Posted on Apr 22, 2017
Can male soldiers wear lipstick, earrings and ripped clothes while off duty, but on post?
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Had an interesting moment where in a soldier had me direct dial his BN CMD while correcting him about him wearing black lipstick, earrings, finger jewlery and ripped pants.
The CMD informed me I needed to read the regulations, which I have done so.
As far as I've read and know, there has been no update that allows male soldiers to wear this off-duty while on post.
The CMD informed me I needed to read the regulations, which I have done so.
As far as I've read and know, there has been no update that allows male soldiers to wear this off-duty while on post.
DA Pam 670-1
Regulation
Army Regulations
NCOs
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 363
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Wait, What?! Going by when I was in the answer would be NO to all of the above in the Marine Corps. Infact if you saw another Marine out of Civilian Regs while in civilian clothes you better lock them on. It is your duty to do so. I was on the Rock walking down to the Motor Pool on a Saturday when two other Marines from my section caught up to me (we were all in Civilian clothes) I forget why we had to go to the motor pool. But like I said they caught up to me and I wasn't paying attention to what they were wearing as far as Civi's, next thing we know our Battalion SgtMaj. tells us to hold up and he starts laying into my two buddies for ripped jeans, untucked shirt on one and a T-shirt on the other...So I easy back because I'm like I'm Good to go in within regs The SgtMaj. Turns to me and starts ripping on me for not making sure the other two weren't within regs and I was with them. As you see I am Like I was an E-3 they were E-4's (yeah I had more time in service then both) and what do you think happened when I told the SgtMaj. that they were Cpl's he already knew I was a LCpl...he said " I don't Fucking Care Smith! You don't let another Marine look like shit!" He knew they were Cpl's so I wasn't throwing them under the bus incase you thought that, we had all had regular dealings with SgtMaj. being motor T We all Drove for him and the old man (Btln.Cmndr). Plus The SgtMaj was Guamanian and for some reason he thought I was too so he had a "Hard On" for me...
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This is what I'm talking about. What the hell happened with the leadership?
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AR 670 - 1
Specifically prohibits males from wearing earrings under any circumstances both on or off duty.
On duty It prohibits males from wearing fingernail polish or cosmetics unless medically required, as in disfigurement due to injury.
BUT, it includes a Catch-22 statement regarding a professional military appearance on or off duty. It may be a stretch to try to enforce the standards off post, but it definelty provides the backup for prohibiting all the above in the situation you described. If this Soldier's command tells you to read the regulations, here is your source. They are negligent in their command responsibilities. Also, most military installations also have local regulations which may be even more specific and stringent, so check for those. There is a decorum of dress expected to enter military facilities such as mess halls, Exchanges and Commissaries.
Check paragraph b and c under civilian clothing below.
Chapter 3
Appearance and Grooming Policies
3–1. Personal appearance policies
a. Soldiers will present a professional image at all times and will continue to set the example in military presence, both on and off duty. Pride in appearance includes Soldiers’ physical fitness and adherence to acceptable weight standards in accordance with AR 600–9.
b. A vital ingredient of the Army’s strength and military effectiveness is the pride and self discipline that American Soldiers bring to their Service through a conservative military image. It is the responsibility of commanders to ensure that military personnel under their command present a neat and soldierly appearance. Therefore, in the absence of specific procedures or guidelines, commanders must determine a Soldier’s compliance with standards in this regulation.
c. The Army uniform regulations for standards of personal appearance and grooming are as specific as is practicable in order to establish the parameters with which Soldiers must comply.
d. Portions of this chapter are punitive. Violation of the specific prohibitions and requirements set forth in this chapter may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provision of the UCMJ.
3–2. Hair and fingernail standards and grooming policies
b. Cosmetics.
(1) Standards regarding cosmetics are necessary to maintain uniformity and to avoid an extreme or unprofessional appearance. Males are prohibited from wearing cosmetics, except when medically prescribed. Females are authorized to wear cosmetics with all uniforms, provided they are applied modestly and conservatively, and that they complement both the Soldier’s complexion and the uniform. Leaders at all levels must exercise good judgment when interpreting and enforcing this policy.
c. Fingernails. All personnel will keep fingernails clean and neatly trimmed. Males will keep nails trimmed so as not to extend beyond the fingertip unless medically required and are not authorized to wear nail polish. Females will not exceed a nail length of 1⁄4 inch as measured from the tip of the finger. Females will trim nails shorter if the commander determines that the longer length detracts from a professional appearance, presents a safety concern, or interferes with the performance of duties. Females may only wear clear polish when in uniform or while in civilian clothes on duty. Females may wear clear acrylic nails, provided they have a natural appearance and conform to Army standards.
3–4. Jewelry
c. Attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to, through, or under their skin, tongue, or any other body part is prohibited (this includes earrings for male Soldiers). This applies to all Soldiers on or off duty. The only exception is for female Soldiers, who may wear earrings consistent with paragraph 3–4d. (The term “skin” is not confined to external skin but includes the tongue, lips, inside the mouth, and other surfaces of the body not readily visible.)
3–9. Civilian clothing
a. Civilian clothing is authorized for wear when off duty, unless the wear is prohibited by the senior commander. Commanders down to unit level may restrict the wear of civilian clothes by those Soldiers who have had their pass privileges revoked. Within the confines of a military base or a DoD installation, civilian clothing will be worn subject to local regulations.
b. When on duty in civilian clothes or off duty and outside of their personal dwelling, Army personnel will present a professional image that does not detract from the profession, unless specifically exempted by the commander for specific mission requirements.
c. Soldiers are associated and identified with the Army in and out of uniform, and when on or off duty. Therefore, when civilian clothing is worn, Soldiers will ensure that their dress and personal appearance are commensurate with the high standards traditionally associated with Army service. Commanders are charged with determining and publishing the local civilian clothing policy. When on a military installation, civilian headgear will be removed indoors in accordance with established norms
AR 670–1 • 10 April 2015
Specifically prohibits males from wearing earrings under any circumstances both on or off duty.
On duty It prohibits males from wearing fingernail polish or cosmetics unless medically required, as in disfigurement due to injury.
BUT, it includes a Catch-22 statement regarding a professional military appearance on or off duty. It may be a stretch to try to enforce the standards off post, but it definelty provides the backup for prohibiting all the above in the situation you described. If this Soldier's command tells you to read the regulations, here is your source. They are negligent in their command responsibilities. Also, most military installations also have local regulations which may be even more specific and stringent, so check for those. There is a decorum of dress expected to enter military facilities such as mess halls, Exchanges and Commissaries.
Check paragraph b and c under civilian clothing below.
Chapter 3
Appearance and Grooming Policies
3–1. Personal appearance policies
a. Soldiers will present a professional image at all times and will continue to set the example in military presence, both on and off duty. Pride in appearance includes Soldiers’ physical fitness and adherence to acceptable weight standards in accordance with AR 600–9.
b. A vital ingredient of the Army’s strength and military effectiveness is the pride and self discipline that American Soldiers bring to their Service through a conservative military image. It is the responsibility of commanders to ensure that military personnel under their command present a neat and soldierly appearance. Therefore, in the absence of specific procedures or guidelines, commanders must determine a Soldier’s compliance with standards in this regulation.
c. The Army uniform regulations for standards of personal appearance and grooming are as specific as is practicable in order to establish the parameters with which Soldiers must comply.
d. Portions of this chapter are punitive. Violation of the specific prohibitions and requirements set forth in this chapter may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provision of the UCMJ.
3–2. Hair and fingernail standards and grooming policies
b. Cosmetics.
(1) Standards regarding cosmetics are necessary to maintain uniformity and to avoid an extreme or unprofessional appearance. Males are prohibited from wearing cosmetics, except when medically prescribed. Females are authorized to wear cosmetics with all uniforms, provided they are applied modestly and conservatively, and that they complement both the Soldier’s complexion and the uniform. Leaders at all levels must exercise good judgment when interpreting and enforcing this policy.
c. Fingernails. All personnel will keep fingernails clean and neatly trimmed. Males will keep nails trimmed so as not to extend beyond the fingertip unless medically required and are not authorized to wear nail polish. Females will not exceed a nail length of 1⁄4 inch as measured from the tip of the finger. Females will trim nails shorter if the commander determines that the longer length detracts from a professional appearance, presents a safety concern, or interferes with the performance of duties. Females may only wear clear polish when in uniform or while in civilian clothes on duty. Females may wear clear acrylic nails, provided they have a natural appearance and conform to Army standards.
3–4. Jewelry
c. Attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to, through, or under their skin, tongue, or any other body part is prohibited (this includes earrings for male Soldiers). This applies to all Soldiers on or off duty. The only exception is for female Soldiers, who may wear earrings consistent with paragraph 3–4d. (The term “skin” is not confined to external skin but includes the tongue, lips, inside the mouth, and other surfaces of the body not readily visible.)
3–9. Civilian clothing
a. Civilian clothing is authorized for wear when off duty, unless the wear is prohibited by the senior commander. Commanders down to unit level may restrict the wear of civilian clothes by those Soldiers who have had their pass privileges revoked. Within the confines of a military base or a DoD installation, civilian clothing will be worn subject to local regulations.
b. When on duty in civilian clothes or off duty and outside of their personal dwelling, Army personnel will present a professional image that does not detract from the profession, unless specifically exempted by the commander for specific mission requirements.
c. Soldiers are associated and identified with the Army in and out of uniform, and when on or off duty. Therefore, when civilian clothing is worn, Soldiers will ensure that their dress and personal appearance are commensurate with the high standards traditionally associated with Army service. Commanders are charged with determining and publishing the local civilian clothing policy. When on a military installation, civilian headgear will be removed indoors in accordance with established norms
AR 670–1 • 10 April 2015
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From my recent transgender training I learned that male Soldiers who have told the O-6 Commander they are transgender are allowed to wear lipstick, earings, and female clothes once the transition process has started. Not sure about the ripped pants?
CW4 Calhoun
CW4 Calhoun
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According to AR 670-1, male Soldiers are not allowed to have piercings of any kind.
As for the other items, there is no regulation to address lipstick or clothing, but we are encouraged to adhere to the military image. So, keeping your hair and clothing to a professional standard is suggested but not against any regulation.
As for the other items, there is no regulation to address lipstick or clothing, but we are encouraged to adhere to the military image. So, keeping your hair and clothing to a professional standard is suggested but not against any regulation.
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You're in the United States Army--When you're on a military instillation you act like it. Off the post--I don't give a shit if you ware a pink evening gown with diamond earrings. If looking like Ru Paul is your thing--do it off the post. Let make myself perfectly clear----On the post your a soldier---off the post you're a drag queen---Then you can bump and grind at your hearts content.
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Suspended Profile
Wot the fuck mate??
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I have been reading this the various responses and I tend to think that you have to remember that you represent your service what ever that means to you and should dress accordingly It should not be something that you have to ask about . But then that is old school.
We had similar discussions in the Navy when Admiral Zumwaldt came up with his Z grams. What disturbs me more though is the general trend toward PC behavior in the military where social issues are becoming more important than issues such as threats, preparedness, force sizing, maintenance etc.
As I understand it some of the services are now saying that turbans are authorized uniform wear so are we now going to spend time developing designs for turbans with scrambled eggs on them for senior officers? What about the transgender folks which uniform standards (male or female) do they follow and at what point in the process? Service members only represent 1% of the population right now. In a sense that makes us part of an elite group so lets act like it. Take the initiative to always represent your branch in the best manner possible not go along to get along.
We had similar discussions in the Navy when Admiral Zumwaldt came up with his Z grams. What disturbs me more though is the general trend toward PC behavior in the military where social issues are becoming more important than issues such as threats, preparedness, force sizing, maintenance etc.
As I understand it some of the services are now saying that turbans are authorized uniform wear so are we now going to spend time developing designs for turbans with scrambled eggs on them for senior officers? What about the transgender folks which uniform standards (male or female) do they follow and at what point in the process? Service members only represent 1% of the population right now. In a sense that makes us part of an elite group so lets act like it. Take the initiative to always represent your branch in the best manner possible not go along to get along.
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