Is the wearing of headphones authorized in ACUs?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 May 2016 16:49:15 -0400

This soldier was spotted in the airport. He had the headphones on but took them off when he walked around. Is this authorized under AR 670-1? I'm curious. My friends who are Army Reserves and Active Duty had varying opinions.

RP Edit:
We were approached by this individual who politely requested we remove his image.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 5:15 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 May 2016 17:15:49 -0400

If he took them off when walking, I would be fine with it. For all we know, the Colonel is listening into a conference call. Even if he is just be-bopping to Rage Against the Machine, I am unaware of any regulation to preclude it. Who hasn't had to kill a few hours languishing in the airport for the lowest priced DTS flight?

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made May 15 at 2016 5:23 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sun, 15 May 2016 17:23:02 -0400

Ok, here is the official statement: http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/ad2016_20.pdf. Nevertheless some common sense apply particularly when traveling.

The resource cannot be found.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made May 15 at 2016 5:24 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Sun, 15 May 2016 17:24:05 -0400

Let's be honest; a private who just graduated from basic training en route to AIT versus a full bird colonel? Do we engage? Iffy proposition, at best.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 5:45 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 May 2016 17:45:02 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member - I don't know the rules . . . but I have seen lot of guys and girls wearing headphones in military helicopters ad fixed wing aircraft . . . so I suspect it must be allowable under at least some circumstances. Mostly they were operating the aircraft, communication, imaging, targeting, weapons, and intelligence systems - others were functioning as medics, trainers, observers, and routine passengers. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 15 at 2016 6:57 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 15 May 2016 18:57:55 -0400

If the colonel was just standing there, then he was probably just listening to music, or maybe a book on CD.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 7:31 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 May 2016 19:31:59 -0400

I don't believe either Chief of Staff or the Secretary of the Army AR 670-O6.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 15 at 2016 7:50 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Sun, 15 May 2016 19:50:34 -0400

That's the youngest looking COL I ever seen.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made May 15 at 2016 8:48 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Sun, 15 May 2016 20:48:33 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Could it be the photo was taken before the directive was published? If there was no prior official guidance on such as this the Colonel(!) would only be in violation of good judgement and common sense to wear headphones with any uniform. Nothing like setting the example of high uniform standards for the younger troops and officers. Still, I would be very hesitant in approaching him with a spot correction despite what is said. He might end up taking my name and unit to put me on report for disrespect. He might also be related to that rogue CSM in Hawaii.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made May 15 at 2016 9:00 PM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Sun, 15 May 2016 21:00:49 -0400

Geez, Do you have anything better to do than get picky over a man in transit? Grow up and get a pair. Authorized or not leave the man alone.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 15 at 2016 9:10 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sun, 15 May 2016 21:10:01 -0400

Authorized or not, That man is a full colonel. It just does not look professional.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 1:09 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 May 2016 13:09:26 -0400

Not authorized. Take them off. I don't care if you are sitting, walking around, etc. If the rules change, good to go. If not...not authorized.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 6:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 May 2016 18:09:06 -0400

AD or reserve, this is wrong. Listen to them on the plane, but when in a terminal it just sends the wrong image, especially to younger soldiers.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 6:45 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 May 2016 18:45:44 -0400

Other then the reg, if something was to happen everyone would look to the guy in uniform for action, it will inhibit your reaction time and your overall situational awareness. Drop bodies.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made May 16 at 2016 7:31 PM

TSgt Marco McDowell — Mon, 16 May 2016 19:31:15 -0400

I've done this and observed others from top down doing this. From standing, sitting and stretched out on the deck. When it was time to move, off they came. Looks like he's killing time and as it was mentioned, removed them when he had to walk. I'm not sure how it's green-lit when you're deploying, but frowned on when you're transiting from A-B stateside...in the same airport. Doesn't look like the Colonel is rocking out, for all we know he's listening to the news and not sharing whatever audio with the other passengers...which I'd appreciate.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 8:14 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 May 2016 20:14:20 -0400

AR 670-1 is clear that you can't wear headphones or Bluetooths while walking or marching. The is nothing wrong if your standing in one place or sitting waiting to board. As long as the COL took them off before walking around he's good.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made May 17 at 2016 9:24 AM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Tue, 17 May 2016 09:24:13 -0400

Not authorized in that uniform and location, A full bird should know better. Either enforce standards or don't have any at all. The folks that say leave him alone or get over it are the problem.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 10:20 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2016 10:20:38 -0400

OK it's a good question head phones are in my experience fine as long as your not walking around with them and it's your own free time and if it's not it's usually up to your leader ship if there OK or not. If your unsure ask. You NCO or a sinor specialist will point you in the right direction.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 12:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:56:41 -0400

Wearing of the uniform is strictly regulated by AR 670-1, wearing headphones while wearing the Military uniform is equal the wearing bunny slippers.

Response by SSG Dwayne Fitzpatrick made May 17 at 2016 1:19 PM

SSG Dwayne Fitzpatrick — Tue, 17 May 2016 13:19:09 -0400

No it is not. This is the problem today. So many willing to look the other way when it comes to uniforms. As for the Air Force comment on leaving him alone. You have no business commenting, your branch is about as ate up as they get .

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 1:26 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2016 13:26:27 -0400

Not in REG equals not authorized, regardless of pay-grade or excuse.
When on unit movement and on board the actual transportation device the commander will announce any allowances authorized to uniform. Not for wear when chilling with the masses at the gate b

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 2:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2016 14:04:04 -0400

Lots of "I think," "in my opinion," "what I have seen" statements here. AR 670-1 para 3-6a(2)(d) states "Soldiers are not authorized to wear wireless or non-wireless devices/earpieces while wearing Army uniforms." AD 2016-20 only applies to gyms and fitness areas so, unless there is other official regulatory guidance, it is a black and white question; E-1 or O-6, headphones are not authorized in uniform. And no officer worth their salt should take offense to a respectful correction.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 2:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2016 14:27:50 -0400

Per AD 2016-20, headphones can only be worn inside of fitness centers, must be less than 1 1/2 wide at its widest point, and only worn during individual physical training. Failure to comply is punitive. I understand that traveling can be taxing, but there is currently no requirement to wear ACUs when doing so. Meaning, if a Soldier wants to wear headphones, they should wear civilian attire.

Response by SFC Antonio Nieto made May 17 at 2016 5:12 PM

SFC Antonio Nieto — Tue, 17 May 2016 17:12:42 -0400

I would like to see the regulation first, I am pretty sure we all travel to the sand box, and I saw plenty of Soldiers wearing headphones, if he was at at garrison installation in line at any given building I would said there is something wrong with this picture, but the fact of the matter is that he is at the airport probably render his seat to someone else standing waiting to do official travel, now you all going to get rap around standards of military conduct apply both in post and off post. But I am sure if you see your commanding officer or a senior noncommissioned officer at the local mall, you might do some evaise manuvers, to not grant him the greeting of the day leave the bird alone, BTW the AR change as far as wearing headphones while conducting prt training not the pt test I hope

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 8:46 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2016 20:46:51 -0400

I wonder if he uses an umbrella when it rains. This just looks bad, bad, bad. I expect a higher level of professionalism from a superior leader than this. I pray I don't have to ever work for a leader who makes such thoughtless judgements.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made May 17 at 2016 9:03 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Tue, 17 May 2016 21:03:45 -0400

No! But I've used them at work in my office very discreetly. Earbuds not these attention seekers in the pic! I hope you made the OTS correction tho!

Response by MSG Jay Jackson made May 18 at 2016 8:50 AM

MSG Jay Jackson — Wed, 18 May 2016 08:50:46 -0400

It used to be that an LT with a compass was dangerous, now it is any service member with a cell phone. But it should keep the seniors in line or be exposed on line. Wait I got it, a new NCOER/OER bullet should go like this. NCO/Officer has no photo of him/her posted to the internet showing non compliance with any Army values, regulations or policies. Sounds like rating gold folks! Promote ahead of peers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 9:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 May 2016 09:28:45 -0400

I'll use myself as an example I have worn Headphones and ear buds many times in uniform and still do to this day However I take them off when I move around. Note: I am right now wearing Bluetooth ear buds in the office now.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made May 19 at 2016 9:01 AM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Thu, 19 May 2016 09:01:16 -0400

Team,

I have an awesome son who is a SSG in the Army... and who is probably a much better NCO then his old man ever was.... Yes... that is pride talking.... get over it.

I called him and as he was on mission at the time (he is a 15T) he would get back with me and he did.

Below is the SecArmy Memo dated 6 May 2016... that speaks to the question. Had I known that then, I would have politely informed the COL that he need to correct himself... and if I see anyone else... I'll do that also.

This isn't about being petty, or a dick, or a "gotcha" person... this is simply doing the right thing and "policing up our own" and offering a correction when a person may (won't argue they should) not know.

Peace Out

Response by COL Mo Fenner made Jan 4 at 2017 12:39 PM

COL Mo Fenner — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 12:39:03 -0500

The regulation is clear. No headphones in uniform except for recent change that allow in some cases in pt uniform. To all you people who say let it go, I ask why?

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 4 at 2017 2:39 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 14:39:32 -0500

I realize this is an old post, but I travel occasionally from an airport near a major Army post, and I see Soldiers in uniform sitting at the gate or on the plane with ear buds in all the time. So it must be authorized now? Anyways, doesn't bother me a bit as long as they are sitting down in a waiting area or on the plane. My personal preference was to travel in civilian clothes and blend in, rather than stand out and get stared at by veterans, retirees, or other SM's trying to find some minor deficiency.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 17 at 2017 4:47 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 16:47:36 -0500

He prob’ly didn't Want any further feedback on the subject.. promotion fitness and all.. understandable..

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 17 at 2017 4:52 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 16:52:25 -0500

Why was he wearing ACUs in the Airport? What happened to the dress uniform of the day? ACUs are a utility uniform, Am I correct? Different Service branch, different rules...

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 5:18 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 17:18:37 -0500

Well now it is against regulation to wear headphones in uniform even if you are in APFU. The new regulation States that headphones are to be only worn in the gym. An AIT Sergeant told me this in November

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 10:45 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:45:03 -0400

Regulations are slow to be updated. I like to go with some common sense on these issues. First, is it distasteful or odd behavior to bring discredit to the uniform or organization? Well, People wear headphones when they travel to be courteous of the people around them. Nobody wants to listen to your music or book. Keep that to yourself. If he was sitting in his chair on an airplane listening to the TV or radio should that be against regs? I don’t think so. It’s common activity that brings no discredit. Now walking with them on is an issue. And as you said he removed them when walking. Perfectly okay. IMHO.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2018 10:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 10:56:18 -0400

So to be clear if I am at a computer lab taking army courses if the computer does not have speakers and requires headphones them I cannot do the training. If the regulation is black and white with no exceptions then at no time can I use headphones.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2022 10:16 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 10:16:00 -0500

Technically not authorized, but there is nuance in enforcing “the letter of the law” and “the spirit of the law” which is to prevent an unprofessional appearance of Soldiers beat bopping around with headphones on in uniform. It is not unprofessional to wear them in a waiting area in transit nor to have an in the ear earbud used for Bluetooth phone conversations. Businessmen and executives of very professional organizations do it everyday. What is socially acceptable does change professional standards to some extent, because if no civilian would see it as unprofessional than it probably isn’t. The cell phone and headphone rules were rolled out at thaw advent of these technologies before the proliferated into every aspect of daily life. It is not unprofessional in the profession of arms to wear headphones in this manner. However if someone corrects you it is a good idea to take it gracefully since the reg is on their side. Remember, a lot of people who will die on this hill on the enforcement side of this argument almost certainly broke UCMJ sodomy laws at some point in their career. You need to have intellectual consistency people!