Does being on or off an installation while on leave with a trimmed and lined beard make a difference?

CSM William Everroad - Another consideration is retention and team building. Even if there is regulatory support for soldiers to have to shave while attending college or other wise not on orders an officer or NCO (probably in civilian clothing themselves) reprimanding a junior is not benefiting the guard and reserve overall.

A younger, SPC, version of myself was working at a retail store and recognized a NCO from another company in the battalion. I said "hello sergeant, I'm in F company." His response was "Why haven't you saved?" Obviously it didn't affect my retention but I did my best to not interact the the NCO during drill and I was hesitant to identify myself to other soldiers when I was off duty.

Many soldiers have gone from a civilian job in the morning to an AFTP or MUTA in the afternoon, myself included, and shaved after arriving at the duty location. Unfortunately many regulations don't adjust for the guard and reserve. Thankfully most leaders are like you and put soldiers above blind adherence to regulation.

CW3 Matt Tait that NCO sounds like a tool. I remember a similar story in my early enlisted days too! Grateful we have people with common sense and people sense.

CW3 Matt Tait - Thanks for the story! I have defiantly met leaders in all COMPOS that lack common sense or empathy. Some of us get so caught up in regulatory guidance we forget the intent. I can't say I have never felt the urge to yell at someone walking across the grass because someone 25 years ago yelled at me to get off the CSM's grass, but it is how we approach those situations that differentiate ourselves.

For me, if the Soldier was clean cut, even with a beard, I may make a comment about keeping it professional and have a discussion about what professionalism means to them, but that is about it. I remember one such conversation from a CSM when I was a young NCO. It left an impression, but without me feeling like I messed up:

I was wearing a blue backpack coming back from leave because it was all I had and the CSM mentioned he liked the brand (Osprey). We talked about the need for uniformity and asked if I had a black bag for when I was on duty. I replied that I did not, and he suggested that perhaps a cool way for me to set the example for my Soldiers would be to have everyone walking around with their assault packs and a set packing list. We then talked about load plans and other pre-movement concepts. He did it all without judgement or sarcasm and I walked away feeling "guided" but not harassed. We all need leaders like that, and its pretty easy to do but some leaders just want to be Drill Sergeants.

There is a difference in being "off duty" which is a liberty or pass; and being on actual leave. I would expect a captain to understand this distinction.

That's my recollection as well. I remember being told on or off duty, leave or no leave shaving still applies.

SSG Keith Evans I have had this conversation before. You are correct that it is up to the command team's interpretation. However, from my foxhole (IMO), 3-1 doesn't refer to uniform standards in 600-9, just weight and fitness. Thats why it specifically mentions "on duty" in 3-1. The intent of 3-1 is to set the expectation of standards of professional appearance. A lined beard can be professional appearance.

But like most interpretations, there will always be leaders who disagree. It is how they enforce the regulation that separates us.