Earrings and a ponytail.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Matt

I just received word that I am going to be a 1SG (you want a translation, let me know) of a headquarters company (BTW, not to toot a horn, but I'm 29 years old.) I keep seven piercings and three visible tattoos. The tattoos are in reg. The piercings stay, due to my job, and I have an exception to policy (for you Catholics, a dispensation) to have them.

Matt - first, congrats on your assignment (I'm retired Army) and understood everything you said!

I guess one question we need to ask - are you an exception to the rule or the new breed?

I am very conservative in my beliefs and as you know, being that you're in the military, first impressions are important. I'm sure you've had your share of "issues" due to your decisions - and that's natural.

Some (me included) are pre-disposed to their ideas about long hair, facial hair, tatoos, etc. Until the playing field is leveled (in the future, if it ever is) there will always be two sides to this....and there is really no sense trying to talk the other side out of their opinion.

Just my $02.

PS - we have this discussion annually on the basketball referee forum. Same issues.