Trekking Poles I suspect may conjure up a certain images of certain stereotypical 'hiker' types. I know what you mean, that was until I actually used them. Trekking poles may give people who use them a certain image, perhaps associating then with the older person or the more sedate as opposed to the military types e.g. they don't appear to be used in military use in the US (although I may be incorrect). Lets just say that some specialist UK military forces have been known to use trekking poles because of the advantage the poles give when used properly, especially in mountainous terrain when carrying heavy loads. They are allowed to use just what works to get the job done more efficiently. Trekking poles can allow more endurance and speed.
Most bits of kit found in the local camping store will outperform most of the kit issued to those in the military. It just that the kit is not OD or camo coloured. There is a lot of excellent kit out there.

Some info on trekking poles including techniques on how to use them properly can be found here at http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/gear.htm