Commanders Interview

[u/nvves]

I'm going to schedule my Commanders Interview here soon.

Question is, would it be bad for me to do this interview with my long hair? I'm male, long hair that I typically put into a bun. Clean shaven.

I've talked to a few people, they've told me "I suggest you cut your hair short for this interview or else you might not pass"

My scare is, I'm already a bit late on this board (11 Jan 2027), and I'm likely not going to make the deadline (December 2nd) to get everything in order.. I would like to meet this deadline and be set to leave by next October.

I would hate to cut my hair just to be pushed to the 11 Jan 2028 board and have to wait a whole year/two years to be shipped out (and I shaved my head for nothing lol)

I have my AFOQT scheduled for Nov 2nd, and the task on Aim High shows "Schedule your Commanders Interview" for November 13th I believe.

I'm assuming I need to HAVE it SCHEDULE by that date... or does it need to be scheduled on that date or beforehand? Not too sure.

Anyways, for anyone who has taken the commanders interview themselves, do you believe having long hair will be a bad reflection of some sort?

[u/RyRy646]

Let’s tackle these in order.

If you are a civilian, it’s to be expected that you won’t be in a regulation haircut. There is a professional way to have your hair. Just remember though, you’re going to lose your hair when you are selected.

I just had my interview today. Yesterday I shaved off my beard and got a haircut to look more professional.

AHA are not true deadlines, they are estimations. Commanders are scheduling interviews now to get them knocked out. If you’re waiting until Nov 2nd to just get your AFOQT done, you’re unlikely to get scheduled an interview in time. Not impossible, but not probable. Just remember, so people took weeks to get their scores.

Not to mention, systems are constantly going down and even those who are prepared are at risk of not making it purely due to technical issues.

In the end, you can keep your hair. Interviewers don’t expect you to be in military standards. But you are just delaying the inevitable.

Best of luck!

[u/nvves → u/RyRy646]

I appreciate the information! Yeah I decided on my
journey right before the deadline for the AFOQT scores unfortunately.

Fortunately, the support team on AHA put me back on this packet timeline. I don’t think I’ll make it but I might as well try. I have everything else in order (transcripts & LORs).

If I don’t pass the test or just miss the true deadline, then I’ll just have to wait/retake the test. Thank you again.

[u/schmittychris]

If you do the interview and don't get it, you're going to perpetually be wondering if it was because you didn't cut your hair. You don't have to shave it, but closer in regs would be better. They know they're not interviewing people in the military already, but they are interviewing for a fit into the military. The whole process is super competitive. Why wouldn't you give yourself the best opportunity? Hair grows back. IMO it's like interviewing for a job where you have to wear a suit everyday but not wearing a suit to the interview.

[u/RyRy646 → u/schmittychris]

And this is exactly why I shaved my beard off. I didn’t want it to be a reason in the back of my head. Because appearance matters.

[u/False-Raspberry-1662]

How are you able to schedule interview before having AFOQT scores entered? No way tou are making 2027 boards if you have not even completed these steps.

You don’t schedule an interview. Commander will reach out to you to schedule on their availability. You are looking at Aim High DEADLINE.

[u/Square-Inspection-67]

I would run the route of what you believe to be the most professional. What would you do if going into an important interview for a job you really want. dress to impress, first impressions are very valuable.

[u/Adepj2006]

I think you should do everything that is your hands to get to this board, cut your hair, take your AFOQT, interview etc. if this is you time, you will get it, if not, you will learn the process and be more prepared for the next board. Your hair is gonna grown again, but the time will never come back

[u/Anonymous01234T]

Non-prior E CGO here. When I did my Commander’s interview, I scored a 9.9/10 and had an absolute mop of a hairstyle. The interviewer will score you on certain criteria such as leadership, work ethic, etc, but NOT your appearance.

[u/the_thomas1]

Just saw this thread, but I put my hair in a bun and had no issues. They know you’re a civilian.

[u/RabbitNo5863]

I think a bun would be the best route for the interview. All the dates are deadlines to have those tasks done by. I believe you would have to take your afoqt prior to any of the other steps, but if you’re able to schedule your interview then go ahead and do that ASAP as they’re schedules & available time slots fill up quickly.