Uniform Regulations at Culver

While looking over a batch of pictures I’m thinking of adding to our galleries, I was reminded of how inconsistent uniform wear can be during camp. As a counselor it is rare indeed for me to walk from barracks to the dining hall (about 200 yards from North/East) without telling a midshipman to cover his head or asking an aviator to tuck in his shirt. In fact I would say on average, every trip outside the barracks brings with it at least 2-3 uniform related "counselings" of campers, oftentimes second and firstclassmen (as when my own FPO tried to go on a date in athletic shorts, a rain jacket, and nothing on underneath that).

Sometimes the regs violations seem innocous (belt not properly aligned) but other times they are flagrant (black socks with athletics, company t-shirt under the Middy due to lack of laundry planning). This can be quite frustrating to see and have to correct at all times.

And then there are the uniform violations that occur on the ladies side of the camp. While I’m (thankfully) unaware of the full variety of what the female counselors have to deal with, even us male counselors pick up on campers wearing make-up, jewelry, excessive hair decoration etc.

In light of this, what if anything should be done? Should counselors be more outspoken in correcting improper uniform around camp and if so what the most useful way of doing this? Should some uniform regulations be reconsidered to account for changing tastes/fashions? Should student leaders be held more accountable for lapses in uniform amongst campers in their unit? Should there be more official uniform inspections throughout the week (and by "official" I mean, counts towards the military banner). And what role should Deputy Boys and Deputy Girls Commanders play in the matter? After all they are the leaders on regimental specifically in charge of uniform.

So what are your thoughts on the matter? I’ve opened up a new poll on the front page with a basic questions about whether uniform regulations should be more strictly imposed. Vote in that and then explain yourself in the forums by clicking here.