Appearance While Wearing the Army JROTC Uniform

The following is taken from Cadet Command Regulation 145-2.

1.  Uniforms must present a neat and clean appearance. Loose strings will be cut from the uniform. No jewelry, watch chains, combs, checkbooks, pens, pencils or similar items will appear exposed on uniforms. The Army uniform will not be mixed with civilian clothing. Bulky items in pockets distract from the uniform. While in uniform, Cadets will not place their hands in their pockets except momentarily to place or retrieve items.

2. JROTC is a uniformed organization which is judged, in part, by how a Cadet wears a prescribed uniform and maintains his/her personal appearance. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by all Cadets is fundamental to JROTC and contributes to building the pride and esprit essential to an effective Corps of Cadets.

3. Hair Styles. Many hairstyles are acceptable, as long as they are neat and conservative. Hair will be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar. Lines or designs will not be cut into the hair or scalp. If dyes, tints, or bleaches are used, colors used must be natural to human hair and not present an extreme appearance. Applied hair colors which are prohibited include, but are not limited to, purple, blue, and pink, green, orange, bright (fire-engine) red, and fluorescent or neon colors. It is the responsibility of Instructors to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable, based upon the overall effect on Cadets’ appearance.

4. Males. Sideburns will be neatly trimmed. The base will not be flared and will be a clean-shaven, horizontal line. Sideburns will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening. The face will be clean-shaven, except for permitted mustaches. Males are not authorized to wear braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted, individual parts of hair) while in uniform. Hair that is clipped closely or shaved to the scalp is authorized.

5.  Females. Hairstyles will not interfere with proper wearing of military headgear. Hair holding ornaments (barrettes, pins, clips), if used, must be transparent or similar in color to hair, and will be inconspicuously placed. Beads or similar ornamental items are not authorized. Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative and the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity or when standing in formation. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, so that no free-hanging hair is visible.

6. Fingernails. Cadets will keep fingernails clean and neatly trimmed so as not to interfere with performance of duty. Females may wear polish that is not exaggerated, faddish, or of extreme coloring (such as purple, gold, blue or white) while in uniform. It is the responsibility of  instructors to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable, based upon the overall effect on Cadets’ appearance.

1. Hygiene and Tattoos. Cadets are expected to maintain good hygiene while in uniform. Tattoos are authorized except in areas of the body which would cause the tattoo to be exposed while in Class A uniform. Tattoos or brands that are extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are prohibited, regardless of location on the body, as they are prejudicial to good order and discipline within the unit, the school, and the community.