When is it okay to remove my PC outside?

2017-12-19T16:05:43-05:00

I posted a video on Facebook where me and my friends were going for a hike and in the video we had our PC off because it was hot and we were taking a quick break from hiking. I’m getting flak in the comment section about this...is there a regulation or something stating I can’t have my pc off for 5 minutes to cool down?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2017 4:14 PM

2017-12-19T16:14:47-05:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member What is PC and why are you posting a video on Facebook? If by chance, you mean personal clothing, and posted this on Facebook, this could be looked at as a poor decision by an individual that is pre commission. Please explain without slang.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 19 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-12-19T16:37:43-05:00

Well the simple answer in the military is perception is reality. You might have only had your cover off for 5 minutes to cooldown, but because you posted a video on facebook, the perception is you probably had your cover off the entire time. This is the primary reason you are probably catching flak for this.

Social media is one of those tricky things, especially for the newer generations who tend to overshare. Remember that you are representatives of your chosen branch. So if you go and post pictures of you or others out of regs, you can expect some flak for it. Even if you were doing it as a gag photo op, you can still expect flak.

I wouldn't worry about regulations on when you can take your cover off. What you need to be more mindful of is your social media presence and the image you give off to others.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2017 4:44 PM

2017-12-19T16:44:29-05:00

Was this a military related "hike"? I ask because I've never referred to a ruck march as a hike and I've never started a statement concerning actual military training with "me and my friends". So if it was a personal thing, I'd question as to why you were wearing a uniform to begin with. If it was actual military training, NCO's would have been present to give you the green light to remove the PC and you'd have your answer.

All of that aside, never forego common sense for regulations. If the situation warrants removing your PC (i.e. wind/heat/etc.) even though the regs say wear it, remove it. Keep in mind I'm speaking mainly about field conditions even though common sense should apply everywhere.

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 19 at 2017 4:49 PM

2017-12-19T16:49:32-05:00

If you're off duty and allowed to wear civis, wear them. It will cut down on 100% of the uniform issues that may happen. If you're restricted to what you can and cant wear while in AIT wear PTs when doing PT. You will get less flack for wearing boots on a march with PTs on than you will in modified ACUS. Best piece of advice though is don't post shit while in AIT of anything army related.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Dec 20 at 2017 3:49 PM

2017-12-20T15:49:51-05:00

Who was giving you flak on FB about that? If it was a military event and your first line leader said you didn't have to wear it then you don't have to wear it. If this was just on your own but you were in uniform because you were required to be due to your status as an AIT student then by all means take your cover off for a few minutes to cool off/rest or whatever. Sounds like you were using common sense and other's are not.

Response by SSgt Timothy Prevost made Dec 20 at 2017 5:05 PM

2017-12-20T17:05:31-05:00

Dude honestly trolls will be trolls. Guys just like to be key board warriors now a days and pick on any new boot to make them feel empowerd via social media. You have a long career ahead of you and the last thing you need to worry about is taking your cover off for 5 mins on a hike with ur buds lol. Having trained as many guys as I have and just being a platoon SGT for multiple infantry platoons, I think it's awesome your on a hike and not getting completely obliterated in your barracks room taking dumb snap chats of you pounding beers in your cammies. Good on you. If your hot and your out on base walking where ever the hell it is your walking and no ones around to call your ass out. Take your damn cover off and chill for a bit. If someone says something.... cool. Just put it back on and say good to go and carry on with w.e the hell you were doing. If they ask why your cover off, just say cause you were hot and didn't want to drench your cover in sweat. Just make sure you weren't walking. Common sense applies ya know like don't take it off when your outside of the PX or a place where there is a lot of traffic. Usually people that call you out military regs on social just have nothing better to do and they just want to make a PFC feel like crap because they miss their glory days when they could yell at a boot. Just shrug it off, be respectful and life goes on kid.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2017 10:51 AM

2017-12-21T10:51:59-05:00

Back in my junior enlisted days, we lived by a saying: Memories are forever. Pictures are evidence. We never got trolled for all of our shenanigans on social media because we didn't document and post it for the world to see. My advice-- keep your private life private.