Beards after the military? Just for fun!

SPC Chad Kolod — Wed, 06 May 2015 15:36:53 -0400

I will say that for the most part I enjoyed my service in the military. I made a lot of good friends and had a few great mentors. I learned a lot and grew as a person. But I am I the only one who missed growing a beard? Anyone else miss growing a beard, or reasonable facial hair? I know it's silly but I gotta say, once I got out I let it grow out in all its glory! who feels the same way?

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 6 at 2015 3:39 PM

TSgt Christopher D. — Wed, 06 May 2015 15:39:15 -0400

SPC Chad Kolod I, too grew a full-faced beard upon retirement. I've had it for a year now and have no plans to shave it any time soon. I keep mine groomed and trimmed because of business, but I won't lie... I'd love to grow out one of those dwarf beards you see on LOTR.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 6 at 2015 3:39 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 06 May 2015 15:39:27 -0400

Not a beard fan, however after getting out, I do enjoy not having to shave every single day. I just shave every 2-3 days instead.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 6 at 2015 4:26 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:26:34 -0400

I maintain what can loosely be called a beard, in that I do not shave. I run a clipper through it the day before races, and a razor to maintain the lines so it looks neat and clean, but that's it.

Over the last 13~ years, I've varied it up a bit, and gone with longer lengths, but it usually just annoys the hell out of me after about 3 weeks.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 6 at 2015 4:37 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:37:13 -0400

I cannot say in all its glory, but I do have a beard...I don't let it get long enough to braid but I do have one.

Response by MSG William Wold made May 6 at 2015 4:42 PM

MSG William Wold — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:42:19 -0400

I grew up as an Air Force brat. My dad did the haircuts, #2 adapter, buzzzz. After I got in High School, I still kept it short, because of being on a swimming team I didn't want any drag. I had long sideburns though.
I spent 34 years either Active Duty or Reserves straight without a break.. At age 53 here I was retired from the military, divorced, single, all the kids grown, no bald spots, I'm growing it, because I CAN! I still have roots!
Ok, so I went almost 6 months without shaving. I kept it well clean and groomed.. The facial hair got too much, itchy scratchy, so I finally cut it off, and went with a closely trimmed moustache and goatee, and every few months I cut it all off for a month or so. But I kept the hair going.
4 years later, before I finally cut the hair I had a nice pony tail. With my motorcycle helmet on it was hard from the back to tell "what" I was, but the front, obvious now the belly and lack of chest features I was definitely a guy.
My other "issue" is I have PTSD.. Well one night during one of my "episodes" there was something that kept grabbing me on the shoulder. I was doing some hand to hand combat, and this guy kept smacking me on the back of the head. When I finally came to my senses, got the lights on, turned out to be my hair. So I said to myself, ok I proved a point, what ever it was originally, and off it came. I donated the hair to an organization to make wigs for chemo patients.
So I get a haircut trim once every other month now. And it is thinning out that's for sure, so I have to be careful. .

Response by SPC Nate Lamphier made May 6 at 2015 4:44 PM

SPC Nate Lamphier — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:44:07 -0400

Chalk me up for one who has a short, trimmed "beard". I keep it "edged" and groom it every few days. I just can't bring myself to letting it go so to speak.

Response by SGT John Rauch made May 6 at 2015 4:50 PM

SGT John Rauch — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:50:47 -0400

ha ha ha I joined at 17, I couldnt grow a beard if I tried (and I did). but after I got out, it was beard on. I now have a full ginger beard that just grows as it pleases. my wife isnt too fond of it, but she has gotten used to it I suppose

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made May 6 at 2015 5:04 PM

Sgt Cody Dumont — Wed, 06 May 2015 17:04:50 -0400

After I got out of the marines, I did not shave for 1 year. I kept the beard trimmed and neat, but I loved not having to shave.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 6 at 2015 5:13 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 06 May 2015 17:13:05 -0400

During and after. My Bride always liked my beard and "suggested" last year it would be nice to see again. I have no idea where the color went though. Finally picked up a grandson.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2017 12:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 12:23:39 -0500

Your average 12 year old girl can grow more facial hair than me, so it is a non issue for me.

Response by SPC Michael Dillon made Jan 25 at 2019 10:02 PM

SPC Michael Dillon — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 22:02:45 -0500