Military bearing: service members will hear this term numerous times throughout his/her military career, but if asked, many servicemen and women may not know how to correctly articulate this military term. .
The US Army Field Manual (or FM) 6-22 defines military bearing as "projecting a commanding presence, a professional image of authority."" While this can point someone in the right direction, it is still a relatively broad definition. With military bearing being such a broad term, it is loosely open to interpretation. One could state that everything about being a soldier is encompassed by military bearing. From rendering the proper salutes and courtesies to being competent in the technical aspect of one's job. To strip this term down to its bare essentials, it simply refers to the way a soldier conducts himself/herself and is viewed by peers, seniors, subordinates, and any non-military personnel. This begins with having a military and professional appearance.
Former Sergeant Major of the Army Julius W. Gates once said, "Our quality soldiers should look as good as they are. Having military bearing means one must look and act professional. This means wearing the correct uniform, and wearing it properly i.e. correct size, clean, no hanging strings, etc.; maintaining a haircut and shaving to meet the regulations; and adhering to the prescribed height and weight standards. These are all integral parts of the professional role, because without these one would give an immediate bad impression. This is true not only to other military members, such as one's superiors, but also to civilians. .
Being in the military means that one automatically represents the United States of America. In doing so, it also makes military members a target for scrutiny. FM 6-22 states, "Soldiers seen in public with their jackets unbuttoned and ties undone do not send a message of pride and professionalism. Instead, they let down their unit and fellow Soldiers in the eyes of the American people.