Posted on Dec 15, 2014
Why not allow relaxed gear/grooming standards during deployments?
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Within reason of course, why not tailor your garb and appearance to match your mission. Considering the fact that most missions the past decade plus involved a heavy does of UW, and probably more of the same going forward, you would think blending in as much as possible would be paramount?
During my last deployment I sparked a conversation with a team guy in the mess hall. Not exactly sure how it got there, but he went on about how locals can pick them out a mile away, and insurgents view them as HVT's because they so glaringly standout in comparison to the main force. He said it completely detracts from assimilating to your environment, and only adds to an already precarious mission set they have to execute.
My last two deployments always had a relaxed grooming standard, and we not only did our mission exceptionally well, we had one less thing to worry about, one less thing to have to go to a shoppette for. I think he made a very valid point as far as deployments go, yet Unfortunately i do not see, the powers that be, ever considering this. I would like to hear your opinions on this topic
During my last deployment I sparked a conversation with a team guy in the mess hall. Not exactly sure how it got there, but he went on about how locals can pick them out a mile away, and insurgents view them as HVT's because they so glaringly standout in comparison to the main force. He said it completely detracts from assimilating to your environment, and only adds to an already precarious mission set they have to execute.
My last two deployments always had a relaxed grooming standard, and we not only did our mission exceptionally well, we had one less thing to worry about, one less thing to have to go to a shoppette for. I think he made a very valid point as far as deployments go, yet Unfortunately i do not see, the powers that be, ever considering this. I would like to hear your opinions on this topic
Posted in these groups: 
Deployment
Grooming Standards
Deployment Grooming Standards
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 13
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But why? what does relaxed grooming standards do for you? leave the cool guy stuff to the SPEC OPS community or join them. As for us Forscom Soldiers... Shave and cut that hair!
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TSgt (Join to see)
TSgt Scott Hurley - Twice I have seen AF Captains who thought differently. Once at Moody AFB and once at Kunsan. At Moody, we were on 12-hour shifts with no lunch breaks for just about 60 days and this captain in the orderly room wrote me a letter of counseling for not having a regulation haircut. He was so hyper on punishing enlisted that he had the LoC in his word processor so all he had to do was change the name and print. People sure were glad when he got orders.
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If you're out at a COP or an OP or something like that, it's one thing. There aren't much in the way of amenities. Things can be difficult to acquire. Certain pieces of gear could make a difference.
If you're on a larger base like BAF, KAF, Shank, Leatherneck.. That's a different story. There's no excuse.
If you're a fobbit, there's no need for you to have a CCO or an ACOG.. or even a side arm.
If you're on a larger base like BAF, KAF, Shank, Leatherneck.. That's a different story. There's no excuse.
If you're a fobbit, there's no need for you to have a CCO or an ACOG.. or even a side arm.
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