UNITED STATES OF AMERICA • DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE • ABSOC-IRC

UNIT PHENOTYPE // THE "COLLIE" CONFIGURATION

Category
Non-Standard Grooming / Unit Identification
Origin Date
Circa 1968 (Indochina Theatre)
Prevalence
~65% (Voluntary Adoption)
Regulation Status
WAIVED (Operational Discretion)
Control No.
ABSOC-IRC/CUL-09
Colloquial
"THE TAIL" / "THE 13TH FADE"
OBSERVATION NOTE
This document catalogues the specific grooming standard indigenous to the 13th SFG(A). While technically compliant with AR 670-1 (Anterior View), the style functions as a Visual Shibboleth for unit members. It is not an order; it is a signal.
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1. Configuration Abstract

Definition

The "Collie Cut" is defined as a Tapered Bi-Phasal Follicular Arrangement. It is characterized by strict grooming maintenance on the lateral planes (sides) to facilitate communications headset seal, while permitting controlled growth at the posterior nape ("The Tail") and textured layering on the crown.

Visually, it presents as "Garrison-Compliant" when viewed frontally or while wearing headgear, but reveals "Field-Expedient" length when the neck is exposed. It is rugged, matte-textured, and specifically designed to interface with ballistic helmets without snagging.

2. Visual Specifications (Spec-Sheet)

Anterior & Lateral (Front/Sides)
Crown
Medium length; messy layering; "Windproof" texture. No product.
Laterals
Short-to-Medium taper. Natural blend. No hard lines or skin-fades.
Ears
Clearance maintained for Comms/Peltor seal.
Posterior (Back)
Nape
Feathered extension ("The Tail"). Length: Upper-collar terminus.
Texture
Natural/Feral. "Lived-in" aesthetic.
Function
Solar protection for neck; visual identification.

3. Etymology & Origin

The "Collie" Silhouette

The nomenclature is derived from the silhouette of the Rough Collie canine breed—characterized by neat, groomed fur around the facial mask, transitioning into a thicker, protective mane at the neck and shoulders.

In the context of the 13th SFG(A), this became shorthand for a specific visual dichotomy: Disciplined from the front (The Soldier), Feral from the rear (The Operator).

Historical Reference: CASTLE (1998)
Castle Collie Cut

Archival image of Wyvre-Castle demonstrating the standard Collie configuration during VBSS operations. Note the clean ear-line for radio interface vs. the extended nape protection.

4. Sociological Function & Adoption

Voluntary Status

Adoption of the Collie phenotype is Non-Mandatory. Biological limitations (follicular density/alopecia) are recognized waivers. The style is an option for those who *can*, not a requirement for those who *cannot*.

Psychographic Alignment

Unit sociologists note the concept of the "Spiritual Collie." Senior operators who lack the biological capacity for the cut are still afforded "Collie Status" based on tenure and attitudinal alignment. The hair is merely the external flag of an internal state.

5. Vernacular & Idioms

Recorded Dialogue Phrases
Idiom
"Collie in, Collar out."

Instruction to tuck the hair into the uniform collar when in the presence of conventional officers.

Idiom
"Not spun up yet."

Reference to a new operator who has not yet grown the requisite length (No Collie).

Idiom
"Don't touch the tail."

Standard instruction given to barbers/teammates regarding the posterior length.

6. Variant Taxonomy

TYPE-A: Short Collie
Length
Nape-Terminus
Usage
New personnel / High-Visibility environments.
TYPE-B: Full Collie
Length
Upper-Collar
Usage
Standard Unit Profile. The "Classic" look.
TYPE-C: Dust Collie
Length
Unrestricted
Usage
Deployed status. Sun-faded, texture altered by grit/sweat.

7. Command Disposition

Neutral / Pragmatic Stance
  • BG PEREZ: Classified as "Indifferent." Regards the phenotype as an operational non-factor, provided it does not impede the execution of his Doctrine.
  • COL. SABATELLI: Enforces "Interface Standards." The cut is permitted only if it does not compromise the seal of protective masks (CBRN) or communications headsets. Function dictates form.
Endorsement Stance
  • COL. PLISKIN (Ret.): Encourages adoption as a mechanism for "Tribe Formation" and distinguishing 13th SFG assets from conventional forces.
  • DIR. WYVRE-CASTLE: Protects the tradition as "Heritage Property." Views the aesthetic as a link to the unit's founding era in Indochina.
Legal Protection
Enforcement Note
Any attempt by external Sgt. Majors to enforce AR 670-1 on 13th SFG personnel regarding this style is to be routed to ABSOC Legal for immediate dismissal. The Collie is protected cultural property.