The U.S. Army has updated its facial hair, grooming and uniform requirements after the Pentagon announced a review of standards across the armed forces.
Why It Matters
Pete Hegseth, who was recently restyled secretary of war, put the new rules in place after a “rapid force-wide review,” the Pentagon said on Monday. Hegseth ordered the assessment of grooming, physical fitness and body composition in March. He has previously said military standards have eroded.
What To Know
The U.S. Army said in a statement the new directive clarifies acceptable hairstyles and accessories for male and female soldiers, as well as what the rules are for cosmetics, jewelry, uniforms and body composition assessments.
It reflects “discipline, professionalism, and a shared commitment to the Army’s values” and a will to “reinforce uniformity,” the Army said.
“You don’t have to memorize it, but you should know what right looks like,” said U.S. Army Sergeant Major Michael Weimer. The U.S. Army had said back in July it was updating its rules on facial hair, meaning male soldiers had to be clean-shaven when in uniform or on duty, although mustaches were allowed.
Soldiers could be exempt on religious or medical grounds, including for pseudofolliculitis barbae, more commonly referred to as razor bumps. In March, the Marine Corps changed its guidelines to mean that soldiers with pseudofolliculitis barbae needed to be reevaluated within 90 days to judge if they still needed a waiver.
U.S Army uniform insignia is seen on a soldier from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) at the Townsville airport as part of exercise ‘Talisman Sabre 23’ on July 27, 2023 in Townsville, Australia.
U.S Army uniform insignia is seen on a soldier from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) at the Townsville airport as part of exercise ‘Talisman Sabre 23’ on July 27, 2023 in Townsville, Australia.
Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Separately on Monday, the Pentagon published a memo dated August 20, in which Hegseth said he had directed all branches of the military to implement “minimum requirements” on medical exceptions to being clean shaven.
Hegseth said for an exception to be granted, military medical officers will need to submit a written recommendation to the commander, and any personnel who have a waiver approved must “participate in a medical treatment plan.”
The secretary said unit commanders will “initiate separation” of soldiers who still need a shaving waiver after a year of medical treatment. “I have full confidence in our leaders at all levels to provide an accurate assessment of whether retention is appropriate.”
What Are the New Guidelines?
Hair:
Hairstyles that impact military headgear or protective equipment are banned, while hair color must be a natural shade and “free of abrupt or extreme artificial contrasts.”Male hairstyles must be short around the ears, “blend evenly” and a type of fade, according to the new rules. Hair on the top of the head must be shorter than 2 inches, while hair on the side cannot be more than 1 inch. Male and female soldiers can shave their heads.Edged or outlined cuts are allowed if they are “natural to the Soldier’s hairline.” Male soldiers are not allowed locs, braids or twists.For female soldiers, there is no minimum hair length, shaved heads are allowed and the hair color must be “natural.” Female soldiers can have short hair on the sides and a maximum of 2 inches on the top.Buns must be tied above the collar and other styles, like ponytails or braids, are allowed at specific times. Ponytails can be a maximum length of 6 inches from the top of the collar.Bangs must be cut above the eyebrows and be longer than the middle of the forehead.
Fingernails:
They have to be clean and not interfere with gloves or equipment.Nail polish is not allowed for male soldiers, and clear polish is accepted for female soldiers.Male soldiers’ fingernails must be shorter than the end of the finger tip, while female soldiers’ nails must be shorter than one quarter of an inch.
Jewelry:
Men are not permitted to wear earrings while on duty in civilian attire or in uniform.Women can wear earrings in earlobes, but only certain styles and particular sizes. No facial piercings aside from earlobes are allowed.
There are new sets of rules on uniforms, including name plates bearing soldiers’ surnames on Army Green Service Uniforms.
What People Are Saying
Hegseth said in a statement published by the Pentagon on Monday: “The grooming standard set by the U.S. military is to be clean shaven and neat in presentation for a proper military appearance.”
U.S. Army Sergeant Major Michael Weimer said in comments published by the Army: “What sets the U.S. Army apart is our professionalism, and that’s a direct reflection of committed Soldiers who adhere to and enforce the standards.”
What Happens Next
The directive will apply to the regular Army, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve after a 30-day transitional period.