For Reservist and Guard, is there a regulation that states facial hair is not allowed in Military IDs, even if you are not on duty?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:36:32 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 5:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:57:52 -0500

Yes, its called AR 670-1

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 8 at 2016 7:16 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 19:16:05 -0500

I've never heard of one. My guess, though I'm not sure, is that it's unit dependent.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 10:21 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 22:21:23 -0500

Had two taken with Van Dykes.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 9 at 2016 12:04 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:04:23 -0500

I presume there are still the exceptions today that was prevalent with the "operators" who maintain beards for years. Saw a couple of IDs post 911 that had pretty good fuzz jobs. But then again you'd need some serious clangers to challenge them on it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 2:04 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 02:04:43 -0500

More of a best practice. Since the point of the ID card is for the gate guard to identify you when entering a military facility, having your appearance on the card be very different than how you look pulling up to the gate just results in delay and hassle.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 2:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 02:31:23 -0500

There's a AIR FORCE INSTUCTION 36-3026(IP) thats gets a little more in the weeds. The DoD sort of rolled several polices from all the branches into one book and this is what the DEERS-RAPIDS facilities use as their bible so to speak.

You will want to pay particular attention to a section called:
"11.7. Photographs - General Guidance. All DoD identification cards will contain a photograph".

*see 11.7.3.
Active duty, Selected Reserve and Participating IRR members in uniform must comply with Service grooming standards. Note: Active duty, Selected Reserve, and Participating IRR members must also be within Service dress and appearance standards when in uniform. This also applies to members who are on appellate leave. Refer to paragraph 9.4.

So if you happen to be entering a DEERS-RAPIDS facility at National Guard location (I'm guessing thats where you went to), that facility will require you to be groomed according to your service's standards. As a Guardsman, you are in the Selected Reserves. IF you are in the Reserves/Guard and need a military CAC, not a DOD CIV CAC, then shave for the photo, its too easy.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 9 at 2016 3:26 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 03:26:48 -0500

This is why we continue to have issues... We all want to be on the same team when it suits us, but when it does not, we want everyone to know we do things different in guard and reserve. We all were the US Army Nametape, and we all follow the same the rules or should... AD, guard, reserve... why would anyone want a military ID card photo with facial hair??? 670-1 is the correct answer, I believe...

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 9 at 2016 2:12 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 14:12:13 -0500

I'm retired I can have all the Facial Hair I want. Unfortunately I grow a beard just about as well as I grow Hair on top of my Head.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 9:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 21:41:06 -0500

That is something that I wouldn't even fight. My ID is for my professional capacity. I wouldn't try to have a beard in my ID. It wouldn't appear to be professional.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jan 10 at 2016 11:14 PM

1LT William Clardy — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 23:14:26 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, you have responded to several folks' citation of AR 670-1 by emphasizing the specific wording of the sub-paragraph addressing facial hair. What you overlook is the intent clearly declared at the very start of Chapter 3 (Appearance and Grooming Policies):
"Soldiers will present a professional image at all times and will continue to set the example in military presence, both on and off duty. "

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 10 at 2016 11:36 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 23:36:09 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Why struggle with the Big Army? If facial hair is a problem, VOTE!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 8:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:47:24 -0500

Every ID facility I've ever been to has a sign that says service members must be shaven. AR 670-1 applies. Even as a reservist you are always on duty. The ID card doesn't say Army Reserve. It says Army.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jun 8 at 2017 5:32 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 17:32:49 -0400

The way I look at it, no matter what service... when ordered to report for new ID, you are 0n duty ! What day off? ...
shave your face, put your uniform on, is it that hard ? Geez !... Get with the program! ....

Response by COL William Oseles made Oct 18 at 2017 10:41 AM

COL William Oseles — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:41:22 -0400

By nature if you are getting a military ID YOU ARE ON DUTY.
A mustache is allowed, beards are not unless you have a waiver.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jul 16 at 2019 12:53 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 12:53:56 -0400

I would think Navy Reserve be the only
Group that gets a waiver as far as if a sailor is heading out on overseas deploy ..

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2021 4:45 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:45:40 -0500

I retired December 1st and I've been growing out my facial hair quite a bit. Tomorrow, I'm going in to get my retired ID and I'm wondering if I need to shave or not.