Posted on May 5, 2015
Do you believe we should be allowed to grow beards in a deployed environment?
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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/
http://www.duffelblog.com/2012/04/pentagon-study-finds-beards-directly-proportional-to-combat-effectiveness/
Combat
Effectiveness
Efficiency
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 72
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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.
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.
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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
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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.
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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.
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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.
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CWO2 Shelby DuBois
I remember when the Navy did away with their beard policy and mandated everyone shave.... Some of the Petty Officers had petitions going around asking for special dispensation be made for some of their peers due to them being 'ugly as sin' without their beard... I was a Marine Liaison to a Navy HQTRs at the time and listened to all the complaints citing "heritage", "beards sets us apart from the other branches", "expediency" "cost savings" even the 'makes us look macho' argument...ad nauseum. One of the Senior Chiefs said he was so relieved that he'd no longer have to police sailors on beard grooming, that they had a tendency to smell, got unkempt, scraggly, and you certainly didn't want to eat or drink around someone who hadn't mastered hitting their mouths.
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SFC (Join to see), 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.
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SFC (Join to see)
CDR (Join to see) HA, I told my wife the same thing. One year minimum, no blades are touching this face. To which she replied, "One year minimum, no kisses." LOL, good times. And, if that's what you pulled off in between assignments, that's pretty damn good.
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CDR (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see), Ha...that's funny! Yeah, my beard grows pretty quick; I even had to trim it a couple of times. My wife liked the VanDyke, but I'm sure she'll grow tired of a 6 inch long beard. Hell, I probably won't keep the viking thing going forever, but after 30 years of shaving, I'm with you...no blades for a while!
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TSgt David L.
CDR (Join to see), that's what I told my wife. After being (with the exception of leaves, when I took advantage of the lack of razor) basically clean shaven for nearly 23 years I was taking a break from the blade. 6 years later I'm still a wookie! LOL :-)
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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.
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