ALCOAST 118/20 - APR 2020 TEMPORARY RELAXATION OF HAIR GROOMING STANDARDS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 04/02/2020 07:31 AM EDT

united states coast guard

R 020724 APR 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01020//
ALCOAST 118/20
COMDTNOTE 1020
SUBJ: TEMPORARY RELAXATION OF HAIR GROOMING STANDARDS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
A. Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6 (series)
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 251009 NOV/ACN 139/19
1. This ALCOAST announces a temporary relaxation of hair grooming standards and
hair length in response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The temporary
policy will remain in effect until rescinded.
2. To maintain force health protection, minimize the risk of transmission among
personnel, and adhere to guidelines published by the Center for Disease Control
and Prevention found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html/,
Commanding Officers and Officers-in-Charge are authorized to temporarily relax
hair grooming standards and hair length in REFs (A) and (B).
    a. Relaxed hair grooming and hair length standards will apply only to the area
of the scalp. Policy guidance in REFs (A) and (B) regarding sideburns, hairstyles
and shaving requirements remain in effect.
    b. Commanders and supervisors may allow for additional hair length and bulk on
the sides, top, and back of the head but must ensure a professional military
appearance is maintained.
    c. At no time, should relaxed grooming standards interfere with the proper
wearing of Coast Guard headgear and/or proper use of protective personal equipment.
3. Good judgement by leaders at all levels of the chain of command should apply to
preserve force health protection during the COVID-19 pandemic response.
4. Policies and standards in REF (A), not specifically addressed in this ALCOAST,
remain unchanged.
5. General policy questions should be addressed to COMDT (CG-1331) at:
HQS-SMB-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
6. Technical or procedural Uniform Manual questions should be addressed to
CWO Alex J. Acevedo at: Alex.J.Acevedo@uscg.mil or (202) 795-6659.
7. RADM J. M. Nunan, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources (CG-1), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.