Wearing a ring on the left hand; allowed by AR 670-1 but not by an NCO. How would you handle it?

I don't know where Your SSgt gets His ideas, You can certainly wear the rings and not everyone is married. One ring per hand is reasonable and allowed. , I wore a wedding ring on My left hand and a college Class ring on the right. The only exception for safety reasons is working around machinery where the ring could be snagged and perhaps end up with an injury to Your person but that only applies while actually working at the time with the machines. Colonel Smallfield had some suggestions that a very valid, read His posting that He made here.

seem like your CO is lacking in knowledge of army regs but, just keep in compliance pending your MOS or whatever the army calls specialty's

I'm sure if it were a Masonic or West Point ring this would be a non issue

I'm sure if it was a Masonic or West Point ring this would be a non issue

670-1 can be more restrictive. Not less. The reg allows you to wear a ring on each hand. That DOES NOT mean that the leadership is required to allow it. This is a large problem for young troops. They are under the mistaken impression that the reg dictates what their rights are and they can do whatever they want as long as it fits within the regs. That is NOT the case. Leadership can give a lawful order and require all to wear only one ring or even no rings. NOW, if leadership is only limiting YOU to one ring then you have an issue of discrimination. An example of this is basic training. The reg gives the standard for haircuts, however we all know that anything but a buzz is unacceptable regardless of what the reg says. Remember, it can be more restrictive not less. Commanders/Leaderships discretion. If I had a platoon wide standard of no rings (because they are dangerous A.F.) and you came at me with the reg about ring wear, I would commend you on your knowledge and then make you remove your ring after some remedial PT for failing to follow a lawful order.

If the ring doesn't constitute a safety issue, and you'll have to check with your SOP or consider whether you work around anything that a ring can catch on and rip your finger off, then show the SSG the appropriate reg. Don't just tell him, because you have said you've already mentioned the reg...show it to him. I had a similar problem oh so many years ago with the length of my finger nails. AFR 35-10 didn't mention length of nails, only color of polish :) So the TSG had to back down when I sent him to the regs.

Is it really that important to wear it on duty? Wear it on your time and don't give him a reason to light you up whether it's regs or not, doesn't make sense to me, and I'd pick my fights better.

Report him up the chain of command.

I am not usually an advocate for "why" questions but in this case try asking him why he doesn't want you to wear it when regs say you can. Obviously approach the conversation with calm respect. He may have valid reasons like safety. Pick your battles. If you feel the need to stand firm then do so but remember there could be consequences or blow back later.

You should wear it on your thumb instead...lol. Happy I don't have to deal with stupidity anymore. Funny though.