A female Soldier poses for an example photo with long hair while wearing tactical headgear to illustrate an upcoming change in Army grooming and appearance standards. The Soldier's hair is secured into a long ponytail and tucked underneath her Army Combat Uniform collar. Females with long hair will now have the option to wear a ponytail while wearing an Army Physical Fitness Uniform, conducting physical training in a utility uniform, or while wearing tactical headgear or other equipment. (U.S. Army photo) Image: Yeongsik Im/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe Army is relaxing a host of regulations that address personal grooming and the wearing of the uniform, to take effect Feb. 24 – the day the new Army Green Service Uniform debuts. Here are some of the highlights:
* Female soldiers can wear optional undershirts while breastfeeding or pumping.
* The new Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform will be implemented.
* The Operational Camouflage Pattern will replace the Universal Camouflage Pattern.
* Women can wear optional earrings, lipstick and nail colors. Men can wear clear nail polish. There are limits, however. Earrings are not allowed in the field, while on combat-related deployments, or in areas where normal hygiene is not available.
* Women no longer have to adhere to a minimum hair length. They now can wear ponytails when they cannot form a bun, braids, twists or locs. Long ponytails are OK during physical training, and while wearing the combat uniform, helmets and other related equipment.
* Uniform hair color blends – highlights – also are allowed “as long as it presents a natural appearance.” Bright colors – like purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright red, or fluorescent or neon shades – remain taboo.
* The service will drop potentially offensive names for hairstyles – such as Mohawk, eccentric, faddish, Fu Manchu and dreadlock – from the lexicon of descriptions and replace them with new ones.
Army leaders are approving the changes in a move to embrace of diversity.
“The Army must continue to put people first by fostering a culture of trust that accepts the experiences and backgrounds of every soldier and civilian,” said Lt. Gen. Gary Brito, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. “Our diverse workforce is a competitive advantage, and the Army must continue to offer fair treatment, access and opportunity across the force.”
