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I've got another silly question because I'm a silly baby soldier(can I even call myself a soldier if I haven't been through AIT yet? Split ops here).
I have been blessed with a head of thick, shaggy locks that are currently kept under control by a "pixie" and plenty of gel. I was thinking of getting a hard part the next time I go to get it cleaned up in an attempt to tame my crooked natural one.
I did my research, because I didn't want to show up to my next drill(yes, on top of being split-ops, I'm a Weekend Warrior) with an out-of-regulation haircut.
AR 670-1 says that soldiers with a certain texture of hair can cut a single part in it, but I also read that the hard part is considered faddish by many, and whether or not my haircut would be allowed could depend on the NCO. What to do, what to do...
Yes, I sound like I'm a teenage girl fussing over her hair(which I am), but I know that being very young, female, and a Private, I've got to be on top of my game if I want to make a good impression. Look squared away, work hard, study hard, make as few rookie mistakes as I possibly can(knock on wood).
Thanks to everyone who has answered my questions in the past! It's my first year in the military, I've been asking a lot of dumb shit so I don't do a lot of dumb shit.
I have been blessed with a head of thick, shaggy locks that are currently kept under control by a "pixie" and plenty of gel. I was thinking of getting a hard part the next time I go to get it cleaned up in an attempt to tame my crooked natural one.
I did my research, because I didn't want to show up to my next drill(yes, on top of being split-ops, I'm a Weekend Warrior) with an out-of-regulation haircut.
AR 670-1 says that soldiers with a certain texture of hair can cut a single part in it, but I also read that the hard part is considered faddish by many, and whether or not my haircut would be allowed could depend on the NCO. What to do, what to do...
Yes, I sound like I'm a teenage girl fussing over her hair(which I am), but I know that being very young, female, and a Private, I've got to be on top of my game if I want to make a good impression. Look squared away, work hard, study hard, make as few rookie mistakes as I possibly can(knock on wood).
Thanks to everyone who has answered my questions in the past! It's my first year in the military, I've been asking a lot of dumb shit so I don't do a lot of dumb shit.
DA Pam 670-1
Regulation
Army Regulations
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
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Good on you for asking! I will say I do not believe females are allowed hard parts because they cannot shave your head down to a certain level. However if it’s vague and your unit ncos allow it, bring a copy of AR670-1 with you when you go back in front of a DS. Say your unit was okay with it but you needed further clarification. Knowing a DS, they probably won’t be okay with it since hard parts need to be maintained to look professional.
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Follow the regulation and when in doubt ask your 1SG. Local policy reigns over "faddish" or "professional appearance".
It sounds like you are wanting to create a good professional appearance. I would personally take the "beyond reproach" approach and cut it short. It is kind of like shooting for 300+ on the APFT instead of training for 180. However, since you mention you are "blessed" with lots of hair and give a general impression you love your hair, you are going to be putting a lot of effort to maintain conformity with regulatory and local guidance.
I am not suggesting you cut your coif, however, consider how distracting it would be in a tactical environment if your ACH, NVGs or gas mask does not fit properly. As you move up the ranks, 3 days in the field can wreak havoc on long hair. Perception informs impressions and a disheveled looking NCO has an uphill climb.
Maintaining long hair professionally in a field environment can be done. You have to consider, if your goal is to look squared away and make a good impression, how much work you are willing to put into that, and if it detracts from other parts of your mission.
It sounds like you are wanting to create a good professional appearance. I would personally take the "beyond reproach" approach and cut it short. It is kind of like shooting for 300+ on the APFT instead of training for 180. However, since you mention you are "blessed" with lots of hair and give a general impression you love your hair, you are going to be putting a lot of effort to maintain conformity with regulatory and local guidance.
I am not suggesting you cut your coif, however, consider how distracting it would be in a tactical environment if your ACH, NVGs or gas mask does not fit properly. As you move up the ranks, 3 days in the field can wreak havoc on long hair. Perception informs impressions and a disheveled looking NCO has an uphill climb.
Maintaining long hair professionally in a field environment can be done. You have to consider, if your goal is to look squared away and make a good impression, how much work you are willing to put into that, and if it detracts from other parts of your mission.
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AR 670-1 (updated) states you are authorized to put a part in your hair so long as it’s a straight line and where the hair would naturally part (no faddish parts such as a slanted or curved part in the hair). It’s black and white in fine print. Some regs are stated the way it is for a reason, to prevent certain “Leaders” from overthinking it or trying to manipulate it to their liking.
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