Calculate. Study. Prepare.

Uniforms & Appearance

Your primary reference for Army uniform wear, insignia, grooming and appearance.

• ACU/utility uniform wear and authorized items
• AGSU/service uniform setup and insignia
• Headgear, footwear, badges, tabs and patches
• Civilian clothing rules while on duty/installation

Hair, Mustache & Sideburns

Know the current grooming rules instead of relying on “my old NCO said…”

• Male Soldiers must remain clean-shaven while in uniform/on duty unless an authorized exception applies.
• Mustaches are authorized when maintained within Army standards.
• Sideburns must be trimmed according to current guidance.
• Hair must present a professional appearance and comply with the current directive.

Keep Your Uniform Right

Simple habits that prevent most uniform corrections.

• Keep uniforms clean, serviceable and properly fitted.
• Do not alter the basic design or appearance of regulated uniform items.
• Replace damaged or unserviceable items through authorized channels.
• Verify commercial items are actually authorized before wearing them.

Rank, Name & Unit Items

Know what goes where before formation, inspection or board.

• Know the correct placement for rank and name tapes.
• Know authorized SSI, combat/service patches, tabs and badges.
• Do not mix unauthorized or obsolete insignia into a prescribed uniform.
• Use DA Pam 670-1 for detailed placement diagrams.

Nails, Jewelry & Accessories

Small details are common inspection corrections.

• Keep fingernails within current length and appearance standards.
• Wear only authorized jewelry/accessories with the prescribed uniform.
• Check current directive language before relying on an old pocket guide.

Know the Limits

Tattoo and body-modification policy has changed over time, so use current guidance.

• Do not rely on old tattoo charts or social-media posts.
• Check the current AR 670-1/DA Pam 670-1 and Army directives.
• When in doubt, ask your chain of command or G-1.

Other Regulations Worth Knowing

The “stuff nobody remembers until it matters” shelf.

• AR 600-8-22 — Military Awards
• AR 600-9 — Army Body Composition Program
• AR 600-25 — Salutes, Honors and Visits of Courtesy
• AR 600-8-10 — Leaves and Passes
• AR 600-8-19 — Enlisted Promotions and Reductions

Before Inspection

• Uniform clean, serviceable and correctly fitted
• Correct rank, name, patches, badges and tabs
• Boots/footwear clean and serviceable
• Hair, mustache, sideburns and nails within current standards
• Required headgear and seasonal items present
• No unauthorized items or alterations
• Check local command policy for stricter/mission-specific requirements