AR 670-1

AR 670-1
Name	AR 670-1
Caption	U.S. Army uniform regulation
Jurisdiction	United States Army
Type	Army regulation

AR 670-1 is the United States Army regulation that prescribes standards for wear and appearance of Army uniforms, insignia, and personal grooming. It sets detailed policy linking uniform components, authorized devices, and Grooming and Personal Appearance Standards for soldiers serving under commands such as United States Army Forces Command, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, and United States Army Materiel Command. The regulation interacts with directives from Secretary of Defense, guidance from Chief of Staff of the Army, and policy considerations arising in contexts like deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Overview

The regulation defines authorized uniforms, accessories, and insignia for service members assigned to formations including 1st Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division, and 18th Airborne Corps. It establishes uniformity for units such as 82nd Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, United States Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), and institutions like United States Military Academy and United States Army War College. The text references organizational authorities like the Department of the Army and senior leaders such as the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army in directing implementation across garrisons in Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, and Fort Benning.

History and Revisions

The regulation evolved through revisions influenced by policymakers including Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara reforms, cultural shifts seen during periods such as the Vietnam War, and legal decisions involving Uniform Code of Military Justice matters. Major revisions occurred alongside uniform changes implemented during administrations of President Ronald Reagan and President Barack Obama, and with administrative actions by Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy. The document's updates have been discussed in hearings before the United States Congress and shaped by advisory input from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and veterans groups including the American Legion.

Uniform and Appearance Regulations

The regulation prescribes authorized wear of combat uniforms used by units such as III Corps, XVIII Airborne Corps, and staff at U.S. Army Europe bases, and service uniforms displayed by ceremonial organizations like the Old Guard (United States Army) and bands under the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own". It details insignia placement for shoulder sleeve insignia of commands including U.S. Army Pacific and qualification badges such as those issued by United States Army Airborne School, United States Army Ranger School, and United States Army Special Forces. The regulation integrates guidance on occupational uniforms worn by personnel assigned to institutions like Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and agencies such as the Defense Logistics Agency.

Insignia, Badges, and Insignia Wear

Rules cover wear of decorations awarded by entities including the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and service medals like the Purple Heart. It prescribes placement for badges from courses such as Combat Diver Qualification Course, awards from competitions like the International Military Sports Council, and unit insignia for formations such as 1st Cavalry Division and 3rd Infantry Division. Guidance also addresses emblems associated with alliances and exercises such as NATO operations and multinational training events like Operation Atlantic Resolve.

Grooming and Personal Appearance Standards

Grooming standards apply to soldiers across occupational specialties from aviators trained at United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence to medics assigned to Walter Reed. The regulation details hair length and styles in relation to roles within units like 82nd Airborne Division and positions under commanders such as the Secretary of the Army. It addresses cosmetics and jewelry guidance relevant to personnel serving at installations such as Fort Bragg and during deployments to theaters including CENTCOM and EUCOM areas of responsibility.

Enforcement and Penalties

Commanders at levels from company to theater commands like United States Forces Korea are responsible for enforcing standards, using instruments under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and administrative actions overseen by boards such as the Army Review Boards Agency. Enforcement mechanisms interact with personnel policies from the Adjutant General's Corps and retention decisions influenced by leaders in Human Resources Command. Disciplinary measures have been the subject of litigation in federal courts including decisions by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

Impact and Criticism

The regulation has prompted debate among stakeholders including legislators in the United States Congress, advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, and veterans organizations like the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). Critics have argued about cultural and religious accommodations involving claimants represented before bodies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and litigation in federal district courts. Supporters cite cohesion benefits observed in units like 1st Infantry Division while opponents point to morale and diversity concerns raised in hearings before committees including the House Armed Services Committee.

Category:United States Army regulations