Posted on Apr 12, 2014
Shaved heads in basic training; is this mandatory? If it is, then why and why only for males?
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So I was in basic training land today to help with some medical stuff. I couldn't help but noticed all the shaved heads all over the place and then the females with 20 ft of hair. In an era where we are screaming equal treatment; is this equal?I am also wondering why does a new private have to get his head shaved in the first place? Why not just a haircut within Army Standards?
Have the lines between male and female been erased? Are they trying to be erased or are we picking and choosing which ones we want to erase? Why does a male soldier have no choice in keeping his hair but a female does? If you love Liberty you will vote below.
ADDED: Could this be considered a form of hazing with the crackdown on hazing since this is obviously not a requirement but more of a tradition? I'm not saying I think it is I'm just asking the question. If it's not required and it doesn't apply to everyone.
*****UPDATED******
Well, well, well what do we have here?
http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/careers/2015/01/08/rtc-boot-camp-haircuts-navy/21439483/
Have the lines between male and female been erased? Are they trying to be erased or are we picking and choosing which ones we want to erase? Why does a male soldier have no choice in keeping his hair but a female does? If you love Liberty you will vote below.
ADDED: Could this be considered a form of hazing with the crackdown on hazing since this is obviously not a requirement but more of a tradition? I'm not saying I think it is I'm just asking the question. If it's not required and it doesn't apply to everyone.
*****UPDATED******
Well, well, well what do we have here?
http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/careers/2015/01/08/rtc-boot-camp-haircuts-navy/21439483/
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 458
Women recruits never shaved their heads. So, why is this being raised as a concern now?
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I've seen this question come up so many times and honestly it's just as annoying this time. Do males really think having 10ft of hair in basic convenient? I know females who asked the drills many times if they could cut their hair with the males in basic and were told no because it'd take too much time if the females had to go through it too (it already took like 3 hours to get through the males each time they went). Instead, we were yelled at if god forbid our buns fells out during intense exercises. Many of us don't anticipate how much time it'd take to maintain our hair so we don't cut it before we get there. It's when the going gets tough that you kinda realize "oh this is a pain to style every morning and keep in reg all day".
On the equality part, at the end of the day it is ridiculous to think men and women will be equal in all ways. At the end of the day, females make more sacrifices to fit in the army because it is a MALE army but if we want equality all around I guess I' d like to see males in tampons and blood soaked pads conducting drills regularly. Additionally, I'd like them to get female wellness checks, take mandatory pregnancy tests every time they need a check up AND also wear those crazy uncomfortable sport bras that make your chest nonexistent 24/7. After all, we're all equal, right?
On the equality part, at the end of the day it is ridiculous to think men and women will be equal in all ways. At the end of the day, females make more sacrifices to fit in the army because it is a MALE army but if we want equality all around I guess I' d like to see males in tampons and blood soaked pads conducting drills regularly. Additionally, I'd like them to get female wellness checks, take mandatory pregnancy tests every time they need a check up AND also wear those crazy uncomfortable sport bras that make your chest nonexistent 24/7. After all, we're all equal, right?
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I'm fine with only guys getting shaved heads. The whole point of it was to be as uniform to each as possible. We're not unique. We're not military soldiers. We're trainees. We're not special. It's not hazing. It's standard. That was the point. When I was in, women had to have their hair at a certain length or up on a bun or god help them...honestly, I think they had it harder since it meant more prep time (if you did the bun). Also, you're in the military. Equal Opportunity doesn't exist there. When you signed up, you signed some of your rights away and became property, not people. They told you this during recruiting, so you can't pretend you didn't know. The Navy can mull it over all they want, but I don't see it being successful. You're in basic still. The whole point is to be stressed to the point where you're broken down and then rebuilt to be a soldier. Can't handle that? Suck it up, buttercup. You know what you signed for. It's only for a few weeks and then you can get whatever haircut you want (within military standards). If you can't handle that and have to cry equal treatment, then take it up with your therapist.
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It was 35 years ago this week when I truly began my transition to the Army by reporting to Ft Knox for Basic Training. The blur of activities on Day 1 included the haircut. As I rolled out of the bunk on Day 2, I saw my reflection in the window. The sight of my changed appearance was shocking and invoked thoughts similar to Dorothy’s “I’m not in Kansas anymore.”
Yeah, the haircut makes a huge difference. Leave it alone.
Yeah, the haircut makes a huge difference. Leave it alone.
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If not mistaken, the shaving of heads started out for health prevention reasons (head lice).
Later it became a tradition of transforming from civilian to service member, shaving of the head took away individual identities and put everyone in the same boat. Plus it is very low maintenance and faster and easier to clean, even more so down range.
Why not females in the tradition? Simple, Female's weren't part of the Male Army during that time frame, Females were part of the WAC's (Woman Army Corp)
In retirement, I still keep a high and tight flattop haircut for the same reason I had it while I was in.
Later it became a tradition of transforming from civilian to service member, shaving of the head took away individual identities and put everyone in the same boat. Plus it is very low maintenance and faster and easier to clean, even more so down range.
Why not females in the tradition? Simple, Female's weren't part of the Male Army during that time frame, Females were part of the WAC's (Woman Army Corp)
In retirement, I still keep a high and tight flattop haircut for the same reason I had it while I was in.
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Lice, and other vermin, and removing the narcissism of standing in front of a mirror grooming. Removing the clutter of hair grooming products from ones locker. Educating recruits as to what's important in becoming a member of the Armed Forces, and hair is not on the list.
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I do agree with the shaved heads for the males I think a short hair cut for females is a good idea this is a change in your life from civilian to military
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Not sure why it even matters? How does it affect you? Is it detrimental to your morale? Does it prevent you from following orders, doing your job? Then leave it alone.
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I honestly don't see why this even matters. You sign up to be a soldier stop worrying about what other people are doing or whether other people have to follow certain standards. If it's not illegal or detrimental to the Army who gives a care.
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