Does the military need to dispose of antiquated "uniformity" in lieu of more individual expression?

CSM,<div>I think the last thing the Army needs is to abandon uniformity in favor of individual expression. We already have droves of new recruits coming into the Army with a sense of entitlement and an inflated sense of self. Uniformity is the foundation of obedience and the abandonment of your individuality that is necessary to follow orders in combat. Uniformity may be a small thing, but the more disciplined a unit is in doing the little things, the more disciplined and effective that unit will be on the battlefield. The argument that Indian Americans have to compromise their religious beliefs and practices is illogical. That's a form of free speech under the First Amendment, but free speech is curtailed all the time! Especially in the military! The Army is not selectively restricting people's right to practice religion and dress the way their religion requires them to. The Army sets a neutral standard of uniformity for all Soldiers, which means that it is not discriminatory. Sure, in effect, many Indian Americans might be discouraged from joining, but so might many from the Amish community. The Army has a legitimate reason for requiring uniformity and it should not be forced to abandon it because some people might be less inclined to sign up.</div>

Why,?Native American Indians are not able to keep their braids. We're made to cut our hair and the government never cared about our religious beliefs.......And don't to this day.....so why can an Indian American keep their long hair and grow a beard?.....Making a Native Amercan Indian shave even though we had nothing to shave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!then having to spend the rest of our lives shaving. A comment made by my platoon Sgt, Bahe just because your Indian, do you think you can grow your hair long......my hair was barely touching my Ears. I would have preferred to keep my braids and never shaved,&nbsp;

The Army's mission is to fight and win our Nation’s wars... etc. etc.&nbsp; With that in mind I suggest that we look to our MoH recipients as examples of grooming standards.&nbsp; First order of business, NO MORE HIGH AND TIGHTS!&nbsp; If you want to look like a hero, grow some hair like Audie Murphy!&nbsp; Second, the only acceptable mustache is a handle-bar like Lew Millett.&nbsp; NO MORE CHEESY STACHES.&nbsp; If you think your standards are higher than these two, seek therapy.&nbsp; http://www.badassoftheweek.com/millett.html<br><br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.badassoftheweek.com/millett.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.badassoftheweek.com/millett.html">Badass of the Week: Lewis Millett</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">The ultimate list of all badasses past and present.</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>