Cologne and perfumes in uniform?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:11:32 -0500

Yesterday my 1sg smelled one of our soldiers cologne and made a big fuss about not wearing it in OCPs. I’ve never really had this issue to be honest though I’ve heard of this before. It personally seems like a waste as we are in Hawaii sweating our asses off in the sun while we work, but I digress. I’ve never had a personal problem with a soldier smelling good....bad? Yes....

I looked and didn’t see anything in DA PAM/AR 670-1 about not wearing perfumes and colognes in uniform. Honestly, I don’t care either way, it’s what 1sg said so that’s what goes, but he said it was in the regulations and I can’t find it to use in future references if needed. Just hoping someone can help me out or if it has merit at all? The closest thing I saw was an argument that coming to work “clean” means no “toxic chemicals” on your body....the argument seems rather weak to me though.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 10 at 2019 1:17 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:17:58 -0500

Ah... I'm guessing this was the "Axe Body Spray is a perfectly fine substitute for personal hygeine/bathing" Soldier?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 1:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:19:34 -0500

*ACUs (OCP is the pattern - the uniform is still called the Army Combat Uniform).

I have never seen anything about perfume or cologne in any regulation. Makeup, hair, nail polish - yes.

It's not "what 1SG says goes" and not even sure what he said. However, to avoid any ridiculous bs from said 1SG I would just tell the soldier to lay off the cologne at work. I don't know why anyone feels the need for that or perfume in ACUs. To each his or her own.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 10 at 2019 1:22 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:22:53 -0500

I don't think there's anything in AR 670-1.
I think it's more of a "don't draw a target on your back", which you will do if you smell bad or good.
Personal Opinion: I don't care if you smell good unless we're doing a field exercise. In the field, don't stand out. You need to blend in and remain hidden, which you cannot do with a potent, out of the ordinary "aroma".
EDIT: If top says don't wear perfumes/colognes then don't. Command sets the uniform and you need to follow it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 1:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:36:03 -0500

There is nothing specific I can find that states yes or no. In fact, I can't find anything in the Regs or Pams stating that fragrances can't be worn. If they are used, then logic/common sense would say to wear in moderation so as to not distract from the uniform. Now, out in the field, Preventive Medicine HIGHLY recommends fragrances not be worn as it can attract bug type critters.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 1:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:45:03 -0500

Other than the obvious question of "why in the world would anyone want to wear cologne or perfume in ACU's?" i do not know of any regulation that forbids it, But why? ONly thing that makes any sense to me is that this Soldier has a hygiene issue that he is trying to cover up. Maybe his leadership needs to look into that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 1:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:50:26 -0500

Shananagens...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 1:57 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:57:47 -0500

All the dumbass rules in AR 670-1 really boil down to one thing- professionalism. If the Soldier smells like a hooker- not very professional.
Heavy perfumes/ colognes can also be distracting to others that have to put up with overbearing smells which can impact productivity/ mission accomplishment.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 2:17 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:17:04 -0500

When I was enlisted, I was that guy who wore colonge. One time my 1SG asked who in the formation had on colonge. I raised my hand. He asked if I thought I would meet a woman at work. I said I always like to be ready 1SG. Everybody laughed and gave me crap but I didn’t get in trouble or anything.

And yes, I’m going to be that butter bar that puts colonge on his uniform LOL. I hope things work out for your soldier.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Dec 10 at 2019 2:48 PM

SSG Brian G. — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:48:28 -0500

There is nothing regulation wise about colognes/perfumes/fragrances etc. The problem most often run into is the SM that does not understand what moderation means and that a little goes a long way. A splash is ok, a bath in the stuff? No.

My general rule of thumb was if I am arms length from you and smell it, ok. If I am further than that and can smell it then there might be an issue. There was only one time of note I can remember where the scent was so obnoxious that I made the SM go shower, change uniforms and JUST put on Deoderant.

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made Dec 10 at 2019 4:23 PM

SPC Angela Burnham — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 16:23:41 -0500

It's not covered in regulations, but I really wish it were. We had some people coming into drill smelling like a french brothel. It would permeate entire rooms as soon as they entered, and linger for a good 20 minutes after they left. Migranes GALORE.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Dec 10 at 2019 5:43 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:43:51 -0500

Pretty simple, if you distract from work by either smelling like septic tank or smelling like you bathed in cologne or perfume then you need to learn moderation and being that guy/gal. If you are causing others problems with your smell you either get with the program of find another career.

In addition, your 1SG may have meant FM 21-75 chapter 8 about personal Hygiene. An argument can be made that a Soldier is neglecting personal Hygiene by "Covering up" actual lack of personal hygiene with scents. I have on more than one occasion had to deal with a troop that thought dowsing themselves with cologne/perfume would cover the fact that they hadn't showered in days. Sort of like the troops who used to pour gallons of bleach on their floors during inspections so they would smell clean and drive off inspectors.

I would flip this around and ask would it be acceptable to not bathe, brush ones teeth or wash ones uniform and stand near you or anyone else? I had a troop like that in the Sinai, I became aware of his condition and told him to fix this right away. But he thought he could just use cologne, his roommate and few other fellows gave him a block of instruction on washing himself and his clothes. The next formation he was a clean Soldier and people actually could bear to be close to him and all was solved till he ets'd.

Response by SSG William Bruno made Dec 10 at 2019 5:57 PM

SSG William Bruno — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:57:13 -0500

Skipping concerns about 670-1, colognes and perfumes should never be so heavy that they draw attention. Some of your coworkers may be sensitive to the chemicals in your cologne. Deodorants and soap should be enough to take care of body odor.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 6:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 18:41:59 -0500

I had never considered wearing it... and then my CW5 wore more than anyone I ever met. Now I wear mine pretty much only at drill as I want to match the climate set by my commander.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 1:46 AM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 01:46:21 -0500

As we see from these comments, different folks see the use of perfume differently. Recognize that regardless of your own perspective, there will be many that see it as unprofessional and unsoldierly. Pefume/cologne is used to attract attention in social settings. What is the purpose while in uniform? This will be the natural question for some leaders. While in uniform, you want to stand out by your character and competency, not by your odor (good or bad).

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 12:00 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:00:38 -0500

Just my opinion I could possibly understand if the soldier's cologne/perfume was obnoxiously strong. There people with sensitivity/allergies to it. Also if you're in field environment you wouldn't want a soldier to where strong smelling stuff because it has the potential to attract insects and if your simulated or real survival situation you want that either because the enemy could use to track you. But far as regulation does no it doesn't state you can't where perfume or cologne. So maybe ask 1sg if theirs a commanders policy about it

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Jan 21 at 2020 6:12 PM

CPL Joseph Elinger — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 18:12:53 -0500

It shouldn't NEED to be part of a regulation, it is implied by the very nature of The Soldier; stealth.
Any needless telegraphing scent could signal you or your previous position, to a tracker or a trained service animal. Why make The Enemy's job easier. I know you're in garrison, or Class B's however as grooming remains important @ all times for Gas Mask seal, the principles of soldierly conduct & deportment in or out of the field reinforce themselves!
Ie: "Practice makes perfect."
(K. I. S. S)

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 21 at 2020 10:55 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 22:55:51 -0500

Sex Panther. It’s made from bits of actual panther. 65% of the time, it works every time.

I think the conversation isn’t regulation based, it’s interpersonal space based issue.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 22 at 2020 12:25 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 00:25:06 -0500

I think the only place cologne or perfume would be an issue would be in actual combat and as perhaps an different scent the enemy may well notice it and be aware of where You are, that could prove to be fatal. In most places the instant shower spray deodorant even it better than BO, Body Odor even in a hostile environment. Peacetime, cologne or Perfume, who cares, what the problem ? There are a lot of worse ways to smell.

Response by CW4 Robert Forrest made Dec 31 at 2020 8:50 AM

CW4 Robert Forrest — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:50:10 -0500

Several considerations - some folks don't know when enough "toilet water" is sufficient and put out an overpowering perfumey odor, making the work environment unpleasant. There is also an increasing number in the population who can have an allergic reaction to the odor (which is why many health care facilities discourage staff from wearing perfume/cologne). Your 1SG's comment re wearing cologne with OCP's may not be specifically covered in the AR, but certainly goes along with common sense and experience. The Operational Camlouflage Pattern (OCP) is designed as "camouflage." Won't do much good if your battle buddy's perfume can be detected 30m upwind. Un