Posted on Apr 30, 2014
SGM Operations Sergeant Major
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Should we as Soldiers be able to petition to have Regulation and Policies changed?

My short answer is no. We are not an organization based on popular opinion. We are an organization based on good order and discipline. We volunteered to join an organization where we are told what to do. If it is not illegal, immoral, or blatantly unsafe there is no reason to argue the instruction given.

At what point has the Military become a place where we cater to the wants of the individual Soldier. The Military is governed through Regulations and Policies vetted and approved by senior officers and noncommissioned officers. They are enforced by our NCOs and Officers.

This whole AR 670-1 thing is getting out of hand. Here is the deal, if you don't like the policy approved then get out. These policies aren't made to make you happy. They are generally created to create a standardization or clarification of a standing policy, again not to make you happy.

I have been in the Army 14 years, I would like to grow a beard (if only) but guess what? Regulation says I can't. So, I suck it up and Soldier on. This is not McDonalds, this is not an everyday office job. If you don't like the rules, then get out or move up and influence the change.
The military is probably one of the most politically correct organizations in the United States. They don't create regulations and policies based on race or gender. In fact they go out of their way to ensure all Soldiers are treated fairly and just.

Now, to my point of this entire rant. I don't give a crap if you don't agree with the Army's stance on hair styles. An organization that caters to the wants of a few fails to provide the needs of the masses. Hairstyles have nothing to do with gender/race/religion whatever you wanna claim you are being discriminated against. Again, I would love to have longer hair, grow a beard. Boo damn hoo for me its not gonna happen.

To end this rant that most people wont even make it this far to. I just wanna say we are an organization of standards and discipline. You cannot have discipline if you cannot meet standards. We have have Commanders not Suggestors, you keep that in mind when you are given an command.

This is an argument based on a recent letter addressing the review of grooming standards in all branches. Please do not derail this post and turn it into an argument about sex or race. This is not the point of my discussion. The point of my discussion in short is about the fact that some Soldiers think that their ideals and opinions are the most important and not the collective views and opinions of our service members.

Deeds Not Words
SFC Evans, Byron E.
Posted in these groups: 454274742x356 DA Pam 670-1
Edited >1 y ago
This is a duplicate discussion and the contents have been merged with the original discussion. Click below to see more on this topic...
SFC Timothy Riser
Ok, I was just informed that signing one the petitions can be considered under the UCMJ as an act of sedition and punishable under the UCMJ. So if this is true what will happen to the 6000+ Soldiers who have signed the petition?<div><br></div><div>This concerns the new AR 670-1 and I know nothing will happen to them.&nbsp;</div><div>I would hope that NCO's and officer know there is an official form to request changes to regulations and such.</div>

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