Posted on May 7, 2015
In Europe, we can't be in uniform off post. Should grooming standards be lowered so we're not easily Identified?
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OPSEC
Grooming Standards
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 16
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If the grooming standards are followed loosely, but within regulations, one can blend in rather well. As a former PL of 24 Aviation Warrants, I can assure you that some 'hairdos' that you would NEVER EXPECT to be within regs definitely can be.
Common sense in dress and grooming can help you blend in more easily.
Common sense in dress and grooming can help you blend in more easily.
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
How much time have you spent in Europe? We stick out. I've only been here for a year and a half and it is embarrassing how much we stick out as Americans. No restriction on wearing our ACUs will change the fact that EVERY European knows who we are. Simply saying "Don't wear your uniform off post to get milk" does nothing to protect our safety.
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MAJ (Join to see)
We can stick out anywhere if we 'dress American.' I'm not going to argue my point. I've been there. I dressed like they did. I blended in as much as I could.
'High and tight and Holister' don't blend in anywhere.
'High and tight and Holister' don't blend in anywhere.
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Yes, if the predominant hairstyle off post is long. But this isn't "grow-your-hair-long and forget the rest". The rest of the security training has to be maintained...what you wear, how you talk, who you go around with, the whole thing. A package deal, you can't pick the parts you like.
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
Sir: You are absolutely correct. Perhaps my point is that a ban on wearing uniforms off post in Germany does not accomplish anything. There are SO many more ways to identify a service member, telling him or her that they can't be in uniform is, in my humble opinion, silly.
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Since security has tightened up and Military members are being told not to "stand out" aka don't travel in uniform etc.....I have thought about this. This would be a legit concern as it doesn't take much to identify Military personnel outside of uniform....especially near a base at say, an airport.
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
I frequently see individuals with a high and tight, significant ink, wearing dog tags and combat boots in civilian clothes at a German McDonalds. There's no secret. He or She might as well be in dress blues.
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SPC Nate Lamphier
Agreed CH (MAJ) (Join to see). If the high and tight doesn't seal the deal....the fact there are 3-4 of these guys in one group who refer to everyone as sir/ma'am will do it.
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