Do you believe we should be allowed to grow beards in a deployed environment?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 15:26:47 -0400

So, just something I thought would be an interesting topic. Both funny and to see what people really have to say about it. But seriously, combat beards are awesome. Everyone's thoughts? Serious or not it's all welcome.

http://www.duffelblog.com/2012/04/pentagon-study-finds-beards-directly-proportional-to-combat-effectiveness/

Pentagon Study Finds Soldiers With Beards More Effective In Combat

A Special Forces beard has been standard but many in SF have been angered at a study showing that beards increase combat proficiency for all.

Response by Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP made May 5 at 2015 3:28 PM

Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP — Tue, 05 May 2015 15:28:29 -0400

So, I've never been deployed and therefore didn't vote.

That said, I heard a report today that a recent analysis indicates beards are absolutely full of bacteria fecal material. Like, dripping with it.

I'm guessing chicks don't dig that...

Am also newly clean shaven...will have to get the profile updated ASAP.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 5 at 2015 3:41 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 05 May 2015 15:41:08 -0400

The purpose of the military is killing.

Every decision should proceed from that.

Does a beard decrease your combat effectiveness (reasonable threat of CBRN need for good seal with gas mask?)

Does it increase it (cultural connection to local bearded cultures-in extreme cases blending in when in local clothing?)

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 5 at 2015 3:47 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Tue, 05 May 2015 15:47:19 -0400

Depends if the theater has a threat of chemical weapons being employed. i'm no SMA but if i was, beards would make a come back. Cueing Civil War era photos.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 3:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 15:50:27 -0400

Sure. Especially if you're in an environment that it could help you blend in. And as long as it doesn't hinder anything to do with the uniform. I would be fine with it

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 5 at 2015 3:54 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Tue, 05 May 2015 15:54:49 -0400

No, because beards contain particulate contaminants, including fecal matter. Yes, folks...poop beards.

http://nypost.com/2015/05/04/science-proves-that-beards-contain-fecal-matter/

Bearded men have poop on their faces

The hipster beard revolution may still be a thing —but a shocking new study has warned that facial hair could be dirtier than a toilet bowl. According to a group of microbiologists in New Mexico, ...

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 4:05 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:05:01 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, that's a surprising question coming from a CBRN guy. But, if there's no threat of CBRN (i.e., you're not deployed with CBRN gear), then I don't personally see a problem with it.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 5 at 2015 4:19 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:19:59 -0400

What are the benefits, what are the detriments?

I currently wear what can be called a beard by only the kindest of individuals. It is actually just the lowest guard clippers ran over my face once a week so I don't really have to shave (with minor touch ups of a razor to appear like it's maintained). It's the rough equivalent of a "high reg." I go through 1 razor a month (as compared to a fresh one every other day).

So cost savings, water consumption, time savings, annoyance are my real advantages.

My disadvantages are looking like a Bradley Cooper wannabe, likely not getting a proper fit to a ProMask (N/A), ticking my wife off (always happening anyways), among others.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 5 at 2015 4:48 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:48:22 -0400

To paraphrase a line from the movie Good Morning Vietnam

Jihadist camouflage no better way to infiltrate a bunch of drunken insurgents than a fuzzy face.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 4:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:54:11 -0400

Chuck Norris has one, why can't I!! Serious note, I think it should be ok to grow a beard if you don't have the means to shave thats it. If you do, stop complaining and look good in that PT belt!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 5:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:02:16 -0400

Combat beards are a 100% go from me.. Increases morale and overall badassery haha

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 5:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:05:37 -0400

I'm going to reply to my own topic here as I see alot of people citing the whole cant seal a pro-mask myth. If we were in the WWI or WWII era then yes you would be correct. In this day and age of protective technology you can, in fact seal your mask with a beard. Now, how long your beard is might come into play. Take mine for example. The one in the pic, I can seal a mask. If you're looking like a viking with an awesome beard that can be braided down to your belly, then no, you can't seal your mask. That being said. Even in the SOF community we have to keep our beards trimmed to a certain extent. Is it always followed? Absolutely not. It's a combat beard, it makes you awesome.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 5 at 2015 5:07 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:07:53 -0400

I am all for the guys who are out there doing the death dealing SOF, SEALS and the like, but for those on the COB, FOB, where there is water, soap, and a razor no you gots to shave it. No reason otherwise.

Response by SFC Charles S. made May 5 at 2015 5:13 PM

SFC Charles S. — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:13:42 -0400

I've never been able to grow a beard, I can get the full Fu Manchu mustache but not the beard.
Dang it. I'll never be an Operator. :(

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 5:28 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:28:59 -0400

Professionally, I see nothing wrong with beards if they are kept groomed at least in the work place. We have many foreign students come in at the War College and almost all have beards of some sort. Personally, well let's just say I approve of this message. lol

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 5 at 2015 6:01 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:01:41 -0400

I'm not opposed to a combat beard. How about a cold war beard? I mean, Cold war era vets could have used it as a morale boost.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 6:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:22:12 -0400

I promise to keep my goatee properly trimmed and neat. Will that help?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 6:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:35:42 -0400

While sitting on a mountain side in Kunar Provence, the first thing on my mind was security. The next thing on my mind was shaving. Joking of course, shaving was the last thing on my mind!

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made May 5 at 2015 7:03 PM

Sgt Nick Marshall — Tue, 05 May 2015 19:03:54 -0400

The SAS has had beards for decades, it allows them to blend in more with the locals and not be so conspicuous. I'm all for it.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made May 5 at 2015 7:23 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Tue, 05 May 2015 19:23:17 -0400

Depends on the combat environment.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made May 5 at 2015 8:02 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Tue, 05 May 2015 20:02:36 -0400

I should. I'm PsyOp.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 9:47 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 21:47:58 -0400

As a female in the Army, shaving in a tactical environment has never made sense to me. (Except for the gas mask portion, I understand that part)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 4:02 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:02:19 -0400

All kinds of good reasons for a combat beard, after all you can only grow that beautiful face armor if you eat some Kevlar.

The fact of having a sharp blade(s) near your face in a war zone could cause injury in a bad situation.

If the quality/abundance of water is tight dirty shaving could present poor baby face qualitys

my ability to spawn fur to my face is limited and if I had the time to practice I could be better prepared to wield such fury upon thy enemy!!

Response by SSG John Erny made May 6 at 2015 4:06 PM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:06:28 -0400

It is for the SF types only!

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 6 at 2015 4:16 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:16:38 -0400

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made May 6 at 2015 4:19 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:19:00 -0400

Nope.... unless u some kinda SF dude that mission requires it

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 4:34 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:34:37 -0400

Yes, Yes, and Yes. It stings a little inside seeing coalition forces with them. I can't help but stare a wish. I also think it would help morale

Response by SSgt Mary Kelly Anderson made May 6 at 2015 5:30 PM

SSgt Mary Kelly Anderson — Wed, 06 May 2015 17:30:49 -0400

Yes, depending on the job. For special operators, a beard is a necessity in order to blend in to the surrounding seas outside of camp. To a cook or other job that does not leave camp, absolutely not.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made May 7 at 2015 10:21 AM

SSG Steven Borders — Thu, 07 May 2015 10:21:21 -0400

We should be able to grow beards anytime. LOL It is proven fact, that beards make you a stronger man. Just look at Chuck Norris.

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made May 7 at 2015 10:40 AM

SGT Curtis Earl — Thu, 07 May 2015 10:40:22 -0400

I think beards should be allowed. Maybe make it a thing for E-5/0-3 and above. I don't buy that gas mask BS.

Response by 1LT Richard C. made May 7 at 2015 11:33 AM

1LT Richard C. — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:33:59 -0400

I remember playing guns with the Canadians and only their Pioneers and Rangers were allowed to grow a beard. For them is was a matter of tradition and esprit de corps and definitely a source of pride.

While I personally feel that it is against the regs and not authorized, I also understand that every arena carries a special set of rules. The cultural rules ingrained in the region carry a strong bias for respecting those warriors who sport the combat beard.

I just had a chuckle..remembering Bill Mauldin's Willie and Joe...of course their beards were due to lack of supplies...so speak.

Response by MSgt Jhonathan Knuth made May 10 at 2015 4:21 PM

MSgt Jhonathan Knuth — Sun, 10 May 2015 16:21:48 -0400

Reason we cannot is because of the gas mask. If we grow beards we would be unable to have a proper seal on the gas mask.

Response by SPC John Decker made May 10 at 2015 5:07 PM

SPC John Decker — Sun, 10 May 2015 17:07:06 -0400

Are we no longer worried about any kind of GAS attack? Are the troops no longer issued gas masks? If we are, the mask has to seal against smooth skin.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 5:54 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 17:54:50 -0400

I'm disappointed on not being able to grow them in garrison either. As long as they are well trimmed, how are they unprofessional? And if you really think about it, they are more in line with warrior tradition than being clean shaven.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 6:21 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 18:21:55 -0400

This is about culture, not combat effectiveness ... what is missing (even in this poll) is how the U.S. military (like SF, Spec Ops) can use facial hair as a way to have a common culture connection (Afghanistan for example).

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 10 at 2015 6:29 PM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Sun, 10 May 2015 18:29:38 -0400

As long as you don't look like "Prince" or "Duck dynasty". But if it looks like this than I think beards should be mandatory!lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 6:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 18:32:53 -0400

I think it should be allowed. It service many different purpose in combat.

Response by SSG Scott Burk made May 10 at 2015 6:51 PM

SSG Scott Burk — Sun, 10 May 2015 18:51:26 -0400

Who cares...Other than CSM's who have nothing better to do than screw with the troops on the FOBs. I suppose as long as you wear a PT belt with it, it'd be ok.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made May 10 at 2015 11:51 PM

COL Jeff Williams — Sun, 10 May 2015 23:51:50 -0400

I know in my present advisory role, when I grow my beard they are more engaging in conversation and often complement me on how it looks. When I shave it, they ask why? My effectiveness is not lowered any, it just makes for a better cultural environment

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made May 11 at 2015 1:38 AM

SSG Brian Kresge — Mon, 11 May 2015 01:38:27 -0400

When the Pentagon relaxed the rules for religious exemptions for beards, I thought about doing it. But for 20 years, I've been clean-shaven. And to be honest, I've spent enough time explaining that, yes, a yarmulke is authorized, across the last two decades, that I wouldn't want to be in the position to have to explain or produce a waiver every time someone asks about the beard.
I could live without ingrown hairs, and the inevitability that at one point or another, a troopie is going to dry shave in the field.
From a CBRN perspective, even outside of the mask seal question, I truly wonder, statistically, what our combat effectiveness would be in a chemical environment. I'm sure we've all spent upwards of a couple of hours in MOPP 4 at NTC...when we did it in the 1990s, I started wondering what the reality would be if an enemy actually produced a true downwind threat for us. Would bearded troops even matter? I've always assumed that the reason we'd be yelling "gas, gas, gas" was because soldiers would be collapsing all around us, clutching their throats. Our else turning into ebola zombies. At least bearded ebola zombies that were soldiers wouldn't be aggravating, smelly, vaping hipsters.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 1:45 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 01:45:43 -0400

If it's relevant to the mission, then yes.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 2:35 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 02:35:13 -0400

Yes. But, it has nothing to do with being a better or worse soldier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 8:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 08:13:45 -0400

Yes, but not because "it's a proven fact, combat beards make you a better Soldier.", come on...

As for the wars in the Middle East, Soldiers would definitely have been shown more respect by local nationals due to their culture.

I do support facial hair in our military, but I'm quite sure it will never happen due to the lack of discipline we have in the military these days. It would be a constant battle with the standards of maintaining them.

Response by SPC Sean Barney made May 11 at 2015 10:30 AM

SPC Sean Barney — Mon, 11 May 2015 10:30:33 -0400

It depends ont eh theater. NO NBC go ahead

But a beard could get ina soldier way and prevent a proper mask seal so in that one regard I think the reg has a point.
Though that is only considering the really bushy beards.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 11 at 2015 11:56 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 11 May 2015 11:56:45 -0400

It depends on if there is a threat of a chemical attack.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made May 11 at 2015 12:32 PM

SFC Douglas Duckett — Mon, 11 May 2015 12:32:04 -0400

Mission dictates, but.... smooth as a babies bottom has worked for years.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 11 at 2015 1:12 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:12:02 -0400

Beard is ok, but when it come to hand combat, the enemy have an avantage.

Response by SSgt Stevan Auldridge made May 11 at 2015 3:00 PM

SSgt Stevan Auldridge — Mon, 11 May 2015 15:00:16 -0400

As long as you allow women to grow one!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 3:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 15:39:30 -0400

I'd say so long as it's guys leaving the wire or who are deployed to areas where shaving is a waste of time and clean water. It'd be a nice incentive to get guys into combat arms roles.

Response by SSG Justin McCarrell made May 11 at 2015 3:51 PM

SSG Justin McCarrell — Mon, 11 May 2015 15:51:54 -0400

I've never understood why we weren't allowed to have beards and how the mustache has to be trimmed a certain way. I know the beard regulation is a side effect of not being able to properly seal the NBC mask but I'm sure it can be trimmed in a way that it isn't of concern. I never saw a problem with beards or mustaches. I've seen soldiers from other countries that are allowed to have them and they didn't look unprofessional. I say they should be allowed in garrison and while deployed. Redesign the gas mask to accommodate a neatly trimmed beard. It sucks having to shave with cold water out in the field. I've shaved my head while out in NTC and man was that rough being I had to use cold water.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 8:58 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 20:58:44 -0400

It more sanitary not to shave and the chem excuse is not true ask a chem guy. I've worn a beard on deployments. In some theaters it will enhance you standing for meetings. In others it may hinder efforts to make a cross cultural connection. For most soldiers it doesn't matter because they won't be conducting meetings

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 12:08 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 00:08:58 -0400

If the local culture make the beard a significant aid in building relationships and mutual respect then I can see this. Assuming the NBC threat is very low. But to just grow a beard because it is cool does not make sense to me. There are many things we all want to do just because we cannot do them. It's natural to feel that way

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made May 12 at 2015 2:57 AM

SGT Robert Hawks — Tue, 12 May 2015 02:57:36 -0400

No it interferes with the seal of your protection mask and it can become unsanitary.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 11:09 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 11:09:40 -0400

My beard is defective it keeps getting shaved off. "How can I have my pudding if I don't eat the meat?"

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made May 12 at 2015 11:11 AM

CPO Greg Frazho — Tue, 12 May 2015 11:11:42 -0400

I think when in Rome, do as the Romans do. In a tribal society like Afghanistan, having a beard makes one look wise. Unlike our society, elderly people are looked up to and in fact revered for their long lives and the wisdom they've accrued during that interval.

That said, I don't think simply having a beard (or not having a beard) makes you a better soldier. Knowing your enemy make you a better soldier. The mind is the greatest weapon; if you can learn how your enemy thinks, you can ascertain what he will do and what he won't do. Then you can defeat him.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made May 12 at 2015 12:11 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 12 May 2015 12:11:07 -0400

I would be more then happy to field test this!!! Can I be Home Station Deployed for the purposes of this field test??!! ;-)

Response by SGT Dave Hoffner made May 12 at 2015 4:34 PM

SGT Dave Hoffner — Tue, 12 May 2015 16:34:14 -0400

Saves on water if you grow one then grow it no crazy goatees if you waste water for that then cut it off that was my rule on my team

Response by PO3 David Coleman made May 12 at 2015 9:33 PM

PO3 David Coleman — Tue, 12 May 2015 21:33:25 -0400

Yes shaving out of a canteen is a pain in the ass

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 12:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 00:58:17 -0400

Abso phucking lutely.... 'MERICA!

Response by 1LT Luke Gorney made May 13 at 2015 8:49 AM

1LT Luke Gorney — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:49:05 -0400

Well, beyond the whole unity, discipline, esprit de corps thing, good luck trying to get your gas mask to seal with all that hair in the way.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 6:09 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:09:16 -0400

Yes, we should be allowed to wear/grow beards (within reason, of course)

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 5:15 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 17:15:17 -0500

Beards are in-fashion. In the same way that any other fashion trends come and go, beards will eventually go (sooner better than later). Then all the "beard = man" bullshit will die out. And make no mistake, I don't say this due to "lack of beard", I have to shave twice on parade days...

While I think they look stupid, in general I don't see an issue with allowing beards (deployed or home station) so long as you don't look like shit. You should be able to tell the difference between a good troop growing their beard because its the thing right now, and a ragbag who is just too lazy to shave.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 7:13 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 19:13:07 -0500

I see a lot of SMs are concerned with the seal of the gas mask... A beard isn't the only thing that affects that, make up affects the seal as well.

Response by SSG Jeff Hane made Jan 4 at 2016 8:44 PM

SSG Jeff Hane — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:44:27 -0500

A combat ready soldier will never pass an inspection... We train to fight & win, in combat... We are warriors, & warriors rock manly combat beards (unless genetics prevent it).

Response by TSgt Jennifer Disch made Jan 4 at 2016 8:51 PM

TSgt Jennifer Disch — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:51:04 -0500

I've seen a report about what lives in a beard. Unless you keep that bad-boy clean, Eww.

Response by SPC Greg Burnett made Jan 4 at 2016 8:59 PM

SPC Greg Burnett — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:59:08 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 7:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 07:13:16 -0500

I think so. FYI..My mask seals fine. As long as you can grow an actual beard and not some patchy "thing" on your face. I'm not against having one in Garrison either.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Jan 6 at 2016 2:55 AM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 02:55:30 -0500

In the old days, my dad always came home with a deployment beard and it wasn't a big deal. He retired in 1980.

Skipping over to 2016 and the way things are done now, and ignoring the fact that the ban is mostly a cleanliness (anti-lice) issue. If they allowed beards, the services would have to come up with approved beard styles and lengths and police said style policies the same way they police women's hair styles in uniform.

I really don't think you guys want to be called into an office to have your face hair measured, the style debated down to whether your sideburns must be separate from the beard, where the beard ends and at what point your neck must be shaved clean or whether you guys with facial hair that differs from your head hair color will be considered unsat due to lack of uniformity. When your face becomes micro managed to that degree, will having a beard still be considered worth it?

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jan 6 at 2016 7:08 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 07:08:32 -0500

It's situational dependent. In combat, you shouldn't be required to shave every day (I'd rather carry bullets than razors). In garrison, break out the razor. If the prevailing culture is one where you have to have a beard to interface with the locals, then grow the beard... IF YOU CAN. If there is threat of chemical weapons, you aren't going to be sealing your mask with that beard on. Good luck!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 8:10 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 08:10:43 -0500

The "Pros" are that when operating alongside certain LN forces, facial hair is simply "fitting in", and to some (admittedly difficult to measure) degree, represents simple expediency in the field. The "Cons" are the obvious breakdown in basic discipline and more importantly, the fuzzy line between "learning" from elite forces...and being a "wannabe" (IMHO).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 10:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 10:11:26 -0500

Beards while deployed? Hell yes. Ever notice when you see special forces and SEALs with beards you don't ever see gas masks on their hips? Sick of hearing about how you can't seal your mask. Chemical warfare is pretty rare, not to mention I don't think the damn thing would work in a real chemical attack anyways. We hardly ever train with them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 12:44 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 12:44:17 -0500

I think it depends on the environment. In our current deployment, where beards are common among the locals, then sure. But in say, Germany, or South America, where they are there, but not as common a thing, then no. The idea is to be relatable to the locals. Hearts and minds, yeah?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 6 at 2016 6:02 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 18:02:55 -0500

I hope our women can grow beards too.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Apr 20 at 2016 10:13 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 10:13:01 -0400

I'll bet that if you ask Ash Carter he'll say no to the idea since women can't grow beards. Which is why he's contemplating all service members shave their legs.