Are two braids (female) prohibited in the Army regulation for appearance AR 670-1?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 20:54:44 -0400

So for years I’ve been wearing my hair I’m two braids (that’s one single part down the middle of my head and all of my hair secured in two braids on each side and i tie them together in the back) and every once in a while a get an NCO that tells me that it’s out of regulation, I ask How and i always get the same answer “Go look up the regulation” at this point i have it memorized and still do not for the life of me understand how it is prohibited. Can someone help me out with an actual explanation?

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Jul 28 at 2019 9:46 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 21:46:37 -0400

https://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/uniform/docs/uniform/Female_Grooming_Standards.pdf

Multiple braiding (more than 2 braids) is authorized. the same general appearance as the individual's natural g pp hair and otherwise conform to AR 670-1. authorized in PT uniform, except when considered a safety hazard.

Female_Grooming_Standards.pdf

.ç8Z**öª/ÐIFJìªBî*XÉ ÔÕ"Q9ãXÑ«ÄXÓE#ÙâÌJÓK jE&?ÛÁ/ãÁÓñHBÆA1¿Èb$ã;µñt@S¿uõûsòâÝ7^~AÞVQW\zwý~øçø·Áóq+8-:!GþKÕø'0mª4TÄã"îY2¶»gëÉùT»t|ºìi4ýE'cñGþPäÚÑÈQjwv2,åO9ûóø/5äüÖ83ÁRa4`ºá08ðáÚÞÌ+2/VëùLî·7jõ/]Ìï&·sr3YUõöëí&&5\ß§ CëÁEËøLL'Ûù

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2019 10:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 22:41:27 -0400

AR 670-1 and the presentation for "clarification" on the G1 website (provided in a comment) appear to contradict each other.
The presentation says more than 2 and approximately 1/4" in diameter in the reference to braids.
AR 670-1 doesn't state more than 2 when referring to braids, and states diameter shouldn't exceed 1/2".
Both state ends secured with inconspicuous rubber bands, so tying the ends appears to be contrary to the regulation.
If the 2 braids don't exceed 1/2" in diameter, AND the ends are secured with inconspicuous rubber bands, AND meet the bulk and other requirements, my interpretation is it would be authorized.
My interpretation has zero real world value.
Your commander is whose interpretation matters.
I dislike NCOs or officers who respond with look it up. An on-the-spot correction isn't meant to intimidate, but to teach/instruct what the deficiency is, and what is correct.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 1:33 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 01:33:31 -0400

Respectfully, there isn’t enough information for anyone here to provide a realistic assessment, particularly as its not possible to see images of your hair, as worn you’ve worn it each day, for the past several years.

While ‘go look up the regulation’ is a weak answer from an NCO, there are several possible deficiencies, particularly depending on the length of your hair. For example, Is the method of tying back inconspicuous? After doing so, does the resulting bun exceed 3” from the scalp? Is it wider than the width of your head?

The best/funniest way I ever saw a female soldier handle being told her hair was f*cked off was without missing a beat, she undid her intricate bun, and unfurled her ponytail to reveal hair almost down her entire back. She looked at the NCO and politely asked him to provide detailed instructions on how to get her to regulation standard so that she wouldn’t look scuffed up in the future. He just about sh*t himself. Priceless.

I wouldn’t recommend going that direction, but maybe ask, “I’m aware of the regulation for female hair. I’m unaware of my current violation of the regulation that you’re pointing out. But it’s unintentional, and I’ll fix it immediately’.

‘Hair’ is rarely the hill in the Army worth dying on. Best of luck

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jul 29 at 2019 7:29 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 07:29:23 -0400

I feel your pain. I wear glasses. I was 111121. My glasses were Tri-Focal. The Army (1975ish) would not make them but I had authorization to have them made off-post at my expense. The doctors had them special made at a facility. In those days there was no light-weight glass.
So I got four pairs - two wire frames for social and two batman goggle types that used head-straps, worn with the gas mask. What could go wrong?
"Only aviators are allowed Wireframes, SSG!";
"Batman! - Na, na, na, NAW!!!" (It was pretty funny, but I got tired of telling it.)";
"You are not to wear your field glasses except in the field - get out of PT Formation!" (only happened the one time as my CSM had a talk with my shiny new 2LT);
Speak with your CO & 1SG. If they agree then that's all you have to say.
Your CO decides, 1SG enforces. God be with you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2019 10:09 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 10:09:07 -0400

Unless someone can cite a message or the specific para and line, if:
1. Diameter of braids don't exceed 1/2", re: 3-2 a. (3) (f), AND
2. Bulk doesn't exceed 2" from the scalp re: 3-2. a (3) (c), AND
3. The ends aren't tied, but secured with inconspicuous rubber bands (or other authorized device, nor form a bun that extends more than 3 1/1" from the scalp re: 3-2. a (3) (c) and (f) AND,
4. Doesn't create gaps in the headgear or interfere with the wearing the ACH 3-2. a (3) (d) and (f), THEN, you are in compliance.
See also figure 3-1.
Regulations don't list every infraction.
Tying the ends together, doesn't appear to be in compliance, but that should be an easy correction.
If the braid's diameter are greater than 1/2" in diameter, that would need to be corrected.
As another commented, hair styles are difficult without seeing them.
Put a ruler to the braids. If they are under 1/2", and you secure the ends, as in the regulation, versus tying them, you should be in compliance. Your 1SG and commander can verify.
Once they give you the thumbs up, if another NCO informs you that it isn't in compliance: assume the position of parade rest, remain tactful, explain the standard and your commander's approval, ask what the deficiency is, and request permission to carry on.
Note: The length of time you have worn a particular style, or done anything a particular way, is irrelevant.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jul 29 at 2019 12:40 PM

CSM William Everroad — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 12:40:56 -0400

The other comments have provided you with their interpretation of the regs. My advice would be to not start an argument with the NCO, but ask for verification from your chain of command. The best response is always, "Roger Sergeant, I have reviewed the regulation with my platoon sergeant, and I they determined that I am in compliance, if you disagree with their interpretation I would be glad to have you sit down with us and see where the disconnect is". Your efforts to understand the regulatory guidelines are admirable, now as a future NCO your duty is to connect people with knowledge.

Response by Capt Michael Wilford made Jul 29 at 2019 7:54 PM

Capt Michael Wilford — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 19:54:11 -0400

Sadly, "go look up the regulation," is an ate up response from an NCO who may unsure themselves about the regs. This could be a teaching moment for both of you. My response might be, "could we look this up together so I can better understand? That way I can look out for others in the future." As a former NCO and as a commissioned officer, I see this as taking initiative and as a respectful way of helping an NCO get better brushed up on the regs while you are also getting better brushed up. No pun intended with the brush up comment since we are talking about hair.