Conflicting opinions on the hard part haircut?

You are starting your career off the right way asking questions and checking the regulations. Most of us can't say how to do your hair because there is that opinion about faddish. You have the benefit of drilling prior to going back before drill instructors. The NCOs at your unit are going to be more laid back and supportive then active duty. Ask someone there and go ahead and get it cut now (early) to have someone look at it before you go back to training.

PV2 (Join to see) Your observation and understanding that the answer is "It depends" is accurate, and for that reason Id suggest finding a picture that resembles what you think your haircut will look like after you do what your considering and contacting your 1st line supervisor. Get that person opinion, as they will be the ones that will say, "Umm, NO" or should be the ones that go see the PSG, PL, 1SG, CDR, BN CSM ect when you were given the ok, got the cut then at drill the senior had a problem with it..

Without actually seeing your hair in person, I would recommend that you reach out to a female NCO in your unit (preferably a SSG or higher) or at your Reserve Center....and get their advice/input for your next haircut.

Private Windsor, I have no advice about your haircut. But don't knock your National Guard career path. None of us here will. With very few exceptions, every Guard person I worked with was top flight. I would go to war with any of them at a moment's notice. Good luck!

Follow the advice that SSG Paul Headlee gave you.

I can’t give you haircut advice. But you are off on the right foot in your Army career. If you put this much care and concern into all aspects of your service you’ll be one of the top performers in the unit.

I can't comment on what kind of coif you should get but I can say that I admire your attitude. Ask your PSG as that soldier is the senior NCO in your immediate midst and will either have the answer or will be able to get it for you.

PV2 (Join to see) I never cut my hair when I was in the Army. It is thick, curly, and waist length. The Regulations clearly stated it couldn’t touch my collar and at that time women were only allowed to use Bobby pins, clips, and hair ties the color of our hair. I managed to beep my ‘locks’ tamed with one clip and one pony tail holder (no hell allowed). My secret was a slick, tight pony tail when it was wet. I would encourage you to follow all the good advice given so far and continue to ask questions here on RP. I would be more than happy to connect with you for further support in your Military endeavors.
BTW, NG are as well trained and important as ALL Branches of the Military!
Good Luck with the Curly Locks!
Nancy

I cut a hard part which is covered in AR 670-1, page 5, 3-2(c). It also say's that my hair can't touch my brows WHEN COMBED. So many CSMs and 1SGs on active side will tell Soldiers to pull their bangs down and then to cut their hair. They by regulation don't have the authority to do so unless there is a command policy that supports that. You'll find policies like that in your color guards and the Old Guard. However, these are all unfortunately the same people who control the semi centralized promotion boards that will determine if you become an NCO or not. Like it or not, SGT Oldschool doesn't want to change and is resistant in more than just these regs. Some NCOs will even go as far as to say being an NCO and getting promoted is about exceeding the standard, and in their eyes getting their haircut is just that. I would listen to these others writers and ask your leadership above SSG what they feel is acceptable at the unit, not authorized. Then you make your choice, have your part that is technically within regs OR go against the grain, get that fresh cut, and in two years from now your question will be "why am I not going to the board"? The Army is an extremely large and diverse organization. As much as they try and want to be without, there will always be people in control of people and personalities will determine day to day activities. SGT Oldschool, or toxic leaders, will always be there. We all have our quirks and we don't know what we don't know.

I’ve done the Hard Part as a guy...next day, gone. Recommend not doing it and sticking with what worked before.