Posted on Dec 10, 2019
SSG 25 Id Battle Nco
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Yesterday my 1sg smelled one of our soldiers cologne and made a big fuss about not wearing it in OCPs. I’ve never really had this issue to be honest though I’ve heard of this before. It personally seems like a waste as we are in Hawaii sweating our asses off in the sun while we work, but I digress. I’ve never had a personal problem with a soldier smelling good....bad? Yes....

I looked and didn’t see anything in DA PAM/AR 670-1 about not wearing perfumes and colognes in uniform. Honestly, I don’t care either way, it’s what 1sg said so that’s what goes, but he said it was in the regulations and I can’t find it to use in future references if needed. Just hoping someone can help me out or if it has merit at all? The closest thing I saw was an argument that coming to work “clean” means no “toxic chemicals” on your body....the argument seems rather weak to me though.
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SFC Intelligence Analyst
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*ACUs (OCP is the pattern - the uniform is still called the Army Combat Uniform).

I have never seen anything about perfume or cologne in any regulation. Makeup, hair, nail polish - yes.

It's not "what 1SG says goes" and not even sure what he said. However, to avoid any ridiculous bs from said 1SG I would just tell the soldier to lay off the cologne at work. I don't know why anyone feels the need for that or perfume in ACUs. To each his or her own.
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SFC Information Technology Specialist
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Way to address the ACU and "what 1sg says goes" comments, SFC.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
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Ah... I'm guessing this was the "Axe Body Spray is a perfectly fine substitute for personal hygeine/bathing" Soldier?
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SPC Stewart Smith
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I don't think axe body spray is perfectly fine for any situation, even fresh out of the shower. What a....."potent" smell.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
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SPC Stewart Smith - Every unit has THAT guy... Especially in the field...
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SSG 25 Id Battle Nco
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Actually he’s the “obsessed with having a pristine uniform, thinks he has the best hair etc.” soldier. Unlike most other assumptions, his cologne was actually rather mild. 1sg was doing an in-rank inspection.
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MSG Preventive Medicine Specialist
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There is nothing specific I can find that states yes or no. In fact, I can't find anything in the Regs or Pams stating that fragrances can't be worn. If they are used, then logic/common sense would say to wear in moderation so as to not distract from the uniform. Now, out in the field, Preventive Medicine HIGHLY recommends fragrances not be worn as it can attract bug type critters.
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SSG Religious Affairs Nco
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This falls exactly in line with my thought process. In the field, no cologne. In garrison, be considerate of others. As always, good order and discipline dictates.
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