APPEARANCE:

Each soldier must comply with military regulations on appearance. Your uniform should be neatly pressed and clean, boots polished, and you must have an overall neat appearance.. You must be in the prescribed uniform and with the proper equipment for the training being conducted. You will be notified in advance of this uniform.

Male hair grooming standards are listed below:

Hair must be neatly cut off the ears and must not touch the collar of your shirt.

Sideburns must not be lower than the bottom of the ear opening.

Beards are not authorized except under the guidelines of a valid shaving profile.

Mustaches must be neat and not extend beyond the lower lip.

Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in your being charged with an unexcused absence.

EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITY: You will be issued personal clothing (uniforms) and other military equipment that you are required to maintain. This clothing and equipment is for use during training and is not for your personal use. It is your responsibility to ensure that this equipment is maintained in a suitable condition and that it is safeguarded. If you lose or damage a piece of equipment through your own neglect, you may expect to have to pay for it. To ensure that you have all the equipment that you were issued, you will be required to periodically bring it in for a showdown inspection. Whenever you leave the unit, you must turn-in this equipment before you are officially released.

READING THE BULLETIN BOARD: It is recommended that every soldier read the unit bulletin board each day of drill or Annual Training. Some of the information that you will find on the bulletin board is the training schedule, policies and procedures that you are required to follow, and information pertaining to benefits and privileges.

KEEPING THE UNIT INFORMED: You are required to always keep the unit informed as to any changes in your residence or telephone number, or providing the name, address and phone number of someone who will always be able to get in touch with you. You are also required to inform the unit of any major changes in your civilian life that could affect your membership in the Guard, for example: marital or dependency status, change of employers, etc. Feel free to contact the unit at any time, 24 hours a day. Unit operating hours during the week are Tuesday through Friday, 0700 to 1700 hours, however, the unit has an answering machine and all messages will be returned promptly.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Some of your opportunities for professional development as a member of the Washington Army National Guard are explained on page 43.

PHYSICAL FITNESS & WEIGHT CONTROL:

MAINTAINING YOUR DEPLOYABILITY STATUS: All soldiers must meet the mandatory personnel readiness requirements prior to individual or unit movement within the continental United States (CON US) and to or from overseas. The unit will identify and closely monitor all soldiers for circumstances that may preclude their deployment and will assist in any way possible to remedy these situations as necessary. Some of the major areas affecting your deployability are listed below:

Maintaining up-to-date personnel records and documents (SGLI, DD Form 93, etc.).

Having a current panographic (dental) x-ray on file.

Maintaining a current physical examination:

Every 5 years for soldiers under age 40 Every 2 years for soldiers over age 40

Having a current screening test for the HIV antibody (within 5 years)

Having a valid Family Care Plan on file if required.

Having an up-to-date will and/or power of attorney if desired (optional).

Maintaining an appropriate level of physical fitness and weight control.

Remaining proficient in your MOS and common soldier task skills.

Maintaining active participation with the unit at all training assemblies.