Within the military itself, there is a lot of strict do’s and don’ts that come with being a representative of the United States military.
As stated directly within the military handbook, AR 670-1, paragraph 3-6a(2)(b), headphones are directly prohibited while in training or outside of a permitted area. When allowed, they need to be discreet, but not wired within the uniform itself.
Being in the military means following strict guidelines to become disciplined and be as professional as possible. There’s so much to know and why this is in place, so here’s some more helpful information to consider.
Can Headphones Be Worn In Uniform?
This is basically a huge no-no. The headphones can’t be worn around the neck or be sticking out. Whether they’re Bluetooth or not, headphones are not permitted beyond designated areas. This goes for the Navy, the Air Force, and so forth. It’s not only a matter of appearing professional but also as a form of discipline as well as not being distracted.
When being in the military, your full attention is required to be able to learn how to better serve and protect your country.
Why Can’t Military Personnel Wear Headphones?
It is under strict military guidelines that military personnel is not allowed to wear headphones without permission. Basically, headphones are a distraction. The military doesn’t want people who don’t listen or are inattentive to orders and protocols. Discipline and rigorous schedules help to create disciplined soldiers who are working to protect their nation. Being distracted by a cellphone and music will drive a wedge into someone’s training.
The undivided attention of recruits is necessary. Seen or unseen, it is important to pay attention when you are learning how to use military weapons, fly a jet, and so many other things that require someone’s focus and ability to execute the job professionally and promptly.
As directed and specifically stated by the Secretary of the Army in an official memo, it states: “Effective immediately, unless the unit or installation commander prohibits otherwise, Soldiers may use headphones, including wireless or none-wireless devices and earpieces, in uniform only while performing individual physical training in indoor gyms or fitness centers.
Soldiers may not wear headphones beyond the permitted area in any manner, including around the neck or attached to the uniform. Headphones will be conservative and discreet.
Earpads will not exceed 1-1/2 inches in diameter at the widest point. Soldiers may wear electronic devices, such as music players or cell phones, as prescribed in AR 670-1, paragraph 3-6a(2)(b). They may also wear a solid black armband for electronic devices in the gym or fitness center. Soldiers may not wear the armband beyond the permitted area.”
Where Headphones Can And Can’t Be Worn
The number of places that military personnel can wear headphones is limited. Really, it’s only in their off-time as well as menial training that don’t require rigorous attention or orders. It’s entirely fine if you are in your bunk and taking a break that you can listen to music or podcast or whatever you can a cellphone, iPod, iPad, Walkman, or whatever the listening device of choice is.
It’s the same as if you were making a phone or video calls. If you are running or exercising in the gym, soldiers are required to wear a black armband to hold the device. Black is the mandatory color for the casing and should be discreetly put away when done exercising.
When in training, even discreet headphones are most definitely not allowed. Headphones should not be slung around the neck or sticking out anywhere when being in an exercise. Some commanders may change the regulations based on their own discretion as to when headphones can be used in certain exercises.
However, this changes according to each branch of the military. Such as the Navy doesn’t allow Bluetooth devices or over-the-ear devices, which can inhibit hearing orders and such.
When out on duty, the regulations are a little looser, but different. Cellphones are now allowed on base, which allows trainees to listen to music in their leisure. Cellphone regulations change when soldiers are out on duty. They can be easily tracked off of signals, so the military tends to provide specific radios and cellphones that are most often encrypted and closely monitored to prevent problems or unwanted attacks.
What Type Of Headphones Are And Aren’t Acceptable
According to the military handbook, headphones cannot exceed one and a half inches in diameter. Wearing headphones that are either in-ear or over the ear have to be according to guidelines. If someone happened to get reprimanded, the guidelines may be changed at the discretion of the commander or even the Secretary of the Army if that is necessary.
Again, it is entirely dependent on what the commander says, and the places that are designated and allowed for headphones to be worn openly when appropriate.
When on duty, it depends on what branch you are in whether you can wear headphones or not. The tours soldiers take are important, and being vigilant is a learned aspect that requires direction and discipline; headphones do not allow for this to happen. Most movies don’t exactly tell the whole story or truth. Depending on the level of threat apparent and what the job is, that is whether headphones are permitted or not.
Punishments For Wearing Headphones Inappropriately
Whoever is caught wearing headphones in an area that isn’t designated for headphone use, or caught wearing headphones while in uniform, may be subject to administrative or disciplinary action. Not necessarily something to fear, but not anything to be taken lightly. There isn’t anything explicitly stating exactly what happens when being disciplined for inappropriate headphone use.
It’s okay to ask questions when being disciplined and make sure to understand what the regulations are. Everything is, of course, at the discretion of the commander, and what times and areas are appropriate for music. It may seem odd to have rules regarding headphones but in the military, everything is managed to keep everyone in line and to decrease distraction.