What is the maximum length of hair that can be classified as medium?

The maximum length of hair that can be classified as medium is defined by the guideline that it must not extend beyond the lower edge of the collar. This classification is in place to ensure a neat and professional appearance for soldiers, aligning with the overall standards of the Army uniform and grooming policy.

Hair that exceeds this length can be viewed as unkempt or inappropriate within the professional military environment. Maintaining hair at or above this length helps ensure that it does not interfere with the proper wear of headgear or safety equipment, and it supports the Army’s emphasis on uniformity and discipline in appearance.

The other options suggest standards either too lax or too strict, that do not align with the established grooming policies set forth by Army regulations. For example, hair that must extend beyond the collar is considered too long for medium length, and having hair that exceeds 1 inch from the scalp typically relates to a different classification of hairstyle rather than medium. Additionally, while hair must indeed be secured at all times if it is long enough to require it, this requirement does not define what constitutes a medium length hairstyle.