On Base Barbershops, are they necessary?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 May 2014 12:27:19 -0400

You would think that being on a military base and cutting hair regularly, the barbers on base would be pretty proficient at cutting almost the basic type of military haircuts. In my experience, they are the worst barbers. I always go off base for my cuts. Maybe once a year or so, I give it a try again and my claims are re confirmed.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 15 at 2014 12:36 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 15 May 2014 12:36:27 -0400

I tend to agree with you, with the exception of overseas (not willing to attempt to negotiate language barriers with the barber in most cases! LOL).
I have found that the cost savings are minimal especially when taking into account the quality and the (usually) long wait times.
I'll stick to my own barber.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2014 3:44 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 May 2014 15:44:36 -0400

I use nothing but on post. I get my hair cut weekly, so I prefer the $8-12 on post vs $20 off. I used to feel bad downrange - you come in dripping sweat and the poor girls had to deal with that. Glad I don't speak Russian so that I couldn't hear about how nasty I smelled.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2014 3:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 May 2014 15:46:57 -0400

They rarely fail me with a high and tight. What do you consider to be "almost the basic type of military haircuts"?

Response by SFC Stephen P. made May 15 at 2014 4:20 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Thu, 15 May 2014 16:20:21 -0400

Much of what we do is done with the intent of removing excuses for privates. The on installation barber is a fine example.

Take the barbers away, and in a week you will hear the following:

"I couldn't afford a haircut Sarge"
"I don't have a car"
"The barber wouldn't cut it short enough"
"All the shops were closed"

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 20 at 2014 10:40 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 22:40:15 -0500

AAFES......the pursuit of more money.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 21 at 2014 1:07 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 01:07:03 -0500

they served their purpose in the 1970's when it was a $1.50 out in town and .40cents on base.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 1:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 01:14:42 -0500

I think they do serve a purpose. Back when I could grow enough hair to cut it was convenient and cheap. I never really had an issue with the quality of the haircuts on post. Of course this is going to vary from barber to barber. I know things have changed a lot since I was active duty, but in Germany they were absolutely necessary. On the smaller Kasernes lower enlisted couldn’t have a POV unless they were married, due to limited available parking. The necessities had to be provided on post.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 9:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 21:59:34 -0500

My point proven again today. I had no doubt. I went to the barbershop next to the PX and asked for a "LOW reg". Walked out with a high and ridiculous.

Response by SPC Alexander Brandt made Jan 10 at 2017 1:14 AM

SPC Alexander Brandt — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:14:18 -0500

Just ask for that smooth high and tight. Hard haircut to fudge up.

Response by Sgt William Margeson made Jan 10 at 2017 7:14 AM

Sgt William Margeson — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 07:14:33 -0500

This is an age old problem, as I had the same problem in the 60s. The civilians are not held accountable, and if a service member complains, they get reprimanded. I usually went to a civilian baarber, as I received a better hair cut!