Why does the military cut hair short?

Originally, one of the reasons for the induction haircut was to reduce the chances of disease among closely quartered recruits from different geographical areas (with varying immunities), such as head lice. Furthermore, short hair also prevents the enemy from grabbing a soldier with long hair and slashing his/her neck.
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Do they make you cut your hair in the military?

Just a Little off the Sides: Haircuts

Haircuts are a rite of passage during military basic training. Almost immediately after arrival, your hair will be cut so short that it almost feels like you were shaved bald (guys only). After the initial haircut, you'll get a trim at least once per week during basic training.
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Why can't you have long hair in the military?

The Army defines long hair as a length that extends beyond the collar. Army standards require this hairstyle to be neatly and inconspicuously fastened above the collar's lower edge. "We can't tell a Soldier to cut their hair so their helmet can fit," Sanders said.
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How short does the military cut your hair?

Hair should be no longer than 4.0 inches. Hair may not touch the ears or collar. It also cannot extend below the eyebrows. Hair bulk cannot be more than 2.0 inches.
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Are mullets allowed in the Army?

Multiple hairstyles are now allowed as long as it maintains a neat professional appearance and doesn't impede the use of headgear. The hairstyle is not considered acceptable if when combed it falls over the ears or eyebrows, or touches the collar.
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Fauji Cut - Why Do Military/Army Personnel Have Short Hair? Story Behind "Fauji Cut" - Explained



How long are showers in the military?

An initial thirty seconds or so are used to get wet, followed by soap and lather without running water, which is then rinsed off in a minute or less. The total time for the water being on is typically under two minutes. Navy showers originated on naval ships, where supplies of fresh water were often scarce.
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Why can't soldiers have beards?

Military history buffs know that our military has had an on-again, off-again love affair with facial hair. The invention of chemical weapons ended the affair for good. Beards were prohibited across all branches for two reasons: Hygiene and the need for a good seal while wearing a gas mask.
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Are braids allowed in the military?

The newest changes mean women can keep their hair either a bun, single ponytail, two braids or a single braid; locks, braids, twists or cornrows can come together in one or two braids or a ponytail; and braids or a ponytail can go as far down as the bottom of the shoulder blades.
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Can you have dreads in the military?

The US Army Has Finally Lifted Its Ban On Dreadlocks.
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What is a military haircut called?

Although "high and tight" is the primary term used in military and law enforcement, the same haircut is sometimes referred to by civilians as a "walker".
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How do you do a military shower?

To take a Navy shower:
  1. Turn on the water and wet your body.
  2. Turn off the water while you soap up and clean your body.
  3. Turn the water back on to rinse.
  4. Turn off the water while you shampoo.
  5. Turn on the water while you wash your hair.
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Is it rude for civilians to salute?

TLDR – Civilians should face the flag and place their right hand over their heart during the National Anthem. Saluting the flag is a gesture reserved for the military. While civilians can salute soldiers, many veterans consider it inappropriate or awkward.
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Are beards allowed in the military?

Beards and sideburns are banned in all military and police forces since the early 20th century. A clean-shaved face is considered part of a spirit of order, hygiene and discipline.
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Can you wear a wig in the military?

Hair Devices

Males are prohibited from wearing wigs or hairpieces while in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty, except to cover natural baldness or physical disfiguration caused by accident or medical procedure.
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Is makeup allowed in the Army?

The Army is drastically changing some of its grooming standards and hinting at even more changes when it comes to inclusivity and convenience regarding soldiers' uniforms in the near future. Certain hairstyles, jewelry, makeup and other accessories will now be accepted parts of the way soldiers can present themselves.
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Can you wear two buns in the army?

Key changes include: Hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or secured in either a bun, single ponytail, two braids or a single braid. Multiple locs, braids, twists or cornrows may come together in one or two braids or a single ponytail.
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Can you wear your hair half up half down in the Army?

There is no minimum length for the wear of a ponytail or braid. The only exception on the length of a ponytail or braid is that it should not hinder a soldier's performance or present a safety risk during tactical or physical training, the release states.
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Are tattoos allowed in military?

Army Tattoo Policy

Essentially, any visible body tattoos are prohibited. The only exception is one ring tattoo per hand where a regular ring would lie. Leg tattoos must be two inches below or above the knee, and cosmetic Army tattoos must be conservative and are only allowed on women.
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Can retired military wear uniform with beard?

Grooming standards are obviously not enforced when a veteran wears any of the uniforms, but it is common courtesy to wear the uniform as if you were still in the military conforming to all the hair, facial hair, finger nail, and other grooming standards of the military branch you represent.
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Can special forces have long hair?

Trivia answer: Special Operations Forces are allowed to have beards and long hair so that they have the opportunity to blend in with the communities they work in, such as in Afghanistan, where beards are common.
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Do soldiers poop their pants?

Siddle wrote that in surveys of soldiers during World War II, “a quarter of combat veterans admitted that they urinated in their pants in combat, and a quarter admitted that they defecated in their pants in combat.”
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Where do soldiers poop during war?

Porta-Johns. Yes, we have "Porta-sh*tters" located on the frontlines. For the most part, they're located on the larger FOBs. To keep these maintained, allied forces pay local employees, who live nearby, to pump the human discharge out of the poop reservoirs.
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Do females have to shave in the army?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Female soldiers can let their hair down, and flash a little nail color under new rules being approved by the Army. But male soldiers will still have to shave.
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How do you say hello in military?

Errr... - (U.S. Marines) An abbreviated or unmotivated "Oorah". Often used as a form of acknowledgment or greeting. Yes, we really do walk around saying "Errr" at one another in the way normal civilized humans say "Hello."
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