Army Policy on Swearing/Profanity?

Question

What is it? and where can it be referenced? thanks

Answer 1

I don't know of any such policy - when I need to get your attention in a hurry you can be d**n sure you'll hear more than one cuss word coming at you.  You are in the wrong business (especially combat arms) if you can't listen to some cuss word.

I did a little research and all I found on profanity is in AR 600-20

7–5. Categories of sexual harassment

a. Verbal. Examples of verbal sexual harassment may include telling sexual jokes; using sexually explicit profanity,

threats, sexually oriented cadences, or sexual comments; whistling in a sexually suggestive manner; and describing

certain attributes of one’s physical appearance in a sexual manner. Verbal sexual harassment may also include using

terms of endearment such as "honey", “babe", “sweetheart", “dear", “stud", or “hunk" in referring to Soldiers, civilian

co-workers, or Family members

MORE RESEARCH - it is in TRADOC REG 350-1.

Answer 2

Reference Art 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice! Profanity is listed under "indecent language", and profanity in the presence of minors is also listed! (Paragraph 60 is quoted below)

Elements.

(1) That the accused orally or in writing communicated to another person certain language;

(2) That such language was indecent; and

(3) That, under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces. Note: In appropriate cases add the following element after element (1): That the person to whom the language was communicated was a child under the age of 16.

Note: When the language is communicated in front of a child, this offense is punishable under the new Article 120.

Explanation."Indecent" language is that which is grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety, or shocks the moral sense, because of its vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature, or its tendency to incite lustful thought. Language is indecent if it tends reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts. The language must violate community standards. See paragraph 87 if the communication was made in the physical presence of a child.

Lesser included offenses.

(1) Article 117-provoking speeches

(2) Article 80-attempts

Maximum punishment. Indecent or insulting language.

(1) Communicated to any child under the age of 16 years. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 2 years.

(2) Other cases. Bad-conduct discharge; forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 6 months.

There you  go!!

Good luck!

Answer 3

If such a policy exists it is "..more honored in the breach, than in the observance."

Answer 4

The only restrictions are swearing at someone of higher rank. Failure to show respect to a superior is a criminal offense.