Why not allow relaxed gear/grooming standards during deployments?

2014-12-15T23:03:29-05:00

Within reason of course, why not tailor your garb and appearance to match your mission. Considering the fact that most missions the past decade plus involved a heavy does of UW, and probably more of the same going forward, you would think blending in as much as possible would be paramount?

During my last deployment I sparked a conversation with a team guy in the mess hall. Not exactly sure how it got there, but he went on about how locals can pick them out a mile away, and insurgents view them as HVT's because they so glaringly standout in comparison to the main force. He said it completely detracts from assimilating to your environment, and only adds to an already precarious mission set they have to execute.

My last two deployments always had a relaxed grooming standard, and we not only did our mission exceptionally well, we had one less thing to worry about, one less thing to have to go to a shoppette for. I think he made a very valid point as far as deployments go, yet Unfortunately i do not see, the powers that be, ever considering this. I would like to hear your opinions on this topic

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 11:34 PM

2014-12-15T23:34:15-05:00

If you're out at a COP or an OP or something like that, it's one thing. There aren't much in the way of amenities. Things can be difficult to acquire. Certain pieces of gear could make a difference.

If you're on a larger base like BAF, KAF, Shank, Leatherneck.. That's a different story. There's no excuse.

If you're a fobbit, there's no need for you to have a CCO or an ACOG.. or even a side arm.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 6:03 AM

2015-02-04T06:03:07-05:00

But why? what does relaxed grooming standards do for you? leave the cool guy stuff to the SPEC OPS community or join them. As for us Forscom Soldiers... Shave and cut that hair!

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Apr 10 at 2016 1:23 PM

2016-04-10T13:23:48-04:00

Your observations about dressing for your operating environment is spot on. I was in Kuwait a month ago, in a shopping mall. I saw six guys, high & tight, one guy wearing BCG (issue glasses), khaki cargo pants and polo shirt. Clearly, from a camp. However, from my personal experience the risk nobody seems to notice is the deployment contract barbers themselves. I was at Bright Star '95 at Cairo West AB, with the 366th Composite Wing and saw the contract Egyptian barber take off a fairly good piece of a young 2nd Lt's right ear. Now, in fairness, the barber was probably nervous in his first performance, but he'd been cleared by contracting so he'd cut hair before...using a straight edge. However, his contract was T4D (terminated for default) by me in the interest of group safety and volunteer barbers sprung up. Relaxed grooming standards couldn't hurt our mission but absolutely would have prevented thousands of participants from getting some really awful haircuts over that 90 days. Remember My Cousin Vinny "Yeah, you blend."

Response by Sgt Aaron Scott made Mar 10 at 2017 2:21 AM

2017-03-10T02:21:08-05:00

If you are worried about our military grooming standards, instead of the way we walk and talk, then there is an issue. They watch and listen.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 21 at 2019 6:47 AM

2019-08-21T06:47:30-04:00

I don’t think so!

Response by SGT James Hammons made Aug 21 at 2019 9:14 AM

2019-08-21T09:14:14-04:00

Leasons learned through previous wars show that the impact of hygiene is as important as being able to fight.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2019 11:14 AM

2019-10-15T11:14:22-04:00

Why wear anything at all? Deploy naked. Be you. Seriously, none of it matters.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2019 6:56 PM

2019-10-15T18:56:15-04:00

The only gear I bought for a deployment was gloves. Hated the issues gloves so I would find a pair I liked and buy a few pairs

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Oct 29 at 2019 12:10 PM

2019-10-29T12:10:19-04:00

Some relaxed grooming standards in the field are fine . Like beards for SF guys so they don’t stand out . But not for regular troops .

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2019 10:57 PM

2019-10-29T22:57:07-04:00

It would be nice to actually relax when you have a few hours to relax instead of waiting forever to get a haircut but I don't see any commander allowing it. Let's be honest, sleeve rolling has been authorized again for a good while now and they can't even bring themselves down from their pedestal, aka air conditioned office, to let their Soldiers do that.

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made Oct 30 at 2019 10:02 AM

2019-10-30T10:02:06-04:00

A reminder: in the case of biological or chemical warfare exposure your mask will not seal on beard stubble

Response by CPT William Jones made Dec 27 at 2019 2:11 PM

2019-12-27T14:11:03-05:00

First what is the definition of deployment. It used to be a service member was deployed when he was assigned outside CONUS could be Germany or RVN or are people today saying deployed only refers to combat zones. The local commander can make almost any changes to dress and grooming standards he wishes

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2020 11:11 PM

2020-12-22T23:11:09-05:00

Make sure to deploy with your reflective belt