Posted on Apr 11, 2019
SPC Human Intelligence Collector
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At my AIT, a female CW3 mentioned that females attending military balls were allowed to wear a "fanciful up-do" as opposed to the standard bun required in ASUs. My unit won't allow female SMs to attend in dresses, and I can't find anything in regulation that mentions any exceptions. My husband is also attending and required to wear his uniform also, but I'd love to look at least somewhat elegant in front of him and my peers.
Edited 5 y ago
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Responses: 14
SFC George Smith
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Interesting … There Used To Be Formal Wear Female SM Enlisted And With An Exception To Policy Female SM Were Allowed To Ware Formal Or Semi Formal Gowns... Need To Check AR's And Get With CSM...
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SPC Human Intelligence Collector
SPC (Join to see)
5 y
My unit used to allow female SM to wear formal attire, but it changed a few years before I arrived. When the females tried to appeal it, a female COL apparently had a three hour Female Engagement session on how they should be proud to wear their uniforms to balls. Its still IET status to we're lucky to get an exception to policy to drink champagne during the toast.
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Maj Gail Lofdahl
Maj Gail Lofdahl
3 y
I even wore my mess dress for my wedding (so did my husband) and thus saved a lot of money, which I used for an open bar! When a few people asked why I wasn't wearing white, I told them that my husband wasn't a virgin, so he couldn't wear white, and if he couldn't, I wasn't going to do it either. (We've been married 38 years.)
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SFC Incheon Airport Jppc Ncoic
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Unfortunately if you are in Military uniform, you would have to ha e your hair within the standards. As long as it isn’t below your collar, it is a color in which the natural hair can grow and it doesn’t affect the wear of your head gear you will be fine. I myself wore a nice updo in which I was still able to wear my head gear when I attended a Military ball. I hope this helps, good luck to you and have fun...
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SPC Human Intelligence Collector
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5 y
What do you yourself mean when you say an updo? I just want to have one day where I'm not getting horrific split ends from my bun! My hair is too thick and I simply don't have the expertise to braid it or do much else with it to look nicer anyway.
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SFC Incheon Airport Jppc Ncoic
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5 y
I did a google search for updo hairstyles and found mine, then made an appointment with a stylist to get it done. SPC (Join to see)
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CPT William Jones
CPT William Jones
4 y
Back in 60-70 for formal wear uniform hats were not worn. What do you do with them at venue?
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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Edited 5 y ago
If you are in uniform, AR 670-1 guidelines and rules about hairstyles applies.
Out of uniform, there is lots of leeway; in uniform, not so much.
Traditionally, military members wear their uniforms to military social functions. Sometimes the "guest" can wear other formal attire if they are in the military but not members of the unit staging the event.
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