Posted on Mar 31, 2020
Is there a regulation or rule against DoD civilian employees having locs (dreadlocks)?
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DoD Civilian
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DoD Civilian Rules
Posted 4 y ago
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Dreadlocks are a personal choice, in the DoD civilian community there are few occupational restrictions on hair. Food service workers would need to cover facial and head hair. In the Fire Service, overall fit and safety of PPE is a primary consideration, following closely are any specific hazards which should be avoided. Hair extensions would generally fall into that category as they aren't tested for fire retardance and combustibility. Some grooming products also should be avoided due to the potential risks they extend in some working environments.
That said, look at the DoD Civilian career field(s) specific for which you would apply and if opportunity presents inquire directly of individuals in those positions for information. I can only provide generalities as this point, having been retired from Civil Service 12 years now as a GS 0081 Firefighter.
That said, look at the DoD Civilian career field(s) specific for which you would apply and if opportunity presents inquire directly of individuals in those positions for information. I can only provide generalities as this point, having been retired from Civil Service 12 years now as a GS 0081 Firefighter.
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SGT (Join to see)
I'm looking to work in the Visual Information or Public Affairs field. I suppose I need to start there. I appreciate the input.
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Not that I know of, I was a Mil Tech, we were expected to come in business casual(which was basically polo and dockers) and look professional, outside of that they gave us no real guidelines.
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SGT (Join to see)
I appreciate it. I knew I could come here and get the feedback I needed. Thank you.
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I was a DAC for 6 years. I saw a great variety of personal appearance in that time. Dreads wouldn't normally be prohibited. If the employee works in a food service or industrial environment where the hair could present a health or safety hazard to themselves or others, then the employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as a scarf, hat, hairnet, etc.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you, sir. These comments have definitely given me a different outlook. I was honestly considering cutting my hair if it would prevent employment in the DoD. I appreciate it.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
SGT (Join to see) - I didn't understand that you were applying for civil service jobs. Your appearance may effect your ability to be hired. No matter how hard hiring managers (I was one) try to overcome their prejudices, there is some influence. If you are invited to an in-person interview, please dress one level above the workforce in the area to which you are applying. For example, you ask the person setting up the interview, "what type of clothing do people wear in your work area?" The answer comes back, "We are a business casual workplace, but no t-shirts or shorts." You should plan on wearing a dress shirt with or without tie and a sport coat with Dockers or dress pants. If they tell you it's a coat and tie workplace, then put on your best interview suit with tie. Your hair should be clean and tastefully arranged. Having dreads dropping into your face while you're trying to answer question during the interview is not a good look.
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SGT (Join to see)
If I could vote up your comment 10 times, I would because this is the exact answer I was looking for. I know there are prejudices and generalizations in this world still, as hard as we all try to avoid it. That's honestly the reason I posted this question. I appreciate the transparency and I will definitely remember this advice when I get an interview or make sure I come back to this comment. Thank you. Everyone has been very helpful.
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