Army Uniform Policy Updates (2025–2026)
Army Directives amend AR 670-1 between full revisions. These are the current directives changing uniform, grooming, and appearance standards — each with a plain-English explainer.
Army Directive 2025-18: Appearance, Grooming, and Army Body Composition
Army Directive 2025-18 updates appearance, grooming, and body composition standards. Within 30 days of publication, all Soldiers must comply with updated hair, fingernail, and grooming policies while in uniform or on duty in civilian attire. It streamlines the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) and reinforces uniformity and discipline standards.
Army Directive 2025-13: Facial Hair Grooming Standards
Army Directive 2025-13 requires all male Soldiers to be clean-shaven unless granted a medical exception to policy (ETP) or approved religious accommodation. Permanent shaving profiles are prohibited. Medical ETPs follow a phased treatment plan: Phase I (up to 30 days), Phase II (up to 60 days), Phase III (up to 90 days), with optional Phase IV laser treatment. Soldiers must carry their signed ETP when in uniform.
Army Directive 2025-02: Parenthood, Pregnancy, and Postpartum
Army Directive 2025-02 extends the postpartum body composition exemption from 180 to 365 days. Soldiers are exempt from record fitness tests for 365 days and from unit PT for 180 days after pregnancy. Commanders cannot require ASU/AGSU wear during pregnancy or for 365 days postpartum. Birthparents receive a 365-day deployment and training deferment.
Army Directive 2022-09: Soldier Tattoos
Army Directive 2022-09 authorizes one tattoo per hand (max 1 inch), unlimited tattoos between fingers (not visible when closed), one ring tattoo per hand, one tattoo on the back of the neck (max 2 inches), and one tattoo behind each ear (max 1 inch, not extending forward of the ear lobe). Tattoos on the head, face, inside eyelids, mouth, and ears remain prohibited.
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AR670.com is an unofficial reference. Always confirm current policy with your chain of command.