Posted on Apr 6, 2018
How should I handle a revolving issue with an E-6 regarding my haircut?
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So I have always cut my hair the same way which is combed over on the top and faded on the sides and is in regs. Well I had my NCOIC (SSG) tell me that it wasn't in regs. and that he didn't like the way it appeared. I cut it a little shorter on the top and when to my TL (SGT) and she agreed that there is nothing wrong with it. That SSG told me I had to have a meeting with him and the 1SG but the 1SG never came, it was just myself and the SSG again. He told me again how it wasn't within regs. and looks like I'm a rebel. Few days later, (last night) I saw that SSG and before I could even say hello her said, "Take your hat off, let me see your hair." I showed him and he said, "You better fix it by tomorrow or else you know what'll happen." (He wants my to get a basic training cut) Now today, my TL (SGT) just came into my office and said that I have to go see that SSG at 1500 and that he refused to tell her what it was about. I know it'll be about my hair again. My SGT told me to tell him that I understand that it's his opinion that he doesn't like it but I would like to get a second look by the 1SG before I shave my head. Can any Senior Leaders help me on this one? I'm not just some Joe trying to start problems. I'm squared away, show up to work on time, have no negative counselings, and to top it off...The 1SG saw my hair the same way when I first met him and he said, "Look at Pavlock, his hair is always on point!" Someone please give me some advice!
Posted in these groups: 
Army Regulations
Leadership
Army Regulations Leadership
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 104
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1SG Dennis Hicks
SFC (Join to see) - The big deal would be out of reg style, kind of what NCO's enforce and one of the duties of leadership.
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SFC (Join to see)
I understand. I just don't see how this is not within standard. Half of soldiers in my unit have this haircut. I don't see it as faddish. Sorry, just my opinion. I would not correct this soldier. However, if the hair goes over his ears or eyebrows, then yes there is an issue. Is he pushing It? Maybe. I know how to enforce a standard. Sorry, if you don't agree with what you see here in this photo, 1SG.
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Cpl Derrick Perkins
SFC (Join to see) - for the army , i would consider it 'faddish' , that said , i was close to and traveled to ft. bragg/ fayetteville often when i was in the Marines, never seen a high n tight on army , up till 96 when i left jville nc , in 03-04? i started seeing all these high n tights come through the airport (i was TSA ) , then seen them in army uniforms , i kept asking a lot of guys were they former Marines ? they all said no ,, then asked why you cutting you hair like Marines !!?? lol, about this time i also noticed all were blousing their trousers at their boots ?? , i could laugh ,, thinking , jealous much ! LOL,, RAHH !
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Talk to the 1SG. He makes the final determination on your hair cut. The reason he 1SG didn’t show up to the first meeting was cause he had better things to do than some SSGs job. So if your right and the 1SG tells the SSG your hair is ok then be ready to be on the SSGs butt hurt list. Me personally, I would get ready for it cause fighting about buying unit shirt is different messing with my hair- what little I have left. Good luck.
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Then fix your issue! Marines have a higher standard than the Army does. Thus, cut it the way they want. So as you're told or suffer the consequences. You really came on here to complain and ask for "advice"? My advice: Do what your told!
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Sgt Dale Briggs
Yep, it’s only hair, and it’s not a gradual fade to begin with, so I’d assume it’s out of reg based on what I saw.
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Ask him specifically what is not in regulation as he shows it to you. If he can't do that let him issue the tissue and take it to the 1sg, and or the CSM.
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PFC (Join to see)
Pretty much what I did chief, I posted an update in the comments be sure to check it out!
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Here is my question, if you fall under this TL(SGT) then why is the SSG coming directly to you, they should be going to the TL and handling it that way. That is why we have a chain of command. Plus the TL should be with you when you see the NCOIC if they are in agreement with you and ask who, what, when, where and how.
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SSG Dale London
Very good points - both of them. The first instance was an on-the-spot correction. But the NCIOC's follow-ups should have been through your TL. Well spotted, SSG Phelps.
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1LT William Clardy
Inferring from too-few clues here, but I would wager that the TL is only marginally effective with a strong aversion to being confrontational or even assertive with anybody -- i.e., won't enforce unpopular orders with subordinates, and won't defend subordinates from command hostility.
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1SG, open door policy.... that simple..... I used to get pissed over dealing with simple shtuff... but then I realized how much time was wasted on small battles like this down on the line and realized that I was often the final answer to end all disputes..... you say youve never had a negative counseling, the Staff Sergeant should have your "private meeting" documented on 4856.... and where is your Platoon Sergeant in all of this? Or is your Section Sergeant the same?..... if you think its an issue, than its worth your 1SG's time
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CW3 (Join to see)
Maybe people care because this PFC could perhaps be a future NCO himself. It's never too early to groom your replacement. NCOs get paid to coach, lead, teach, and mentor, and it seems that many are doing just that.
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Please allow me to give you a bit different advice, get a basic training haircut.
Here is why, the problem is not you, the issue is not the AR, the problem is that the SSG is a jerk.
A number of years ago I had an issue with my COL, he enjoyed on occasions making comments about my hair. I shaved it off: every time somebody asked me why, I told them "make the COL happy."
In the military everybody moves, sooner or later your SSG or you will PCS.
Here is why, the problem is not you, the issue is not the AR, the problem is that the SSG is a jerk.
A number of years ago I had an issue with my COL, he enjoyed on occasions making comments about my hair. I shaved it off: every time somebody asked me why, I told them "make the COL happy."
In the military everybody moves, sooner or later your SSG or you will PCS.
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Ironically, most replies have been defensive in this post, yet this young NCO exposes an important topic that is critical to organizational development. Somewhere along the path, he has not gained the respect of this (likely marginal) NCO. He has forfeited his ability to pursuade compliance within a group. This will be a tough lesson, yet no one can alter, convince or thus pursuade a change of perception except YOU. Part of working with teams is being able to be a leader, so if you’re ranting about this one NCO, what will you do when you have a platoon of your own that brings you challenges? My advice: Become his supervisor one day and don’t allow this small tid bit to impact your path to success. Cut your hair for a while and keep exceding Army standards. It shows character and 1SG will respect you more because you validated commitment toward achievement!
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