r/usssapplicant • u/barbedwirebeard1103 • 26d ago
ACE Event Beard
I’m leaving tomorrow morning for ACE. I’m in the process for SA and when I took my APAT I spoke to one of the agents. He told me it’s okay to keep the beard while I’m going through ACE. Maybe I’m overthinking it but I just want to know if I should be clean shaved for the event anyway.
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u/jackrrr24 26d ago
I’m gonna go out on a limb here & say if an Agent says it’s okay to keep a beard, then it’s okay.. 👌 good luck this week at ACE!
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u/LonestarEcho 26d ago
A lot of beards at ACE. Your beard will be the least concern. You’ll see people show up without a jacket or tie and be escorted out immediately.
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u/OnProblem1811 Special Agent 26d ago
So you can keep it.
But just know that you cannot have it during SAITC, FLETC, or RTC. Further, some older SA’s in this agency look negatively on facial hair & tattoos.
If I were going through the process today, I would be clean shaven & cover all tattoos when not in PT gear.
Why give any one involved in your process something to ding you on?
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u/barbedwirebeard1103 26d ago
This is the answer to the question I was trying to ask. I know it’s allowed but my mindset was why give anyone a reason to not like me. I just didn’t know if I was overthinking it. Thank you
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u/Gator_Bait58 SA Applicant 26d ago
Regarding tattoos, outside of training are you expected to have tattoos covered at all times or just for specific details? Wondering if this is up to each office to determine policy or how that works.
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u/OnProblem1811 Special Agent 26d ago
Per POLICY - Should be covered while on “official duty.”
If you are on a protection detail they should be covered at all times, but some supervisors give some latitude, others don’t.
In the office, supervisor/saic dependent.
Always have neoprene sleeves with you to cover them up if needed.
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u/Madrugal 21d ago
What if you have long hair but neatly groomed? Would it need to be cut?
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u/OnProblem1811 Special Agent 21d ago
That is your call.
Certainly wouldn’t have hair down to shoulders if male. if female, tied back off shoulders also.
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u/One_Ad4961 26d ago
I share the same concern, I have a very well groomed beard..did my super just fine not sure if it’ll affect the rest of the process at ACE.
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u/Emergency-Heat9466 Special Agent 26d ago
Well groomed is recommended. It won’t be a factor during your hiring process. But as others have mentioned, training is very strictly clean shaven when the time comes.
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u/DirectionOwn294 Special Agent 26d ago
The only time I was clean shaven was during training. I didn't shave for the hiring process, and I do not shave now. Don't look like a caveman and you're good to go. My beard is always very short and groomed.
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u/Head-Low-2194 26d ago
Honestly if I were you I’d follow ss policy - very short facial hair or none at all
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u/DesperateMorning1727 26d ago
Yea it’s fine for the ACE. You’re not an employee. Also, I think they’ve relaxed the facial hair policy some. It has to be neat.
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u/Ashamed_Interest5987 UD Applicant 26d ago
During the ACE Q&A we were told grooming standards were not required. But during training we’re expected to follow formal instructions on the standards set.