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Being A Veteran With Long Hair
Long Hair and the Marine Corps Don’t Mix
This year marked ten years since I last went to war. As I reflect on who I was then, 21-year-old Sergeant Mejia of 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, I don’t think that guy would have ever believed he would someday be a veteran with long hair.
Who The Frick Am I?
One of many things the Marine Corps excels at is stripping you of who you were before joining up, and baking your identity as a Marine right down to your core. You’re a Marine first, and everything else gets filtered through that lens.
A lot of Marines struggle with that fact after leaving the service. I definitely did.
I decided to leave the Marine Corps in January 2013. Since then I’ve slowly but surely pieced together who I am now, while gaining some insight as to who I want to become. Part of that picture is being a veteran with long hair.
What Is Veterans Day Exactly?
Formerly known as “Armistice Day” to commemorate the end of World War 1, November 11 was renamed “Veterans Day” in 1954 to acknowledge all who have honorably served in the United States Military.
This holiday shouldn’t be confused with Memorial Day, which honors people who died during their service, or Armed Forces Day, which is about celebrating people who are still actively serving in the military.
In the past, I was often troubled by some individuals (and especially companies), for whom Veterans Day is just a quick nod to those who wore a uniform, and perhaps an opportunity to move some inventory.
As I’ve matured I’ve come to realize that Veterans Day is for the veterans.
Ok captain obvious.
What I mean is that it’s hard to expect people to celebrate something they didn’t experience, and cannot truly relate to. Should I demand praise from someone who doesn’t understand, for something nobody asked me to do? If that doesn’t quite sit right, perhaps this day only needs to be meaningful to me and other veterans.
Enter The Hair
About four years ago, I decided being a veteran will always be a part of me, but it shouldn’t be the only part of me. I shouldn’t let my veteran status dictate how I act, or how I look.
As a 27-year-old private military contractor, I was starting to feel like a stereotype. You could tell I was a veteran by how I dressed, how I spoke, and definitely how I groomed myself.
I finally decided to let it ride and try something new. I let my beard grow and the hair soon followed. That simple little decision ended up being a huge influence on my life.
Things no longer had to fit in my rigid little box of identity. After making it through the awkward stage and loving how I looked with my epic mane, I grew an appreciation for new experiences all together.
I’m A Veteran With Long Hair
While no one will mistake me for a Marine these days, I realized I am still the same guy at my core. Just like being former military, long hair is part of my identity, but not the only part.
When I meet other veterans growing long hair, and especially Marines, I feel like there’s another level of understanding and shared identity. We’re still veterans, only now we’re veterans with long hair.
Are you a veteran with long hair? What are your thoughts? Please share in the comments.
Comments
2nd Recon AR Fallujah 2006. RIP Bix, Zman, and the rest.
It’s good to have a Recon Marine on your team.
Thank you for your service, El Sicario!
This blog helps me as a civilian get an insight to your perspective as a veteran AND a longhair. Pumped to know you as you are
Love you buddy!
I see you almost daily but never truly knew what the long hair meant to you. While I’m not a veteran, I connected with the fact that the journey to long hair definitely challenged the idea of my own identity as well. Thanks for sharing El Sicario!
You’re my long hair day 1 bro!
As a fellow vet and long hair I can appreciate finding that identity in a look that breaks from the expected. Enjoy your day brother!!
Thanks for reading Josh. Hope you had a good one too
AMEN, brother, AMEN!
AMEN!
My brothers, I salute you this Veterans Day! WE served for the sake of all people. In my view, while our hair doesn’t define us nor make us less patriotic, we have the right to choose it. I will always be thankful for that.
Ex-British Army here, totally relate to all of this. Happy Veterans Day from across the pond 🤙🏻
I had the pleasure of working with some British warriors in Sangin Valley and I was able to provide support for an SBS unit on another occasion. Needless to say, British and American veterans are cut from the same cloth.
Vikings
Skål!
Brother, you just said a lot that I feel but couldn’t put into words. As a Marine of 20 years (1997-2017) who’s been retired for five years now, I still struggle with finding who I am. I’ve come to find that nobody understands a veteran like another veteran and nobody understand a Marine like another Marine. We walk parallel paths but they’re all just a little different.
Growing my hair out for me has been a little bit of a path of self discovery. I feel like it allows me to set that chapter of my life behind me. It’s still there, it’s still part of my story, but it’s not all that I am.
Semper Fidelis Brother
Semper Fi! We’re a rare breed. Thanks for reading.
US Army Veteran with long hair here!
Hooah. I had the pleasure of getting airborne qualified when I was a corporal so I always say I’m 1% soldier.
Great post and thank you for your service. Keep rocking the locks and the beard, brother!
Roger that Trevor! Thanks for reading
Awesome story! I am also a Marine Corps vet with long hair. Let it ride and Semper Fi!
Let it ride and SEMPER FI!
I’m also a Marine with long hair and this all rang true. Thanks man and cheers happy Veterans Day.
Thanks for reading. Hope you had a good one!
Nothing says “badass warrior” like a big guy with long hair and a beard.
Thanks for reading!
I was a long hair before entering the Navy and serving in the mid 70s, early 80s. That was just the style of the day and somewhat of a way to express a break with establishment norms of our parents.
After 6 years in the military, nearly 40 years of service in a corporate world career required me to give up the mane to fit the “dress for success” image.
I’m less than a year away from retirement now and during the pandemic, decided to let it flow. Grooming standards in the corporate world have relaxed over the years, especially during Covid. I’ve also developed a reputation for professionalism and high ethical standards in my line of work, so those that know me choose not to judge the book by it’s cover.
For me, letting it grow at this age is about a couple of things, the fact I’m fortunate enough that with a full head of hair, I still can 🙂 but it’s also a re-affirmation of who I was before the military, and my time in the corporate world.
Happy Veteran’s Day to all the Vets out there.
Thanks for reading Dave! I’m glad there are longhairs like you out there setting the standard and showing the world we are just a professional as the rest.