by Emily Luxen
FORT CAMPBELL, KY—The U.S. Army is proposing tightening restrictions on soldiers' appearance, and the possibility is already getting some strong reactions.
The pending changes include: shorter sideburns for men, shorter nails for women, no visible tattoos on the neck, hands or wrist, no visible body piercing's. Army officials say the changes will lead to a more professional appearance for soldiers.
Many soldiers at Fort Campbell support the changes, and say the already abide by most of the rules. However, the possibility of banning tattoos was not as popular.
"I would really like to get more tattoos on my legs and stuff like that," said Fort Campbell soldier Chris Walker, "With new regulations that would prohibit me from doing that."
The possibility of the tighter rules is already bringing a boost in business to the All American Tattoo Company in Clarksville.
"It definitely has people talking," said tattoo artist Niki Pardella, "S lot more people are coming in, they are hearing this rumor. They want to get their sleeves so they can be grandfathered in."
It is still unclear if soldiers with existing tattoos will be grandfathered, or if they will have to remove tattoos deemed inappropriate.
The pending changes are part of the Army Regulation codes. Final tweaking will take place later this month. Final approval comes from Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and Secretary John McHugh.
Complete list of proposed guidelines:
- Shorter sideburns
- Soldiers must be clean shaven on and off duty, even during
leave
- Women will be allowed to put hair in ponytails during
physical training
- Men will be prohibited from wearing cosmetics and nail
polish
- Women may only wear cosmetics "conservatively"
- Women's fingernail length cannot exceed a quarter of an inch,
no fake nails are allowed
- Tattoos cannot be visible above the neckline.
- Tattoos cannot extend below the wrist line, or be on the
hands.
- Sleeve tattoos will be prohibited
- Soldiers will not eat, drink, smoke, or talk on
cellphones while walking
- Army Combat Uniforms will not be commercially pressed,
only hand ironed
- Bags worn over the shoulder must be black or the color
print of the uniform
- No visible body piercings, ear gauging is not allowed
- No dental ornamentation or gold teeth
- Men will be authorized to carry a black umbrella with the
Army Service Uniform
email: eluxen@newschannel5.com
