SITREP-Rolled Sleeves Approved Q&A
Channel: The U.S. Army
Date: 2017-02-01

Effective immediately, commanders may authorize Soldiers to roll up sleeves on the Army combat uniforms, according to a memorandum signed by Lt. Gen. James C. McConville, deputy chief of staff, G-1, June 28.

#SleevesUp

Q1: What if a soldier has tattoos on his forearms? As long as the Soldier's tattoos are already in compliance with regulatory guidance, there is no issue with tattoos being displayed when sleeves are rolled up.

Q2: Can a unit be mixed with rolled-sleeves and long-sleeves, based on an individual’s preference? Or does it have to be uniform across a unit? Commanders will make that determination when it comes to what to wear with regard to the Soldier's duties and workplace. Local commanders will of course advise Soldiers appearing in formation what the required uniform is so everyone appears to be uniform.

Q3: If it is at a “commander’s discretion,” what level of command? This is handled at the battalion and company level. Of course Installation/Senior Mission Commanders may dictate local policy across the entire installation.

Q4: Is there an actual set of instructions or a tutorial video for rolling? A number of soldiers have requested one. Yes, a short video is in the works, as well as pictures already being published via Army Times and Army News Service. Naturally, training Soldiers is NCO business down to the squad level. For sleeves up, most senior NCOs today should remember how they used to roll their BDU sleeves and teach their Soldiers. But yes, we'll have some instructions shortly, especially with regard to the "Delta Force" roll, also known as the "SF roll."

Q5: Is there any “training” soldiers are going to have to take for this? See answer to Q 4; NCOs will train their Soldiers.

Q6: Are you fielding any other soldier-generated questions that we can include in the story to help the message? Not on our end. Response has been very positive. We've seen Soldiers already posting pics and videos on social media of themselves with rolled sleeves saying, "YES! Now, just waiting for the commander to authorize it."

Produced by SSG Jose Ibarra & SGT Jose Torres