GROOMING STANDARDS

Military Requirements for Petty Officer 3rd Class
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2-8 Q2. How do you report an offense? Q3. What is the process leading to a captain’s mast? Q4. What are the types and compositions of courts- martial? Q5. What type of violations should or should not be reported? GROOMING STANDARDS Learning Objective: Recognize the regulations concerning male and female grooming standards. Grooming standards are based on several elements—including neatness, cleanliness, safety, military image, and appearance in uniform. The standards are not intended to be overly restrictive or designed to isolate Navy men and women from society. The limits are reasonable; they ensure that personal appearance contributes to a favorable military image, yet they allow a degree of individuality. The seeming difference between the policy on grooming for male and female members is simply recognition that there is a difference between the sexes—mustaches and sideburns for men, longer hair and cosmetics for women. GROOMING STANDARDS FOR MEN Hair will be neat and clean and present a groomed appearance. Hair above the ears and around the neck will be tapered from the lower hairline upward at least 3/4 inch. Hair on the back of the neck may not touch the collar. Hair will be no longer than 4 inches and groomed so that it does not touch the ears or collar, extend below the eyebrows when headgear is removed, or interfere with proper wearing of the headgear. The primary consideration is a neatly groomed hairstyle in relation to the individual’s type of hair. Sideburns are permitted, but they are to be even width (not flared) and end with a clean-shaven horizontal line. Sideburns cannot extend below the middle of the ear. In most instances, mustaches also are permitted but must be kept neatly trimmed so that they don’t appear ragged. No eccentricities, such as long, drooping mustaches, are permitted. Such articles as pencils, pens, watch chains/fobs, pins, jewelry, handkerchiefs, combs, cigars, cigarettes, or pipes must not be worn or carried exposed upon the uniform. Wristwatches, bracelets, and inconspicuous rings (one ring per hand is authorized, plus a wedding ring), but no oddities of dress, such as earrings, are permitted. While in uniform, men may wear one necklace or choker; but it must not be visible. Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units, when wearing Marine Corps uniforms, shall abide by the grooming standards established for Marines; otherwise, when wearing Navy uniforms (including fatigues), they must abide by Navy regulations. GROOMING STANDARDS FOR WOMEN Hair must be neatly arranged and styled to present a feminine appearance but may not fall below the lower edge of the uniform collar. No hair is to show under the front brim of the hat. The only ornaments permitted in the hair are bobby pins (inconspicuously arranged) and barrettes (two maximum) of a color that matches the hair. Fingernails must not exceed 1/4 inch measured from the tip of the finger. Nail polish must be a soft shade, complementary to the skin tone. Cosmetics should be of conservative color and applied sparingly. No eccentricities or faddishness of dress, jewelry, or grooming is permitted. No pencils, pens, pins, handkerchiefs, or jewelry may be worn or exposed on the uniform. Earrings must be the 6-mm ball (approximately 1/4 inch) type with a brushed matte finish; either the screw-on or post type may be worn. E-6 and below must wear silver earrings; CPOs and officers must wear gold. Small single pearl earrings are authorized for dinner or formal dress uniforms. While in uniform, women may wear one necklace or choker; but it must not be visible. The wearing of the maternity uniform is mandatory for all pregnant women in the Navy when a uniform is prescribed and regular uniforms no longer fit.

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