Army Soldiers? Sleeves up?

Question

Why doesn't the US Army wear their sleeves up in garrison during summer. All the other services wear sleeves up during summer, but not the Army. In fact, the new ACU uniform cannot have rolled sleeves due to the velcro.
Note: I understand the need for sleeves down when downrange, to protect against gravel, broken glass, abrasions, bug bites, and sunburn. But why not in garrison, motorpool, work details, etc?
Is there a good reason for sleeves down?

Answer 1

There is a good reason for sleeves down. With the sleeves up (Old Battle Dress Uniform BDU's) the air circulation is cut off where the sleeve is rolled. With them down it's actually cooler as the air can circulate better and cool the skin. During work details, it is up the the NCO in charge to decide if the workers can remove their shirts and just work in their t-shirts. The motorpool it's up to the motor Sergeant. I'm speaking from the Army point of view on this.

Answer 2

its usually up to the commanders discretion as to what the uniform of the day is. My last unit was an airborne unit, and we wore our sleeves up in the summer. (we were in the sweltering armpits of Georgia). So it may depend on whether your garrison has a lot of heat casualties, or the avg heat CAT during the summer is unusually high, and whether the unit commanders dont mind changing the uniform to mitigate the heat threat.
interesting note, they are rolled, so that all you need is a gentle tug and they are in the down position. this is so that during a WMD emergency, you can pull them down, and the uniform will absorb the chemicals, instead of your skin. this is no way a "good" defense, but its some defense.

Answer 3

I don't know if it's still this way, but when my dad was in the army, he got in trouble for getting a sunburn (because he was considered government property). That may have something to do with it.