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>

It's a bad idea. We are here to protect democracy not practice it. We all understood when we enlisted that some of our rights would be curtailed for the greater good. This will be one more thing that allows people to think of themselves as individuals instead of recognizing they are part of something greater. Individualism is the enemy of unit cohesion.

Maintaining uniformity requires discipline (by shaving, getting a haircut, staying trim, not adhering to fads) in an age of no shine boots, no press uniforms, RFI, and RESET, the last thing we need is less discipline.

I have been in the Army for 17 years, I truly believe that, just as someones religion is a "way of life," the Army is also a way of life...with established roots, history, norms, and policies and procedures put in place in order to provide guidelines to good order and discipline. As it is, the longer I stay in...it seems like the percentage of people with shaving profiles had tripled...but, what cracks me up is too see their DA photo's, or they go to a promotion board....all of the sudden that shaving profile is not important.

I think the problem becomes definitions.  It is much easier to define "clean shaven" than "neatly maintained facial hair."  Picture Seneca Crane's beard from the Hunger Games; is that Ok?  http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2012/03/15/hunger-games-wes-bentley-seneca-crane-beard/

Well on the subject of uniformity... This has nothing to do with long hair or tattoos, however. The best policy change I experienced for the better was actually when my unit decided uniformity was more of a hindrance than helpful. When it comes to wearing "KIT" in combat or otherwise. They used to like a uniformed standard. Everybody had to look exactly the same. Then they finally realized that it was actually impossible to have a uniformed formation since 19K don't use the same gear or weapons that 11C do and so forth etc... I don't get issued grenades, they generally give them to the scouts and infantry And most of the admin folks didn't get issued M9 pistols. So why am I wearing a grenade pouch if I'm never issued them and why does she have 9mm magazine pouches and no weapon to accompany it? It was simply ridiculous. They eventually changed the policy to state "You will have on your uniform at a minimum..." The essentials (eyepro,gloves,ach,iotv etc...). Where you put it was up to you with one exception. The IFAK must be placed in the same place on all soldiers for obvious reasons. Best common sense usage I've seen the Army implement in a long time. As far as hair goes, I don't have any problem with a soldier that has long hair if it is their religion. I have never been to a place on the battlefield that we did not have enough proper warning to get into MOPP gear. If you get any less warning than that, chances are you're dead anyways. If one of these soldiers finds themselves on that battlefield and chemical attack is likely, I'm sure they will shave on the spot in order to survive. As far as the "Professional" side of it, I like my high and tight. I always have. I think it looks more professional. But that's just me. When I retire, then i'll grow my hair out and look like a mountain man.

CSM,

Doesn't the military spend our first few weeks and months in the military teaching us the standards?  Standards are standards for a reason.  They are the rules that we as DoD employees have agreed to in order to receive the pay and benefits as said employee.  I'm all for the freedom of speech and all that good stuff but where does it stop?  "I'm sorry SGT, I can't wear my uniform correctly because my beliefs say I can't wear the color green."  "I'm sorry SGT, I can't protect your back because my beliefs teach me not to shoot a gun but can you please help me fill out this tuition assistance form so I can go to school this year?"