Hair grooming standards have changed significantly throughout society since the U.S. military enforced the first regulations on hair length in 1801. The Navy should update its policies to keep pace with that change.

The Navy’s Grooming Standards Must Evolve

Revising the Navy’s grooming standards to allow men greater choice in hairstyles could help address the service’s recruiting and retention crisis.

Chief Petty Officer Andrew Hamm, U.S. Navy
March 2025
When crew members sleep well, their bodies and minds are less stressed, and they can maintain effective physical performance. This makes missions safer and more successful.

To Make Missions Safer, Just Turn Out the Lights

Sleep-skills programs that focus on circadian rhythms and available light can be the foundation of a sound sleep-management strategy.

Petty Officer Second Class Bruno Felberg Borges, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve
February 2025
Chief Warrant Officer Michael S. Adams (shown here preflighting a T-34C at NAS Whiting Field) finished pilot primary flight training under the Active Duty Flying CWO Pilot Program. The program was discontinued in 2013.

Bring Back the Flying Warrants

Enlisted Prize Essay Contest—Third Prize, Sponsored by USAA. The Sea Services should once again create a path for enlisted personnel to become naval aviators.

Staff Sergeant Joseph Harding, U.S. Marine Corps
January 2025
The Navy needs innovation to maintain superiority, but innovation cannot exist without bold sailors who are willing to embrace risk and face failure. Here, a new chief petty officer is saluted during a pinning ceremony.

The Enlisted Evaluation Needs a Boldness Performance Trait

Enlisted Prize Essay Contest—First Prize, Sponsored by USAA. A risk-averse culture has taken root in the Sea Services, and its consequences could be significant if global conflict materializes.

Petty Officer Second Class Dustin Evans, U.S. Navy
November 2024
U.S. Naval Submarine School students go through surface survival training at the school’s Pressurized Submarine Escape Training facility as part of Basic Enlisted Submarine School in July 2024. Submarine sailors should train with escape systems more frequently to master their last best chance for survival in combat.

The Submarine Force Must Increase Escape Training

Navy submarine sailors should train with submarine escape systems more frequently to master their last best chance for survival in combat.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Harris, U.S. Navy
October 2024
A chief boatswain’s mate evaluates recruits during basic seamanship training at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, Illinois. Training to develop character and instill technical competence starts at RTC and continues throughout a sailor’s career. Chiefs help to promote sailors by assisting the commanding officer to provide effective documentation of performance.

The Master Chief’s Short Guide to Evaluations

Enlisted evaluations communicate the commanding officer’s appraisal of an individual’s performance to the sailor and to selection and screening boards.

Master Chief Petty Officer David Fogel, U.S. Navy Reserve
September 2024