Personal Appearance

The US Army is a professional organization which prides itself on being the best, brightest, and strongest military in the world. With that reputation comes a very high level of expectation from its joining members. Every soldier is an ambassador for the US Army, responsible for upholding its image at all times and all places. Therefore maintaining a professional appearance is vital to maintaining that image. Part of maintaining a professional appearance means having a clean presentable haircut at all times. Which (referring to Army Regulation 670-1) means the hair on top of the head must be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of the hair may not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. The hair must present a tapered appearance. The hair will not fall over the ears or eyebrows, or touch the collar, except for the closely cut hair at the back of the neck. The block-cut fullness in the back is permitted to a moderate degree, as long as the tapered look is maintained. The bulk or length of hair may not interfere with the normal wear of headgear, protective masks, or equipment. Males are not authorized to wear braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted, individual parts of hair) while in uniform or in civilian clothes. To me maintaining a professional appearance goes hand in hand with maintaining the army values. It displays loyalty by staying true to the professionalism Of the US Army. It demonstrates duty because it is a soldiers job to look and be professional at all times on or off duty. It displays respect to oneself and the Army because it means you care about keeping that which you represent in a good light. It shows selfless service because itstead of being selfish and maintaining an image that only you want to maintain, you chose to maintain an the image of the US Army. It also displays honor by showing pride and dignity in yourself and in the Army. Finally, it shows personal