An updated Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Command Policy 18 went into effect last month. Policy 18 sets standards for the wear and appearance of uniforms with a local emphasis.
"The changes in the policy letter pretty much follow the updated Army Regulation 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia) and the associated Department of the Army Pamphlet," said Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence Murphy, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence.
On June 26, 1st Sgt. Timothy Larrington, MSCoE Headquarters and Headquarters Company, conducted a policy brief for his Soldiers. He told them it was crucial to know Command Policy 18, so that they could teach, coach and mentor others.
Larrington's focus was to clarify some of items and explain why it's important to look and act in an appropriate manner.
"The policy says Soldiers must project a military image that leaves no doubt that they live by a common set of military values and are guided through military order and discipline," Larrington said. "As a service member this applies to our Families as well. It also applies to Department of the Army civilians."
Command Policy 18 states that all service members, civilians and Family members wearing civilian attire should look neat and clean while on or off duty.
For example: pajamas and clothes such as tank tops that are designed to be undergarments cannot be worn as outerwear on or off the installation.
"The military image is extremely important as we are a profession and the image service members display at all times need to be that of a professional service member. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of the Army profession. Being a professional and presenting that professional image is not just important for Soldiers but is just as important for civilians also," Murphy said.
Sgt. 1st Class Janette Duarte, assistant Inspector General agreed.
"We represent the U.S. Army. (Family members and Department of the Army civilians) also represent the U.S Army and are an important part of our force," Duarte said.
No electronic devices are authorized for wear while donning the Improved Physical Fitness Uniform or the Army Combat Uniform. According to Command Policy 18, the only excepetions are hand-free devices while operating a motor vehicle and stereo headphones during individual physical training sessions within the confines of an exercise facility.
The policy also defines the wearing of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy identification pin.
It states the pin is to be worn directly under the U.S. Army nametape and directly next to the right edge of the left breast pocket flap on the Army Combat Uniform. Also, NCOA cadre are not allowed to wear the pin 50 miles outside of post, according to the policy.
Murphy said every Soldier must uphold the standards set for them.
"I have said many times it takes a village to raise our service members, and we all must be good stewards of the profession and not be afraid to make corrections of those who are wrong, no matter the rank. We are all Soldiers and are subject to the Army Regulation 670-1 and the associated Department of the Army Pamphlet," Murphy said.
"There is not much to the policy, but simply following the guidelines, regulations and policies. It is not hard, and it is our responsibility as Soldiers to do just that," he added.
Duarte said there is no excuse for not knowing the policy, and Soldiers out of regulation should be corrected, because she is still seeing infractions.
"I see Soldiers walking and talking or texting on cell phones, Soldiers carrying unauthorized bags -- especially gym bags over their shoulder and the wear of ACUs in off-post establishments after 7 p.m. or PT uniforms in unauthorized facilities such as Starbucks," Duarte said.
To see the Wear and Appearance of Uniforms Command Policy in it's entirety visit www.wood.army.mil, go to Command Info and Policies and click on Command Policies.
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