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While I agree that many of these are inane, there is a reason, no matter how poorly thought out for most everything the military does. Most Vets and
their families can attest to this. After three decades of service, I could add oh …so…much …more. But I will refrain, for now. But yep...I was
"that guy".
The 10 Most Ridiculous Military Regulations, Customs, and Courtesies
1. No chilling with hands in your pockets.
- I was guilty of this quite often. Often a NCO would yell at me to take my hands out of pockets while asking if I thought I was in the Air Force. I
always replied that since I was born in a USAF hospital, I was authorized at birth.
2. Reflective belts on EVERYTHING and EVERYONE.
- Pretty much ignored this one except when doing PT stateside. Plenty of ass chewing though.
3. Haircuts every week.
- I was probably the longest haired guy in the 82d Airborne for a decade. But it was always within regs, just not the 82d’s standards.
4. Special parking privileges for colonels, generals, and senior enlisted.
- Only the wives seemed to use these. Who says spouses are not a political force?
5. Not walking on grass, ever, unless you're mowing it.
- Never understood this one and rarely saw it enforced.
6. Standing at parade rest when talking to senior service members.
- I have no problem with this. This is a sign of respect for the rank, if not the person. Besides, almost without fail they’ll tell you to at ease
or rest.
7. Weekend liberty briefs and car inspections.
- These became a source of a lot of comedy amongst the troops. Annoyed the hell out or leadership with off the cuff questions and comments.
8. Doing Operational Risk Management (ORM) paperwork for pick-up basketball.
- THIS should be #1. ORM paperwork has grown into an insatiable monster, and a waste of time. It’s mainly used to fry somebody if an accident
happens.
9. Walking and talking on a cell phone
- I have no problem with this and it is also rarely enforced. It just looks unprofessional and is a safety issue. I watched a guy walk off a loading
dock bumping his gums on a cell phone. It was hilarious.
10. Checking in and checking out.
- Also known as in and out processing. In-processing was tedious but easy, but out-processing is a real pain in the @$$