Can men wear earrings in the US military?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 16, 2026
The new rules allow male airmen to wear earrings even while on base, provided they are in civilian attire and not performing any military duty. For women, a slightly larger range of ear jewelry is authorized in uniform, per the new rules.
Can men have ears pierced in military?
Off Duty on a Military InstallationMembers are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (includes visible through clothing).
Can military personnel wear earrings?
Earrings can either be screw-on, clip-on, or post-type earrings in gold, silver, or diamond and must be unadorned and spherical without exceeding 6 mm or 1/4 inch in diameter. Pearl earrings are not authorized with the ACU, Sanders said.Can males wear earrings in the Army 2021?
THE EARRING WILL NOT EXCEED 6MM OR ΒΌ-INCH IN DIAMETER, AND THEY MUST BE ADORNED (PLAIN) OR SPHERICAL (ROUND). WHEN WORN, THE EARRINGS WILL FIT SNUGLY AGAINST THE EAR. HOOP, TWO-SIDED, OR DROP EARRINGS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED.Can men wear jewelry in the military?
a. Soldiers may wear a wristwatch, a wrist identification bracelet, and a total of two rings (a wedding set is considered one ring) with Army uniforms, unless prohibited by the commander for safety or health reasons. Any jewelry soldiers wear must be conservative and in good taste.Air Force earring and piercing policy
Can males wear earrings in the Navy?
Earrings still can't be worn by male Sailors in uniform but now are authorized while wearing civilian clothes in a leave or liberty status both on and off military installations or while using government transportation. Earrings are not allowed when performing official duties in civilian attire, the rules say.Can male airmen wear earrings?
Earrings, Backpacks and PT ShirtsThe new rules allow male airmen to wear earrings even while on base, provided they are in civilian attire and not performing any military duty. For women, a slightly larger range of ear jewelry is authorized in uniform, per the new rules.
Why does the US Army not allow beards?
Excluding limited exemptions for religious accommodation, the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps have policies that prohibit beards on the basis of hygiene and the necessity of a good seal for chemical weapon protective masks.Are tattoos allowed in military?
Army Tattoo PolicyEssentially, any visible body tattoos are prohibited. The only exception is one ring tattoo per hand where a regular ring would lie. Leg tattoos must be two inches below or above the knee, and cosmetic Army tattoos must be conservative and are only allowed on women.