CMSgt (Join to see), was having to educate a MSgt in my squadron as to the appropriate size for stripes on shirt sleeves while in dress blues. Had to break out the AFI and everything. She took it well/professionally, but at that level you should know better.
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MSgt Garrick Hill
MSgt Garrick Hill
>1 y
Air Force Gloves (Hands in pockets), God Syndrome (Aircrews)
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Cpl Glynis Sakowicz
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Meandog
My pet peeve is that no one ever thanks Female Vets... I mean, I don't mind it most of the time, but if I get asked ONE MORE TIME, if I'm wearing the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor for my husband or my son, I just might put my war face on! Women are veterans too, and though we are used to it, it would be nice for people now and then to remember that, and not stare at us as we use the Veterans Discount for things... "I'm sorry, its only for Veterans who served, not their wives..." Stepping down off the soap box now.
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Sgt Jennifer Mohler
Sgt Jennifer Mohler
10 y
Cpl Glynis Sakowicz Yes! I hate when people just assume I am a Marine groupie of sorts. I am more insulted by the instances then I can express.
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PV2 Senior Web Designer, Web Team Lead
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10 y
Amen Cpl Glynis Sakowicz Sister!!!
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Cpl Glynis Sakowicz
Cpl Glynis Sakowicz
10 y
Thank you, sir. Its not the THANKING that bothers me, its the fact that MOST women, are never looked at as Veterans. The world at large, simply assumes you are wearing the tee shirt, or using the ID card, because you're the spouse of a vet. When you inform the person that you are actually a vet, people get this blank look for a moment, then they say, "Oh... well, thank you..."
To me, it says a lot about how we are viewed by the country at large, and that is what gets to me. "Oh, but you weren't actually a REAL Marine... not like the guys..." "Really? So, what did you do... cook or type?" "Wow, you were a Marine? Couldn't find a husband on the outside?"
People constantly treat women vets different, because even though women have served in the military for well over 70 years, it seems to be something surprising and outlandish to many, that a woman could possibly be trusted with a weapon, or be capable of handling any job outside of a kitchen... THAT is what bothers me.
The "Thanking" is not even on my radar... its the fact that so many simply assume that we are something Less than you are, because we are women... THAT is my point.
My statement "No one ever thanks Female Vets..." is actually pretty acurate, as a female vet. We don't mind it it, we mind the fact that we are pretty much invisible to most everyone but other vets. Are you ever asked if that ID card belongs to your wife? Are you ever asked if you have that tattoo in honor of your wife or daughter? Are you ever stopped at some gathering, and told that you can't use a Military discount because its for actuall Veterans?
We are not seen as equal partners by anyone, and that is a simple fact. Maybe in a few more decades...
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SPC Lorrita Morgan
SPC Lorrita Morgan
7 y
Preach, sister!
I get the double shock. "You were in the Army? Were you a nurse or a clerk?" "No, I was a mechanic." "Oh, you fixed jeeps and small stuff." "No, I fixed big trucks and tanks."

Get a group of us old women together and we can make some poor unsuspecting slob at a "Veterans Salute" totally miserable. My buddy who retired from Navy can be vicious when her status as a veteran is questioned.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Running out of thumbs on RP!
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SSG Joshua Locke
SSG Joshua Locke
>1 y
Biggest pet peeve in general is people chewing with their mouth open... military wise, it would have to be back talk/excuses. If you messed up, own up to it, dont give me 5000 excuses of why its everyone else but your fault.
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CMDCM Gene Treants
CMDCM Gene Treants
>1 y
I am out of thumbs up and cannot give you one!! LOL Sorry :-(
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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CMDCM Gene Treants
CMDCM Gene Treants
>1 y
Exactly MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca. I really hate it when it happens and I cannot reward good and smart answers.
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
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Edited 10 y ago
Bpjnqa5iqaesqeq
My biggest irk is when I can see the green socks in the gap between the pants and the boots. I always tuck my pants in the boots but there are soldiers that their pants are at their calves, 2-3 inches above the boots. SSG Christopher Adame this picture drives me mad.
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1px xxx
Suspended Profile
10 y
I'm tracking , SGT(P) (Join to see). I know all about the visible socks. There is enough trouser leg to cover your darn mid-calf. Hahaha!
SGT Plumber
SGT (Join to see)
10 y
Well im with the no show and tell but i got a feeling some who rite regs have stock in clothing and sales military socks should not matter there shouldent be a debate about it no one is complaining about my silk boxers or my victory secret lol see what im getting at i know and its a proven fact army socks suck outside or x brand socks have better performance. And if it were a performance issue why is there no set color on PRT shoes hmmm its true. And for the other standards room if there were a reg why dont you run after them and fix it.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
10 y
For future reference.....SSG Robert Burnsmust be advised of all postings regarding unauthorized socks. I believe it may have been a reenlistment option....lol.
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1SG David Niles
1SG David Niles
10 y
Being old schoolish, I hate a rag bag uniform. So you cannot starch it, then iron it, make yourself look right. Always consider what the publics first thoughts are of you when they see you. 
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SFC James Baber
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<p>The 1st problem is the 670-1 itself, the entire regulation is so full of gray areas that it is constantly leaving many of the rules within up to personal interpretation, look at the thread that many of us have participated in relation to SFC Dees, while she perceives black and white, her CSM perceives his own interpretation of it, which is also an issue of unit CDRs/CSMs/1SGs all creating policy letters that sometimes do take away from the regulation instead of adding too as is allowed. </p><p><br></p><p>This is also in reference to what SSG Woods conveyed in her response as well.</p><p><br></p><p>It is to ambiguous and not cut and dried on many items addressed within.</p>
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
11 y
They really need to get the new 670-1 out on the street. Since it was lasted published we got rid of DBDUs, BDUs, and the Green Service Uniform and fielded a 7 layer ECWS, ACU, OCP, ASU, issued eye pro and female ACUs and added multiple badges. I do not think they updated the hair cut standards since the 1970s where they were probably happy to keep it off their ears and collar and out of the eyes. Surprised they did not out law center parts for males at that time (dope smoker perception). Orderly room Unit photos from the 1970s are telling. It is hard to figure out what right is when you have to read/interpolate 670-1, hunt for and factor in amplification ALARACTs, and mil per msgs, then layer on interpretations and the slew of local command guides like the 101st blue book. Agree that 670-1 should have photos for haircuts, mustaches, and male sideburns. 
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LTC Contractor
LTC (Join to see)
11 y
BINGO
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SFC Robert Trodahl
SFC Robert Trodahl
11 y
Nice response LTC Mackay!
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MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
>1 y
Yes it sure is ambiguous at times, I remember looking at the 670-1 description of the baseball cap. The wording was the baseball cap will be a six paneled cap with a brim , it is to be issue olive green cap "or commercially available SIMILAR substitute. Us California boys going to Ft Jackson, and Ft Benning Ga had a time with the hear and purchased very similar hats with four screened panels for cooling and two solid panels in front. The Commanding General of the fort ruled that these caps were not similar and made us go back to the very hot issue caps, this endangered us as we were not acclimatized and yet because of our mission Test Supervisors we were counted as cadre and normal acclimatization rules did not exist for us.
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PO2 Alana Nielson
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9
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My biggest pet peeve is someone correcting a uniform item that isn't specifically addressed anywhere in the uniform regs. Your aversion to my tennis shoes doesn't make them out of regs, and citing a pregnancy tennis shoe chit to correct an injured service member makes you look petty.
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SFC William Swartz Jr
10
9
1
My biggest pet peeve of all concerning the uniform, be it the BDUs/DCUs/ACUs, was anyone rolling their soft cap/patrol cap in any fashion..there never was nor should ever have been a so called "Ranger Roll". Most of the time I witnessed this it was being worn by a commissioned officer and I would get a severe stink-eye cast my way when I would tactfully inform them that their headgear was 8-up. A close second would have to be the headgear that has never seen a washing machine and looks like it has been used to conduct multiple oil changes on my old M60A3 MBT. Wash it, shake it out and let it air dry so it doesn't look like it needs to be deposited in the oily rags bin in the motor pool!!
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SFC William Swartz Jr
SFC William Swartz Jr
10 y
Is all good!
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CSM Command Sergeant Major
CSM (Join to see)
>1 y
SGT Riley, you better check again because the headgear cannot be shaped, formed or folded. The Ranger roll is shaped and if you are not wearing a Ranger tab, don't even try it!
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SFC Operations Nco
SFC (Join to see)
9 y
Obviously not a ranger and don't forget that Stetson ripoff you CAV guys worship "technically" isn't authorized. Also when I was instructed as a private as to the "purpose" of headgear, it was to break up ones outline/silhouette to help avoid detection when conducting a hasty recon and the "rolls" helped make it less obvious you were wearing a damn hat! However. Considering that field craft is all but lost nowadays and I'm just a shitty staff sergeant ranger whose lost his stripes more than once in sure I will be ignored and spat upon as per POG/Garrison/REMF/etc. SOP. Let the hate commence!
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SSG Drill Sergeant
SSG (Join to see)
9 y
Have to disagree with you CSM. "No rolling," refers to the so called Ranger Roll. So, if you walk in front of me and you have a Ranger tab, which designates you as a Ranger school graduate at a minimum, I'll still stop and correct your wear of your patrol cap. If you're assigned to a Ranger unit, and you're wearing the beret, then I'll offer you the greeting of the day. On the other hand, I will add this though, DAPam 670-1 is a "Guide" to the wear of the military uniform whereas AR670-1 is the regulation on WHAT to wear.
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