Is a buzz cut an unauthorized hairstyle?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 06:45:35 -0400

I showed up to work today and a SGT told me that a buzz cut is an unauthorized hairstyle. I looked at the reg and it doesn’t say anything about a buzz cut being an unauthorized hairstyle. It’s conservative and is formed to the shape of my head. It literally matches everything within the regulation.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 6:47 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 06:47:31 -0400

I'm pretty sure they're still giving buzz haircuts to new recruits at basic training so no.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 6:52 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 06:52:17 -0400

Depends on your definition of a "buzz cut." I've learned that people from different regionals have different meanings for some things. Post a picture.

AR 670-1 specifically states, "Hair that is completely shaved or trimmed closely to the scalp is authorized." Paragraph 3-2 under "(2) Male haircuts."

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 13 at 2020 8:58 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 08:58:10 -0400

I'm guessing the Sgt in question has been around for a minute. Once upon a time buzz cuts or shaved heads weren't PC out of entry level training. I knew folks would get in trouble for shaving their scalps unless they were clearly going bald. It made no sense but it was what it was. Eventually common sense arrived and a shaved scalp is no longer taboo but the older generation may push back because they remember when they were a young padawan being told they couldn't.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 10:44 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 10:44:28 -0400

Sounds like this SGT has a stick up their ass. As long as it's off your collar, out of your eyes and not some crazy ass color.....

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Apr 13 at 2020 1:24 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 13:24:14 -0400

Need a picture to comment accurately. "Buzz cut" means different things in different places , could be everything from a high taper to bald. Here's three examples of regulation style "Buzz" cuts

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 13 at 2020 1:42 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 13:42:11 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member has the regulatory refernce. I wore the haircut in my profile picture as a DAC. Nobody ever paid any attention. Believe your SGT is wrong. Be respectful, but point out it is authorized. Also easy to maintain!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 13 at 2020 6:06 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:06:22 -0400

ThevAR allows for completely shaved and tapered. If it is shaven on the sides and back with the thick mop on top, then no, that is not tapered. Truthfully, this is too broad to nail down on a site like this. Follow the orders of your command.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 6:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:20:09 -0400

Yes, it is authorized.

The old reg covered hair that was cut to one length which is what the other comments are specifically referring to, i.e., if the entirety of the hair was cut with a #3 guard it would all be the same length and not appear to be getting gradually shorter as it goes down. That is the old reg. The new reg doesn't mention anything about this. However, it does state that leaders at all levels should use good judgement when enforcing Army policy.

There is nothing wrong with asking the SGT to educate you by showing you where in the reg it says that because you have looked and can't find it. Make sure this doesn't come across as you being a smart ass or trying to prove him wrong, but from a place of wanting to honestly learn more for yourself. This may educate him on what the reg actually says and may educate you on his interpretation of it. Hope this helps.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 13 at 2020 9:19 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 21:19:13 -0400

I'm with MSG Private RallyPoint Member here. Sounds like this new SGT has a stick up their ass. Assuming you are in compliance with AR 670-1, this goober doesn't have much ground to stand on.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2020 10:20 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 10:20:24 -0400

Back in Basic Training I came with a shaved head and the Drill Sergeants told me I destroyed government property. They still sent me to the barber at reception to get my hair cut and I had to pay the $3 (I think it was back then) for said "hair cut".
The rest of my career I shaved my head and face... Now i have a beard and the little bit of hair that grows. Now I guess I have a reverse high and tight... hair on the sides and nothing on top.
I'm just not all that motivated to shave these days... except for special occasions that is.

Response by COL Louis Jordan made Apr 14 at 2020 1:55 PM

COL Louis Jordan — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:55:39 -0400

Has anyone thought about listening to the NCO? after all itis his unit

Response by SFC Zohn Tennyson made Apr 15 at 2020 3:27 PM

SFC Zohn Tennyson — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:27:01 -0400

Well, so is a high and tight for that matter. Just sayin