Hi guys,
Just looking for a bit of guidance about if having stretched ears is against any regulations? I know that male cadets aren’t aloud to wear ear rings but what about if the stretched piercing is worn without any jewellery in? Does anyone have experience with this? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.
It’s against the rules of taste and decency.
It is a question which deserves to be escalated.
The wording in AP1358C regarding body piercing is:[quote=“ACP1358C”]0155. All Personnel. Where any part of the body, other than the ear lobe for women, has been pierced or prepared, whether for any ring, stud or sleeper, no such items are to be worn when on duty. Similarly, when not in uniform but on duty or representing the ACO, the wearing of body piercing jewellery, trinkets or rings etc is not permitted, nor at any time when it may be seen to hold the ACO in disrepute or adversely reflect upon the RAF. This ruling includes tongue studs.[/quote]
There is a clear intention in the latter part to prevent any appearance which “may be seen to hold the ACO in disrepute or adversely reflect upon the RAF”. Body modifications such as those in question would certainly fall into that category and I cannot imagine that they would be permitted.
Pretty sure there’s a CRO which says that in the event of this you have to remove the cadet or member of staff’s head with the correct pattern RAF officer’s sword.
Hope this helps.
Just to further my question what action would you take against a cadet/ staff member with stretched piercings?
[quote=“wager” post=1344]Just to further my question what action would you take against a cadet/ staff member with stretched piercings?[/quote]It is very difficult to say for certain in the absence of a clear regulation on the matter.
If it were a cadet I would be very reticent about allowing them to attend any cadet activity away from the squadron or being present on formal inspections.
If it were a CI then I can’t see an issue with it. I believe however that such modifications would be incompatible with a uniformed staff role.
To be honest I would hand it up to the WSO and/or WWO. Get a clear yay/nay from on high and then discuss with the party in light of the ruling.
I’m not convinced on that option tbh. What “rule book” are they going to refer to, and if they can make an arbitary decision so can the OC.
i came across such a Cadetb on Camp at RIAT.
he had a significant stretch (10mm+) taking it out when “on duty” and only wore it when in civies
he knew the rules and abided by them
i think we had a thread on this in the old forum, i do recall mention of a “skin coloured” plug to offer some form of discretion
If they abide by the normal rules ie wear plaster until healed and then remove from their ear until as and when needed, carry on. Speaking as a former WO, why on earth you’d want to make more of it than that I don’t know?
This has probably been done as a shock tactic on parents or their mate(s) have done it and or as a fashion statement. In the case of cadets, teens doing their thing to get a reaction. Best move is not to make a huge thing of it as it lessens the effect, just stick to the book.
Reminds of the 70s when punk was all the rage and hair changed colour/style and some quite odd piercing adornments. I remember lads having a Mohican our SWO was unimpressed, a few shaving their heads to be sknheads and I remember a girl who went goth and kept her hair jet black for about 18 months until she moved to something new.
Have seen a few of them on various Sqn, as well as a brother with stretches so large he can fit a snooker cue through it.
In the past the cadets have raised it with the Cdt NCOs and they have raised it with staff to make them aware and then a reasonable agreement of no stretch is to be worn in uniform.
Word of warning if you are looking at them yourself if you stretch beyond 8mm (sometimes 10-12 if you are lucky) it will stay like that for ever. Most people who stay below 8mm have had them close back over after time.
Massive pink plaster.
That should dissuade others from doing it.
Nah, sneak up beind them and put one of these on them
I had a baby Sgt on a DI course a few years ago when I went to help at ATF who had their ear lobes stretched. I too was unclear on this; however the ATF staff said this was fine. Just nothing was to be placed in the holes.
However, if this is a Cadet who is considering doing this form of modern fashion to themselves I would perhaps suggest to them that the RAF or any other service wouldn’t touch them as it doesn’t appear to be professional .
Hope this helps, hit the ‘THANK YOU’ button if so… 
I have a similar situation with a cadet, if it is removed there is a gaping hole in her ear and it stands out and looks stupid. you can get flesh coulored plugs that arent obvious that there being worn. until there is something in print from hqac you just need to use your judgment and check what your wwo says
Why is that your problem? If they want to look stupid, let them look stupid.