What could be a valid reason for not allowing females to wear earrings with ACU's?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:53:44 -0500

I always wanted to know different points of view about this topic. This is not about "go join other branch of service if you want to wear earrings".  It is just that other branches perform same job as I do and earrings do not stop them to be completely professionals and be successfull with their duties.<div><br></div><div>For the record I had my reasons to choose Army, but I was entirely qualified to join any other branch at that time.</div>

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 17 at 2013 9:00 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:00:42 -0500

Flashing jewelry can glint in the sun and give away your position? Honestly, I don't think there really is a good reason, other than to keep some women from going overboard and wearing ridiculous monstrosities in their ears. It's easier to ban it than it is to regulate and micromanage it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 9:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:09:09 -0500

*in Garrison.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 17 at 2013 9:17 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:17:00 -0500

I don't know much about this but if you look at this image you perhaps may see the young SM wearing earrings.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 9:21 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:21:38 -0500

It detracts from military appearance.  The reason for garrison prohibition is not a tactical one.  In the same way, flashy fingernail polish, fake eyelashes, french tips, or "faddish" hairstyles don't pose a tactical risk in garrison.  <br>This is why I'm looking forward to an explicit ban on male make-up wear in the updated 670-1.  I caught a few people with "guy-liner" and it made me die on the inside.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 9:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:41:22 -0500

From my knowledge Air Force is allowed to wear earrings in ABU's. Ive actually seen AF in a deployed setting wearing earrings diamonds and pearls.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 10:04 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:04:52 -0500

Different point: Garrison uniform should be class B or A. Unless your job gets you dirty, then you wear coveralls. If you are under arms/training, it's ACUs.
No one likes that idea aside of me.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 17 at 2013 11:22 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 23:22:25 -0500

I wonder how long till males start screaming discrimination so they can wear them too?  SMH<br>

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Dec 17 at 2013 11:41 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 23:41:01 -0500

A Soldier is a Soldier, that's why...or so the Army claims. Really though, that might be why they don't allow us to wear earrings. <div><br></div><div>I have yet to see such a large campaign being promoted among the other branches. Perhaps the Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force (not sure about Marines) are content with allowing their females to be ladies in uniform. <div>I love the Army but I don't abide by this "there are no ladies in the Army, there are only Soldiers". That's nonsense; the two terms are not mutually exclusive. </div></div>

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Dec 18 at 2013 1:24 PM

SSG Jason Neumann — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:24:27 -0500

Here's my thing. What purpose do earrings have in the ACU uniform? Nothing. I think they should be allowed only when where the ASU, either Class A or B. Same thing with long hair, i'm talking extremely long hair, for women and men. When seeing a female Soldier with all that hair in a bun or what not and their headgear is about to fall off, it's crazy. Even when I ran some ranges for support units, some females had a hard time trying to engage their targets because their ACH was all jacked up, because why? Their hair was pushing it over their eyes. Now, for men and also women there should be a set length. I have seen some mops on male Soldiers head and tell them they need a haircut, "but Sergent i'm in regulation". Just because it doesn't fall past your eyebrows and is tapered doesn't mean it looks good. Now, I don't think we should all have high and tights. There are other means to wear your hair. Just my opinion. Rant ended :)<br>

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 3:05 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 15:05:34 -0500

Only wear bling when your uniform has bling.  If your uniform is camouflage, you should be doing what you can to compliment the purpose of the camouflage.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 10:46 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 10:46:01 -0400

How about this, you provide me one good/valid reason why you should.

The ACUs are a duty uniform, meaning that they are used for work, not show. While I understand that they do not look all that camoflauge, nor professional in my opinion, they still are our current camoflauge pattern. There is not one valid reason why looking "pretty" is necessary as a professional Soldier. I understand that some females have been wearing ear rings everyday for longer than they can remember, but that isn't an actual reason. Try running a rope course with them in, or doing combatives. That is what this uniform is for and nothing else. Take a look at how the regs for rings is abused and then imagine how far earrings could go. While you may not stretch the bounds of uniformity and professional appearance, someone else surely will. While I appreciate your curiosity, this is like asking why we can't wear 70's style knee-high socks with stripes for pt.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Mar 18 at 2014 4:44 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 16:44:57 -0400

Ever been in a mission? Mounted or Dismounted, weather you are sitting in an MATV or patrolling through a wood line.. you ever notice all the nice little things around you that can hook on and tear your earring out?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 11:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 23:20:38 -0400

I haven't noticed till recently, but AF women wear them, even here in Afghanistan, and I can honestly say, its distracting

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Mar 19 at 2014 5:35 PM

MSG Jose Colon — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:35:39 -0400

First, ACUs are intended to be the utility/combat uniform. I know is controversial but as I grew up and continued practicing martial arts, I have made it a point to ensure that what I wear, cannot or will not hurt me if I have to engage in any kind of fight.

The same rationale for preventing military personnel from growing a beard, because you cannot properly seal an NBC mask, applies to earrings. If you engage in a fight, you could tear an earlobe.

Many think that since they carry an M4 or M16, or SAW or whatever, they will not have to engage in hand to hand. Well, there is always the chance you will. Being there, done that.

On one of our checkpoints in Iraq, one of our females wrestled an Iraqi to the ground without the use of her weapon.

It is not so much about femininity, or that it will look less professional, because it does not. Is because in combat, anything can be use against you. Train as you fight.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 10:47 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 22:47:26 -0400

There are certain situations where not wearing earrings with ACU's makes sense. For example, in the field or an equally dangerous situation in which they could possibly be accidentally ripped out. In an office environment I see no clear reason for not wearing earrings as long as they are professional.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jun 19 at 2014 10:39 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 22:39:16 -0400

There is too many styles, shapes, and sizes of earrings, there wouldn't be no uniformity.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 10:13 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 10:13:37 -0400

AR 670-1 forbids it! That's a pretty darn valid reason for me!

Response by SFC Michael W. made Jun 22 at 2014 10:31 PM

SFC Michael W. — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 22:31:59 -0400

If the earrings are "big-ass hoops" like J Lo, Beyonce and other entertainers then No, for a small basic earring then no big deal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 5:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 17:07:48 -0400

Here is a pair your leader would laugh about...then tell you to remove them.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 5:15 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 17:15:28 -0400

Why Not? I say they should be allowed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 12:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 00:31:04 -0400

Pardon for being frank but this is the military not a beauty pageant or dating site. Wearing jewelry except a single ring, a watch or a spiritually related necklace/pendant should not be necessary. Just me though.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 26 at 2014 6:43 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 18:43:22 -0400

Okay SPC Santiago you made me look it up. I could not believe that female Sailors COULD wear earrings (silver for E-6 and below and Gold for E-7 and above) in the new NWU (Cammie) Uniform.

It is a Combat Uniform and we should Train as We Fight!

A better question for me would be WHY would anyone authorize shiney objects to be worn with this uniform? Everything else attached to or worn on this Uniform is DULL - not shining where it is easily visible. If this is really a Combat or Working Uniform, then no way should anyone attach anything that shines, female or male. (Contrary to popular belief or Urban Legend, a male Sailor whose Ship has sunk cannot wear an earring. And going around the Horn does not allow a Sailor to wear one either.)

As to not allow it for anyone - see the above. It is a Combat Uniform and we should Train as We Fight! If we are used to doing things the wrong way, then it is hard to do them correctly.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 10:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 22:45:28 -0400

No jewelry, period. And everyone has to shave their head so that their hair is no longer than 1/4 inch and uniform all the way around. All problems solved.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 3:39 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 15:39:22 -0500

Because some moron in the Army would grab them too. Seems to me there should be one standard consistent with the safety of your job when in a particular uniform.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Nov 3 at 2014 4:40 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 16:40:31 -0500

Because it is a combat/utility uniform. I wish they would stop changing the uniform. First ponytails in PTs, then "tailored" female ACU tops. Do not get me wrong, I like feeling feminine just like the next girl but being in uniform is not supposed to make me feel like a girl. It is supposed to make me look like a soldier. I say no to earrings in ACUs just because it annoys me.... and it makes no sense other than a fashion statement.

Response by SFC David Brunk made Dec 29 at 2014 1:32 PM

SFC David Brunk — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 13:32:28 -0500

Equality ... Either everyone gets to wear them or no one does.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Jan 4 at 2015 10:06 AM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 10:06:13 -0500

I often wondered the opposite. I often wondered why female Marines are allowed to wear earrings in their cammies (that's what we call them, lol). For one it sets them apart from their male counterparts, which the whole point of a uniform is, well, uniformity. In Blies or a Service uniform it isn't as noticeable therefore I have no problem with it. But when in camouflage it's pretty dang obvious and IMHO looks odd. You ladies want equality right? Well, there you go, men can't wear them nor should women.

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Jan 4 at 2015 10:30 AM

SGT Justin Singleton — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 10:30:47 -0500

Because earrings are eww, yuck girly things.

Response by SPC Billie Burgess made Jan 4 at 2015 7:09 PM

SPC Billie Burgess — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 19:09:24 -0500

They reflect which can give away your position. They can also become caught when attempting to dawn a gas mask. Plus if fighting for life the enemy can use it against you by ripping it out which will lower your defense long enough for them to get upper hand.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 20 at 2015 11:54 PM

SGT John Wesley — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 23:54:48 -0400

What earrings go with ACU/ABU's? Unless they're "Realtree" they'd stick out like a sore thumb!

Seriously, wearing earrings while in camp would be like your commander wearing his shiny rank on his Kevlar helmet. It would direct a sniper's bullet to your head. Not conducive to remaining alive.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 21 at 2015 12:07 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:07:28 -0400

1. Uniformity and equality. let the females/ must let the males do it. I rather neither of us do it

2. Soldiers do run through training/drills and have to get their face in the dirt occasionally. Earrings can get caught up on things. They're a safely concern

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 11:44 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 11:44:00 -0400

My personal opinion is that it detracts from the overall appearance of the uniform. Our camouflaged pattern uniforms are made to be subdued and to (if need be) hide you form unwanted eyes. If you have on a shiny pair of earrings, which distracts from the subdued nature of the pattern you are wearing, purely for the sake of "it's authorized," you become a detriment to the mission, and likewise pull away form the Army appearance. Again, my opinion. The Air Force and the Navy can get away with it because they are not typically "boots on the ground" forces. The Marines (to my knowledge) do not wear earrings in a camo uniform either.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2016 7:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 19:54:48 -0400

I CANT THINK OF A MORE VALID REASON AS TO WHAT WOULD BE AN INVALID REASON FOR WOMEN TO WEAR EARRINGS IN THEIR ACU'S OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT THE BRANCH YOU'RE SERVING WITH REGULATES THEIR UNIFORM THE SAME FOR EVERYONE WITHIN ITS BRANCH. YOU KNOW, I THINK ITS MORE ABOUT UNIFORMITY, BECAUSE YOU CAN DO THE SAME JOB WITH OR WITHOUT YOUR EARRINGS. I HOPE THIS ANSWERS YOUR QUESTION. MSG BATTLES. 14Z RETIRED

Response by CPL Dean Jeffers made Aug 17 at 2016 6:43 PM

CPL Dean Jeffers — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 18:43:26 -0400

The fact of the matter is, in the military there are rules. Rules are designed for one purpose and one purpose only. Discipline! Without discipline we (the US military) will fall apart and we will fail. What this military needs is some good wall 2 wall counseling. I can't believe half the crap I read on here. Politics should be put aside; religion should be upheld to no extremes, AND FOLLOW ORDERS.
It seems that if someone gets their feelings hurt then the whole military must change. WTH?

Response by SSG Rob Cline made Aug 17 at 2016 6:59 PM

SSG Rob Cline — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 18:59:45 -0400

Something to remember SGT Santiago, and you even said it in your post, you chose this life/ career. That being said, you chose to follow the Rules and Regulations put forth by the Army. If the Regulations state that you are not to wear earrings, you nod your head in agreement and drive on, not question it. Once, or if, the Regulations change, then you can abide by the new standards. I know I've been out for a while, but last I heard, no one was forced into service...

Response by SPC James Anderson made Aug 17 at 2016 7:03 PM

SPC James Anderson — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:03:27 -0400

Change the question around. What could a valid reason be to allow women to wear earrings? Does it somehow make you smarter to wear earrings? Can you do your job better wearing earrings? Hell why stop there, lets allow all piercings. Ear, nose, lip, cheek, nipple, belly button, clit, just keep throwing on the metal. Or we could just say NO! This is the regulation, follow the damn regulation.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 8:19 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 20:19:00 -0400

if you were air force maintenance i bet you wouldn't be wearing them either. I'd hate to have to stop work on an aircraft to search for that bit of FOD.

Response by SPC J.R. McCarthy made Aug 17 at 2016 11:55 PM

SPC J.R. McCarthy — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 23:55:13 -0400

Because it's in the Regs, I haven't been out that long but I've seen so many changes to the army it's a bit stupid and a waste, Combat uniform should be worn as if in an active combat environment. Dress Uniforms can look nice and show off that's what there for.

Response by Sgt Jamie Grippin made Aug 18 at 2016 12:34 AM

Sgt Jamie Grippin — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 00:34:32 -0400

Just NO..... if you want to dress like a civilian then go be a civilian

Response by Sgt Jamie Grippin made Aug 18 at 2016 4:05 PM

Sgt Jamie Grippin — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 16:05:09 -0400

You are in the military. Nuff said. You want to play fashion games be a civilian.

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Aug 8 at 2019 9:18 PM

CPL Joseph Elinger — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 21:18:35 -0400

PT, ie Hand to hand combat training.
Also best not on Obstacle Course: Some earrings could catch same concept, to some extent for any jewelery. Not a bad idea to remove watch to.

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made Aug 11 at 2019 12:21 PM

CPL Sharon Fahey — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 12:21:34 -0400

We were allowed to wear silver studs in ACUs. What kind of earrings are you talking about! Anything else would be a problem.

Response by SPC Shawn Durnen made Aug 13 at 2019 11:39 PM

SPC Shawn Durnen — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 23:39:20 -0400

Uniformity, plain and simple

Response by SSG George Holtje made Mar 11 at 2020 11:34 PM

SSG George Holtje — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 23:34:08 -0400

As an infantryman, I say it is related to combat, a shiny thing for someone to rip out and cause a whole lot of pain. Working in motorpools, same issue, it can get snagged or fall out into machinery. In other roles, I’m not so sure, if it’s not in the regs, it’s a commander’s call. I would say, if it were up to me, we all get to wear them or none of us get to wear them.