How do you define "Faddish?"

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 09:10:22 -0400

AR 670-1 defines Fad(dish) as:

A transitory fashion adopted with wide enthusiasm.

Call me crazy, but this is very vague, especially when dealing with haircuts/styles.

So, fellow leaders out there, what is your definition of faddish?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 9:15 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 09:15:14 -0400

A successful merchandise campaign.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 10:03 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:03:18 -0400

I would say that this offers each command the chance to decide for themselves what is appropriate, it is in essence practicing mission command.

I would hope that we can move away from high and tights, they are faddish in my opinion. We are supposed to be a professional representation of the American people. Shouldn't we blend in a little?

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 12:33 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:33:41 -0400

anything that draws undue attention to the member or detracts from a professional appearance

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 12:42 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:42:24 -0400

It's unlike the Army to leave anything vague, so it's a little perturbing to us when they do, however, I think it's a good place to have a little grey. It's good to have the opportunity to exercise our minds, and use some common sense every now and then. I have used a variation of the haircut you see in my profile photo ever since I graduated OSUT and have been allowed to have hair. I recently decided to check online and see if I could find a hairstyle I thought might fit me better. Looking on some style website at hair parts, lo and behold I find out it's in style this year to part the hair on the side, but then shave the one side all the way up to the part. I think this is an example of such "faddish" hairstyles.

http://www.menshairstyletrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Shaved-part-ill_hana1.jpg?7ccf3d

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 25 at 2015 9:07 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 21:07:17 -0400

This is a definition by exception. It's not what it is, it's what it is not.

It's not "classic" or "traditional."

Although a "High & Tight" is extreme, it's traditional, therefore not faddish.

Skinny Jeans & Bell bottoms (excluding Naval uniform traditions) however would be considered faddish.

Part of this is evolution of words. Words change meaning over time, so what seems like a vague word today may have been a very specific word when it was first introduced into the regulations long ago.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 5:41 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 05:41:38 -0400

AR 670-1 gives leaders a lot (maybe too much) flexibility to enforce uniform and appearance standards. A squad leader can explain to his/her squad what he/she deems faddish, which should be nested with what the PSG deems faddish, which is nested with what the 1SG deems faddish, etc. etc. The commander is overall responsible for the discipline and good order of the unit but, NCOs enforce the standard (sometimes above what the commander deems acceptable).

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 7:59 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 07:59:11 -0400

One word: Hipsters.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 12:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 12:58:50 -0400

To me....does it look and maintain a professional look? If not, it's faddish!!

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 26 at 2015 1:04 PM

SFC Stephen King — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 13:04:04 -0400

I agree this word is Ambiguous in nature. Is it based on one's idea of fadddish. I say on thing is a fad while others would argue the opposite.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 27 at 2015 2:08 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 14:08:52 -0400

I am not a commander. Most the time is say "the commands deem faddish".