Discipline in the Army: Significance of Uniformity & Professionalism

Introduction

The origin of the army uniform begins in 1786 in which the times were very confusing for the soldiers as there was a shortage of blue clothing leading to several individuals having to wear brown, black, and gray. This essay discusses the importance of discipline in the army, which is reflected in Army Regulation 670-1 and its guidelines for maintaining a professional appearance, such as the proper wear of the uniform, the hairstyle and grooming policies, and the proper use of electronics. Since then there have been many revisions including the unification of officer and enlisted uniform the now returning pinks and greens, each revision maintained a purpose to better and build upon what was already there with sound reasoning eventually falling to our present-day operational camouflage pattern created in 2015. From the humble beginnings to our now uniformed and tactically operational attire is a grand testament to our nation as a whole but traditions and values have been placed down and should never be forgotten. The current wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignias can be found in Army Regulation 670-1.

The purpose as of the Army Regulation 670-1 is designated as the maintenance and measurement of professionalism. The individual soldier should have a sense of personal pride. The uniform is an essential component of the esprit de corps and morale within the unit as well as our own section. Leadership be it any level maintain a responsibility to ensure the implementation as well as the application of the standards contained within the army regulation as to maintain the best interest of the army, including the passage of our shared traditions and customs. This army regulation withholds the authorization of wear, composition, and classification of uniforms, as well as the appropriate occasions for the use of said uniforms. The regulation standards hold the uniforms, insignias as well as accouterments authorized for use. It also holds general information on the authorized material and design of uniforms and the quality control system they must pass. This is a summarization of the set purpose of 670-1. Uniforms in a broader aspect are meant to signify others of their presence. While at work in my scrubs I am noticeably asked more for help with directions or other various tasks. How I handle these situations is a direct perception of LRMC as a whole and in the same way, the army uniform carries the same weight for the army as a whole and so with that weight there comes pride in one's self and ones actions.

I have failed to meet certain aspects to meet a complete uniform or adequate professional appearance and so I will dictate as Army Regulation 670-1 prescribes the correct wear and appearance. One deficit of appearance which I failed to remediate is my hair. In general appearance, there is leniency with hairstyles as long as they meet a neat and conservative appearance. The decision ultimately falls upon the leadership to enforce good judgment in the necessity to maintain overall uniformity within the military population. The use of headgear ranging from various uniforms must be kept in mind during the judgment of acceptable hairstyles. Dyes may be used but must be of natural hair color, any that detract from professional military appearance are prohibited. Designs shaved into the scalp are also prohibited. The specifications for male haircuts are more accurately described, the top must be neatly groomed and the bulk must not be excessive to exceed a neat and conservative appearance. The sides should present a tapered appearance one in which the outline of the hair conforms to the shape of the head. When combed the hair should not exceed the ears or the eyebrows as well as not touch the collar of the uniform the exception being the closely cut hair at the nape. Braids, cornrows, twists, and dreadlocks are prohibited in uniform as well as in civilians on duty. Hair that is completely shaved or trimmed close to the scalp is authorized. Sideburns must not be lower than the bottom of the ear hole as well as exceeding 18th of an inch when fully extended, they must also not be flared or pointed. Soldiers will also have to maintain a clean-shaven face while in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Mustaches are allowed but they are prohibited from concealing the upper lip or be perceived as bushy or choppy, the mustache must also fall in line with the ends of the mouth and be maintained neat and orderly.

Uniform : Discipline in army (essay)

All personnel should maintain a high standard of professionalism when representing the army in any uniform ensuring the uniform fits properly. The uniform should also be clean, serviceable roll-pressed as necessary. A soldier's uniform should signify that they live by a common military standard and uphold military order and discipline. Keys or chains are prohibited with few exceptions approved by the commander in certain actions such as quarters, armorer, duty officer, or noncommissioned officer. Electronics may be worn such as a cellular device but the size must not exceed a government-issued electronic device. The device must also be black in color and if cords must be attached they need to be concealed. Keys, chains, or electronics must be approved by the commander. Soldiers must not walk in a way that hinders military standing or professionalism. Soldiers cannot eat and walk, use electronics, smoke of any kind, and use of earpieces (wireless or wired) are prohibited in uniform with the exception of hands-free devices while operating a personal, commercial, or military vehicle. Unless prohibited by the unit or senior commander earphones may be used in individual physical training. While in uniform soldiers may not place their hands with their pockets unless momentarily to place or retrieve objects. All aspects of the uniform will remain secure as in all buttons with buttoned, zippers zipped, as well as snapped properly. The shoes of an individual while in uniform must maintain a clean appearance. As for the army physical fitness uniform, it is allowed on or off duty as well as on or off base with the commander's approval. There are several restrictions the PT clothes such as for commercial travel, on off-post establishments other than for essential items as gas, social or official functions off base such as memorial services, funerals, weddings, inaugurals, patriotic ceremonies, commanders my also further restrict the physical fitness uniforms limitations.

The importance of discipline in the army as the uniform is staggering and is much more than one's initial appearance but a long tradition which has changed with time but very much holds to the ideals of discipline and respect. It alone signifies the army values as well as uniformity which is a major tool within the army to which betters one's discipline. Self-discipline is addressed and taught at the lowest levels and which the basis is the uniform. Self-discipline must be instilled as it refines an individual’s reaction to do the right thing initially, a skill essential to leadership. The uniform for the day's task at hand is simply the basis for the soldier's overall mentality and essential to instill into the lower enlisted for proper tradition as well to further the understanding and need behind it. The uniform can also be used as a marker to identify soldiers who may need to be corrected. An unkempt uniform is an issue with possible underlying tones which need to be addressed. A uniform kept orderly and clean is a sign of effort brought forward by the soldier of which may receive praise.

By listing the correct wear appearance of the uniforms I have gained more understanding than before in uniform regulations and I will ensure that this deficit will not happen again. The army service uniform is in fact a matter of pride. I have made a decision to strive and help others by enlisting just as the rest of my fellow soldiers. I had lost sight and needed to recognize the impacts of my actions and that I am a soldier first and my specialization simply followed. I had grown complacent and that is inexcusable and unfair to my fellow peers and superiors who have which maintained their military professionalism. I understand that military uniform is now directly connected to soldier morale and that my actions are inexcusable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of uniformity vastly exceeded my expectations as well as inspiring to remain prideful of my appearance not just for myself but for my leadership who also understand its importance as well as my new peers assist in their understanding as to better themselves and the unit as whole. I must uphold professionalism and military standard and I would like to formally apologize especially with current events of team building in not just failing to provide solutions but hindering my peers by failing to provide a proper example to follow. I will ensure that I have ready uniforms for the day’s task at hand the day prior as well that I set an appointment for haircuts every other week to maintain my orderly appearance. I will not fail to meet the army orderly appearance standards.