When is it authorized to remove your ACU top when in uniform?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 11:43:55 -0400

If three Soldiers are eating at a local establishment (we will say all three are Lieutenants for this scenario), and they have removed their tops, is it authorized? What are your thoughts?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 11:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 11:49:04 -0400

On Fort hood it absolutely is not. III Corps handbook with CG policy letters strictly prohibits it. I believe it should not be authorized army wide...except in extreme circumstances.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 7 at 2015 12:17 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 12:17:20 -0400

IAW AR 670-1, it is not authorized, if I am not mistaken, and almost every unit I was assigned to had it's own book of standards that forbade it as well. Should never happen off-post for any reason especially when in the public eye; to me shows a lack of self-discipline and makes us as a branch of the armed forces look like crap.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 12:24 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 12:24:14 -0400

I cannot speak to Army reg, but there is no way to candy coat my thoughts. Not "no"... Not "h*ll no"... F*ck no.....

That is all. :)

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 7 at 2015 12:28 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 12:28:45 -0400

Not authorized however for dining, don't think it should be a big deal as long as you put it back on when you get up. Almost like wearing a suit jacket in the office.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 7 at 2015 12:30 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 12:30:50 -0400

Ironically the definition of a uniform includes having rank and branch of service identifying marks on it. At least technically, removing the blouse removes all of those items.

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Jun 7 at 2015 12:34 PM

CW2 Stephen Pate — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 12:34:55 -0400

I would go out on a limb and guess that AR 670-1, DA PAM 670-1 and TC 10-227 might tell ya how the uniform should be worn and might say something about the commander being the only one authorized to modify the uniform. I know there are plenty of times when it would be nice to take it off, such as working in a hot office, out on a detail, etc, you just gotta get the commander to sign off on it. If you want regulatory guidance then look it up. For a Soldier to say "I'll abide once someone shows me a reg" is the problem with today's troops, but I hear it all the time. Don't worry though, I crush it immediately every time!

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Jun 7 at 2015 12:36 PM

CW2 Stephen Pate — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 12:36:38 -0400

I mean where does it stop? Its hot so I'm gonna take my top off...my feet hurt so I'm gonna take my boots off....I don't like these pants so I'm gonna just were gym shorts to work from now on....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 12:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 12:39:28 -0400

I understand the "Lieutenant's" thought process as removing the coat to sit down for a meal is the gentleman or ladie like social protocol and prevents spills which may look unprofessional upon returning to work. Myself, if I know I am going to eat at a restaurant that serves items that may dirty my uniform I.e. barbeque or certain seafood spots, I bring a change of clothes so I will wear civilians off post and change back before continuing duty. And I remember a time where that was common place if you wanted to visit an off post restaurant.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made Jun 7 at 2015 1:29 PM

SGT Anthony Bussing — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 13:29:32 -0400

if IM not mistaken...no, that would be a big breech....plus, are tey even allowed to wear them off base?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 7 at 2015 2:05 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 14:05:42 -0400

Hell no. Did they make a scene?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 2:23 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 14:23:17 -0400

I can't quote a reg, I've tried searching for an answer. Anecdotally, aside from command/supervisor discretion, I'm only finding examples in the context of a work detail, and most of those are from my time in and before, so pre-2005.

Sorry

Response by SGT Timothy Rocheleau made Jun 7 at 2015 2:26 PM

SGT Timothy Rocheleau — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 14:26:56 -0400

Are the regs not the same as the were in the eighties and nineties? We were always told that the only time you wear your uniform off base is to and from work or on mission. You could stop and get gas or stop at the grocery store but going out to eat was always an absolute no! So I would say just being in a sit down restaurant in uniform is a no go. Sitting in your t-shirt eating would be a definite no. Not professional at all. If your excuse is "I'm afraid I may spill food on my uniform" then you need to learn how to eat and proper etiquette while in public eating. It's called a napkin, use it!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 7 at 2015 2:38 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 14:38:55 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, absolutely not!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 1:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:18:21 -0400

I'm not well-versed on this part of 670-1, and something tells me it probably isn't spelled out. However, I do believe that technically just wearing a t-shirt and ACU pants does not constitute a "uniform" and could technically be called civilian attire. That being said, it is not professional AT ALL and makes their branch of service look terrible.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 8 at 2015 9:14 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:14:35 -0400

First I would take a picture, and I might even record the situation incase one of them reports me and make a false statement. I would look oddly at this lot of commissioned officers. I would simply ask, "Why do you all have you tops off". Knowing that any answer would not make it okay I would simply state, "You all need to put on your tops per Army regulation AR 670-1". Then I would carry on and enjoy my personal time.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 8 at 2015 9:28 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:28:31 -0400

A Round Brown asks RP about uniforms?

Response by TSgt David Holman made Jun 8 at 2015 9:32 PM

TSgt David Holman — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:32:36 -0400

In the immediate duty section, sure. If it is in the public eye, you should really wear the uniform completely and properly.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 10:08 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 22:08:42 -0400

The only time I'm allowed to take my operational dress uniform (ODU) top off when I'm in the office and the air conditioning breaks. If I remember correctly the only time in the army that it's allowed is when you on an outside detail in the heat.

Response by SGT Larss Ogren made Jun 10 at 2015 1:02 AM

SGT Larss Ogren — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 01:02:45 -0400

No covers in doors anytime. If you are off post and in uniform your jacked up, fix it quick fast. I understand Army doesn't have this but you should. Only other time is black flag weather.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 10 at 2015 2:13 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 02:13:18 -0400

Am I the only one who thinks it looks tacky as Hell to wear camouflage uniforms in a restaurant? Yes I realize that Army, Navy, and Air Force uniform regulations allow it but I still think it looks unprofessional.

Regardless, I would have corrected the Lieutenants. I'm retired now and not afraid of correcting an Officer. Heck, I wasn't afraid to respectfully correct an Officer when I was active and I'm not now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2016 11:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 11:17:34 -0400

DA PAM 670-1 Ch 4-2 states that composition of the Combat uniform:
a. Coat (see para 4–8).
b. Trousers (see para 4–9).
c. Undershirt, sand or tan 499 (see para 20–28e).
d. Undergarments (see para 20–28).
e. Belt, rigger, sand or tan 499 (see para 20–2a).
f. Socks, tan, green, or black; cushion sole (see para 20–24a).
g. Boots, combat, tan or coyote leather (see para 20–3a).
h. Headgear (see para 4–10).
Show me where it says you CAN wear only the tan T-Shirt. If your argument is that it does not say, I ask this: does it say pants must be worn when wearing the top? Implied tasks apply.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Aug 7 at 2017 9:40 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 09:40:03 -0400

When You are in Your own quarters changing clothes You can take it off otherwise don't even think of it !

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2017 11:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 11:30:30 -0400

The only time I ever was authorized to take my top off, was out in the field working on setting up a pipeline system, once we had the terminal set up, tops were put back on, so I would say out in public they are a no go.

Response by PFC Bradley Campbell made Aug 21 at 2017 11:31 AM

PFC Bradley Campbell — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 11:31:38 -0400

you should take it off when changing clothes so you can go out to eat.

Response by COL William Oseles made Aug 21 at 2017 11:42 AM

COL William Oseles — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 11:42:34 -0400

You sure we are dealing with LTs and not SFCs in Hooters?

Response by SP5 Norman McGill made Aug 21 at 2017 12:09 PM

SP5 Norman McGill — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 12:09:35 -0400

I'd say that in a restaurant everybody should remove their headgear. Just common courtesy.

Response by Sgt Walter Howard Wooton Jr made Aug 21 at 2017 1:26 PM

Sgt Walter Howard Wooton Jr — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 13:26:40 -0400

I had this question pop in my mind today. I was in a Verizon store and this "soldier" came in no with her ACU pants, T-shirt and cover on, no blouse and pants not bloused. Being a Marine I find being out in town in Utilities unacceptable to start with, but to see her walk in looking like a total shit bird set my teeth on edge in a major way. Not knowing the Armies regs I said nothing, but did start trying to find out in case I run into this in the future. Wear it proud or don't wear it at all is how I look at it.

Response by CPL Erik Gonzalez made Aug 21 at 2017 1:28 PM

CPL Erik Gonzalez — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 13:28:38 -0400

If it is part of your issued uniform and you are on duty then you need to be wearing a complete uniform. If you happen to be outside then the headgear needs to be on as well. If the complete uniform is not being worn then you are out of uniform.

Response by MSgt Michael Lane made May 9 at 2019 4:12 PM

MSgt Michael Lane — Thu, 09 May 2019 16:12:37 -0400

Response by SPC Nicholas Wood made May 9 at 2019 4:16 PM

SPC Nicholas Wood — Thu, 09 May 2019 16:16:12 -0400

Thats a big no.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made May 10 at 2019 3:10 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Fri, 10 May 2019 15:10:10 -0400

That just boils down to poor judgement and unfortunately poor leadership, one could also add a blatant disregard for regulations.

Response by SSG James Oliver Nathan Jr made May 12 at 2019 10:36 AM

SSG James Oliver Nathan Jr — Sun, 12 May 2019 10:36:34 -0400

No It should have never been removed in the first place.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2021 5:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 17:15:47 -0500

So can anyone pull out the reg? Because in US MC eating with your top off is ok, and MC is the most professional branch in terms of uniformity. So explain how is it "unprofessional" to take the top off while dining in?