In most branches of the military, hair is cut during boot camp. Depending on the branch, men’s hair is usually cut very short, with the sides and back cut in a ‘buzz cut’ fashion. Additionally, men typically receive a short line in the front.
Women’s hair is usually required to be kept up and away from their face, and it can be cut to any length as long as it meets the military’s standards for being neat and orderly. Most military haircuts are done by barbers in the service.
What is the longest hair allowed in the military?
The United States military has strict regulations on hair and personal appearance. According to AR 670-1, the Army’s Regulation on Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, the hair on the top of the head must be neatly groomed and may not touch the ears, collar, or extend below the top of the eyebrows.
The hair on the neck should be closely cut and blended into the haircut. This means that for males, the longest hair allowed is usually about two to three inches in length. Females may have hair a bit longer than three inches, but it should be tapered in the back and away from the face.
Extreme hairstyles, such as spikes and/or colors, are prohibited while in uniform or in civilian clothing on an Army installation. In general, the length, color, and styling of hair should be conservative and reflect a neat and professional image appropriate for the military culture.
How many haircuts do you get in basic training?
You typically do not get any haircuts in basic training, as most branches of the military require that your hair be kept at a specific length. Every branch has different regulations for the hair length required for men, so it is important to be aware of the specific regulations of the military organization you are joining.
For example, the US Army requires men’s head hair to be groomed so that the hair does not touch the ears, collar, or eyebrows, and the hair must not fall over the eyes; the US Navy requires male hairstyles to be conservative, neatly groomed and tapered for evenness; and the US Air Force requires hair length not to be longer than four inches and not to touch the collar.
Just remember, if you are joining the military, you may need to adjust your hair to meet the required regulations.
When did the military start requiring short hair?
The U. S. military first started requiring short hair for its servicemen in the early 1900s. At the turn of the 20th century, the U. S. Army became the first branch of the military to institute regulations concerning the length and style of a man’s hair.
By 1903, it was mandatory for all soldiers to have their hair cut short and have it kept “neat and clean”. As for the U. S. Navy, sailors were declared to have short hair in 1913. The regulations for short hair were stringently imposed upon recruits and the overall goal was to maintain an appearance of neatness and uniformity among all the servicemen.
Additionally, having short hair enabled the servicemen to easily wear their military helmets and other protective gear without any hindrance.
Although the regulations on hair length were first implemented during the early 1900s, tweaks were made to the specifics of the regulations throughout the following decades. For example, the U. S. Army allowed for “neat and conservative” haircuts in 1925 and for sideburns to be grown in the 1950s.
Furthermore, short haircuts were only required to a certain point until the Hair Regulations of 1978 permitted soldiers to wear their hair a little longer and also allowed for female soldiers to wear longer hair.
Ultimately, short hair in the U. S. military remains an important aspect of service today. All branches of the military have strict regulations on hair length and require servicemen and women to keep their hair short and neat.
Can you get kicked out of the military for not shaving?
Yes, the military requires its personnel to maintain certain grooming standards, as outlined in each branch’s Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Depending on the branch of service, facial hair may not be permitted or may require specific trimming and grooming standards to be met.
Not meeting these grooming standards can result in disciplinary action up to and including separation from the military. It is important to note that when it comes to facial hair, exceptions are sometimes made for servicemembers based on religious beliefs, medical conditions, or other specific circumstances.
How often do you get haircuts in BMT?
It depends on the individual’s preferences. Some people get haircuts in BMT once every two weeks or once a month. Others may choose to visit the BMT less often, such as every three or four months. It also depends on the restrictions and regulations set in place by individual service branches.
Ultimately, getting a new haircut in BMT shouldn’t be a worrisome experience and can actually be quite fun. If you stick to the BMT’s requirements, you should be able to get an accepted cut in no time!.
What is not allowed at basic training?
At basic training, there are a number of things that are not allowed, as the rules and regulations are quite strict. Firstly, recruits are not allowed to consume alcohol at any time during training, and any illegal drug use is strictly prohibited.
Weapons, regardless of type, are not allowed on the base during training either, as recruits do not receive their weapons until authorization by their commanding officer. When it comes to clothing, no visible tattoos or excessive makeup are permitted during training, and recruits are expected to be well groomed at all times.
In terms of the day-to-day activities of training, recruits are not allowed to make personal phone calls, receive visitors, or use computers and other electronic devices. Cell phones are not allowed and must remain in the possession of the trainee’s drill sergeant throughout training.
Finally, any type of disorderly or disrespectful behavior is not tolerated, and it will result in corrective action, such as demerits and extra duties.
Should I buzz my hair before basic training?
Deciding whether or not to buzz your hair before joining the military is an individual decision. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Military regulations dictate that all recruits must have a hairstyle that is neat and trimmed.
Before entering basic training, it is best to have a clean, professional-looking hairstyle to meet the specified grooming standards.
If you plan to get a buzz cut before training, start the process with enough time for the cut to grow out before you report. However, keep in mind that most training instructors are open to you making adjustments to your hairstyle if it is falling out of regulation.
In the end, your hairstyle does not define your military experience as a whole. Therefore, taking the extra time to think through and determine how you will approach the grooming standards of basic training is worth the effort.
