Are grooming standards in the military outdated and without purpose?

Here's my 2 cents... I and many others have Pseudofolliculitis barbae (Bad razor bumps/ingrown hairs). And have to routinely get shaving waivers. In my case I cannot use a razor whatsoever and have to use clippers. I still get bumps and ingrown hairs because my facial hair is extremely ruff and curls back into my skin. Now, keep in mind I still have to keep it trimmed to a specific length ( no more than a 1/4 inch). For me that's a lot and I usually kept it closer somewhat of a shadow depending on how my hair acted that week. Point is this. I spent 21 years in the Air Force and had a waiver from BMT until retirement. And every base had different policies on the length of the waivers. One base might be a year another might be every 6 months!! And I still looked and acted professional with my facial hair. (For those who say you can't be professional acting ). I believe allowing neatly trimmed beards should be allowed for those that choose to or have to(medical reason) minus having to go see a technician or doctor every 6 months to a year. For a condition that isn't going to change. My hair isn't gonna suddenly become uncurly or wool like.

I do NOT think grooming standards need relaxing. I do not think presenting a clean-cut, we'll-groomed appearance is a bad thing. I have found, if you feel professional, you are more likely to act professional.
Where tattoos are concerned, I DO believe regs have gotten out of hand. I am not interested in a watered-down service where our war-fighters cannot get ink, but can look "shaggy" in uniform.

I'd give those at the tip of the spear far more latitude in their appearance outside the wire. I'm not a tattoos guy, but it seems everyone; both civilian and military tattooing is very popular. I just attended my nephew's wedding. He had three tours of duty in Afghanistan, as did his best man and five of his groomsmen...all Sargent's (E5) and all extensively tattooed. They were all in their dress uniform and looked sharp with no tattoos showing. They were all clean shaven and hair cut hight n tight. I'm reasonably sure that outside the wire you'd never recognize them. But at the wedding they looked sharp and this Squid was really proud of them.

Realistically, there are more important things to consider when in the combat environment that stubble and hair!

Grooming standards are fine. Sharp clean appearance. The SpecOps community has different needs... We worked inside local communities, often with there leadership... Beards were essential for respect and without that they would not pass on any information.... That's my take on this discussion.

I always thought they went hand in hand with spitshinedboots and crispy uniforms. DISCIPLINE,! Now it's just putting on clothes for work.

Adjust for the mission, climate etc. Just to have, to have? Ludicrous speed.

It's hard to make a cohesive unit out of people who's priority is to be different.

To be clean cut is part of the ceremony of being part of the team. That's not to say no level of personal expression should be allowed, but it shouldn't be the wild wild west either.

Well, I come from a USCG tradition in a time when neatly groomed beards were not only allowed, but more or less expected. I do not have an issue with that. but in the end, it does depend on what and where you are and do. If it helps you to blend in and accomplish your job, fine. From what I understand, in some cultures, if you can't grow a beard you are regarded as less than a man, fine grow one. In my case, I spent a year 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle. A beard and long hair were just common sense, helping you to stay warm and protect your face in weather that at times could reach 70 or more below with 70+ knot winds. It is truely amazing how warm a beard can keep your face once it freezes over....

Grooming standards are for all of us---If you think you're a privilege character and deserve preferential treatment ---Get out of the military and join the New York City Ballet.