Should I wear cologne in my military uniform?
- Thread starter Kano
- Start date
I'm surprised that it would be allowed. But imho, no cologne with cammies.
I have no reason to say so, but I tend to agree with Rich.
The active duty guys might have something else to say but I never wore cologne or a scented after shave when I was in uniform. It somehow struck me as vaguely unprofessional. It also made it seem like more of a transition when I put some cologne on when I was on liberty.
I can only address the Navy aspect. YMMV.
While Navy regulations don't specifically prohibit the wearing of aftershave or cologne, both are forbidden to be brought in to Boot Camp, and are confiscated if brought.
Wearing of Cologne or Aftershave in other than Field Gear is generally acceptable by most OICs, as long as it is not overpowering.
Most OICs frown on any scent whatsoever in Field Gear, meaning Utilities or Working Uniforms.
While Navy regulations don't specifically prohibit the wearing of aftershave or cologne, both are forbidden to be brought in to Boot Camp, and are confiscated if brought.
Wearing of Cologne or Aftershave in other than Field Gear is generally acceptable by most OICs, as long as it is not overpowering.
Most OICs frown on any scent whatsoever in Field Gear, meaning Utilities or Working Uniforms.
As an active duty Army Captain I can say confidently that Army regulations for the wear and appearance of the uniform (which do cover things like hair styles, nail polish colors for female soldiers, etc.) don't mention after shave, cologne, perfume, smell or scent. Thats in AR 670-1.
That being said, I once overheard a First Sergeant tell a young soldier that a good rule of thumb was that if the guy standing to your left or right in formation can smell you... you either need to "wash your a** or cut back on your f***'n cologne". Spoken like only a guy with a hard earned diamond in his chevron could do.
I was a PFC at the time and I've followed that rule ever since.
That being said, I once overheard a First Sergeant tell a young soldier that a good rule of thumb was that if the guy standing to your left or right in formation can smell you... you either need to "wash your a** or cut back on your f***'n cologne". Spoken like only a guy with a hard earned diamond in his chevron could do.
I was a PFC at the time and I've followed that rule ever since.
- Thread starter
- #7
May I suggest Witch Hazel?
- Thread starter
- #9
I have a hazy memory of being run through a gauntlet of DIs who were armed with squirt bottle full of Aqua Velva on the day I was graduated from boot camp. They had collected up all the stuff from the list of items we had to purchase from the exchange with our script.
During the remainder of my career, the terms for any sort of cologne or After Shave that was applied before liberty or when donning Blues for a social affair were "Foo Foo water" or "Smell Nice Device".
The only scents I wore when wearing the tree suit were DEET and CLP, and Eau De CS once or twice a year.
For your scentless AS, I'd agree with Witch Hazel, and I like Bigelow #1200 balm.
Thanks for your service.
During the remainder of my career, the terms for any sort of cologne or After Shave that was applied before liberty or when donning Blues for a social affair were "Foo Foo water" or "Smell Nice Device".
The only scents I wore when wearing the tree suit were DEET and CLP, and Eau De CS once or twice a year.
For your scentless AS, I'd agree with Witch Hazel, and I like Bigelow #1200 balm.
Thanks for your service.
Kvanhorn,
Get your a** over to the General Discussion Thread and get your Active Duty Tag soldier! LOL
Get your a** over to the General Discussion Thread and get your Active Duty Tag soldier! LOL
sounds weird, we were never allowed to in the I.D.F
dry winds blowing across a desert landscape probably carry the scent of cologne pretty well.
I should qualify my statement above: should be mild enough the guy to your left or right in formation can't smell it... ONLY while you're in garrison. It's just an insanely bad idea for a number of reasons the minute even think of heading to the field...
I would say that you should smell nutral, neither of cologne nor of man smells! just be clean 
+1 for this combo.
There are a lot of unscented ASBs out there, but Bigelow #1200 is the best of the best. Even when B&BW puts it on B1G1 sale, making it $7.50, its still more than Nivea ... but its well worth it, even at full price of $15/100ml.
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I should have quoted earlier. I got what you meant, you spoke of dress uniform. I was actually quoting the IDF issue;
Within the bounds of decency, absolutely. I normally use some manner of scented AS and while out at sea on deployment I and will occasionally use a touch of cologne just enough so I know I am wearing some. Should someone get close enough to notice, well, I hope it brightens there day a little too. It serves as a private bit of civility and respite from the normal grandeur and cavalcade of class that is life underway.
Interestingly enough, I have started getting circumspect questions about aftershaves, it seems that there is some interest in the younger kids in life after Axe.
Interestingly enough, I have started getting circumspect questions about aftershaves, it seems that there is some interest in the younger kids in life after Axe.
The only time I remember wearing a scent in uniform was for a dining in. Then I was in my dress green uniform.
