SECDEF/Army Leaders Potentially Changing the AR 670-1 Hairstyles

2014-08-12T16:17:41-04:00

I have nothing positive to say, so I'm just going to post a link to the article. I am going to preface by saying that this is the ArmyTimes, and yes I know they aren't a great publication. I am going to *assume* that if they are quoting SECDEF, it's probably not just made up.

sorry if this is a duplicate, I looked through the first few pages and didn't see anything.

We shall see if this comes to fruition, as I haven't seen any official messages yet...but here goes:

Army:

■ Increased the size of authorized braids, cornrows and twists and eliminated the spacing requirement.

■ Authorized temporary two-strand braids.

■ Authorized a ponytail during physical training.

■ Eliminated the terms “matted and unkempt” from grooming policy.

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140812/NEWS07/308120068

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 5:22 PM

2014-08-12T17:22:38-04:00

I'll be completely honest, I am not even completely sure what some of the hairstyles mean. Even after getting the original 670-1 training we had, a lot of the hairstyles (unless it was obviously way outside of reg) I just wasn't sure about. I actually was asking my wife what some of them meant. I really hoping I am not the only person that has to say that. I feel like the changes that were made previously, were fine but I just honestly don't have a huge understanding of female hairstyles. For instance, what the hell is a temporary two strand braid?!?!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 6:38 PM

2014-08-12T18:38:43-04:00

The Army MIGHT want to get some African American female NCOs to assist in a regulation for black female hairstyles. Im just saying.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Aug 13 at 2014 10:58 AM

2014-08-13T10:58:36-04:00

Once again I have to say, you knew what the regs were when you joined. This is just like the discussion about the religious exemption for haircuts and beards. I understand that a Woman's hair, especially an African American Woman's hair is different from mine, but this is the Military and not a High School Prom.

The story reads, "Dreadlocks, cornrows, twisted braids and other hairstyles popular among African American women will be more accepted across the military after a forcewide review of hairstyle policies prompted several changes, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said." The key word in that iS POPULAR, NOT NECESSARY.

Iin Navy Times there is a story of a 12 year Sailor who has violated regs for years until she was in a teaching role. When assigned as an Instructor in Boot Camp, she was ordered to comply with regs and refused. While being processed for separation her case was put on hold recently by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who asked for additional review.

Is a popular hairstyle worth the termination of a career? Should a Sailor comply with orders issued by the Commanding Officer?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2014 12:41 PM

2014-08-14T12:41:55-04:00

sorry, wrong part of thread

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2014 12:43 PM

2014-08-14T12:43:32-04:00

sorry, wrong part of thread

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2014 3:38 PM

2014-08-14T15:38:01-04:00

I personally could care less if someone wants their hair one way or another, what bothers me is that now the precedent is set, you don't like a regulation, go to the media and it will get changed instead of oh well I joined the military, I have to obey their regulations until the day I complete my service.