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The Army will soon impose stricter appearance, grooming and uniform standards, the service announced Monday.
The changes are reflected in an update to the Army’s appearance, grooming and uniform wear standards policy that results from a force-side review of military standards.
Effective Oct. 15, the directive seeks to tighten appearance for both men and women across the force, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer said in a press release.
“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,” the Army’s senior enlisted said.
“This definitive guidance gives leaders the tools they need to do just that,” he added. “You don’t have to memorize it, but you should know what right looks like.”
The directive follows looser standards published four years ago that allowed men to wear clear nail polish, women to wear lipstick and all soldiers to have highlights that blended with their uniform colors.
All of that is prohibited under the new standards.
Women may use clear nail polish, as opposed to the previous rules, which placed limits on only “extreme” colors.
They also may still wear earrings — if they are gold, silver, diamond or pearl studs — one in each earlobe — and a maximum of ¼ inch in diameter.
Women still have ponytails, but no longer than 6 inches and not in service or dress uniforms.
The Army released a chart detailing changes in grooming and appearance standards.
The new policy was informed and developed by a representative group of leaders and stakeholders from across the Army, according to the Monday release.
“There was an overwhelming consensus on the need to realign all Army standards with warfighting priorities,” the release said.
—By John Goheen
