Purpose & Philosophy Chap 1
"The Army is a profession. A Soldier's appearance measures part of their professionalism."
AR 670-1 exists to keep every Soldier's appearance uniform, disciplined, and professional — on duty, and in
civilian clothes while on duty.
Who It Applies To
- All Soldiers — Regular Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve
- ROTC and U.S. Military Academy cadets, unless their own uniform regulations say otherwise
- Retirees, whenever they wear an Army uniform (see Special Situations)
Commander Responsibilities
Commanders ensure compliance with this regulation and DA PAM 670-1 within their unit, and
conduct periodic inspections to verify Soldiers meet uniform and grooming standards. Soldiers are responsible
for maintaining their own uniform items and ensuring their appearance conforms to the regulation at all times.
Punitive Provisions Enforceable
Most of the appearance and grooming chapter is punitive. Violations by Soldiers can
result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice — this isn't
just a style guide.
Local Policy Can Be Stricter
Unit and command policies may be more restrictive than AR 670-1 itself. Always confirm with
your chain of command on any point where local policy might layer additional requirements on top of the regulation.
Male Hair Updated 2025
Hair on top must be neatly groomed, tapered, and conservative — the outline should curve
inward to a natural termination point at the base of the neck. Hair cannot fall over the ears, eyebrows, or
touch the collar (except closely-cut hair at the back of the neck). Under the current standard, bulk at the
top tops out around 2 inches, with stricter fade/taper requirements than the prior version.
- Braids, cornrows, twists, dreadlocks, and locks are not authorized for men in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty
- Designs, asymmetrical cuts, and eccentric styles (e.g., a single untapered patch on top) are prohibited
- Hair color must look natural — no extreme contrasts
- Shaved heads are authorized
Female Hair Updated 2025
Hair must be styled so headgear fits properly and presents a neat, professional appearance.
Braids, cornrows, twists, and locks are authorized, worn loose or close to the scalp, each of uniform
dimension and consistent spacing, with ends secured inconspicuously.
- Ponytails and braids are authorized with utility/physical-fitness uniforms but generally prohibited with dress uniforms
- Where authorized, ponytails/braids are limited in width and how far they hang below the collar — check current exact figures locally
- Hair extensions and wigs are authorized if they match the general appearance of the Soldier's natural hair
- Shaved heads are authorized
Facial Hair Updated 2025
Beards are prohibited except with an approved medical shaving profile or an approved
religious accommodation. Mustaches must stay above the upper lip and not extend past the corners of the mouth,
trimmed and tapered — no "bushy" or "chopped off" look.
- Medical shaving profiles now follow a phased treatment plan (roughly 30/60/90-day tiers depending on severity), with elective treatment options at government expense for non-responsive cases
- Accumulating more than about 12 months of shaving exceptions within a 24-month window can be grounds for administrative separation review
- Approved religious-accommodation beards must be kept trimmed/rolled to a regulation length — verify the current exact limit with your chain of command
Fingernails & Nail Polish Updated 2025
Nails may not extend past the fingertip for men, and up to about a quarter inch for women, in
a square or rounded shape.
- Women: only clear nail polish is authorized
- Men: nail polish is not authorized
Tattoos & Body Art
Content restrictions apply everywhere on the body, regardless of location: tattoos that are
extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are always prohibited and can lead to adverse administrative action.
- Army tattoo policy has loosened considerably over the past decade — commanders conduct periodic checks focused on placement above the neckline, on wrists, and on hands
- Willful mutilation of the body (e.g., tongue bifurcation, ear gauging beyond a small conservative post hole) is prohibited
- Exact size/placement limits have changed multiple times — verify current guidance rather than relying on older figures
Jewelry & Eyewear
Eyeglasses must be conservative — no trendy designs, initials, or decorative elements.
- Sunglasses are not worn indoors unless required by a medical authority; authorized lens colors are limited to brown, gray, or dark green
- No decorative chains or ribbons on eyewear, except restraints required for safety
- Contact lenses cannot be tinted to change eye color/shape except for a documented medical condition
- Earring and jewelry authorizations vary by uniform (utility vs. dress vs. PT) — check DA PAM 670-1 for the specific uniform you're wearing
Insignia Placement — General Principles
Rank insignia is centered on the shoulder loops; unit (shoulder sleeve) insignia is
typically worn on the right sleeve. Soldiers wear only insignia and awards authorized by this regulation, and
only uniform/heraldic items produced by certified manufacturers that meet Army specifications.
Identification Tags
Soldiers wear identification tags at all times while on duty in uniform, unless otherwise
directed by the commander.
Footwear
Boots must be cleaned and polished to maintain a professional appearance — footwear
condition is one of the more visible, easiest-to-check compliance items during an inspection.
Uniform Quality Control
Anyone purchasing uniform or insignia items from a commercial source must ensure those items
meet the same specification requirements as issued items. Commanders submit quality deficiency reports for
items that don't meet standard.
Retirees Wearing the Uniform
AR 670-1 applies to retirees any time they wear an Army uniform.
- Authorized occasions include ceremonial events — funerals, memorial services, weddings, and similar occasions
- Ceremonial wear is restricted to service and dress uniforms only
- The APFU may be worn only in combination with civilian clothes, off Army installations
- Retirees may add approved retired shoulder-sleeve insignia and identification badges
Civilian Clothes on Duty
Hair, fingernail, and grooming standards apply in civilian clothes on duty exactly as they
do in uniform. Mixing civilian and military clothing items together is prohibited unless this regulation
specifically authorizes it.
Religious Accommodations
Soldiers may request religious accommodation for items such as beards, turbans, and hijabs.
Requests are submitted under AR 600-20 (Army Command Policy); once approved, Soldiers follow the specific
wear standards for that accommodation set out in AR 670-1 and current implementing guidance.
- Hair worn under an approved turban does not have to meet standard haircut rules, but it still cannot touch the ears/collar or fall below the eyebrows
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