My shaving profile is 1/8" but my DS wants me clean shaven with clippers. Would I be wrong to refuse?

He has eyes on me now. I was in trouble for something that was out of my control, and during that conversation he said he's tired seeing me with my beard. I keep it in within my profile restrictions.

SPC (Join to see) - That's the nature of Drill Sergeants, right or wrong you're always wrong. You're going to learn quickly how important it is to be read up on the regulations, especially as they apply to you.

You're also going to find that many NCO's don't actually know the regulation as it is written, but what was taught to them by previous NCO's. I, and others have coined this act as "NCO Chatter". It is not dissimilar to the "Private News Network" (PNN) in that it is usually incorrect.

Whether the subject be about awards, promotions, profiles, the list goes on and on, it's important to regularly re-read the regulation. It's near impossible to remember all of the regulations accurately and on top of that they get updated periodically.

Regardless of the hard charging BS and be a Soldier attitude you'll encounter, you'll also find that many NCO's are sensitive to being questioned or corrected. Every now and then you'll find one that encourages their troops to correct their leaders and those are usually good leaders in their own right.

The issue is how you go about doing it. Always keep your bearing, you will someday build a relationship with your leadership to where customs and courtesies are relaxed for the necessity of the work environment and to where you build a good working relationship. A Drill Sergeant is not meant to be that person. So when you go about correcting or informing someone who outranks you, you want to do so with courtesy and respect. Additionally, if you have questions about whether the leader themself is professional, bring a battle with you for this conversation. Witnesses are important.

Despite good bearing and proper evidence, if things go South that's when you respectfully take it up the chain. Just remember that being right doesn't mean you lose your courtesies. For two reasons, one because you are a professional and you should act like it. Two, because some leaders have trouble taking criticism or being proven wrong. If you become disrespectful, everything you were right about gets tossed out the window.

Is it fair? Absolutely not. The military isn't fair and it's full of napoleon complex losers that happen to have rank. It's also full of wise and salty old joe's that have a wealth of knowledge that you want access to. Being professional is your way to dodging the obstacles and getting there.

So ask yourself, is this battle in AIT (not the real Army) worth it? If it is worth it, then make sure you prepare to go in fighting as a professional.

Thank you SFC. I'll ask them and see what they say. My DS is airborne and he is very picky about things. My SDS, who is also a EO rep, was there also and didn't say anything about it; nor has he ever inquired about my profile before.

Thank you, sir. I will try it out, and I thank you for your service sir.