Navy boot camp mulls no longer shaving recruits' heads

Navy Times — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:13:37 -0500

From: Navy Times

For men, getting their head shaved on the first day of Navy boot camp has been a rite of passage for decades.

Women are also required to get first-day haircuts to ensure their hair is trimmed to regulation length, equal to the uniform collar.

But the days of these old traditions could be numbered.

Women taking part in a three-month pilot program at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois, and Officer Training Command Newport, Rhode Island, will not be required to get their hair shorn. A similar move is being considered for men that, if adopted, would eliminate the decades-long ritual.

The first pilot program will test new rules for women, according to Naval Service Training Command.

Instead of requiring women in boot camp to have their hair cut to the lower edge of the uniform collar, they would only be required to choose a hairstyle that meets Navy uniform regulations, according to the Jan. 8 NSTC release.

But if they still want the traditional haircut — they can request that, too.

"We are constantly considering fleet feedback and policy changes to improve training and quality of life during initial accession and indoctrination into the Navy," said Rear Adm. Rich Brown, commander of NSTC, in the release.

Female recruits aren't allowed to wear their hair longer or pinned up. As a result, NSTC said, female sailors and officers are not taught proper grooming standards, which would allow them to have longer hair when they reach the fleet

The pilot comes months after a high-profile case in which the Navy booted a mid-career sailor who refused to shear off her locks. Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jessica Sims said she had worn this coiled, natural hairstyle, popular with black women, for the majority of her 12 years in uniform; her new bosses at RTC Great Lakes said the hairstyle violated regs. One of the lessons officials took from the controversy was that female hair regs are neither well-understood nor enforced in the fleet.

The pilot will bring the Navy in line with the other services, none of which require women to get their hair cut as part of recruit training.

"NSTC is considering a similar pilot program change regarding male recruits, following the pilot of the new female haircut program," according to the release.

Men have their heads shaved to one-eighth of an inch when entering training at Great Lakes, Newport and the Naval Academy — a ritual for decades.

They, too, could end up only being required to get a haircut that puts them inside the Navy's grooming standards. After the initial head shaving, all follow-on male haircuts during recruit or basic officer training are only required only to meet the service's grooming standards, a measure that ensures they graduate with regulation haircuts.

Final approval hasn't come for a male hair pilot program, and no schedule has been set, officials say.

"Presently, we are looking into the feasibility and logistics of a male haircut pilot, which would require males to have a regulation haircut of their choosing," NSTC spokesman Lt. Matthew Comer told Navy Times. "Once we determine the feasibility and training value of a male haircut pilot, we would move forward with planning."

When asked if recruits could opt to have their head shaved to the current 1/8-inch standard upon arrival, Comer replied: "Trimming hair to an 1/8-inch would certainly fall within those standards."

http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/careers/2015/01/08/rtc-boot-camp-haircuts-navy/21439483/

Response by PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith made Jan 9 at 2015 9:40 AM

PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:40:42 -0500

Belay that order! The whole point of boot camp is to break you down so that everyone is the same. You're a recruit. Nothing more, nothing less. Then it is the job of the RDCs to mold you into a sailor. One of the most integral and symbolic parts of that process is the shaving of recruits heads.

I have had enough with the Department of the Navy pissing on our traditions and pandering to the week of heart. Keep shaving heads, and get rid of the bloody stress card.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 9:53 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:53:05 -0500

The Army already allows females to maintain hair as long as it is put into regulation with 670-1. And to be honest when I went to basic we (females) didn't even have an option to see a barber/hair salon to cut our hair if we wanted to. I'm not sure if I see this as an issue.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 9 at 2015 10:37 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 10:37:15 -0500

my only thought is are they going to factor in time in the training schedule to allow folks to get hair cuts during training to keep in regs?

Most men, if you shave their head, they won't "need" a haircut till graduation.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jan 9 at 2015 10:37 AM

CSM David Heidke — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 10:37:36 -0500

Well, it is the Navy... It's a wonder boot camp isn't optional...

...oops, wrong thread...

;-)

Response by SPC Susan Brown made Jan 9 at 2015 10:58 AM

SPC Susan Brown — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 10:58:43 -0500

I find it funny that the regulations differ from branch to branch. In the army I could have hair down to my button so long as I kept it groomed and in regulation. Never understood why the navy was forced to cut their hair when they should be taught how to maintain their current hair length.

Response by PO2 Michael Vanidestine made Jan 9 at 2015 1:47 PM

PO2 Michael Vanidestine — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:47:28 -0500

Why? So many training methods have been changed to accommodate today's recruit. Are we training Sailors or putting civilians on warships? Keep the haircut, not so much for tradition, for the sake of professionalism and discipline.

Response by SR Javier Betancourt made Jan 9 at 2015 6:48 PM

SR Javier Betancourt — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 18:48:32 -0500

I think that she was there when i had my head shaved

Response by John Russell made Jan 9 at 2015 6:57 PM

John Russell — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 18:57:18 -0500

Hmm..must be part of the sequester..:)

Response by SGT Steven Ransbottom made Jan 9 at 2015 9:46 PM

SGT Steven Ransbottom — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 21:46:15 -0500

The whole point of basic was to strip away the civilian and groom and prepare the soldier/sailor, that would include the head being shaved. They have done way too much regarding how basic training is applied, if they do this why have basic? Just send them to their stations and do OJT.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 10 at 2015 12:33 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 00:33:27 -0500

I think head shaving should be mandatory for ALL new recruits regardless of branch or gender.
Equality.

I also think the lady in the pic giving haircuts needs one herself.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Jan 10 at 2015 1:04 AM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 01:04:00 -0500

I never understood the mandatory, same for everyone haircuts. As long as you are in compliance with regulations or instructions, what does it matter?!

Response by PO3 Jonathan Cooper made Jan 10 at 2015 11:15 AM

PO3 Jonathan Cooper — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 11:15:41 -0500

I wouldn't be surprised if this was a budget cutting thing. Those civillians get to charge for every ehad they put the clippers to. I had my head clean shaven when I arrived and was told I still had to get the clippers run on my head.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 10 at 2015 12:01 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 12:01:36 -0500

Personally, I don't think it's such a big deal. I've had my head buzzed many times while serving. It seemed like after basic, every place I went, your head was buzzed again! I went to jump school, SF school, OCS and whatever. I always ended up with a very close haircut! I wasn't permanently traumatized by each event and it always grew back.
The services are in a period of drawdown and the Navy pretty much gets their pick of the recruits. Pick male recruits that are not only well qualified, but also those that don't mind a buzz job when they get on station!
As far as women are concerned, I don't wish to see a woman with a buzzed head as has been posed in some of the other discussions. Certainly, the Navy needs regs to cover women's hair length and style, but let common sense prevail.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Jan 10 at 2015 12:08 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 12:08:11 -0500

Short sighted at best for a few reasons.
- Soldierization (sailorization in this case). Never underestimate the process required to turn a civilian into a service member. Getting a buzz cut (men) or hair trimmed to regulation (women) is a part of that process. Individuals adapt to the military norm not the military adapting to the individual.
- Throughput. Basic training for all services involves pushing a lot of trainees through a lot of modes and nodes in a limited period of time. Would be interested to know how much more time is spent by the barber providing the pilot program haircut vs the old way.
- Follow on impacts. Buzz cut equals no follow on haircut needed (but probably provided). Pilot program haircut means follow on haircuts needed IOT stay within regulation.
- Time and hygiene. I am sure all the services provide plentiful time during their respective basics to conduct the personal hygiene.
- Flexibility. Increased flexibility should be provided later in the Soldierization process after a Soldier has earned it. Not at the beginning of the Soldierization process when the shock value should not be underestimated.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Jan 10 at 2015 3:40 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 15:40:00 -0500

I'm just waiting for distance learning basic training.

Response by PO2 Miguel De Leon made Jan 11 at 2015 7:34 AM

PO2 Miguel De Leon — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 07:34:22 -0500

This is the BS I am talking about shaving once head in boot camp is a right of passage for a young male sailor. You take that away and in reality you take the meaning of becoming a sailor in basic training. Females have done what ever the have wanted the 15 years I served and have gotten away with it. From witnessing it first hand females can get away with murder and nothing is really ever done to correct the issue.

Response by PO2 Hank Kline made Jan 14 at 2015 1:54 PM

PO2 Hank Kline — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:54:41 -0500

Its not called a tradition for nothing. The overall point is not in the shaving of the head, its all about uniformity by turning a bunch of individuals into a unit/team that can go forward and succeed in their military or non-military careers . Having everyone look the same, dress the same, come together as a unit, etc., is only the beginning in accomplishing that goal and maintaining the strong, second to none military we all proudly served. US MILITARY - WE ARE ONE!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 3:32 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:32:10 -0500

So they are okay with setting a clear precedent of holding a clear double standard.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Jan 14 at 2015 8:06 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 20:06:56 -0500

Kind of defeats the purpose of breaking down the barriers and molding people into a team.

I never even thought about the buzz cut when I went to boot camp in 1980.

So I guess soon PT will be optional along with pistol / rifle quals, fire fighting and the gas chamber?

Why have boot camp if you won't instill good order and discipline, just sign up and come get your uniforms.

Response by CPO Troy Jones made Jan 15 at 2015 12:28 PM

CPO Troy Jones — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:28:02 -0500

I still don't see why females don't get their heads shaved just like the males. Equal rights must be equal for all not just one gender.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jan 15 at 2015 5:54 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:54:13 -0500

Boot Camp without shaving heads, what a tragic waste of an opportunity to team build! This is the first time a motley group of civilians really has a chance to have anything in common. The first step in becoming Sailors (or Soldiers, Marines, Airmen). Heads shaven and locks trimmed - done before uniforms are issued and as almost the last thing you lose of your civilian identity. If I had my way, women would also be shorn to a much shorter length than most came into RTC with; this haircut would symbolize their loss of civilian life just like their male counterparts.

As a Sailor, even on my last deployment at sea, I always got a Crew Cut. Why? Ease of maintenance at sea! Water in any ship is precious and has to be conserved. One very easy way to do that is in the shower. Quick wash of the hair, no conditioner and done as a part of a Navy Shower. Navy Shower: 1) water on and wet down quickly, 2) water off and soap up, 3) Rinse off, 4) dry and finished.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 8:01 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 08:01:20 -0500

Preposterous!

Response by PO1 Phil Audritsh made Jan 18 at 2015 11:46 PM

PO1 Phil Audritsh — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 23:46:23 -0500

Part of the reason is for hygiene, you can see any bugs crawling around. I don't understand why women should be exempt from a short cut. It doesn't even have to be about equality, just cleanliness.

Response by SSgt Stevan Auldridge made Jan 19 at 2015 1:47 PM

SSgt Stevan Auldridge — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 13:47:57 -0500

Equality means equality. Both men and women should have their head shaved IMO.

Response by PO1 Paul Ziegler made Jan 21 at 2015 7:33 PM

PO1 Paul Ziegler — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 19:33:54 -0500

OK! Not requiring the men to get a "buzz cut" in boot camp, I can understand. But, with women I think there is a distinct problem. With more women being deployed aboard ship and the problems (at least the one I remember) with saving water aboard ship this may be a problem. With women washing their hair may be a problem of conserving water, especially if they are accustomed to washing their hair, for the sake of argument, three times a week. Having been out of the Navy for some time, I don't know if they still have the "three minute" rule for water use in the showers. But it would seem to me that it may take considerably longer for a woman with longer than normal hair to wash and condition their hair. I, for one, still only wash my hair with soap and no conditioner. Guess I'm my father when it comes to being old Navy.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made Jan 21 at 2015 10:16 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:16:02 -0500

The Navy is often behind the times. When I was in, in the mid 80's women were just being allowed to braid their hair. As far as men, buzz cut in boot. As far as Women, as one poster stated they need to be able to adhere to standards with any length hair.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 8:02 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 20:02:29 -0500

This is why the navy is becoming what it is now. recruits coming to the fleet with an attitude no military bearing. The tradition is shaving heads may seem silly for me to say keep it. but then what will this lead to? Is it all about looks now and style? That is kind of what I see now in the Navy. This isn't what I joined for. I joined to serve my country not to look good for someone I was broken down in boot camp and I am proud of the rituals that I went through. Now it seems like it is just a joke now a days to go through boot camp.

Response by CAPT Jeff James made Jan 25 at 2015 10:52 PM

CAPT Jeff James — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 22:52:14 -0500

YGTBFSM!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 5:49 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 05:49:45 -0500

Hey what a great idea. You know Why don't we just let people sign a contract and go straight to a ship, let's just skip bootcamp altogether, oh here's a crazy thought why don't we have free dress Fridays and regulations, traditions, and idk military bearing throw those all out.

This is a reflection of our society we've gone soft folks. I joined in the wrong decade

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 12:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:47:08 -0500

Why not let males pin theirs up too.... this is ridiculous. It's this attitude that fosters the undisciplined recruits that we have coming out of basic these days. I shipped my feelings back home with my personal belongings on the second day of basic and I was never issued any while I was there. How about we give everyone a trophy for participating in basic too! OMFG! SMH!!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 2:00 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 14:00:34 -0500

I'm going to say that if they don't get their hair cut off anymore in boot camp, then I will be retro butt hurt over it. I had mine shaved...

Well, now it'll be just one more way to prove that Boot Camp was "Much Harder" back in my day! We had to wear our Boon Dockers except during PT, we didn't have no stinkin' stress cards (real or imagined), and we got our heads shaved...Also I'm still certain that they put salt-peter in our milk!

Does the Air Force shave heads in boot camp? If so we have to keep doing it, no way we are going to be put in the position of having it easier than the Air Force! ;)

Response by PO2 John O'Brien made Jan 26 at 2015 6:56 PM

PO2 John O'Brien — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 18:56:47 -0500

Part of the reason for shaving the head is that everyone looks the same, no individuals. It's more than just hygiene, it begins to break down the individual and incorporate them into the collective and remove petty things such as appearance. It also removes issues regarding inspection quality hair lengths, the need for hair care products, etc. Plain and simple its a military tradition that has more value than just hygiene. Keep the buzz.

Response by PO2 Jason Roberson made Jan 26 at 2015 7:05 PM

PO2 Jason Roberson — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:05:57 -0500

Before I left for boot camp, I got a really low hair cut from my favorite barber. They tried to cut my hair in boot camp, but it didn't alter my original cut. I don't think it matters much in my opinion. It would not be efficient for the navy to change this policy. After all, it's going to grow back anyways right?

Response by CPO David Ringuette made Jan 26 at 2015 9:19 PM

CPO David Ringuette — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:19:02 -0500

If being an individual is for you don't join. We require teamwork and have missions based on that! Other places are hiring, see if you can commit!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 7:55 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 07:55:09 -0500

Every time I look they are just making the Navy (And other services are not exempt) so touchy feely! For Example, traditions which were considered rites of passage such as Shell Back or CPO indoctrination are slowly and deliberately being softened to the point of pointless. It really is a kinder gentler Navy. I wonder, would the super-sensitive Navy of today have the same grit to deal with the Japanese of Nazis of WWII? Perhaps I'm just a dinosaur?

Response by SN Matthew Staten made Jan 27 at 2015 10:26 AM

SN Matthew Staten — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:26:35 -0500

i don't get it, why are we allowing people to decide what they want in Boot Camp? You are there to get yourself Squared away for your military career! If your so Stuck on your looks DON'T JOIN! Its not required that you serve, is an honor.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 9:18 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 09:18:05 -0500

The only reason I can go along with it is because our armed forces standards have changed so much since the founding of our armed forces in 1775. So many changes and the these changes have only happened to either shape the military better, to go with times of whatever era said change happened, or just because some admiral or general thinks it's a good idea. And when I say change, I mean uniforms, personal grooming standards, pay, BAH, manning quaotas, drafts, etc. Sometimes said changes are good and sometimes they're bad.

Response by PO1 Michael Castro made Jan 28 at 2015 6:04 PM

PO1 Michael Castro — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 18:04:36 -0500

Wtf......that's the problem with the leaders in the military now.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 11:20 AM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 11:20:16 -0500

If for nothing else, to ensure hygiene by removing any chance at lice, etc. I, myself, have an ugly bald head, so seeing that again isn't worth the issue.

Should be standard to set everyone from the ground up as equals.

Response by FA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 8:16 AM

FA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 08:16:51 -0500

It's part of the training, if you start with nothing you can become something

Response by PO3 Lloyd Beard made Jan 30 at 2015 3:26 PM

PO3 Lloyd Beard — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:26:29 -0500

B.S. It is a Naval tradition, and without our traditions, the Navy would be called The coast guard.

Response by PO1 Mel Eilders made Jan 30 at 2015 3:51 PM

PO1 Mel Eilders — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:51:32 -0500

Minor detail: They tried allowing women to keep their hair long at Great Lakes in the mid-90s. I know because I was there and I did not cut my hair in boot camp. It didn't work then and trying to pass it off as a great new idea is ridiculous because they've tried before. Approximately 9 months of not requiring the female hair cut and they went back to the standard. For most it was easier to maintain and I was one of about three that ended up still having long hair by the end. All I would say about not shaving the men is that regulations leave a little gray area as to if it's actually authorized in the fleet because I've seen a lot of people get in trouble for it due to interpretations.

Response by PO1 Justin Longacre made Jan 31 at 2015 12:21 AM

PO1 Justin Longacre — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 00:21:51 -0500

the shaving of the hair is not only to make everyone the same it is also to control head lice!...living in close quarters....any personal hygiene issues quickly become an epedemic....can't have the whole fleet quarantined for head lice

Response by SR Jack Strelec made Jan 31 at 2015 11:06 AM

SR Jack Strelec — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 11:06:36 -0500

Wow our military deserves the jokes other countries make about it because they can stick with anything and they are always worried about hurting someone's feelings. This country is becoming more and more of a joke every day

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Feb 4 at 2015 11:58 AM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 11:58:44 -0500

I say shave the head. I went thru it plus 9 weeks of Boot and lived. Besides who has time in Boot to deal with styling your hair?? Those afraid to shave there heads shouldn't go into service.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Feb 4 at 2015 12:05 PM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 12:05:02 -0500

RTC Orlando. January 1976. Company 223D. Honor Company. I can still remember every marching order to the chow hall. At close interval, dress right, dress. Ready , two. Company. Rigt face.

Response by Amn Dylan Craig made Feb 5 at 2015 6:19 AM

Amn Dylan Craig — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 06:19:56 -0500

I am sorry but i was one of the last few that went threw Air Force basic training before they started with all that stress card bull crap like already said boot camp is made to break you from day 0 all the way up to the end if the navy gives them the option of hair cut or no hair cut guess you should start changing all basic training rules because that is just ridiculous and i thought yal would like people who would make the branch look better not a bunch of shaggy non-uniformed sailors one don't get hair cut another won't then another then another the rules started to be questioned people start crying about rules they don't like and keep on and on and on until they are changed just because you gave this generation an inch and they wanted a mile then you get to the point where whats the need for basic just let them in but then again i am only 22 years old what do i know seriously i still have the world to see night

Response by FN Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 12:33 PM

FN Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 12:33:31 -0500

I don't think that's right. I cut off 24inches of my hair in boot. I have since grown my hair back out, and I have no problems keeping my hair in regs. Cutting off your hair in boot camp is an important part of boot camp. They are taking away your individuality, breaking you down so that you can be brought back up as a sailor. Letting females keep their hair is not going to fix the females that don't wear their hair in regs. Its not hard, get a sock bun and a few pony tails and you have a bun. The problem with females not abiding by hair regulations is not that its not taught in boot camp, its that they are a lazy and know they can get away with it. Enforcing the standards and having a clear understanding of the standards will fix the issue. Keep cutting hair!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 1:28 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 13:28:49 -0500

I think this is a sore subject for many. Last time I checked this is not a 9-5 corporation. This is the Navy and that comes with customs and traditions. My hair was to my waist when I signed up. A couple days before I left for boot camp I went and had it cut off and in regs. Guess what they still cut my hair again when I got to boot camp. It wasn't about being in regs it was about a wake up call. That you are no longer a "civilian" but a recruit and if you wanted to make the cut the last thing you should be crying about was your hair. Best experience of my life and boot camp now is nothing but a joke.

Response by HA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 9:56 PM

HA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 21:56:32 -0400

I'm surprised no one has commented on the lady in that picture.. She's been cutting hair in Great Lakes for 3+ years XD

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 11 at 2015 2:31 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 02:31:23 -0400

I agree with the change for women as the reasoning behind it is explained very clearly.

Not so much for the men!

Response by PO2 Bryan Tague made Apr 16 at 2015 9:46 PM

PO2 Bryan Tague — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 21:46:50 -0400

Is this what our navy has come to ? Smh

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 16 at 2015 10:10 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 22:10:41 -0400

G I wish I joined the Navy.

Response by PO2 Dustin Vest made Jun 5 at 2015 3:16 PM

PO2 Dustin Vest — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 15:16:59 -0400

It's not about the hair or the fleet regulations. It's about breaking down the individual and building them back up as part of something bigger than themselves. SHAVE THEIR DAMN HEADS!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 12:06 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:06:32 -0400

Has anyone talked about the irony in this picture? Look at her hair! She is not qualified to deal with hair!

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jun 6 at 2015 12:10 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:10:41 -0400

I think I had to pay .60 cents for my first hair cut in Bascic.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 10:16 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 10:16:55 -0400

I agree with the female's part to an extent. Yes, it would be beneficial for them to learn how to properly put their hair up when it gets too long, but at the same time, as it's stated, this is a tradition that's gone on for far too many years to just cut off. Males should absolutely still get their heads shaved, no exceptions. It's the way you start off fresh, breaking you down to the bare minimum so you're not different from anyone else, not better than anyone else. The point is to start that process immediately, so you can't feel like anything more than a recruit. Also, with these tablets, that's going way too far. Make these recruits learn what everyone else learned, and make them write on a piece of stationary to send home and hope for a reply three to seven days later. It really feels like they're trying harder to worship the recruits instead of strengthening them, making them Sailors. C'mon guys, let's not forget what it's all about.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 12:00 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 12:00:42 -0400

I find it funny that one of my female friends stated "I thought about joining the Navy but then I'd have to cut my hair and I can't do that." And I thought GOOD.
I don't agree with this one bit. It was being a part of tradition and something that bound you to some of the very first sailors, as we know so much else has changed.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2016 5:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 17:26:55 -0400

That haircut was the great equalizer. I was "responsible" for our group from MEPS to NTC Great Lakes but once we got our haircut I never found some of those guys again! Still makes me laugh...

Response by Aleczander Brune made Aug 5 at 2017 4:34 PM

Aleczander Brune — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 16:34:39 -0400

As a potential recruit, I'd feel like I would've missed a step in the tradition. Yes I could still request a head shave, but that's kind of...not the same. However, in any case this wouldn't make a significant change to me. Even with a shave, I'd still need another haircut within 2-3 weeks anyway with how fast my hair seems to grow.

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made Jul 18 at 2020 10:41 PM

PO1 Gery Bastiani — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 22:41:21 -0400

keep with tradition

Response by 1SG Rick Seekman made Dec 18 at 2020 10:06 PM

1SG Rick Seekman — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 22:06:21 -0500

Hell no, shave em!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2022 9:21 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:21:31 -0400

Every single recruit should get their head shaved. Including the females.