Long Hair and the Army!

[Louis]

I have recently joined the Territorial Army medical corp and I have been informed that I have to shave off my beard and cut my long hair! As it is only a part time commitment, unless I am called up to the front line of a war, why do I have to do this? I am willing to cut my hair if I am required to go to war, but I can't understand why I am required to do so now, esp as the female soldiers are allowed to have long hair!

[Drewhound]

Ask a nice friendly drill sargeant. I'm sure you will find one who will explain the niceties of army life

[woofgang]

you have joined a club and the club has rules. Accept the rules or leave the club

[tartanwiz]

You asked this Q under 'People & Places'. I've answered it there.

[Louis]

Wow Woofgang you are so helpful! :| so what your suggesting is that we shouldn't question any rules and just go with what we are told! Whether it is right or not huh? So no matter that something is sexist, as it is in this case, or prejudice, we just have to accept it! Aye right, we aren't living in the dark ages! Helpful answers required!

[andy hughes]

I understand that woofgang's answer may appear a little abrupt, but is essence, his answer is correct. The basis of army training is conformity - everyone must look and act the same, and individuality is no conducive to army routine. As far as women are concerned, a woman's hair is far more an integral part of her personality and self image, and making what is often a radical change to her appearence would be conteractively traumatic. It may seem sexist, but it is based on sound psychological principles for both sexes, and that is why these rules still exist. If you are the sort of person who questions rules and reasons, you may need to seriously question wether the T.A. is an organisation in which you are going to enjoy a happy and fulfilling career.

[Louis]

Why is "a woman's hair is far more an integral part of her personality and self image"? This is merely a cliche of society! A male's hair style is equally important! It may not be so to some male's but it may not be important for some females either! And some women do prefer to wear short hair, and some men long hair! It is sexist, without a doubt! As as for it being "based on sound psychological principles for both sexes" I think your just trying to use big words here! There is no 'psychological principle' to insist that one person cuts their hair short whilst another doesn't have too! If the Army is about equality, uniform and conformity "everyone must look and act the same" then the same rule must apply accross the board! "individuality is no conducive to army routine and that is why these rules still exist" if this is the case then why, as I was informed, do the Dutch army allow Male Soldiers to have long hair? I am questioning right and wrong! I am merely questioning something which is sexist, and if the shoe was on the other foot, would be a major issue! I am being discriminated against for having long hair! Aren't we meant to be living in a society in the UK that is against Discrimination?

[cheyenne]

i dont know if the danish army still allows long hair,they did in the seventies .ive got nothing against long hair ,had it myself for years,but you dont want it falling in your eyes just as your lining up a shot??

[darth vader]

there are many practical reasons for short hair in the armed forces - hygiene being the most important (more than appearance!) and if you're joining the medical corp then i would have assumed you would work this out for yourself already no? Female members of the armed forces have to adhere to strict rules too even though they are not forced to get a crew cut, and usually end up shoving the whole bloody lot under their beret. If you have a problem with losing your beard/cutting your hair then simply don't join them. I won't go into the whole theology of why the army expects you to obey orders without question but there are many good reasons why this is so. If you can't accept this then the TA (nor any other forces) is simply not for you. Have you considered the boy scouts?

[darth vader]

ps it's a full time commitment, you're just expected to show up on a part time basis in peace time.

[j2buttonsw]

Have you considered the girl guides?

[tartanwiz]

Louis - which is it that bothers you? Having to get your hair cut, or the fact that women don't have to get theirs cut? Which do you want - women to get their hair cut short, or men to be allowed to grow theirs? If you want women to be forced to get a short back and sides, you're up against a stone wall. If you want men to be allowed to grow girly hippy locks, find other men who agree with you and try to start a campaign, but I think you'll find you're pretty much alone. Still, you're entitled to your opinion and your feelings.

[Louis]

See still no valid reasons which is what I was looking for! I am saddened that there wasn't any originality in the replies 'girlie hippy locks'! Come on people! I thought this site might have generated some intelligent responses! I was merely asking if anyone knew a reason behind this 'rule'! The hygiene thing, that goes for all aspects as hygiene is very important to sustain! I'm fine with tying my hair back whilst I am on duty! And if I was called up to serve full time in a war zone I would get it cut! But whilst I am only part time at present then surely it shouldn't govern my whole life! Thanks to those who gave reasonable answers! I want to be able to help people, so I have some thinking to do about which way! Maybe I could donate my hair to a wig company when I cut it off! :) Peace!

[rekstout]

I believe that it is still the case that women are excluded from front-line duties in the armed forces where something like long hair could be a hazard during combat (floppy fringes in the way, grabbing during hand to hand etc). Also, as a medic I would have thought that long hair was a no no anyway etc.

It is also worth remembering that the duties of the TA include a heavy element of "presence" in many countries where we are policing - many cultures still see long hair on men as a being very wrong and one would have a far harder time trying to negotiate with locals with "woman's hair".

My final point would be that as previously mentioned those are the rules and the point of being in the forces is that rules are adhered to to instil a culture of obedience - I would not want to be in a firefight and issue and order to someone only to be asked "why?" - it may seem a large leap but I believe it is a valid - if long - progression.

[tartanwiz]

Sorry about the 'girly hippy locks' - just being ironic. I had long hair myself in my teens, but got it cut when I joined the TA and I didn't let it bother me.

[andy hughes]

It's not so much your view on long hair, which is perfectly valid, as your vocifourous questioning of army regulations, which I again advise suggests that maybe miliary life, even on a part-time basis, may not suit you. the army likes people who say "Yes". They hammer people who say "No", and they tend to make life very uncomfortable for people who say "Why?" perhaps you shoud consider using your skills in another organisation.

[tartanwiz]

Hey, Louis - you say the Dutch army grow their hair long? When was the last time the Dutch won a war? And who won the English Civil War - the short-haired Roundheads or the floppy-locked Cavaliers?

[Philtaz]

Women may have long hair but when I was serving they stll had to have it 'off the collar' or tied up in a bun. You have to shave your beard because when there is an NBC strike and you have to don your respirator it will be about as much use as a handbrake on a canoe because there will not be an airtight seal around your face.

[david small]

Get you'r air cut you orrible little man. Conform dear Sir, individuals need not apply. Besides curlers would cause lumps in your beret.

[woofgang]

Louis, I am presuming that no-one twisted your arm up behind your back and made you join...if you wnat to belong to any organisation and reap the benefits, there will be rules, its a case of put up or shut up. PS Andy hughes, actually i am female...I just have a big gob and an uncompromising attitude :-)