Posted on Apr 12, 2014

Shaved heads in basic training; is this mandatory? If it is, then why and why only for males?

SSG Robert Burns

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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/

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Drill Sergeant

Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

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Both males and females should have their heads shaved if any at all.

Only males should have their heads shaved.

No one should be forced to shave their head, just a haircut within Army Standards should be enforced.

Hair standards have nothing to do with equality.

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SSG Richard Brue

Posted 5 y ago

I say get over it. Getting a buzz cut in basic is just part of the things that males go through. It's not all that bad, and by the way, news flash. it grows bad. If you have not noticed, The Army tries somewhat to keep females looking like females.

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1SG Jeffrey Mullett

Posted 5 y ago

Hey, I'm all for equal treatment.
I know the military has taken differences in physiology into consideration when they made up the Physical Fitness requirements, and apparently the Hair issue as well. I have served with several women who could out perform most men on their worst day. I don't really think a double standard is called for, all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Force personnel should have the same standard.
The Army's new ACFT has made allowances for Combat vs. Non-Combat roles, and this should be the ONLY consideration for standards.

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CWO4 Jerry Place

Posted 5 y ago

This is simply because of sanitation. Military men had their hair cut very short to reduce the probability of lice. Lice were a huge health problem in WWI, WWII and so on and short hair reduced that problem. Look at Harry Truman's WWI ID picture in David McCullough's biography. He had a high-and-tight and that prevented head lice. Anyone in combat should have a high-and-tight. Besides, I think it's a perfect haircut! Cheap and easy. Semper Fi.

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MSgt Horace Smith

Posted 5 y ago

Uniformity. Recruits enter in street clothes and all look different. Well dressed upper class, middle class and kids from the hood can largely be distinguished by their clothes. In my day it was Hippies, the cool ones with their DA haircuts, college kids with flat tops etc. The first step in making every recruit look the same is a shaved head and the uniform. Who your daddy is makes no difference; you're the same whether from a rich family or poor family and former social status is meaningless. Everyone will now be judged entirely on their performance. OTOH, historically, long hair could create health problems with ringworm, head lice etc. So short hair was a hygiene issue as well. Most people today take care of their personal hygiene better than they did in previous generations.

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SGT George Stephens

Posted 5 y ago

I agree that everyone, both male and female, should have their heads shaved as a way to show that everyone is equal and that everyone will be held to the standard. No more, no less.

In a time where females want to be in the infantry but scream double standards; hell no! You follow the same standard across the board or choose another MOS less demanding. I personally don't care who that offends.

Also no one can argue over who has the longest hair or best looking. You're in the military, not a beauty contest.

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David Buccini

Posted 5 y ago

Shaving of the head and basic and

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A1C Jennifer Israel

Posted 5 y ago

I don't think women should get their heads shaved. I do think men should get their heads shaved. They are gonna have to keep that hair off the collar and need to look respectful even when not in uniform. You represent the elite. The military of the Most Powerful Country in the whole world. That is really something to be proud of. I served in The US Air Force. It was hard and I'm so glad it was hard! It gives you a huge feeling of accomplishment acomplishment when you graduate Basic Training !!!

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SSgt Adam Borton

Posted 5 y ago

AFI36-2903 would have to be overhauled for gender equality to have a chance.

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SSgt Adam Borton

Posted 5 y ago

I believe that AFI 21-101 should not differentiate between male and female for dress and appearance. There would have to be changes made like either women would not be able to wear bras (currently required) or a man would have to start wearing bras for that to be truly equal. There are many other examples as well but that seems to be the most obvious issue for total equality.

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