Sleeves Up Or Sleeves Down: MTP Summer Dress - How Will You Wear Yours?

Every year since the beginning of time, the Armed Forces have the same debate - when, and where short sleeve order should be ...rolled out. 

The Former British Army's Sergeant Major Glenn Haughton caused a heated debate on social media by reforming the policy of allowing soldiers to wear their sleeves up or down as they see fit, and to use their own common sense. 

However, there will be circumstances such as formal parades where the Regimental Sergeant Major will have the final say on the matter if uniformity is a factor.

The British Army's first army sergeant major outlined the new policy and has settled the age old debate on Twitter and this is what he said:

From Apr 1st soldiers can decide for themselves to wear sleeves up or down for normal daily battle rhythm in combat dress. This decision is based on common sense, activity and climate. Occasions will arise where uniformity is required decided by the chain of command #commonsensepic.twitter.com/u1ggltJUF9

— Glenn Haughton OBE MBA (@ArmySgtMajor) March 27, 2018

Forces Radio BFBS reporter Aimee Dewitt spoke to Sergeant Major Glenn Haughton about the reaction to the decision.

He said 'about 90%' of the feedback he's received has been positive.

Listen to what he said:

The decision on whether or not you should be able to decide for yourself to roll up your sleeves has divided Twitter - sparking a robust debate with characteristic forces banter shining through. 

Internet users are proving that the debate is showing no signs of abating, even though the original decision was made almost eight years ago.

The Grand Old Duke Of York.
He Had Ten Thousand Men.
He made them roll their sleeves right down and roll them up again...

— The Saboteur #FBPE (@DoomlordVek) March 27, 2018

This is either commonsense or the best ever April Fools prank played by a SgtMaj on thousands of unsuspecting squaddies

— Steve Scicluna (@stevescicluna) March 27, 2018

The debate over dress, using the hashtag #commonsense, also brought back feelings for some on whether the policy on facial hair should be changed...

A good day for #commonsense, finally, always hated sleeves down. What about facial hair policy? I mean, we already allow a tash and the @RoyalNavy beard-wearers look smart enough - they can always be shaved off in an instant if needed too #CommonSense?

— ?? David Love (@_LoveAdventures) March 27, 2018

Despite the comical responses the hashtag many genuinely saw the new policy as a common-sense solution... 

Low level Empowerment like this was unthought of in my day so it’s a positive step forward for the army.Self motivated thinking soldiers are the best soldiers.I was lucky that I became a sniper & had a good C.O. who encouraged soldiers to think for themselves.????‍♀️???

— James Rowley (@JamesRowley1977) March 27, 2018

Jolly good. Throughout my 37 years service it was 1 May for shirt sleeve order regardless of the weather. Inevitably by 2 May we were back in pullovers! Pleased common sense now prevails.

— POP (@PeterRoffey) March 27, 2018

Although others were not as impressed...

Are we going to get a common sense approach to heating the SLA, we pay all year round but will be turned off 1 Apr. Tried to get answers keep being told ‘always been like that’. JSP states refund if without utilities for more than 7 days.

— Kate Bowler (@ebs0902) March 27, 2018

Is this in lieu of a pay rise ? Definitely makes up for it. #solutionsforproblemsthatdontexsist

— walt (@walt37108499) March 27, 2018

What do you think - should soldiers be allowed to wear their sleeves up?

Are there any further #commonsense changes to dress you'd like to see implemented?

Let us know your thoughts on social media or in the comments below.

Headline Picture: Glenn Haughton OBE MBA Twitter