On Base Barbershops, are they necessary?

2014-05-15T12:27:19-04:00

You would think that being on a military base and cutting hair regularly, the barbers on base would be pretty proficient at cutting almost the basic type of military haircuts. In my experience, they are the worst barbers. I always go off base for my cuts. Maybe once a year or so, I give it a try again and my claims are re confirmed.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 15 at 2014 12:36 PM

2014-05-15T12:36:27-04:00

I tend to agree with you, with the exception of overseas (not willing to attempt to negotiate language barriers with the barber in most cases! LOL).
I have found that the cost savings are minimal especially when taking into account the quality and the (usually) long wait times.
I'll stick to my own barber.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2014 3:44 PM

2014-05-15T15:44:36-04:00

I use nothing but on post. I get my hair cut weekly, so I prefer the $8-12 on post vs $20 off. I used to feel bad downrange - you come in dripping sweat and the poor girls had to deal with that. Glad I don't speak Russian so that I couldn't hear about how nasty I smelled.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2014 3:46 PM

2014-05-15T15:46:57-04:00

They rarely fail me with a high and tight. What do you consider to be "almost the basic type of military haircuts"?

Response by SFC Stephen P. made May 15 at 2014 4:20 PM

2014-05-15T16:20:21-04:00

Much of what we do is done with the intent of removing excuses for privates. The on installation barber is a fine example.

Take the barbers away, and in a week you will hear the following:

"I couldn't afford a haircut Sarge"
"I don't have a car"
"The barber wouldn't cut it short enough"
"All the shops were closed"

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 20 at 2014 10:40 PM

2014-11-20T22:40:15-05:00

AAFES......the pursuit of more money.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 21 at 2014 1:07 AM

2014-11-21T01:07:03-05:00

they served their purpose in the 1970's when it was a $1.50 out in town and .40cents on base.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 1:14 AM

2014-11-21T01:14:42-05:00

I think they do serve a purpose. Back when I could grow enough hair to cut it was convenient and cheap. I never really had an issue with the quality of the haircuts on post. Of course this is going to vary from barber to barber. I know things have changed a lot since I was active duty, but in Germany they were absolutely necessary. On the smaller Kasernes lower enlisted couldn’t have a POV unless they were married, due to limited available parking. The necessities had to be provided on post.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 9:59 PM

2014-12-09T21:59:34-05:00

My point proven again today. I had no doubt. I went to the barbershop next to the PX and asked for a "LOW reg". Walked out with a high and ridiculous.

Response by SPC Alexander Brandt made Jan 10 at 2017 1:14 AM

2017-01-10T01:14:18-05:00

Just ask for that smooth high and tight. Hard haircut to fudge up.

Response by Sgt William Margeson made Jan 10 at 2017 7:14 AM

2017-01-10T07:14:33-05:00

This is an age old problem, as I had the same problem in the 60s. The civilians are not held accountable, and if a service member complains, they get reprimanded. I usually went to a civilian baarber, as I received a better hair cut!