A majority of sergeants major surveyed at Fort Hood during the Army's rolled-sleeves experiment say the leadership should not allow sleeve-rolling of the Army Combat Uniform. 

About 60 percent of the surveyed sergeants major at the Texas installation were against the idea. If it were to happen, however, 91 percent of those who offered a style preference said they should be rolled "camo out," the same style used with the old Battle Dress Uniform.

These findings have been included in a report that will be submitted to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley. The chief is expected to make a final ruling on Monday. If he approves the change, you can expect a uniform directive allowing some degree of servicewide sleeve-rolling to be released almost immediately. 

Milley announced the 10-day trial June 16 during a visit to Fort Hood. Soldiers on post have been permitted to roll sleeves, a change in uniform policy soldiers have long clamored for. 

Of 96 sergeants major surveyed, 58 of them said the Army should dispense with the notion of rolling sleeves on the ACU. It's perhaps unsurprising, considering the fact these senior noncommissioned officers may be tasked with enforcing the rules and helping to promote squared-away sleeves in the weeks, months and years to come. Only 88 of these sergeants major weighed in on a sleeve-roll preference, with 80 supporting "camo out." 

Army Times conducted its own survey, which will also inform Milley's decision. In this vote, "camo out" was a landslide victor, despite a spirited attemptby an Army captain to save "camo in." Out of

54,641 votes

:

  • 62 percent voted for "camo out" (33,730 votes)
  • 28 percent voted for "camo in" (15,180 votes)
  • 10 percent voted against rolled sleeves (5,731 votes)

Votes streamed in during the three-day survey from all over the world, including about 1,600 votes from Korea, 850 from Germany, and 150 from Afghanistan.

Tony leads a team of more than 30 editors, reporters and videographers dedicated to covering the news that affects service members and their families. Tony is responsible for strategy of the Military Times digital brands, the print publications, video and multimedia projects for Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times.

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