It’s Official--No Umbrellas for Army Men
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WASHINGTON — The Army’s top brass decreed Friday that its servicemen may not carry umbrellas while in uniform.
Army Secretary John O. Marsh Jr. and Gen. John A. Wickham Jr., the Army’s chief of staff, “have disapproved the use of umbrellas,” Lt. Col. Miguel E. Monteverde, a spokesman, announced.
“The decision has been made” Monteverde said.
Monteverde would not discuss the reasoning behind the decision, but a source who demanded anonymity would.
“It’s very simple,” he said. “They (Marsh and Wickham) feel the image of male Army officers walking around with umbrellas is somehow intrinsically unmilitary. They feel it is an artificial affectation that Army officers need not have.”
Friday’s announcement followed a report earlier in the week that the Army Clothing and Equipment Board was considering a recommendation to allow men in uniform to carry an umbrella.
Now, only the Air Force allows men to carry an umbrella. The Navy, Marines and Army allow military women to carry an umbrella.
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