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Senior Army officials are working to tighten dress code regulations for soldiers.
Soldiers with excessive tattoos, sideburns or even nail polish may soon find themselves singled out and even disciplined over their personal appearance.
Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler is conducting a comprehensive review of the regulation on the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. Senior leaders have outlined several changes that would put the spotlight on dress code for soldiers and grooming standards.
Sgt. Maj. Chandler has stated that the goal of this campaign is not to punish soldiers, but to reemphasize the importance of maintaining professionalism in the military.
Most of the proposed changes are just modifications on existing rules. Many already exist or have at least been implied by the military for years.
For male soldiers:
Some of the changes are more controversial than others. Here are some of the proposed changes regarding tattoos:
Tattoos are part of military culture.
In the past, military leadership hasn’t worried much about tattoos as long as they weren’t exposed when wearing a service uniform and were not vulgar, racist or representing an extremist ideology. Now, a soldier might have to worry about how many tattoos they have, even if they are hidden beneath clothing. While current soldiers with a full sleeve tattoo will likely be grandfathered in, this change has the potential to keep intelligent, capable citizens from entering the military for something that can be covered by a long-sleeve shirt.
There are also new guidelines for acceptable dress for soldiers when off duty or on leave, even when they’re off base.
Time will tell if these changes will be used in the upcoming troop drawdown. Senior Army officials are still considering the legality of some of these changes or how they could actually be enforced, but soldiers can expect to see a renewed focus on dress and appearance in the near future.
Photos courtesy of The U.S. Army and PORKCHOP RULES
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246 Comments
This is far too LIBERAL // Should not be more than 1 square inch of ink ever showing on body // Infractions should be punished by 1 year in prison // I am totally fed up with this trashy look in America. //
1 year in prison for tattoos? Idiotic much? If you don’t like that people in the US are free to express themselves however they want, you are free to move to a different country where you have no rights whatsoever.
When you join our military services, you are governed under the military standard operating procedures and regulations. You take an oath and are subject to certain limitations. You make the decision to abide and respect those circumstances and you are owned, Lock, Stock and Barrel by the people you serve. If you don’t like these terms, get out. You are told what your getting into. Don’t serve if you can’t obey orders. Stay out and do something else. So simple!
AMEN.
Sounds like some one is wearing thier husbands rank……..
Totally agree
You tell them! Them only right you have is to fight and die for your country! As someone who fights for the right for others to be free, you should expect to be treated like a slave!
Go out and DIE like a man!
No one said that the regulations in place should not be followed but lets not make them ridiculous.
Common sense, it is shocking how UN-common it is.
THANK YOU!
Soldiers arnt machines, were just people.
This crap is out of hand. They leaders that be now want little puritanical clean cut boys and girls. No smoking while walking? BS!No breathing in a unmilitary manner! Hear is a thought.. teach them to be soldiers, marines and sailors.. not autobots. no more drinking or smoking while in the military!
So which branch were you in?
Diana, have you ever been in the military?. . most likely not, with that close minded statement. . your probably some Sergeant majors wife, acting like you know the military in and out. . i saw it all the time on fort lewis. . wives should learn their place.
Okay. See? I don’t entirely agree with Diana’s statement but I certainly don’t agree with yours. Wives should learn their place? Sexist much?
Im replying this THIS statement by Sehena…
“Okay. See? I don’t entirely agree with Diana’s statement but I certainly don’t agree with yours. Wives should learn their place? Sexist much”
NO OFFENCE TO WEMON but they already get military life way easier AND I DONT JUST MEAN REGULATIONS.
How many times have you seen a woman with shoulder length hair UNABLE TO PUT IT INTO A BUN? ALOT! There are at least 25 I have counted on FT. GOURDON. How many times have you seen a woman with FOUR piercing in every ear? I have seen too many of those too count! The regulation doesn’t allow that but they get away with it EVERY DAY! If you ask me WEMON AND MEN should have the SAME standard in EVERY WAY!
As for physical standards the whole point of this is so you can properly support your comrades in the heat of battle. Now that wemon can choose a FIGHTING MOS: Infantry, artillery etc… they should have the same physical standards of a man. EXAMPLE: A man (soldier) is shot and his Battle Buddy the soldier (woman) is the only one who can help him and she cant carry him to safety (not saying that a man 100% could BUT a MAN with HIGHER PHYSICAL standards has a BETTER CHANCE) they what good it that? Wemon need to be able to do exactly the same standards as a man because of thing like this.
Your just agreeing with it because you can now be openly gay with your lover in that picture with you and not have to worry about UCMJ anymore lmao
You drank the Kool Aid. Discipline is one thing stupidity is another. AR 670-1 is fine and does not need revision. If NCO’s apply the discipline, soldier follow and we police our selves up. Tat’s are part of American culture and as long as they are tasteful they should be ok under current regulations. It is evident the SGM rather fix the Uniform instead of spending his time working on a better NCOE system and making sure soldiers get a 2 year degree by the tie they make E-5 and improving quality of life. Short sighted
Im pretty sure Js3000 was being a smart a$$.
these men are in the service of our contry living by rules not in the circus, asthe ink man,,,,
These “men” are also women in the military. I served my USMC proudly as a truck driver. I was in a man’s world and knew I was not wanted but I did my job and did it well. Thank you very much. I also have tattoos now and wear them proudly. SEMPER FI
In the military you give up most of your rights for a pay check and free speech is one of them.
People in the Military are not allowed to do many things that ordinary citizens can do. The military is not a Democracy, it does and should follow a strict military bearing. Tattoos have always been part of the Military, normally done to show attachment to one Branch, unit, or battle action. I have no problem with them as long as they cannot be seen when the uniform is worn. Hair styles, piercing, makeup, and other forms of individuality should not be allowed. The word is uniformity. If you cannot take the desipline, requirements, restrictions, qualifications, and training, don’t go. They need solid men and women they can count on not someone who wants to change honor and tradition.
Trashy look? Please take that stick out of you @$$ and catch up with the rest of the world.
This reply is for anyone because I didnt find the post you replied to so this is not directed at you.
How is THIS trashy when a 2 of every 3 civilians with piercing GUAGE there EARS, LIPS, CHEEKS ETC… If you didn’t know gauges today are becoming so big I could stick my size 9 foot through them. Also Guages give off an awful smell. It literally smell like that dead animal you smell driving on the highway and ALWAYS ooz while/yellow/green puss. So piercing on soldiers (man or woman) OFF DUITY is NOT trashy.
Then leave.
It is tradition to indirectly inspire the troops with the grooming standard . Personally, I don’t give a crap. As a vet, I don’t care what the guy next to me looks like as long as he has my 6. This rule is a “garrison” problem, not a combat problem, nice that we actually have time to nitpick and piss off everyone instead of non-stop combat ops… my two cents
LMAO so hilarious, 1 year in prison for tats hahahaha this makes me ROFL literally hysterically cant stop laughing hahahahaha
Says the guy that probably never served his country and takes for gratned the freedom of eating pizza pockets and Mt Dew while he plays x-box all day long.
All people of the United States of America should look and carry ourselves in a higher standard and especially the men and women in our military, from the basic trainee to the President of the United States of America. Because our military travel worldwide they represent the United States of America. They are ambassadors to the United States of America.
Retired Master Sergeant
If they are ambassadors of the United States of America shouldn’t they be free to express themselves in whatever way they see fit as long as it doesn’t harm them or others? If the military represents the United States of America then let them represent what America stands for! Freedom!
It sound like your implying the USA is a dictator ship.
Comment to Charles, Ret. Master Sergeant: Ditto Sarge.
No offence to you but, you should move to another country if you really feel like this. I personally think these possible regulations are REDICOULOUS.I understand them and do not think all of theme are crazy BUT you SHOULD NOT have to worry about being shaved/ what you can wear as an AMERICAN while you (in my opinion) are on leave OR off duty. As for tattoos they are practically military tradition especially in the USMC. As for unseen tats I cant say I agree with the regulation simply because they are as I said, not visible but do understand it and could live with it. As for your opinion about prison all I have to say is SEREOUSLY?! SEREOUSLY?! SEREOUSLY?! That is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard. And ill say it my tidal is technically “liberal republican” if you don’t know what that is the best way to find the TRUE meaning is on facebook under the “liberal republican” page. I fail to see how letting someone express their self in “The land of the free” and “the home of the brave” is liberal at all. As for me my religion is as my native American couture states. I am supposed to have my entire body tattooed and am supposed to have many piercings. Now me personally I absolutely LOVE piercings (NOT UGLY AND GROSS GUAGES AND STRECHINGS) piercings the small one. Period. I would NEVER get a full body tattoo but as for me personally I have altered my appearance and gone against my religious and personal beliefs because I have the true calling where you feel you must serve. I feel as that I MUST serve my country. I have prepped as much as a civilian can possibly can and still face military rejection because my mother pulled me from school and forced me to get a GED when I was in high school. I am absolutely worried to death and will be untell the day they tell me my basic training shipment date.
focus on dress and appearance? really? all the problems in the world and the Army tackles tattoos… way to go Army.
If it makes you feel any better, while I was in the Corps I got tattoes relating to my unit and MOS. After being out for a while, I got the itch to re-enlist and those tattoes nearly prevented that. My pride in the Marine Corps nearly prevented me from continuing to be an active Marine. Its like they’re picking a car by the paint job and not by the engine!
I guess they will be rewriting 670-1 for the sideburns. Says not below the bottom of the ear. Also, ACU is wash and wear, not iron.
I know right? I remember getting issued ACUs and getting told “DO NOT iron or press under any circumstances” and from all the wear and tear I did in them it made sense…now BDUs looked nice pressed IMHO.
It’s about time. Soldiers have looked disgraceful both in and out of uniform for decades. As a USMC veteran, I’ve had to call on soldiers to square themselves away on multiple occasions.
Me too; they love hanging out in bars w their Camis AKA Fatigues. A lot of them are desperate and couldn’t hook up w a chick in or out of uniform… Moreover, many none Marines don’t wear their covers outside. But I’ve seen my share of shitbird Marines, albeit less than other military services.
Semper Fi!
Here we go with the whole my military is better than your military…everyone that serves in the military with respect and honor deserves their fair respect…every service has good and bad soldiers…I have served in joint operations with all services and foreign services and it comes down to respect and doing your job
Many non Marines? So you mean there is the Marines and the non-Marines…I didn’t know they re-designated service names.
I was Army, more often than not the bubble gum was the Marines and not the soldiers or airmen serving around us. Try not to put your foot too far down your throat brother.
There are shitbirds and F-ups in all branches… It begins with lack of discipline and disrepect for the uniform and thier superiors.
Way to go Cedar Hurst-
For decades?
Granted there’s been a steady decline for the las 10 years or so but don’t think it’s been over the last or 20-30.
I’ve been in 18 and until these new digital cammies that have come out for the Navy, they were usually pressed and starched, well at least for SeaBees. The new materails can’t stand up to the heat of commercial presses.
There’s nothing wrong with tatoos but definately NOT on the neck, face or scalp.
Piercings other than pierced ears on women need to stay where you can’t see them.
the services are at fault. they should never have loosened up to keep numbers high. WE LITERALLY ONLY NEED A FEW GOOD MEN. Those that cant keep a uniformed to standard are usually in the way. The civil service should take them and leave the fighting to the mentally able, squared away soldiers.
yes lets do that and you know what when the united states gets attacked lets all lay back and watch as our families get murdered too.. that sounds like fun.. no. the reason to stand up is to protect our families, our neighbors.. our beliefs and honor.. aparantly you were raised where these values are not important but where i was raised this is something to stand up for. something worth fighting for.. and simply saying that because you cant have a tatoo you cant fight that there that is utterly ridiculous.. i am so proud of the service i provided and now i am so happy i got out before the military turned into a bullshit fest due to stupid desk jockeys who make rules they never have to follow themselves.. you want the rules to apply do it your damn self first and others will follow
Prime example of disrespect for authority.
You know, sir, I’m just about sick of your holier-than-thou, been there, done that attitude. We get that you’re older, and you come from a bygone era where discipline came first, and the authority of the officers placed above you was absolute. Great. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is our culture, and the way that young people think. To remain a viable force for good, not just now, but in the future, the Army, and the other branches as well, must learn to change with the times. You don’t have to sacrifice discipline to allow soldiers to express themselves however they please. And despite your assertions that my personality must be lacking because I feel the need to express myself with tattoos, I find that I am blessed with good friends, a wonderful girlfriend, and two amazing sons with whom I have a very close, very positive relationship. I get along easily with just about everyone I meet, and I don’t have to people please to do it.
Now, I don’t expect you to approve of my generations propensity for colorful, and sometimes provocative, ink. Honestly, I could care less about what you think about the tattoos themselves. It is your view that those of us with an abundance of tattoos are in some way less disciplined, or take our duty less seriously, than our (relatively few) un-tattooed comrades-in-arms. Perhaps it’s time for you to revisit a few of your prejudices, and see how they stack up against reality. I have ten tattoos. Two are my sons’ names and birthdates. Three are directly related to my time in service, and my time in combat. I love my tattoos, and I love the United States Army. I love the 10th Mountain Division, and the 2-30 Infantry, and I love all the men I served with (even if I may not like all of them) as brothers. I served my country in combat, and it was an honor to do so. It is also an honor to be able to speak to older vets, the men who came before us. Our forefathers, if you will, in the profession of arms. But it is always a disappointment to read such narrow-minded, antagonistic comments as you have repeatedly made to the men who are still fighting.
Furthermore, considering you’ve been out of service for decades, what exactly makes you qualified to comment on the quality of the leadership in any branch? I, for one, have seen far too many NCOs who were promoted before they were ready, or who should never have been NCOs to begin with. And don’t even get me started on the incredibly low caliber of officer being turned out by ROTC programs nationwide. I believe the term “frat boy in uniform” is more than appropriate here. Leaders are supposed to lead from the front, not be an embarrassment to their units, their service branches, and their men. And sadly, in my experience, it IS poor leadership and mentoring that can be attributed to most cases of poor discipline in young soldiers. Not the freedom to get tattoos, get a little scruffy on leave, or wear a tongue ring in civilian clothes. And no, before you go off on that tangent, I do not have any piercings.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the above comments are in no way intended as a personal attack on you. They are, however, fully intended as a firm rebuttal of some of your poorly thought out statements, and as a rebuke for your rather ungentlemanly attack on starfairie034 above. I imagine that you will take some offense to being spoken to in such a manner by someone much younger, and with much less life experience, but frankly I don’t care. Age is not an excuse for ignorance.
No its not. A soldier in the ARMY a few days ago stated with these new regulation he feel like a “clown wearing a clown suite.” He stated he was once a PROUD member of the army and now all he want is out.
yes i’ve had to say something about there language in public also
I agree but as a SOLDIER, I have seen SB in all branches so singling out one branch is a bit arrogant.
I’m glad!
noone cares your glad dike!
It’s about damn time!
They are free to express themselves until they decided to apply for military service. What many of these kids forget is that there is a dress code that can and is applied to all members of the military. If they dont like the rules dont let the door hit ya on the way out
when i enlisted i did so under certain term and these where not the terms. i sugessed that you remember that to
^^^ EXACTLY!
I am so glad that the Army is going back to a garrison army! Soldiers should look pretty, be spit shined with 5 formations a day, marching everywhere, oh how I wish I were a CSM now-a-days! The whole warrior approach, and fighting is way too over rated! (Sarcasam)
As a tattooed Navy Vet I think this is a little extreme. A good portion of my time in uniform is cataloged in my ink and I am proud of my service and of my body art. Tattoos have been a part of military culture for a long time and as long as they are not vulgar, defaming, hateful or in some other way counter to the UCMJ they should be permitted. I do believe that they should not be on the face or the neck, but that Devil Dog’s tat up there and the tall ship and crossed anchors on my forearm are not trashy they are a celebration of our service, our pride in that service, and our love for the brothers and sisters who served with us, who came before us and who carry on after us.
Well said!
That sounds like bullshit David especially if you don’t have a tattoo when you enlist. It looks stupid seeing soldiers with tattoos showing. It’s about time they tightened up a little. Appearance has been slipping for years.
You do not truely undrstand what they stand for. Every time you have surgery you get a new scar. Tattoos can cover up those scars or blend them in such a way they no longer show. I may not have a tattoo, but I would get one to hide a disfuriginig mark or to express myself.
If you have to have a tatoo to epress yourself your personality is already lacking.
i was once in the military.. and i must say mickey mouse why dont you do your civic duty??instead of getting on others asses when they get upset over there rights being taken away? it was once honorable to serve and it was very common to get tatoos with your comrads symbolizing pride and honor. yet now they are removing that from the military. so i say. some things do need to tighten up like fake eye lashes and makeup but some things are beyond ridiculous.. being a good soldier has nothing to do with your tatoos.. what so ever
RIGHT ON!!
That is your opinion and you have a right to it. But a tatoo if not vulgar or racist should not be an issue. As long as it is not below the wrist or on the head or neck. It has nothing to do with being a professional. There are a lot of vets that fought for our country that have tatts and I think no less of them for having tatts. The problem is the PC that we are going too! The army has a lot more issues to worry about than putting tatts as a priority
Mickey, Youre and IDIOT! Yes appearance has been slipping but thats NCO’s fault, not privates, corporals, specialists with tattoos. Last time I checked we joined the most powerful military force in the world, not a damn dress up party. “Here son, take this M4 and kill the enemy, but if you get a tattoo ,your a disgrace” Down right ignorance. It’ll all change when theres no one to enlist come our next war!
I am also a Navy vet. My celebration of service is my honorable discharge and the DD-214 that accompanies it.
But I bet your tatoos are not below the wrist or above the neck either.
see what it says Army, not Navy
this is affecting all branches.. don’t be close minded……
I am an Army Brat to the bone. My dad has paid the ultimate price and is on “”Eternal Watch”…. Iat Arlington Cemetary. I have to say,, that some of these changes, could be taken right out if Adolf Hitlers coder of how to destroy band liberities. Give this serious thought and consideration. The people of the USA including the Military Staff will take only so much, before we become a “Risen People”
I’m glad to see this. Tattoos was getting out of hand. What tattoos on there legs ?
WILLIE W. MAHAN
1SG, U.S. ARMY , Ret.
Top, with all do respect, the only excessive tattoos I saw while in were after regs changed and they allowed neck and hand tattoos. I have both arms, tank ammo on each forearm, a patriot collage on my left bicep and a skull on the right. Excessive? Not at all. Not when 3 of my 5 tattoos are Army related.
What is excessive is dictate to soldiers what they do on leave…the only time in their service lives they are NOT on duty. (yea yea 24/7) These regulations are the Pentagons way of saying, “Sorry folks, we F’d up and let in a lot of s-bags to fight the war and now we are going to back peddle to standards that almost no modern soldier can fall into,” and that is just dumb. I can’t recall a soldier I served with who didn’t have some sort of ink, alternative dress to conservative, or something about them that would violate these new regs. And of them all there was maybe 1 or 2 who didn’t deserve the uniform.
Modernize the military, don’t try to back pedal.
I’m a Disabled Veteran of the Navy(Non-Combat Injury), I served 13 years active duty and I HAVE TATOOS damn it and there is NOTHING wrong with them. I have an Eagle on each lower arm a full dragon on my back and a heart with my wife’s (Now X) on my right arm. If you don’t like tatoos then don’t get one but don’t tell me to NOT GET ONE…… What it boils down to is they are trying to dump all they can and this is a way to do just that. I know they are trying to get rid of something like 80,000 from the Army alone (I have 2 sons on active duty, 1 Marine and 1 Army). Remember folks they are taking our Military apart little by little and this is just another way to do it. All 3 of my sons have tatoos and they are proud of them as well. It is simple if you don’t like them then don’t get one damn it but stop telling the rest of us to stop. Geeze! Enforce the rules in place and stop with the new rules just to get rid of people WOW!
Leg tats arnt visible ever (WITH THE EXEPTION OF PT gear.)
Look at what happends when your in AFGAN. You cover up entirely. Gloves, vests EVERY PART OF YOUR BODY IS COVERED. Unless you have a tat on your face NO ONE will ever no you have a tattoo unless you told them.
These regulations are stupid because they are thinking “How does America’s civilians see America’s military?” Not do the Terrorist in the other parts of the world see out military? Tattoos could technicaly make you appear to be more of a FEARED force.
I remember having specific rules when I was in during the Vietnam era. But that was in the WAC. My sons all have served voluntarily over the past 15 years. 98 percent of them came home with at least one tatoo and most sported a few more, but none was visible while they were in uniform.
Going into any branch of the service today is a voluntary thing and anyone signing up should be well aware of the rules before they sign on the dotted line and take the oath. As members of our military all of you are representing our country, not your local ‘hood. You need to stand tall and present a certain appearance. Women members need to not only be proud of serving but also maintain a certain decorum in behavior because you ARE representing all of us and we really don’t want to have the reputation that seems to follow the women who serve. I know that you are all brighter and more intelligent than that.
Being a voluntary military is EXACTLY why you SHOULD be allowed to have these things. Because WETHER THEY ADMIT IT OR NOT the military is NOTHING without dedicated soldiers. (Who WANT to serve.) American soldiers will only be turned into robots to a certain extent untell we will revoke. It seems to me the military needs to drop ALL humans because they only seem to want “WHAT THEIR OPPINION IS” (sarcasm, kind of) of a “perfect” warrior” because they are trying to turn soldiers into one same looking robot. Go look at a modern military poster, (2011, 12, and 13.) All the soldiers on it will have the same hair color, same nose structure, same eye color, skin tone etc… (or as close as they can be to looking like “twins.”)
Soo glad i’m out now. If males can’t wear makeup and such then either should females, a soldier is a soldier in uniform. If i’m on leave, why should I have to shave? This is nothing more than the military trying to control every aspect of a soldiers life.
Really? Women shouldn’t be allowed to wear any makeup? I’m a plain Jane, but mascara and a little concealer hear and there actually helped my appearance in uniform. It certainly wasn’t gaudy, and it was barely noticeable. I’m pretty sure those things would be pretty contrary to military bearing on a man, though.
Woops. I meant to say “here”, not “hear.” And what about hair? Women shouldn’t wear their hair high and tight like a man, right? That’d look extreme and isn’t allowed. Women should look like women, men should look like men.
You should have to shave when you are on leave because you are a Military member and you are representing that branch of service. DISGUSTING creatures go home on leave to bumf**ksville and the only military member they know is that disgusting creature. Hints why the media hates the military in 2012.
Brian, the media has always hated the military. The only thing they care about is their ratings. I served in Baghdad under 2SCR during petraeus’ surge, all of us avoided the media and at the time it was so hot there they wouldn’t even go out the wire with us. They would be waiting at the gate for us when we cleared our weapons.
The most recent examples of this is with mis-representing general McCrystal and the Marines that pissed on dead terrorist
EXACTLY!
Instead of cracking down on AR670-1 violations, why not do something productive that will have lasting benefits for troops. Something like tackling the ever rising suicide rate among combat vets.
suicide is an easy way for uncle sam to down grade troops. DUH
What does Suicide have to do with Tatoos?????When I was in the ARMY, I spent a lot of time overseas, (Viet nam, Japan,Korea, and several other places of duty) Have some tatoos ,,(wish now i did not) but what has this subject have to do with Sucide ?????
As I recall, this is an all volunteer military now. Don’t join if you don’t intend to follow the rules.
Military life is totally based upon strict rules and team work.
The old military had pride of service. We joined to serve and protect our Freedom; but now it appears that people join for free education and when they have to go to the front many bulk and want out.
The fighting is part of the service. When you join for the benefits you take the bad with the good.
We could not wear back packs or wear tennis shoes in the 70′s. We wore combat boots(shined by the wearer) for our PT. I was in the Air Force where they bus basic trainees to have fun at the obsticle course now. We marched to and from the west gate which is the farthest away. I think rules are very lax now so they can get people in nd give a very generous bonus to enlistees that volunteer for combat. As far as benefits, those that join now will not get many if they stay in. 3 years from now retirees and dependents will pay over $3000 a year for Tri care which cost $250 now so Obama can give more free stuff to medicaid people. I was promised free medical as long as i lived after retirement. LOL, B.S. When Clinton came in, alot of benefits went out the window. After 9/11 we got many back and the force got biger and stronger along with better armor that was cut in the 90′s. Now all is being cut again and even MWR is going away or they are charging more for such things as lodging and swimming and in my case RV areas. In a few years retirees will only get their 50% and dems even want to cut that too along with having to wait to get it til age 59.
In the 1990′s cuts, i had to do the job of an E-3 at E-6 and had 12 hour shifts because the mission did not change, just had fewer people. I am glad i retired in 1993 in the middle of all the troop cuts and armor detereation. Because i had to do the work of a young troop, i got back problems and now get disability. I tell all troops to get copies of medical trips and also get doctors to document all in good language.
I had pride untill Clinton took over and after retirement regained that pride after 9/11 until 2007
Shitbags
I’m a pre-vietnam vet … the way it was then …. while on duty or otherwise in uniform, it was by the book. All other times was up to the individual … I still like that concept and believe it should be adopted again.
^Agreed
Since when is ok to reemphasize the rules by adding more rules? Leaders need to enforce the rules that are in place rather than create additional ones, unless absolutely necessary. The Army should not dictate what the Soldiers can wear off post. How do they plan to enforce the shaving rule off post and when a Soldier is on leave? Maybe they should ban alcohol completely because technically Soldiers are “On duty” 24 hours a day and therefore it would be a violation of Article 112 of the UCMJ.
All of these rules ebb and flow based on the Army downsizing and expanding. Rules become tight when recruting is down, and loosen up when the military is expanding.
Don’t give them anymore ideas they already have enough time on their hands to think of useless rules don’t help them out. But personally I think we should still be able to press and look crisp in uniform as an option and when practical. But as for drinking and on the cell while walking that’s just a dumb Nd useless rule that takes away any usefulness out of a military. So if I pass a Gen. I can keep walking as long as I salute them and great them but if a pvt. calls I have to stop for the private. And what happens if I am sitting down eating but have to go to the bathroom and take a sip of my drink, should I be called on that. BTW just a E-3 comming in but thats is only because back in 2006 I couldn’t join because the army medical staff back inGermany wouldn’t send my medical records in and the doctors that meps sent me to said I was perfectly fine but was still denied and took this long before I could join. But what really pissed me off is that fat ass, cuck up and dumb fuck where let in no problem and none off them passed the asvab, physical or a iq above 60 and that part isn’t being sacastic they actually let a retard in before me after all the years I actually spent in JROTC CAP and ROTC not to mention being physically fit. Shoot got side tracked but none of tht matters now but wish I had the chance to serve with you guys sooner.
What the military decides under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as a soldier, we are either setting the example that represents our country. No matter what they decide as “acceptable”, service members on active or reserve status are going to have to go by the rules or accept the disciplinary action. It’s their way of setting the standard or allowing you to make a decision to be a civilian without VA benefits using Chapters of Regulations under AR 670 and Article 92 UCMJ. Duty, Honor, Country…..you decide.
Remember…Soldiers Attention! Dress! Right! Dress! Eyes Forward!
alothough some of these changes are good, but for the most part its nothing more than Garrison games, played by a desk jockey
LOL Nail on the GD head, brother!
exactly!
i agree it is about time, i have seen a lot of them, that are a disgrace to the uniform, and i also know that there have been rules and regulations to conver that. and i also say that about some of these organizations that are supposed to be representing military groups, they look like shit, with military uniforms on, beards and long hair etc!i do not think they should be allowed to wear their uniforms off duty unless there is a miltary, function,there are a lot of good proud and stract soldiers and only a few give them a bad name!! and a bad image,,THE MILITARY NEEDS TO CRACK DOWN AND ENFORCE THE REULATIONS, AND OR KICK THEM OUT!AND IF THEY ARE PROUD OF WHAT THE DO AND HAVE DONE THEY WILL ALSO AGREE::::
and if they started kicking people out then the us military would not be able to protect you….. to many sevice members have tattoos and i she wont listen to some reg that says i have to save when im visiting family thats stupid. and theres more to worrie about that ae 670-1… like how about the fact we are still at war in afghanistan….. just because the war in irac is over doesnt mean that everything is great
Geez Ave838….at least learn to spell before you try to defend a position…I could barely understand what you said.
hahahahahahahaha
hahahahaha wtf did u sayyyyyyyyyy hahahaha
while you are in the military ,you should dress acordlingly to military standards,no tatoo’s should not be put on your body,you are property of the goverment untill discharge from the service
i am the property of myself and only myself… i only … i only give the army some of my time and my body belongs to me not the army. as long as im fit and able to do my job then why should it matter if i get a sleeve tattoo as long as it off the hands and below the coller
As a Marine I have always found that some regs are just completely useless. Like this, “Soldiers will not eat, drink, smoke, or talk on cellphones while walking.” This is so overboard, never liked it and I never enforce it. There are more important things to worry about… this is for POGs.
I had to explain this reg to my wife and it was SO embarrassing! It seems like a rule created at a PTA meeting. Marines, fine tuned killing missions, can be brought to a halt because the wife is calling me while I’m in cammies. That rule conflicts with our supposed “no hazing” policy.
I should have gone Recon or MARSOC…. that way I can put my hands in my pockets.
It was specific units like that who finally got the point out that starching cammies and shiny boots are the dumbest thing you could wear in a combat environment. We get modernized cammies and now the reg riders who would never want to be in combat are grabbing at whatever they have left to look good for boards.
why are your hands cold
Negative, it’s just joke we always use… Spec Ops units always have their hands in their pockets is the joke.
This is basic military bearing and appearence, goes along with crazy stuff like getting a haircut, being to formation on time, enforcing dicipline on yourself, peers and subordinates. Crap that’s 96% of being in the military and if you can’t get that right what can you do that’s anymore complicated?
I was a POG in an infantry unit and if anything it was harder because i had to train with them, go on FTX with them, pt with them and then had to turn around and do my job. Iraq was actually down time for me because even though i did go out the wire quite often to various COPs and FOBs just not having to do the extra bs was nice, even though i worked an average of 18 hours a day.
This isn’t for POGs, it isn’t for anyone. Once you reach a certain point in the military regardless of branch your more of an ass-kissing bureaucrat to politicians than anything else
When I was in the military you were not allowed to leave the base without a sport coat and tie. We have lost the pride in ourselves and our country. A non-showing tat is fine, but the ones that show look cheap. Yes, I see the art, but ask some of the guys that have had them for 30 years if they would do it again. My opinion is that the raising of the dress code standard is a great idea. I watch military people walk into stores all the time and don’t uncover. I have walked over to fellow in church and asked him to take off his hat.
Speak for yourself I have plenty of pride. I dress appropriately to the situation, not like some uptight doucheballoon with a sports jacket going to shop for some beer.
So what exactly does the fact that some dirt bag is not following current standards have to do with the need for increased standards?
Good…now the Air Force will FINALLY fix their problems… AF is always following the ARMY.
What problems? Aim High, kick low!
While I am all for the freedom of expression, I am all for most of these changes. The Army, and all branches, are transitioning from a war time force, to an idle one. What happens in the war zone, needs to stay in the war zone, and that being the laxed policies that were adopted. Basic soldiering is spit and polish, drill and ceremony, and uniformity. On the flip side, I hope this doesn’t turn into a witch hunt, starting with tattoos, followed by how many freckles per inch a soldier is allowed
you do realize that the us is still at war….
When Jimmy Carter was POTUS he supposedly walked thru the Pentagon and saw so many military out of uniform that he decided that they all had to wear one when at work. If I’m remembering right, that is also about the time that weight standards came into play. It was all a shit-shine Army then. Didn’t matter if you could do your job or not, just as long as you looked GOOD in uniform. Desert Storm came along and what was the first regulation to go? AR 600-9, Weight Control. Didn’t matter much when the shit was flying. This is just a cycle that military goes through, Army especially, next war comes along (and it won’t be long guys and gals), this goes out the door. I’m retired now so I don’t have to care much about it anymore. But I do have one question, just HOW do they expect to enforce the shaving while on leave? WTF are they thinking?
I beg to differ on this one: [Desert Storm came along and what was the first regulation to go? AR 600-9, Weight Control.] as I know someone that was put out of the military for 1/2 inch over the tape and 5 lbs during that exact time….
There were weight standards when I entered in 1977 so I am not sure what you are talking about.
thats crazy what the armys doing lots of soldiers wear tatoos for ID in case your unable to be ID in case of death your tatatoos can ID you thats why your tatoos are recorded when in sevices
The Army needs to also make the shaving profile go away due to it is only letting lazy people get away with not shaving while the rest of us that obey the regs shave and due what we are told
My only beef with the new proposals would be the one that says women can’t wear their hair in ponytails while in PT gear. Maybe I just need more info. How is hair to be worn while in PT gear? I ran track and XC at Navy, and I was a Marine. I have long, extremely thick hair. It would be very, very difficult and uncomfortable to wear it up while running and working out. It can be tough to keep hair up and neat while jumping and running, and a ponytail would actually look neater in some cases. I could see wearing it in a French braid, as long as the tail didn’t have to be tucked up and under to keep it above collar height as required in the working and dress uniforms. A long braid would work, and did work, for me. Would that be allowed? Just curious.
“Women will now be allowed to wear their hair in a ponytail during P.T.”
Read it again, sweetheart.
nothing wrong with the regs that already were in place, this didn’t need changes just actual enforcement.
Good glad to hear it. If you want to look like some bum on the street get out of the military. It is an honor to serve. I was in the Navy for 25 years, was always proud to wear the uniform.
I really doubt a lot of these ideas will ever get off the ground. Personal opinions always run strong, especially when a person reaches his life long dream, The Sergeant Major of the___________, you fill in the branch. They discover existing laws and regulations will preclude his ideas. I am a retired Marine, no tattos and never really had a desire to get one. A tattoo is fine as long as they are done properly and some consideration given to the uniform and how it will look when in the uniform. Rules always change in a combat situation, always have and I imagine they always will. Again, nothing we can do about that. So we can all rant, the younger soldiers, sailors and Marines probably more vocal, things will work out for the best of the military service, just the way it is.
its always the same when they need people for war they don’t mind things like that but when it’s peace time here comes new regs
What’s with all these damn skull tat’s anyway.? Look’s evil and non Christian. Buncha little punks tryin ta look bad . The SS had skulls. Unit tat’s, mom tat’s under uniform OK. But all this evil lookin crap and special designs makes me sick. If ya gotta have this fake art, keep it tasteful. Stand tall look good make your mama proud or get out. Anybody know what, “class”‘ is anymore. People used to pay ta see the bearded lady and the tattooed man for a reason, cause they were freaks. And while yer at it, buy some pants that fit.
This is by far one of the most hilariously lame of comment of all comments so far! LOL “evil and non Christian”? “Used to pay ta see the bearded lady”? Sorry your side lost the Civil War LOL You wouldn’t be any proud of the Union that won. Non Christians serve with Christians, black and whites share the same water fountains and women can lead units now. Hope your condescending ass doesn’t have a heart attack from this reality check!
^Agreed.
Joining the military is not mandatory it is a vouleteer thing. And when you went through BCT and AIT you knew this stuff from the git go. Thosev of yo saying that you are not the prperty of the Militry (government) that is a misconseptionto go to . If someone where to hurt you or steal from you and you reported it that person can be charged for destroying government property and be charged with a fedeal offence. So, why would it be different if you did something to yourself that they don’t want you to be doing.
I beleive that you were trained for free and feed and clothed for the price it would cost the average person to go to 2 years of college. So, there is a resonable request that you do what you are asked and told what to do
You’re right… Being in the military is Free and they trained me…except i have to be willing to die for all that so dont bring money into it.
However, when i was accepted in i had tattoos. Now im being discharged for the same tattoos i had wheb i joined? Funny isnt it?
Un believable. Hair no longer than dog tags. White walls (side walls length, scalp showing) breaking starch every day. Spit shined boots. Belt buckles shined inside and outside. There were never any nail polish or piercing. Tattoos as long as not noticeable were not mentioned as most were Airborne type
Good! When I was in the Army I saw so many soldiers with all their upper teeth gold. It was so unprofessional. In the middle of Afghanistan and a major emphasis on not wearing things that shine while out on LPOP and I have a Sergeant telling someone seriously no smiling… Ridiculous.
The Tattoo’s are a little overboard, but your in the Military. I have half a sleeve and don’t know how they would feel about it.
Who thinks this “no makeup on men” has anything to do with the disappearance of “Don’t ask, don’t tell”?
As an Air Force veteran , I feel it is high time that the DOD start enforcing the UCMJ dress codes pertaining to the appearance of military personnel both in and out of uniform. There is no reason that military members should at any time look like they are a bunch of undisciplined gangbangers.
I AGREE WITH THE STAANDARDS LISTED. WE NEED TO SET AN EXAMPLE. CW4 William Haberman, US Army, Retired Personal Officer.
I AGREE 100%. WE MUST NOT LET OUR DRESS CODE GO DOWN AND HAVE THE PUBLIC THE LUXURY OF MAKING NEGATIVE COMMENTS/REMARKS ABOUT OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM. I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN A HIGH STAND OF DRESS AND APPEARANCE. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL MEN AND WOMEM WHO ARE CURRENTLY SERVING OUR COUNTRY. I SERVED FOR 33 YEARS, AND NEVER REGREATED ANY OF IT. CW4(RET) W.J.HABERMAN, USA
Ifind it disgusting having tatoos. Cause they are permament and thus can’t be easily removed. If you have a guy who is all covered from head to toe in tatoo/s trust me, I would not hire him/her.
They do not need to re invent AR670-1 but enforce the current standards, sorry SGM but with all due respect if you looking to make a mark before you retire then try addressing the medical needs of these young warriors returning home from combat. Get them identified and medically treated. Get them the help they deserve and need. I think these young men and women that serves in the military with respect and honor deserves their fair share of respect and privacy without undo harassment. As the senior NCO of the Army start by taking care of the troops under your command, they fought long and hard and are coming home broken. Fix that problem before reinventing AR670-1. When I was active I always sought to take care of my troops and ensured they got the proper aid or help they needed be it eye glasses or educational help or financial. A soldier with a clear mind was an invaluable weapon and an asset.
Sounds like the marines rules… that are already in place
In our military, our armed forces have changed over the years based on war campaigns as you look at the uniforms. Each soldier is different, just as the serial number on their weapons, but the intended use is the same. No matter what rank we wear, we represent the United States from E-1 to O-10, just as a civilian or veteran. TRADOC has changed, technology with each MOS will continue to advance as some aspects of our military history advance. Our soldiers are fighting on the battlefield, coming home to another war. Helping your fellow soldiers during active duty is the same as the disabled veterans of this country, are you helping those in need now that your not in uniform? Are the laws of this nation going to change each day as you change your clothes, making your personal decisions in the civilian lifestyle, instead of listening to your superiors in uniform? This commitment is yours to make, with pride for your country with liberty and freedom.
i am in the military right now as we speak im not retired i did not get kicked out no disrespect to anyone who retired long time ago. i been in 10 years now, i have tats on my back, chest, and arms. my tats do not stop me from looking and acting like a soldier. i am a NCO 24/7 no matter what i wear, how I dress or what i got inked on my arm or body. i been overseas 4 times been blown up, shot at and watch my fellow soldiers lose their lives. i have earn my right to be called a soldier and a Non Commision Officers. No matter what i wear or the ink i have I WILL LEAD FROM THE FRONT!!!!
ty for your service and for keeping us safe god bless you good way to put it i so agree
You are the NCO’s Fav. NCO.. good statements all the way.. besides if you wanna play like they play.. everyone should get a tattoo because we all have to face fear danger and adversity physical or moral right? well tattoos dont tickle they require you facing alittle adversity that happens to be physical.. and they can be a little dangerous too so by not getting a tattoo you are passing on an oppurnity to display your personal courage… right?
I am an Air Force Veteran. I have seen many things over the years. Tattooes, Adultery, Infidelity, Piercings, Drug use, Homosexuality, … you name it it probably has spawned from some military recruit in some position or place. The idea is not about extremitism, it is more about defining a guideline that designates equality. Many personalities occupy our armed forces. Unification is the emodiment of victory. It does not matter how many tattooes one has managed to accumulate, or how many sordid relationships one has encountered from continent to continent, or how self-righteous one is about their desire to not conform to the USMCC.
Honor is one’s abilty to embrace compliance while maintaining the intelligence to sort out the difference between body art, or the failure to represent the standard of excellence our military forces are mandated to stand for. Isn’t that the nature of military.. to take a stand… for what is right, albeit the reality of skewed goals. Personally on the deepest level when we honor our authorities (those given charge over us) we in the end honor ourselves to a higher standard.
As a Marine Veteran I have never had a tatoo nor will I ever have one. I personaly think they show a lower intellect because I have enough life scars. To scar oneself on purpose is a sign of self inflicted injury which would normally be treated by therapy.
im a vietnam vet i have tattoos but i dont have any on my face or hands or neck so they will not be seen when in uniform back in the day we did starch our uniforms and press them if we wanted to but we mostley just ironed them which the iron is becoming a thing of the past also my dad had tats from war world two like me they where all service related i think any soldier who ever served gets them in memory of his fellow comrads that he served with i was army as long as you dont have them showing in uniform i see no big deal also if they have them before the new rules go into afferct they shoul;d be grand fathered in but i dont see this as important as the hair or piercing or nail polish on men come on you are a man not a woman and believe me i wasnt gun ho they tried to make us spit and shine in vietnam this was a big joke we had lots more to worry about then a mans tattoos or his hair long as he had my back thats what counts can he do the job believe me i got yelled at a few times because i didnt have time off to go get my hair cut but thats just how it was then and spit shine your boots in combat come on or they even tried to get us to polish our brass and wear it this didnt fly we told these newbie lts or captains if they wanted to be shot this was fine but dont ask me or my men to be killed this was a sure fire target for the enemy i thought the asrmy or what ever had got smarter since those days but i guess not and i was very proud to serve my country i joined and volunterred for vietnam also ty all who are serving our country now i am proud of you all tattoos and all you all are still great in my book
Actually none of this is new, just reimplementing policies they forgot!
The military very often interferes with many aspects of the soldiers private life. How many spouses have had birthday dinners, Christmas celebrations or attended the school play or soccer game sans spouse? Would it KILL you, Sgt. Maj. Chandler, to leave the enlisted personnel the hell alone on their days off and leave? They rise early daily and shower/shave to meet the standards they agreed to when they enlisted. Their days off and leave should allow them the opportunity to NOT have to shave and give their skin a rest. Female soldiers can’t wear fake nails? What about those soldiers that have, oh, destroyed their nails working and would still like to look manicured and nice? Of all the problems the military faces, including higher ups who blow money out of their butts, I hardly think these things should top the priority list. Bowe Bergdahl is still in enemy hands. He was looking un-shaven and ill kept in the last video of him. I think you should find him so you can discipline him for his poor appearance.
Well they mine as well add a Weight policy to that as well, I got out of the Army 3 years ago, and I was kind of ashamed to be in the military because there were actually obese/overweight people in my unit.. and my unit never did a damn thing.. .there so concerned about looks and appearance, but its not pleasant to have a 30o lb + kid representing the U.S. military over seas. . its pretty embarassing actually.
Im sure the tattoo policy wont stick around, its that you got this dinosaur in a position of power, . . i never like the fact of having someone with power be nitt picking and trying to micromanage everything their way.
Soldiers must be clean shaven regardless of whether they are on leave. Only way this can be enforced is if a NCO/Officer follows the solider, if not being follow, this is epic fail.
Dental ornamentation and gold teeth are prohibited. basically if your tooth/teeth need fix that requires that, you are shit out of luck.
Army Combat Uniform must be hand-ironed; commercial pressing services are not allowed. this was a matter of time.
“Leaders are like eagles. We don’t have either of them here.”
Sound like the army is trying to be like the marine corps we have had all of thoughs rules as long as i can think of Hahaha step it up army
Certain regulations are SOOOOOOOOO ridiculous.. such as being clean shaven while on leave?. . when i used to go on leave, i look forward to growing my beard for those few weeks. . who will know the difference?. . i dont see how my beard hurts America, ESPECIALLY when your not even in uniform, just in civies. . i even used to put my ear rings in, . . who gives AF? . . .
I not advocating breaking the rules or regulations I was say follow the rules… BUT some rules and regs just can’t be inforced how do these people in think tanks designing all these rules miss the obvious? they rely on the fear the have instilled in you
ok i see whats goin on here most people are missing the big picture. the prob isnt that the current rugulat5ion is lacking. its that the current leadership is lacking in alot of cases. most of the stuff that is being implied in this message is already in effect somewhear in the service. I believe the real problem lies is a the excess of retarted leadership that has infected the military service. i personally have been in for 6 1/2 years and have watched a steady decline in bearing and compitence in my service.
I think telling people how dress off duty is ridiculous. When you work in the civilian world your employer cannot what make the military any different. Yes I used to be in and I am a soldiers wife as well. Besides we all know the real reasons for these so called changes and modifications..smh
Its not bad enough that our men are in a senseless war that Bush put our men in ,just to fufill his dads dream, now you are going to tell our soldiers how to dress on and off duty, what comes next? i thought this was a free country, we are slowly loosing our freedom that our soldiers fought and died for. leave them be they are hurting no one.
The guidance on tattoos is comprehensive enough in the Air Force. As far as I can tell, 36-1903 restricts subject matter and excessive coverage. I still believe that the restriction on “tasteful” sleeves is an attempt to make us more appealing to our supporting communities. Meanwhile, our allies in Europe manage to perform just fine with less restrictive grooming standards. We are not Wall Street executives. This line of work attracts the sort of people who heed an adventurous calling and tend to adorn themselves uniquely. Extensive tattooing appeals to us. Spend more time restricting the people who can’t manage a 2 mile run without blacking out, from reenlisting. Uncover those deployment dodging crybabies, rather than harrassing real-soldiers who prefer to wear some ink on their forearms. Just an opinion…
Ladies and gents, you are SUPPOSED to think of these news regs as ridiculous and extreme…… Its called OPERATION: Get rid of as many people as possible, and downsize the force, through regulations we did away with when we needed more bodies.
They should be trying to improve the gear versus nitpicking.
As a Medically Retired Combat Vet, I think soldiers should be allowed to be a little bit extreme outside of uniform, such as facial hair. With the threats we are facing today, it would prevent a soldier from being kidnapped by a terrorist or some other type of radical looking to cause harm. In all those security videos we watched to be aware of our surroundings while on leave, it would make sense to hide part of your military identity and try and blend in to a degree with the civilian population. When I did a stint with the Border Patrol as National Guard they said not to flash your military id, because we are easy targets. And as far as tattoos go, as long as they are not racist or vulgar and be hidden by the uniform what is the big deal?
Yes, there are rules and regs to follow, but while you are still able to serve in the military you should be allowed to be able to blend in and be safe in your surroundings whether it be off duty or while on leave.
What a waste of time. Just because SS storm troopers did not pay a whore….everyone has to suffer? So much for officers and brass with balls!
The only thing I disagree with about the changes, really, is staying clean shaven on leave. You are on leave! Who gives a crap. You are not destroying professionalism by not shaving on leave. I am a SFC in the National Guard, and I can understand the need to look professional while you are on duty. However, when you are on leave, you are on vacation, relaxing and taking a break. One of the things that some Soldiers take a break from is the need to stay clean shaven. I could understand if one came back from leave and forgot to shave that crap off his face. However, that still requires nothing more than a little smoke session to remind them that they are back on duty and as such need to maintain their professional appearance again.
in the seven years i have been back in the Army, there has yet to be a serious attempt to enforce the rules that are on the books.
I think it is a good thing! You are a professional and should act like one! When i was in basic we had to iron our uniforms. The young woman and men that enter today need to be proud when they put the uniform on and act mature! I was proud and it made me grow up and learn to be responsible!
Nice army article with a Marine tatoo pic provided by the army ..wow
Discipline, is what the millitary has lacked for a while. I am a tatooed veteran myself but have always felt the lax in standards has made the millitary a weaker force.
Why change something that has been around since war? Let alone to the people that are making this personal so they can set there own standards.
Let the seniors officials go out and fight a war and live like these troops have had to do at a given moment they wouldn’t last under the living conditions.
Never complaining how bad they truly have it when they are out confronting the enemy with these men and women fighting a war.
Coming home to a whole new different way of living.
Instead of being on guard to fight,kill and protect another war .
These men and women are faced with the difference in what the War taught them, then sent back to civilization to have to deal with being diagnosed with PTSD and other mental health problems such as paranoid schizophrenia repeated nightmares in what they endure when fighting a war where life will never to be the same.
I feel these men and women that go out to fight for our freedom should be allow to have the freedom of discretion on Tattoos, Piercing, fingernail,polish to sideburns even makeup.
When they came into the military they didn’t come to fight for there rights with fingernail polish or sideburns piercings sideburns and makeup.
They came to fight a War for our freedom ..
GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!
CJ
When you in battle why does it matter what you look like..More stupid stuff to add to the list>>>Who gives a crap. just give the Officers something to do……and go ahead and reduce the forces where we will be prepared….
Pick a uniform made out of a fabric worth pressing, i. e. 100 percent cotton riptstops. If it does not pass the common sense test, do not implement and get rid of the of it. PT uniforms need an authorization to wear a cap. PT winters should be gortex. Too many garrison ideas and not enough common sense applications…Perhaps we should really look at downsizing the Pentagon
I would love to see enforcement of pressed ACU’s when it clearly states on the garment that they can not be pressed and only wash and wear only. If you want pressed uniforms wear a service type uniform in stateside and regular duties and when doing field exercises wear the ACU.
Ok geniuses… since when is any of this new? News always gets posted at the wrong time.. either too late or too early.. this case too late
It’s rediculous to worry about a tatto. So what!! I agree. It will keep very capable people for military out of the military. We need the strongest and best with an attitude to fight. Rough hard core types are best if you ask me. Most of them have tatto’s. They have the lowest risk for PTSD. They still get effected by war but they survive better. I have seen to many soldiers wounded for life inside and out. I would feel better knowing soldiers became soldiers because they are natural born fighters and want it. It’s less painful for me that way. I would love to see our military paid more. They are risking thier life. In my eye’s thats top dollar. I feel the same way about law enforcement to. Those who risk thier lives to save others deserve top pay. Tax free. penny schneeman, Gillette, WY
It’s not the clothes that makes the woreyer
One should look like and behave like a soldier. I know two people who have tats on their forearms who say that if they had it to do over, they wouldn’t have done it. Either way, if they’re covered by the Service Uniform, no biggie, but nothing vulgar, etc.
When I was in the cops (NYC) in the 60′s and 70′s, I couldn’t go anywhere in the state without being armed. I couldn’t be unable to undertake police action if I consumed intoxicants to excess. Standards are there for a reason – tighten them up and enforce them. People join the military for the order and discipline!
yo they looking for ways to cut yall mf my bro and all his friends got kicked he quit then they picked the rest apart thats why they doin this … if they ever need more troops theyll drop down on requirements untill then look forward to being treated like washed up dogs i cant say ive been in the army but my bro been thru ieds seen his friends from bootcamp and others get blown up he been shot at and the way i look at how they ttreated buck jeffreys and stevo after the war i dont like the army i like the troops but not the government
I believe they are utilizing this regulation along with other regulations to reduce the number of soldiers in the military. Due to the growing number of people and the fact that the wars are not in a high demand as they were, now there is no need to to have so many people. If you think about it there is not much difference between a large corporation and the military. Everyone has to meet their numbers and as we have seen congress will not give up their hefty pensions and benefits. The first ones they look to is the soldiers and how easy it is to persuade the higher command to “maintain a professional appearance”. As you all can see it is easy for the military to “bend” or “change” the rules when bodies are needed to complete specific goals. Now that the goals have been met it is time to reduce the numbers in order to maintain a budget goal. Who better to start with than those who are “not professionally maintained”?
If this is not to punish the troops that SM is living in the clouds. This will lead to troops ousted out of the military so that they can meet their draw down. For example, clean shave while on leave. Are we turning it the Gestapo. This is an attack on a soldiers legal rights under our Constitution. Will the military send out the Dogs to patrol soldiers on leave?
Some of the Changes are right but some were thought up by and Idiot. You can send troops to get killed in a Political Viet Nam type war and now you will throw them out like trash because this is the real reason for the changes. Troops have been honoring their service branch like Semper Fi and now will be punished. Will the next thing to check is a tattoo on their butts?
Think up of ways to HELP the troops that have gone to the TWO stupid Wars and that come back with PTSD but now you will put more stress on them. I am a veteran and I KNOW the military will start denying the Vets help from the VA just like you did for US (Viet Nam era Vets). Just one example: At Ft Bliss the High and Mighty banded SERVICE DOGS from the whole post and housing. IT HAS STARTED.
Total bogus that is gonna put the military in check and there nubers are gonna suck even more so. WTF way to go Sargeant Major of the Army
you should be able to do what you want to your body as long it doesnt interfeir with your work . why you can fuck a another man in his ass nw so why shouldnt you be able to be a man that has tattoos .
I go to our local Navy base nearly every day, and the soldiers I see look totally awesome! Unless there’s something I’m missing, I’ve never seen a soldier and throught that they didn’t look professional. To me they seem proud to be wearing a United States military uniform.
I go to our local Navy base nearly every day, and the soldiers I see look totally awesome! Unless there’s something I’m missing, I’ve never seen a soldier and thought that they didn’t look professional. To me they seem proud to be wearing a United States military uniform.
I hated the gold teeth when I was in, and shaving profiles were a joke, 1/8 inch just where the area of the face is affected is how it’s supposed to be, but you would see these guys with well maintained beards that had to be shaved to be shaped. I don’t agree with the tattoo reg’s, if the tatt’s can be covered who cares. All these reg’s have been in place before but no one enforces them. I do think that a soldier off duty should look respectable and not like some parking lot pimp, although I personally enjoyed not shaving over the weekends and on leave.
I believe there is a lot more to worry about than dress code. I think they should be able to dress how they want while they are on leave. I understand the no tattoos on the face, hands and neck and as long as they are not racist or some such and as long as they can be covered with clothing they should be able to get tattooed if they so choose. LETS worry more about they mental and physical health of our military. GOD BLESS EVERY SERVICE PERSON NO MATTER WHAT BRANCH THEY ARE IN!!!
Today is Armd Forces Day. No matter what you folks wear, thank you for your service!
The lax of Standards for the Army has been an insult to veterans for many years. The U.S. ARMY used to look like they were ready at all times, now, it’s a rag tag bunch of troops. Whatever happened to the Uniform of the Day, and Daily fallout Gig inspections ….. The problem isn’t with the troops, it’s with the leadership, buck up LT and DO YOUR JOB
When we sign on the dotted line we “sevice members” must look our best in the uniforms, Nail polish for cooks should not be allowed. I know that it will come off while cooking. Some tattoos are of family history, units and personal freedoms that is a little of what the tattoos stand for. We give up a lot to be in the military like our freedom of speech. Telling us that we can not express ourselves while on leave is a little overboard.
If they want to square a way something, POLICE the PANTS below the A________ issue for family members as well as civilians and off duty!
They are not looking at this as equality, the changes will create major problems and our soldiers will be leaving the service. Do you think that the soldiers need this kind of stress and more worries, when they are full of stress because of the ongoing war. Rediculous and there is no equality what so ever in the changes. Even when I am on my own time I cannot do things I like to do or dress like I want to dress? I can understand when in uniform but while on my own time? Come on a little to much. I can see major problems already. As a Veteran I feel this is a little to much.
I believe they are taking things to the extreme, what they need to focus on is the attitude that the soliders have about women being in the army, I was told women have no place in the army.
You must be kidding me, this is all you have to worry about is what the Army looks like, when they are out saving your butt, take care of your own civilian butts, before you start on the Army, they are working, are you?
Here we go again focusing on the wrong thing!!! A tatoo or nail polish does not define wether or not you’re a good Soldier!!!!
How about focusing on these sorry so called leaders!!! Damn SGMs who still try to use fear bass leadership and really has no real concern for Soldiers!!! Maybe the SMA should get a grip on the sorry malicious leaders we have and focus on getting rid of them!!
It’s not the tattoos or nail polish thats hurting the Army…it’s the sorry senior leaders…Officers and NCOs!!!
if you feel that strong about it, then don’t stay in. Rules are part of military life. Very simple solution, don’t like it, don’t stay in… quit complaining.
I respectfully have to tell you that you are full of shit!
NCO’s and Officers are the core of the military and without these links there would be only ships without rudders.
Pride in uniform and appearance is important, but more important is the impression a representitive of this country leaves on others.
Yep, it is definitely important to look the part. If you look creepy or like a felon, people will treat you as such. Besides, soldiers have been given enough bad names in the past. It is time to “grow-up” and look the part when in uniform. respect comes with responsibility.
You do not have a right to your thoughts until you are not active duty so just follow the regs and shut the truck up.
I served in the NJARNG (97-05). While I was in, dress code rules were put in place regarding tattoos. The new rule was “nothing that could be seen while wearing a short sleeved shirt.”
With tattoos on my forearms, hands, neck, and both sides of my head, I was “grandfathered” so I was allowed to stay in. I “ets’d” in 05 after a tour in GTMO. In 06 I heard my unit was going to Iraq, so I immediately went to enlist again so I could go with my guys. I was informed that since I was completely out of the system, I would be required to go through the entire “MEPS” system again, and would not qualify to serve because my tattoos. None of them are offensive tattoos. They just aren’t a part of the newer prettier Army image. I was a former soldier who had already been trained, and was familiar with the members of my former unit. I specifically communicated that I had zero interest in any enlistment bonus, and that I just wanted to serve again with my guys. I was a NO-GO at the recruiter station.
In a world where a man or woman can die for our country at 18 years old, yet can’t drink until their 21st birthday, but a 32 year old veteran was refused a chance to serve again because he had too many visible tattoos. I ask you this, America; With the number of Americans volunteering for service RAPIDLY dwindling, can our armed forces afford to discriminate against it’s “art bearing patriots” who rise to the occasion? Is it smart in these times to refuse a volunteer because he or she doesn’t fit the “posterboy” look?
Who are the people that pass these “regs” and why?
I would really love to know how a patriot’s looks really matter to the enemies we fight against. If I am an American soldier firing a weapon at you, are you really going to stop and look or care about the fact that I have tattoos?
I could throw stats out about the percentages of americans that have tattoos vs the percentage of age, and physically qualified americans without tattoos, but I feel I’m already up against a rule that refuses to deal in logic.
Sincerely,
A former, tattooed soldier.
If you were grand-fathered it should be perminent and you should have been allowed to serve.
Thank you for the service you did valiantly provide.
AMEN
AGREED OPEN BAWR!!
wow i love that they are back on tattoos again so like my cousin would make a great soldier wants to go in cant cause he is tattooed alot wow i am so glad i walked away
So would they grandfather those who are covered in them. The scary part is the removal part can scar worse than the tattoo itself. Instead of worrying about the f————– dresscode. give the extra money that it would bring in from all those ar-15′s to the psyc wards to help the PTSD victums.
first….*smh* over using a Marine picture for an Army article…
second…the Marine Corps has prohibited all of the above for years…so no sympathy from me…
When I got drafted in 1967 you couldnt even pump gas with fatigues on. No getting out of your car untill you arrived home or got on base. No jewelry except wedding rings and sun glasses were a no no.
I say if they are willing to protect and serve our country, it SHOULD NOT MATTER!!!
As an old saying goes…
IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT!
Just another pissy E9 with nothing better to do than nit-pick the little shit.
This the old Army rules and should never have been change,I am most for all this rules that is how it was back when I was in the Army should have never changeed
As an O.D.S. veteran, (1990-1992), I don’t want the military looking like a gay pride or hookers on parade and am for some of the measures they discuss to deter such an appearance and maintain a uniform professional look. I do however think they are getting way to picky on tattoos. Sideburns? I was not aware they were ever allowed, gas masks can’t seal on sideburns and it was my understanding no facial hair except a well-trimmed modest mustache was allowed. Off base and out of uniform appearance should not be regulated as individuals are not representing the military, but themselves at that point. At risk of sounding like a former civilian in uniform, America has a volunteer military, not subjugated slaves and should be appreciative of those who choose to serve despite the B.S. that typically comes with the job itself, they don’t need to add more unnecessary B.S. to deter fresh recruits.
here’s the deal–for those that decided to join the service–You agreed to meet their standards,not them lower their standards to meet yours.If you don’t like it–Don’t join and if you are in,get out when your time is up.It’s real easy!!!!!! Just because you don’t like rules doesn’t mean that you don’t have to obey them.
If you want a pretty Army, go to Hollywood, you want real deal, then don’t limit us because of our looks. The only issue reg that makes the most sence is the sideburns for gas mask purposes, other then that, this is all BS especailly with off duty regs. I am a Honrable Med Discharged Vet from the Army stationed at Fort Campbell KY 101st, sustaining injuries back in 05, I didn’t give a rats A$$ if my brothers and sisters had tatoos, I just wanted to know that they could shoot, and get back home safe. We deal with enough crap in any armed Service, but to have regs for off duty appeance…please if the SM is bored go mess with some officers….not the boots on the ground.
It seems to me that alot of people are forgetting that the key word in this article is “Proposed”. Most of the regulation changes listed in the article are already in the current AR670-1 guidelines, and those that are not are still being investigated for legality. I am a current member of the Army National Guard, and a combat veteran of Afghanistan 10-11, and I too disagree with some of the proposed changes, such as sleeved tattoos(sleeve tattoo’s in noway impede a Soldiers ability to fire a weapon, or perform Basic or Advanced Tasks and Drills, ACU sleeves are not allowed to be rolled up, and the ACU blouse must be worn unless on downtime in barracks or otherwise directed by Leadership), and shaving while out of uniform, off duty and not on post (I don’t see how they can enforce that) and have always been directed to NEVER iron the Army Combat Uniform. I also feel that Soldiers need to police themselves and their Battle Buddies, if your ate up and look like a soup sandwich, then you need to fix the problem even before an NCO or Officer has to step in, we were taught that in Basic and AIT. It’s no use complaining about this, if it gets pushed down all we can do is suck it up and drive on, at the end of the day, even if its ridiculous and we don’t like it, its still and order and we have to follow it, that’s just the nature of the beast. Hopefully, the Brass will realize how retarded some of this crap sounds, but then again this is the Army we’re talking about, and Soldiers do stupid things when we’re bored.
I thought the U.S. was freedom, we volunteer to give our lives willingly, but we get treated like a bunch of slaves. I am glad I am out and these laws were coming when I got out 11 yrs ago not just this extensive. I support the troops 110% and a persons appearance does not make a soldier. Some of these regulations are some serious violations of their rights. I understand a neat and groomed appearance but dictating what they can or cannot do with their bodies, wow. Get it together command, you are gonna lose your best soldiers and potential soldiers who wanna join. SMH
It appears that many here have forgotten that these regulations are in review. they are being analyzed and appraised, the proposed “changes” are mostly re -iterating the regulations that are already in place. that having been said, WTF Hand ironed uniforms, even in the years I served if a troop wanted a service to do their uniforms it was acceptable, as long as your uniform was crisp for morning inspection it did not matter who ironed it…(base cleaners) and note soldures today do not have to shine their boots.
Tatoos and other distinguishing marks were not to be seen in the uniform, we were to keep them under the sleeve of the pt uniform (t-shirt) and off of our necks, lest we gained an article 15, I know and knew several troops that accepted the article as part of their cost for their tat (we got articles anyway for “damaging government property”)… as far as off duty appearance, while it is true a soldure represents the nation at ALL times, said troop should have the leeway to appear rough if they are not on duty, rapid deployment issues aside, no one can keep clean shaven all the time,(unrealistic ) the teeth decoration issue can become a real issue as the potential for loss of opsec is there (microbugs) but beyond that, it does not appear professional to have your bling on your grill.. Remember these young men and women VOLUNTEERED to serve this country, they agreed to have their rights suspended for the Greater good of the country, They signed themselves to become G I (Government Issue), indeed you become “property of the US Government for the term of your enlistment. there are special circumstances that can circumvent all regs and rules as well as situations and postings that require a less than military appearance, but i digress.
I’m retired, 22 years service. Never had tattoos, or any piercings. I understand these, though they have pretty much always been a part of Discipline. Shaving when your not on duty is understandable, as you are actually ALWAYS on duty. But when your on leave? A little different story. And not eating, drinking or talking on your phone when your walking? THAT is definitely overboard.
Agreed. Professionalism and appearance are part of it. But some look like creepy and felons without tattoos and earrings.
The standard has to be a standard. Not an unwritten rule to followed by some or some posts. Not kinda a rule relaxed when we need 250,000 more Soldiers to support a war and then tightened up when the war is over. Otherwise the Soldiers before and after the changes know its not a true standard…it’s just a discriminating factor to allow or not allow a certain number to serve.
Rules are part of the military. But if the leaders are changing the rules every 5 years to fit their needs…is that really a organizations rule?
Sounds like some high level leaders where told…find some creative ways to drawdown the Army…again. 7-10 years from now they’ll relax the standards again to support whatever major conflict we get involved in…and tighten them up afterwards
it would be nice if they considered overhauling the dress uniform and the dress blues for enlisted personnel.
hand ironed ACU hmm next it will have to be pressed again as with the BDU
So wait, the Army Combat Uniform, the one that can easily be damaged by being ironed… this idiot wants it ironed now? Also: Good luck hunting down soldiers on leave to check their shaving situation. Enjoy that. Why not focus on things that matter? 670-1 doesn’t need a bunch of small changes. Look at TC 3-22.20, it’s a hot mess that no unit does a good job following. Then again given the changes this guy wanted to to do the PT test maybe he should stick to fiddling with Uniforms. Maybe they should let him design ribbons.
what about female soldiers now allowed to expose breast and feed babies while in uniform and in public?
I dont agree with this new ruling that females can breast feed when and where they want to. I think this is also disrepect to the uniform and standards. There is a time and a place and your duty time is not that time. I see stories about this and offened by this. My son and husband do not need to see a woman in a uniform showing her breast to feed her child. They should excuse themselves and go to the lady room or a designated break room that is private for this type of action or learn to pump before work. I am a female soldier and I am speaking on my opinion only. Not to offended anyone that does this ….but I feel that your a soldier first, mom second. They did not issue you a baby …you choose to have a family so respect others and be discreet. Im sure there are males out there that do not appreciate this happening on the base, lunch, breakroom in the office, daycare, sitting in the house area. I have child an this was not acceptable then and should not be acceptable now. What would you do if your were in a hospital or on a military field exercise? you would have to make other arrangements so make those arrangements at work place too.
Instead of worrying about Tatts they should start worrying about weight in the miltary and health issues. People are going to basic and dropping dead from dehydrations and heat stroke. As for the standards I can tell you that I have gone on an Air Force Base here in Fl and saw woman with the hair touching thier collar, below thier collar and over weight. I am not putting down females becuase I am a female veteran and served proudly for 26 yrs until I became disabled from reaction to medicine issued at WRAMC. I still give the respect of an officer passing by and offer a smile and even a salute rendered or hello to a soldier passing by. It is called respect for your fellow comrades. Woman regs stated very little if any makeup worned in uniform. If it is presentable not caked on should be fine. But I have told female soldiers in my comand to wash thier faces becuase they looked like they were going to a club not work. Fake eyelashes ..would not work if had to use a gas mask in field quickly and make up would be running down your face from the heat. No makeup was allowed in PT uniforms. Your not there to flirt with the male soldier you there to do the job your trained to do. I had long hair and we were told if it falls down once an error…second time we marched over to the beautyshop and it was cut. Fake nails should not be in uniform especially nurses, food service people for safety reasons. Just like mechanics dont usually wear watches due to safety reasons of hittng a battery against one and burns on wrist. I saw that happen to a SFC in command. It was not nice to treat that burn. Males have standard hair cuts and wearing your uniform with pride is an honor.Officers and soldiers walk around with out there covers on thier heads too. The old time army soldiers that fought and defended this country are rolling over in thier graves with the standards of the new army going down hill so much. I was raised in a military family and followed proudly in my dads footsteps and ranked to SFC E-7. Tats were something you did in Basic but you would have wear your sleeves down to cover them. Marines and Navy was a tradition back to WWII. My uncle served with JFK and the PT 109 and had the PT109 crews that were killed on his tats. My nephew has a phonix on his lower part of his neck from BCT and it is covered by his shirt collar. Another nephew has his dad tat on his chest and cover, tat on his arms covered in uniform. I was given an ART 15 for sunburn while on my honeymoon becuase I needed treatment and the local base was Naval and I was army. They sent my command a request to issue an ART 15 for sunburn. Charged with destroying goverment property. Rules are for displine but rules are made to be re-written too. The tats are history from our for-fathers till now. I beleive we need structure an pride but you can still have both with tats and clean shaven faces, little makup and gold ball earring on woman in dress but not combat uniforms, hair tight up in buns or short off the shoulders, guys hair tight but not bald unless they want it that way. Start worrying about the economy and how to help the soldiers coming home disabled, PTSD, counseling, taking care of thier families. A happy soldier is going to give 100% to thier duty but a depressed soldier is going to be a burden to the rest of his team. Tats is the least of a soldiers worry…. job well done should be what is important….TAKE CARE OF YOUR SOLDIER AND THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU…. BY DOING THIER JOB WELL AND WANT TO BE THERE….. 80% of soldiers probably have tattoo’s …..in BCT the drill instriuctors took everyone to get a tatoo on first weekend pass but not females only males in 1975. To remove them is more dangerous for infection than having it already. I would say maybe the newly soldiers should be told before enlisting no new tattoos. Ink poison happens more often than they make you aware of . The scars would look worst than the tattoos that are already there but in uniform they should be covered. I beleive you are military 24/7 an should carry youself as a ready trained soldier. But on vacation you are suppose to blend in with the community and when you home on leave i would rather a beard then a drunken soldier.
I hope I have no offended anyone by giving my opinion from some experiences that I have seen. It is not to put anyone down for thier opinions or degrade anyone either.
Of all the things to be concerned about while there is still a war going on, this is really the last I’d jump at. Considering the fact that we are still in a very dicey situation (diplomatically speaking) with N. Korea, Iran and Pakistan, excluding such a large population of Americans (people with sleeves, neck tattoos, hand tattoos etc.) from service simply because the SMA thinks they don’t look professional enough is not only short-sighted, it is downright foolish. I would be willing to bet money that within five years, we will once again be involved in at least two major conflicts, potentially more. The likelihood that we will once again need to significantly and rapidly expand our forces both domestically and in conflict zones worldwide is very high. We don’t need a bunch of spit-and-polish regulations whores. We need warfighters, and the young men and women that are interested in fighting this country’s wars are also interested in body art. Telling them no is not going to have the effect these morons think it will. Eighteen year old kids, lacking the capacity for critical thinking that more mature adults have developed, will simply see this as an unnecessary and inappropriate commandeering of their rights to do with their bodies as they please, within reason. Translation: Most of them will be immediately discouraged upon finding out they can’t get sleeved out, or get that sweet neck tat, whether they actually intended to or not. Besides that, as David Robinson pointed out, tattoos have been a part of military culture for a very, very long time.
I commend the sergeant major for these change because we need a respectful arm force. This is way over due because I am a pride soldier and pride american. Each soldier should be pride to wear this uniform and look their best at all time. I wish the army would work on and set the standards for men and women who wear sagging pant or slack, look so out of touch.
Some MOS’s have restrictions on any tattoo in any location! Those who may want to enter into certain sensitive areas of service may want to keep this in mind! This is nothing new, don’t disqualify yourself from some exciting career opportunities. You can always get your “tats” after you ETS.
Someone finally pulled his/her head of his/her ass
When I was Marine in 60s you were property of US Marines. If you put a Tatoo on your body they would have it removed and they would put you in Brig. With Feminization of Male American Culture this will change. As Blood and Guts is fading and Drone, Missile, Air Bombing from 50,000 feet is the major key to military you can expect siisyfication more and more….Gays now, what next?
Intelligent capable individuals usually do not have tatoos or piercings, end of conversation!!!
Holy Shit ! Some of you need to stop crying about shit. Tattoos or no tattoos I am still the same person and same caliber of soldier… I do my job and pick up any slack thereafter, the way it should be. I bust my ass no matter how long the hours or what Ive got going on at home or in my head. The fact that i have tattoos on almost 40% (15% + are religious) of my body doesn’t change a damn thing… I’m just as good, if not better than the guy without em. STFU already!
It’s about god damn time. As a medically.retired Marine, it sickens me seeing any service out in town in cammies. wear your damn civys or wait. resepct the uniform. have pride in yourself and shave your nasty face, get a haircut (doesnt have to be a high & tight, but.look the part, no sideburns (whats this 1990 -90210), no earings.for.dudes (on dity or.off). Seriously….unjack yourselves
To wear a military uniform, is to know what it is, to be expected to conform. At this hour, you will be here, attired thusly, to perform this or that activity. Then, at this hour, you will be at this or that location, attired thusly, to perform still another activity. And, so it goes, up until your discharge date, at which point you’re free and at full liberty to put on your fire engine red G-string, dye your skin bright orange, strap that inverted hockey skate to the top of your head, and go running across town, screaming like a wounded banshee, if that is your desire. UP until that time, though, you get to put up with wonderful regulations and guidebooks, such as AR 670-1, and similar regulations governing wear of the military uniform and personal appearance in the other branches of service besides the US Army. The goal? To present a professional appearance, institution-wide, not only to the taxpaying public that bought you that uniform, but also to such citizens of foreign countries as you might perchance encounter, and the members of their military. Appearances can sometimes mean a lot, they help display personal pride, they display self-discipline, as well as institutional pride and self-respect, and that the management of the institution is ‘on the ball’ and loath to tolerate substandard circumstances of any kind. It’s the military. It’s not easy, being green, but it’s also not that hard. We do live in the day and age of wash n wear, and no-polish boots, and plastic marching shoes that go back in the box when you’re done for another year. Hey, get a haircut, take that lugnut out of your earlobe, hide that ink or get rid of it, save it for the rave party when you get out, yo.
No NAIL POLISH,,what will the GAY troops wear now???
It always seems each of the services “top nco” has to do something or leave his piece of legacy before they expire or retire. I say this :
All of your regulations that have govern the rules that bind your forces together, also tear them apart when they are enforced, or when you have a lack thereof. 20 years of watching overweight, undisciplined, slack jawed retards get promoted through the system makes it intolerable to real, honest, down right good service members. AR 670-1 /AR 600-9/AR WHOISREALLYENFORCINGTHESERULES-1 are all literary jokes written and published by people who aren’t even in the military. To “tighten up the standards” is an age old joke known by even the oldest of us who served. If you really want to enforce some standards, START AT THE TOP – E9 and work your way down to E1. THEN you will have total “discipline” and good order, REGARDLESS of what rules you so choose to enforce.
Nuff said.
Its funny that as a CSM one would think that he would know the regulations that are already in place that need to be enforced. AR 600-20 already states that soldiers will have a military appearance at all times both on and off duty… this includes shaving. And Fingernail standards for women already state they must be no longer than 1/4 in beyond the end of the finger tips. The bags already must be Black with no logos, so why the army bought Digital pattern bags, who knows, but now most ignore the black requirement since the army issues digital bags. In the past, tatoos were always an issue, it has only been since we need anyone breathing to put in uniform the rules changed. As for not walking and talking on cell phones, i guess the new CSM of the Army never gets any calls, because most of the upper level CSMs I have know would never get to walk as they are alwasy getting calls. These are only my opinions and pointing out a few facts, but I think we have more important matters than these.
Where the ear meets the head? WTF does that even mean?
The appearance of soldiers has been slipping for several years. These guys today look like they just fell out of a duffle bag. I am not saying they need to “break starch” every day, but come on. Let’s at least start plugging the iron in before you use it. It is starting to look like the Dutch Army around base.
I’m a retired and I do mean retired GI since 1978. Tatoos are as old as the military. However they like anything can be taken to far. I think BDUs are just that Utilities. and should be wash and wear, not ironed. And go back to a class A,B,Utilities.Class A’s For Special Occasions,ParadesHonors. Class B for normal Off Post and Travel, Utilities for work.
I really don’t know how any of you people on here can comment or complain about the military. These people lay their lives on the line thousands of miles from home. Some of them don’t even come back and while they’re out there doing that you guys are sitting in front of you’re computers bad mouthing them. Shame on you. If you’re so worried and butt hurt about the way the soldiers look with all of their tattoos, why don’t you f***ing join and take their place? If you can’t proudly stand behind them, then stand in front of them.
Do not like the current thinking of wearing service fatigues in public.
I know that the Armed Services is in a PR phase, but, fell like some soldiers are making a mockery of the Armed Forces.
Was at a wrestling match in Fulton, MO. last weekend and a assumed member of the military was in attendance in cami’s that had not been washed for a considerable time span. No place was there not a wrinkle.
Combat boots were dirty and overrun at the outside.
Never could make out his rank as he walked past me, but, would put him as a 300 pound Pvt..
No multiple stripes or Spec. badge on collar.
Furthermore, as the temperature came up in the gym, he shed his blouse and displayed a out of pants t-shirt with over abundance of fat hanging over his beltline.
Prefer the Viet Nam era rule of no public wearing of fatigues off post.
This soldier showed no sign of military correctness whatso ever.
These people are IN the military. They should START ACTING and LOOKING LIKE IT. To this day, at 63 years of age, I do not and have not had a single tattoo, or piercing.
I agree with SMA Chandler, I use to be border patrol during the cold war and the Army was a well discipline Army.
1. we represent the United States of America
2. we a are a professional army
3. the Soldiers today are not professionals, they are undiscipline immature.
I retired in 2009 and being in Afghanistan contracting and I see how our Army is. the whole persona of a SAoldier today is unprofessional, this is a job for them. WRONG ANSWER! the Army is represents professionals and we do look like one. these people are society rejects that couldn’t make it in the real world and came in the Army.
leaders rather be Soldiers buddy than their leaders. I am ashamed of what my Army has become…
If you ask me with this whole “volunteer military” most anyone who actually WANT to serve. I mean NO criminal record NO “a judge said the military or jail” but someone like me who hears the true calling should NOT be rejected due to someone PERSONAL opinions on tats and piercings. I do think if the military wants them out of men then that okay but when OUT OF UNIFORM and OFF DUITY/ ON LEAVE you SOULD NOT be punished to do what we fight for a civilian to do 24/7. Soldiers arnt machines, where just people.
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[...] eventually be a collage. This hasn’t gone unnoticed. Such elaborate body art has also spurred tighter codes within [...]