Can a Retiree with a shaving profile wear the ASU or AGSU with a beard?

SFC Jay Nolasco — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 11:24:02 -0400

I know this topic has been talked about here but my question is as follow: So AR 670-1 says that if a Retired person not on active duty wants to wear the Service uniform it needs to be done in the same matter as if they where Active Duty, no beard, no long hair (males), etc. But what happens to those who had a religious exemption (3–16(3)b.) or shaving profiles (TB Med 287) and did had a beard? do they have to carry their old profiles or exemptions with them if they do wear the uniform after retirement to show people why they have one if asked? what do you all think?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 9 at 2023 12:15 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:15:49 -0400

If you are retired you don't have a shaving profile or no shaving chit because you aren't in any longer. Anything you had while in has since expired because you left.

With that said, the expectation is to wear the uniform correctly and to look good in uniform according to policy. Will it make people mad to see someone in uniform with a beard regardless of anything else? Yes. Will veterans or retirees end up doing what they want anyways? Yes.

If somebody gets lifed out for having a beard in uniform and pulls out an ancient profile from a million years ago they will be laughed at directly in their face

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2023 4:37 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 16:37:07 -0400

You know your personal situation as it relates to your particular military branch of service grooming regulations. If a particular person looking at you in your uniform thinks whatever negative thoughts about you, so what. They do not know your life story. If your beard is that major of a thing to them then that's pretty sad in my opinion, but if they do ask you about it then so be it. You can tell them whatever you want to tell them.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 11 at 2023 8:09 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 20:09:38 -0400

Yes discussed many times (mostly Army). Bottom line, nobody can do anything about it. Of my 32 years in, five were with a beard by necessity. I have a beard now and put the uniform on to bury a shipmate, etc. Never been "corrected" but I'll Mr. T the fool that tries. Usually the correctors out there wouldn't understand in the first place.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2023 8:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 20:19:03 -0400

While I was at Fort Moore (Benning) I would see retired Soldiers wear their uniforms to a graduation. I always thought it was tasteless. THere are a few rules that I always held. When you are going to an event you should never outshine the host or person of recognition. I have seen a that came with a beard in uniform and I am not a fan of it. A part of being a Soldier is looking like a Soldier.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2023 6:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 18:31:04 -0400

Yes. Ask BG Buzz Aldrin.

https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/3387129/ssc-hosts-ceremony-for-legendary-astronaut-and-fighter-pilot-buzz-aldrins-honor

SSC Hosts Ceremony for Legendary Astronaut and Fighter Pilot Buzz Aldrin’s Honorary Appoin

Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, Space Systems Command, commander presided over a promotion ceremony for retired United States Air Force Col. Buzz Aldrin, to the honorary rank of brigadier general at Los

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2023 1:35 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 01:35:21 -0400

Retiree denotes no longer in service. No longer in service denotes no longer having a shaving profile. It boils down to your personal decision and reason for wearing the uniform again.