Look at this haircut. Definitely an attempted self-cut, probably by a jumpy private.
It's the perfect example of what happens when you combine young troops with somewhat arbitrary, totally inflexible rules and regulations.
The one in question being the Marine Corps regulation regarding haircuts: get one every week, usually Sunday, or else.
We've compiled a few of the other most ridiculous customs, courtesies, and regulations for your perusal.
No chilling with hands in your pockets.
The rule about hands in pockets is all about being able to salute, and how one "looks" in uniform with hands in ones pockets.
Yet, during a talk with Marines once in Iraq, former Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent said, "forget the rule, if your hands are cold, put them in your pockets."
Honestly, it's a stupid rule, based off an arbitrary idea that people with hands in their pockets somehow look "nasty" or "unprofessional" or can't John Wayne a salute at a moment's notice.
Reflective belts on EVERYTHING and EVERYONE.
Good lord, honestly, does a soldier need to wear a reflective belt during training out in the woods? Is that really necessary?
It's understandable if he's near road traffic, or in the middle of live-fire training, but other than that, it's absurd to put so many reflective belts on the troops and their gear.
Haircuts every week.
Now, this devil dog likely took to his own head with a set of buzzers for two reasons: saving time, or saving money.
Junior enlisted Marines already don't make much money. Plus, waiting with the other ... entire base-worth of junior Marines ... takes a lot of time out of liberty.
C'mon, is a weekly haircut necessary? Let's try bi-monthly.
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