About the whole "it doesn't look professional" that is running rampant as of late...

2015-03-15T13:47:31-04:00

"Tattoos do not look professional".

But they do reflect the times the military exists in. Just as longer hair was the norm in the late 70's and early 80's soldiers.

Or as slicked hair and pencil line mustaches were the norm in the 40's and 50's soldiers.

Or as sideburns and beards were the norm in the 1880's to WWI soldiers.

"Walking and drinking while in uniform is unprofessional."
"Walking while on the phone in uniform is unprofessional."
"Walking while in uniform with items in your hands that would impede you from saluting is unprofessional."
"PDA while in uniform are unprofessional"

Since when does our profession require us to stop being human beings, being people that live in and are part of the world the Army is set in?

Our profession requires us to be ready to fight and win America's wars. And we do that by being the best at what we do.
We do it by ensuring our soldiers are trained to complete and succeed in their missions.
We do it by ensuring the welfare of our soldiers is accomplished, as our own mission.

"Accomplishment of my mission AND the welfare of my soldiers" or so it goes.
Not "OR", and certainly not "choose either".

So why, then, are we choosing to punish soldiers for holding their spouse's hand at the PX while in uniform, instead of admonishing the Senior NCO or the Officer walking with their hands in their pockets?

Why do we choose to shame the Private that is walking out of the store with a recent purchase in her hands, thus unable to salute a 2nd LT?...whom himself was walking and talking on the phone while in uniform?

It seems to me that professionalism is more than just looking like an old lead/metal toy soldier. All shiny and proper and robot like.

To me, professionalism equals NOT cussing your soldiers for being 5 minutes late due to the accident at the gate.
Or making your sick soldier drive 30 miles for first formation and potentially expose your other soldiers to whatever illness the soldier has...only to send him to the Aid Station to be seen and sent back to you for disposition...exposing more soldiers again. Not to speak of the simple fact that the soldier is sick. Incoveniencing his family if they have to drive him, etc.

Off of my soap box now.

I just feel the need to improve the way we treat our soldiers while improving our definition of what a professional is.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-03-15T21:48:17-04:00

I agree with some of your points, SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA. There's no doubt in my mind that tattoos are "coming back around" in this younger generation -- both military and civilians -- and I do think the new regulatory changes may go a bit far. That's my personal opinion, which includes this (not original thinking): If you can't see the tats when a person is dressed in Class A uniform, the person should be good to go. That's the standard I would set. I think tattoos on the neck, face, maybe even hands do detract from a professional appearance, but arms, legs, shoulders, back, etc. -- no problem in my book.

The part of your discussion that I have a slight problem with is some of your examples of unprofessional behavior or appearance. Many of those things are addressed in regs. I remember when long hair was popular in the civilian world, but that doesn't mean the Army should change to match the latest trends in the civilian world. Believe it or not, I had pretty long hair when I joined up in 1975. The Army didn't allow long hair: I got my hair buzz cut off just like the rest of my fellow trainees on day #1 of BCT.

On the issue of tattoos, though, I think you may be onto something. SMA Dailey says he's going to look into it. Maybe something will come of that.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2015/03/04/sma-dan-dailey-army-tattoo-policy-jblm-visit/24377435/

New SMA to take serious look at Army tattoo policy

When Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey fielded questions from a group of soldiers, it didn't take long for the Army's tattoo policy to come up.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 2:25 AM

2015-03-16T02:25:52-04:00

Pretty simple - Discipline

We expect Soldiers to abide by a code and we expect our NCOs to enforce that code. You don't have to agree with the code but as a NCO you need to abide and enforce it. Many Soldiers lack the personal courage to make a correction on an officer or senior NCO. Many NCOs are "power" crazy and think it's payback time on privates because they got the same when they were privates.

If you feel strongly enough about a regulation that seems "unfair" or outdated DA PAM 670-1 outlines how to submit a query to change subjects in AR 670-1. When you VOLUNTEER to join the military you volunteer to lose some of your rights. All young NCOs in every generation have the same complaints/opinions, I had them when I was a young NCO and there has been very little change in my 28 years of service. It's tradition and discipline, it's being a part of something bigger than yourself.

Off my soap box.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 16 at 2015 3:09 AM

2015-03-16T03:09:29-04:00

Lately what is professional has been, "Whatever I think" and not necessarily something in a regulation. Much of it is opinionated.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Mar 16 at 2015 10:16 AM

2015-03-16T10:16:50-04:00

I agree, this whole "unprofessional" thing gets a little old.
Its to the point where having an opinion and/or questioning the purpose of a reg or policy is...wait for it...unprofessional.

I am not supposed to think, just follow the regs?? At what rank or position do I get to think?? We are all leaders, yes?? But we arent supposed to question whether something is effective??

walking and talking on the phone is one of those things...if I am walking somewhere and my cell phone rings, why can I not answer and keep moving?? If I pass by somebody, I can drop my left hand and raise my right, to salute. I got this, I am a big boy now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-03-16T10:36:50-04:00

I am fighting every thing in me not to make a joke about that sweet stache you be rockin in that profile pic....................

Response by SGT Scott Gostkowski made Mar 16 at 2015 10:39 AM

2015-03-16T10:39:13-04:00

You lost me where you stated WWI took place in the 1880s...

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-03-16T11:12:31-04:00

I personally do not see the issue with tattoos in general, at least with the Navy this once was a time honored "non"tradition. Granted the type of tattoos one decides to get on their body is a different matter. Gang or hate crime related tattoos have no business in our military but other than that I do not (professionally or otherwise) look at a service member that is "all tatted up" differently than one that is not. However, your tattoos will be a direct reflection of yourself and/or character so that should be considered when one decides on what and where they would like to put them. On that note, I will find amusement if you do not have proper spelling either.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 16 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-03-16T13:32:01-04:00

Being in the military is being in the military. We all agreed to abide by the rules and regulations, not to be or compare ourselves to civilians. Our rules and traditions are different, we live by a different set of codes and conduct. Can you even imagine what it would be like if everyone in the military could simply do, say, dress, be what they want, what a mess!!!!!!!

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Mar 16 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-03-16T13:52:19-04:00

I guess a little clarification is in order.

I am a stickler for semantics and its appropriate use.

I propose we start using inappropriate instead of unprofessional.