How do you obtain a shaving profile or no shave chit in the military?

Mission? I've seen quite a few of the SOF operating with full beards.

Here’s the general process for obtaining a no-shave chit:

1. Visit a Medical Provider. The servicemember must first visit a medical professional, typically a primary care provider or a dermatologist. The provider will assess the condition and determine if it meets the criteria for a no-shave chit based on the severity of the PFB.

2. Medical Diagnosis. If the provider diagnoses the servicemember with PFB, they may issue a no-shave chit, which is a written order excusing the individual from shaving for a specified period or indefinitely, depending on the severity.

3. Chit Issuance. The no-shave chit will be issued by the medical provider and typically includes details like the reason for the exemption and the duration. The chit is usually signed and may include any other relevant notes from the healthcare provider.

4. Submission to Chain of Command. Once the chit is issued, the servicemember submits it to their chain of command for approval. The command will typically accept the chit as long as it is legitimate and properly documented.

5. Periodic Review. If the no-shave chit is issued for a temporary period, it may need to be periodically reviewed or renewed by a healthcare provider.

This member is out of regs, he is not keeping up with the grooming standard of having a beard. And Looking at his neck, I don't see any bumps, so he should be re-evaluated by medical.

Have a diagnosis by a provider that indicates faliculitis or severe irritation from shaving.

Medical, but most providers will give you creams and stuff in order to help. They'll say try it for a month the follow up with them to discuss the possibility of a shaving profile

For Army:
You will need to be evaluated by a medical provider first and treated for the underlying condition. Often times you may be issued a temporary profile for a duration of time, depending on what the issue is - but this still requires a medical assessment by a medical provider. That provide can then go into MEDPROS and issue a temporary profile if deemed appropriate. You will need to follow the instructions of the temporary profile and have a copy of it yourself, otherwise it will be considered disobeying orders of a commissioned officer.
As for a permanent profile for medical reasons, it most often times requires a clearly documented medical history of the issue. If you go to a healthcare provider for a skin issue looking for a permanent profile without a consistent, documented history, your packet will be denied. The process for a permanent profile is that you fill out the permanent profile packet, which will require processing through your medical readiness section and healthcare provider. It will get sent up the chain of command all the way to big Army, as it is asking for an exception to policy on AR670-1. Its not that hard to fill out, but they take a very long time to be approved or denied.

The Navy Instruction is below but it would be based off a conversation with you medical department representative. "When tightly curved hairs are observed to re-enter the skin and create
irritated papules, the diagnosis of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) can be made" . Additionally, there have to be a certain number of papules at a certain time. The instruction is an easy read ands something you will want to be well versed in if you end up with a No shave chit (there will be lots of looks, questions, and challenges).

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Reference/Instructions/BUPERS/BUPERSINST_1000_22.pdf?ver=bzfuEdDVCLf4njEw2Gg-3g%3D%3D

So for the USN and USMC, you have to go to medical. Under the new PFB instruction a no shave chit can only last 60 days and must be treated by medical. If it doesnt resolve with those treatments, it gets elevated and you go see a dermatologist. If they cant solve the issue they can determine if your a candidate for laser hair removal. Only the specialists can make the final recommendation for permanent shave chit recommendations now.

IDC or medical officer

Be SF