Military question

[mhalachai]

So I'm just rewatching the Stargate movie, and since I know better than to trust Hollywood for (American) military accuracy, a question:

Would anyone, officer or enlisted man, be chewing gum while on duty in their dress uniform? I know the military has many, many regulations on appearance and behavior while on duty, but do they address gum chewing? How about cigarette smoking?

So many irrelevant questions, so little patience for Google...

Comments

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

I called my father. he's retired air force. you do not chew gum in dress blues in formation. there are no rules preventing it out of formation, but you shouldn't make it obvious, as that's common courtesy. in fatigues, there is no real problem with it as long as your job doesn't specifically prohibit it and i would imagine that would be according to rules you would find at any job, i.e. mechanic, office worker, etc.

for the most part, you rely on the rules of common etiquette (you know, the ones most people don't follow any more)

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Common etiquette no longer is, sadly. These days, it's startling when someone holds the door for me. When I have kids, I'm gonna teach them some manners. While yelling at their friends to get off my lawn.

Ahem.

Because I have no idea, I'll ask -- what's formation? When would one be in formation?

(I'm totally amazed how many people on my f-list have connections to the military. In my real life, I don't know anyone in the military. Hrm)

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

think geese or a marching band. usually that's at ceremonies, so obviously no gum allowed.

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

you know the one etiquette thing i desperately wish was still in effect? spitting in front of a lady. i hate it when people just are spitting. it's nasty and uncouth and rather disgusting.