Posted on Jun 26, 2021
What rules address if or how a veteran can wear a dress uniform to attend an event if they have long hair?
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I am a prior service member medically discharged under honorable conditions. I've also grown my hair to my shoulders since my discharge. My question is, if the situation arose to where I was to attend an event where I would like to wear my dress uniform, how would that work with my long hair? I have no problem shaving my face, that grows back much faster than hair to my shoulders. But can I tie it back into a ponytail like the old colonial military? Haha
Respect
Prior Service
Grooming Standards
Career Counselor
Career Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 25
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If the uniform means enough to you to wear it, taking the time to grow back your hair shouldn't be a problem.
It's not a matter of being disciplined, but how would you feel if you took the time to put the uniform together, then got publicly corrected by another vet or an active duty person at the event. Would sort of take the shine off the occasion.
It's not a matter of being disciplined, but how would you feel if you took the time to put the uniform together, then got publicly corrected by another vet or an active duty person at the event. Would sort of take the shine off the occasion.
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LtCol Robert Quinter
CWO4 Michael Doyle - A common problem. Seems govt specs aren't adequate to ensure size retention.
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CSM Charles Hayden
CWO4 Michael Doyle No problem, Marlowe White efficiently sent me a new set of semi-tailored Blues for a friend’s wedding. If he was willing to shave that growth, I was willing to wear a proper uniform.
That was once. The second time I wore it was to a USMC Birthday Ball at a resort in Southern California. That was all! Not wanting to be buried in a uniform I had not personally prepared, I sent those Blues to a military thrift store.
That was once. The second time I wore it was to a USMC Birthday Ball at a resort in Southern California. That was all! Not wanting to be buried in a uniform I had not personally prepared, I sent those Blues to a military thrift store.
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CSM Charles Hayden
CWO4 Michael Doyle No problem, Marlowe White efficiently sent me a new set of semi-tailored Blues for a friend’s wedding. If he was willing to shave that growth, I was willing to wear a proper uniform.
That was once. The second time I wore it was to a USMC Birthday Ball at a resort in Southern California. That was all! Not wanting to be buried in a uniform I had not personally prepared, I sent those Blues to a military thrift store.
That was once. The second time I wore it was to a USMC Birthday Ball at a resort in Southern California. That was all! Not wanting to be buried in a uniform I had not personally prepared, I sent those Blues to a military thrift store.
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I don't know the answer but this this is the way I see it. If I were to break out my uniform to put on I would personally want to represent the Marines in the most upstanding manner I could from the hair cut, shave and down. It is a matter of pride, respect, and honor for the uniform and the time you served.
SFC Dan Utinske Sgt (Join to see) SGT Randal Groover SGT (Join to see) SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SGT Charlie Lee Lt Col Charlie Brown SP5 (Join to see) Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr Cpl Gerald Tucker CPL Douglas Chrysler Maj Marty Hogan SPC Michael Terrell SPC Nancy Greene GySgt Thomas Vick SSG Steve Chesney GySgt Gary Cordeiro GySgt Jack Wallace SSgt Christophe Murphy PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
SFC Dan Utinske Sgt (Join to see) SGT Randal Groover SGT (Join to see) SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SGT Charlie Lee Lt Col Charlie Brown SP5 (Join to see) Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr Cpl Gerald Tucker CPL Douglas Chrysler Maj Marty Hogan SPC Michael Terrell SPC Nancy Greene GySgt Thomas Vick SSG Steve Chesney GySgt Gary Cordeiro GySgt Jack Wallace SSgt Christophe Murphy PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
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Cpl Vic Burk
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth - I keep my hair relatively short anyways but I would still make sure it conforms to the regulations from when I was on active duty.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
Cpl Vic Burk same thing here brother, only my mustache is non regulation brother.
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Sgt John Steinmeier
If you are going to put forth the effort to wear the uniform wear it correctly to include the grooming standard.
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My answer is I won't wear My Military uniform at all unless I'm 100% proper in the wear including the haircut. The fact I no longer have regulation shoes to go with the uniform I won't even wear it although it still fits fine. I do wear My service ribbons with My American Legion uniform. I think wearing Your ribbons or medals would be ok just not the uniform itself unless You are within Military Standards. (picture of Me below in My American Legion uniform) I don't have long hair anyway or a beard or mustache but the Legion uniform or other Veteran's organizational uniform that would be ok. A civilian style veteran's hat also would ID You as a veteran. By all means be proud of Your service which I'm sure You are but an improperly worn uniform isn't a good refection on any branch of service. I think that may answer Your question and it sounds like You may already actually had known the answer. I hope what I said helps
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SFC Casey O'Mally
Nailed it! I was going to post pretty much exactly the same answer: If you wear it, wear it right! But that doesn't mean you can't wear ribbons or medals on a civilian suit or tux to show your service without misrepresenting the uniform.
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