New grooming standards approved by the DOD

2014-01-22T14:36:10-05:00

I wonder how this may effect regulations.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/22/pentagon-relaxing-rules-on-religious-clothing-facial-hair/

Pentagon relaxes rules on religious apparel, facial hair

The Pentagon is planning to relax its rules governing the religious clothing, facial hair and hairstyles that troops can wear while in uniform, a senior Defense official told Fox News.

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Jan 22 at 2014 2:38 PM

2014-01-22T14:38:13-05:00

Can of Worms.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jan 22 at 2014 3:04 PM

2014-01-22T15:04:56-05:00

Oh my goodness. I'm not exactly the strictest NCO around but it's hard enough distinguishing what's allowed and what isn't. Now they want it even more ambiguous!

Sigh...well I just hope they apply it fairly to include atheists and Christians.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 3:10 PM

2014-01-22T15:10:28-05:00

This is going to open up the flood gates. More crying and bickering about who gets to grow facial hair or who gets to wear a different head gear. This will more than likely be the beginning of more changes to AR 670-1, which is already under revision. In my own opinion I see nothing wrong with males having a well groomed beard. This shaving twice a day crap is hard on the skin and expensive. Having a beard promotes natural oils on the skin keeping it healthy, also less ingrown hairs. Which if you have ever had and then had to have removed is not pleasant.<br>

Response by SSG Patrick Kinsella made Jan 22 at 2014 3:52 PM

2014-01-22T15:52:06-05:00

This is going to be ugly. I don't disagree with the reasoning behind these choices, but I feel it's going to backfire pretty quickly. The idea is NOT to discriminate against religious beliefs, but it backfires immediately. I'm not allowed to grow a beard because I'm NOT part of a religious group? And what proof do you need? Print it on your tags? I know some E4s who would have multiple sets of tags based on what hairstyle or headgear they felt like wearing.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Jan 22 at 2014 4:00 PM

2014-01-22T16:00:47-05:00

So move from equal rights to special rights? I went from having ability to wear a beard in service (USCG 1985) to mandatory clean shaven - to meet equality standards. Reasons given were conformity of safety equipment i.e. helmet, gasmask, OBA. Wonder how this will play out.

Response by CPT Keith Steinhurst made Jan 22 at 2014 4:04 PM

2014-01-22T16:04:36-05:00

Hmmmmmm, I always thought we were here to preserve and protect democracy, not practice it . . . Make no mistake, this will get out of control - kindof like a CWO saying "Hey, watch this . . ." Here we go . . .

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 22 at 2014 4:13 PM

2014-01-22T16:13:37-05:00

I sure hope they make pasta strainers in ACU pattern...

Response by PO2 Robert Mooney made Jan 22 at 2014 4:43 PM

2014-01-22T16:43:52-05:00

Back in the 70's Sailors were allowed beards so long as there OBA and Gas Mask would seal around there face.

Response by PO2 Robert Mooney made Jan 22 at 2014 4:46 PM

2014-01-22T16:46:04-05:00

Back in the 70's in the Navy we were allowed beards as long as your OBA and Gas Masked sealed.

Response by SFC Armando Munoz made Jan 22 at 2014 4:52 PM

2014-01-22T16:52:50-05:00

This is driven from the top. Another part to destroy our military forces and the top brass does not have the balls to say no because they do not want to be fired by the President.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jan 22 at 2014 5:13 PM

2014-01-22T17:13:28-05:00

I see a problem with one part of this. Its the Tats and piercings. They have never really been attached to Religion except for those in the South Pacific and in some other remote places. It reminds me of the North Carolina girl that claimed a piercing she got was religious since she belonged to a church that believed in that it was. I can understand the Sikhs, since history holds them as fierce warriors, wearing their Turbans and beards.

I see another problem. Its those that do not believe in a GOD. The atheists. I can see them crying to the ACLU to by saying that they are in a hostile environment due to those that are religious because they get to display it.

But it is a good thing that the military is taking into consideration other religious individuals that want to serve.

I think we will be seeing Army and Navy personnel with beards again after over 100 years since the last bearded Army or Navy person left the service.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 5:16 PM

2014-01-22T17:16:15-05:00

That's it! Now everything has gone to hell in a hand basket! I hope you all realize that this is a part of this administration's efforts to be inclusive of Secretary McHugh and his secret Zoroastrian agenda!

The Duffel Blog Calls Upon Army Secretary John McHugh To Admit His Secret Zoroastrianism

Enough is enough, and despite numerous “no comments,” obfuscations, and outright lies, Duffel Blog editorial board remains resolute in its duty to the American people to expose Secretary of the Army J...

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 22 at 2014 6:15 PM

2014-01-22T18:15:42-05:00

Wow, big changes. I understand the reasoning behind it, but I have mixed feelings. I guess we will see how it all plays out.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 6:59 PM

2014-01-22T18:59:33-05:00

Unless this is on a DoD website I won't buy it. I don't get my Army news from Fox.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jan 22 at 2014 8:24 PM

2014-01-22T20:24:24-05:00

I am ever so glad I have relieved myself from the services. Not one real combat vet among the Joint Chiefs....... No CIB's, no SEALS, just perfect attendance ribbons on them. Oh.... and the best attachment of lips to the anterior middle portion of the body of this administration award.

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Jan 22 at 2014 8:28 PM

2014-01-22T20:28:52-05:00

1LT Mark O. Read the article. Understand the Pentagon tripping all over itself on this really dumb issue. However, can somebody on RP please tell this old soldier what religion requires body piercings? The text clearly says religious tattoos and body piercings. Is that Reformed Druid?

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jan 22 at 2014 8:46 PM

2014-01-22T20:46:04-05:00

Oh laaaawd here come the beards and tongue rings, yeehaw!

Response by PO3 James Clare made Jan 22 at 2014 9:05 PM

2014-01-22T21:05:55-05:00

I don't care what religion a person has, or how they wear their hair, as long as I know they've got my back. Period.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 9:58 PM

2014-01-22T21:58:23-05:00

HMMMM I sure would like to see a Soldier with a full beard try and seal their pro-mask.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 10:00 PM

2014-01-22T22:00:09-05:00

Personally, I don't have a problem with this but I always thought it was an EO issue that a Female can have long hair as long as it doesn't interfere with wear of the Promask or head gear and I can't. Then again My hair was down past my shoulders when I got to Basic 20 years ago. 

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 22 at 2014 10:41 PM

2014-01-22T22:41:17-05:00

This is not fair.  I can't grow a beard.  I haven't shaved in 2 weeks and no one has noticed.<div><br></div>

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 24 at 2014 9:21 AM

2014-01-24T09:21:39-05:00

My whole issue with it all, is we are a all volunteer force, no one is forcing anyone to join, while I respect all religions, races, creeds, etc., it is volunteer, if you don't want to abide by the standards, don't join, if you do want to join you are required to live with the REQUIRED standards point blank.

All this PC changing of the regulations and standards is what is weakening our forces more everyday, the rules and regulations were established for a reason, it was not to be discriminatory, it was to protect the services ability to put forth the strongest and best military forces to protect our nation here and abroad.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 10:14 AM

2014-01-24T10:14:35-05:00

I agree that the Military as a whole is changing, an it's not all good. I just know that you don't know what anyone brings to the table until they sit at the table. An that's every individual. I've met people that appear to be the best soldier in the world, the ideal soldier, but they are the complete opposite, they are wastrels and we allow them in. I just know at the end of the day as long as they have my 6 and we all can go home he way we left I'm happy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 10:59 AM

2014-01-24T10:59:04-05:00

These types of subjects always seem to get touchy. As in any community, religion and politics always bring about strong feelings.

When I was a young private, I remember seeing a soldier here and there with a turban or a beard. When I asked my NCOs, I was told that the Army respected the religious beliefs of those soldiers, and that a major tenet of their religion was to keep facial hair, or wear the headgear. I accepted it and moved on about my day. What I observed is that those soldiers were as disciplined and professional as I tried to be. They were there, serving in their capacity, doing their jobs and developing themselves as soldiers. This was back in the mid 1980's when things were still kind of simple, and not as politically correct, as we like to call it today.

When a soldier is performing to his or her capacity, and trying to better themselves in their profession, they are an asset to the Army. Wearing a particular headdress, or having facial hair is irrelevant. I love the Army, our traditions, the uniform I am privileged to put on. I will not object to someone else who has those feelings for our Army, with the exception of a particular uniform item. So, they stand out. It shows the world that we are tolerant, inclusive and willing to respect others for who they are.

Both arguments of this issue have merit, and are valid to the individual. What we must accept, as we swore to do, are the lawful orders of our superior officers. Like it or not, they've gotten together and decided it was okay. Now lets have our NCO time, vent it out, then lead by example. Our younger generation of soldiers will follow our lead.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 11:03 AM

2014-01-24T11:03:38-05:00

In all honesty the only gripe I have about it is if my
tattoos below my elbow and my side burns above the bottom of my lobe cause me
to look unprofessional how is having a beard and turban going to make them “fit”
in and be a team with everyone else trying to look like a Soldier with a
profession of arms? I really don’t care if they are allowed to grow a beard or
wear a turban. The Jewish faith is only allowed to wear a Yakima during
specific Jewish holidays why does no one have any issue with that?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 11:08 AM

2014-01-24T11:08:19-05:00

I understand that people are getting a little swept up in the sensationalism of the idea but please take the time to ACTUALLY read the article and see what it is saying. This is not a move to radically change uniform wear and appearance or grooming standards. This is more about streamlining a confusing process for granting exceptions for legitimate religious reasons. In 1948 President Truman desegregated the armed forces. This move allowed persons of faiths (such as Judaism and Sikh) to maintain items of their faith and for years many Sikh doctors served in the military with honor. In 1984 the exemption was removed and forced all but two remaining Sikh doctors out of the military and has kept most devout away ever since. Since 2010 the Army has been allowing Sikh officers to join on a case by case basis and in 2011 the first enlisted Sikh soldier was allowed to join. This new policy only helps to make the process of granting these religious exemptions a little more uniform. I know there is a lot of aversion (whether you want to admit it or not) when people read that "turbans" will be permitted in uniform. But I urge you to just briefly educate yourself on the Sikh faith and you will see that a soldier of Sikh faith is able and extremely motivated to serve the military with the utmost devotion. Chances are, if you could look past the necessity for an altered headgear, you'd find yourself thinking "this is the kind of soldier I WANT in my ranks". http://www.army.mil/article/58866/Sikh_Soldier_answers_lifelong_calling_to_serve/

Sikh Soldier answers lifelong calling to serve

Spc. Simranpreet Singh Lamba, who is the only enlisted Sikh Soldier in the Army, is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 11:20 AM

2014-01-24T11:20:51-05:00

But yet we are not gonna allow tattoos to be present while in the summer pt uniform? :) yes HOOAH!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 7:02 PM

2014-01-24T19:02:50-05:00

We need to stop caving into the media and society and remind people that we are a profession of arms and there are reasons why we do what we do. When people come to join the military they need to be made fully aware that they will be required to adhere to military standards of appearance. No one is forced to join and therefore they must decide what's more important. We will accept anyone from any religion and even atheists and agnostics but they must adhere to our standards or not join. I see this issue being turned into a giant mess and the military especially my Army starting to look more like a civilian corporation in uniform than a proud military force.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 12:03 PM

2014-01-25T12:03:44-05:00

Leave your individualism at the door when it comes to military. You volunteer to join. If you don't like how its run, leave.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Jan 26 at 2014 2:30 AM

2014-01-26T02:30:31-05:00

I know a lot of people on here are commenting based on articles or new stories that they read.<div><br></div><div>If you want to know what the changes actually are, you should read the DoDI 1300.17 (10Feb09), Change 1 (22Jan14).</div><div><br></div><div>Once you read that, I think most who think this may be going too far will relax a little.</div><div><br></div><div>Basically it expands the reasons to request a religious accommodation exemption, but does not actually expand religious accommodations out-right even though it does give immediate commanders the authority to authorize an accommodation as long as it doesn't go against any current policy (ie AR 670-1).</div><div><br></div>

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 4:14 AM

2014-01-27T04:14:13-05:00

There have been some interesting questions about current
trends in the military. Being retired
for a bit now, I’ve looked back on my retirement ceremony that my brother and
sister of the Chiefs mess had for my sendoff. I recall them reading they had the watch, and
for all those years I served where I shouldered the orders and traditions laid
before me they were now taking over. Having them tell me that I was relieved,
and they had the watch; what they were really saying is hay ole timer thanks
for your service drop in for a cup of coffee but don’t overstay your welcome.

As I did for my 26 years in the Navy, those sailors I left
that day to take the watch will take the orders of their commanders and apply
them as their own as we did when we were on active duty. I know that they
wonder what us ole timers would’ve done during our service is they all have
been told to make. They will do what we did when told to make change and change
was always something on the horizon during my time in the Navy. Some changes that
came down I liked and others hated and vise a versa.

That’s one of the many things that I liked about being a
Chief. Us Chief would kicked the orders around in the mess and bark about the
un justice of the new orders, always walking
out that hatch with our covers straight and carried out the orders we were
given.

What do I think about all of these changes that have been placed
upon our current military leadership? I think those men and women will l have
to group together to voice their concerns to their senior leadership, and what
about us? Well we need to write our Congress and Senator’s and influence our values within our
communities that voted these law makers into office, and find a person that we
can collectively get into office that shares our values, honor, and since of tradition. I also
think some of us should run for office placing veterans once again in making
decisions that impact military members by having a leader that has stood the
watch and loves our country, believes in what prayer can do for the soul of the
community, the US Flag, and being a American stands for. That what I think
standing on my soap box throwing out my two cents or dimes worth about all of
this change.

Also know this site was setup to network with business
leaders and those on promotion boards. I wonder what are you active duty people
doing to prepare yourself for the job market or you next milestone of your
military career preparing for the next step of your professional life. What have you done to translate your job into civilian
terms, what certifications have you achieved that carries over into the civilian
market, what level of education have your achieved? Every 24 year old that
works in HR knows that the military offers the best education opportunities and
if you have completed within your first enlistment a technical certification or
associates degree, or if you did 20 years of service you should have at minimum
a Bachelor’s Degree or making significant progress towards that Goal. Thinking that the School
of hard knocks means you have to knock harder on HR doors to get a shot at an
interview or knock harder at the chance of seeing your career advance without
improving your skills and education.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 5:51 AM

2014-01-27T05:51:20-05:00

Beards I believe were allowed in the military up to World War I, but with the use of poison gas in battle, and the need for a seal with a gas mask, beards went away in the military.   Classic example - look at any Civil war officer, Grant, Lee, etc.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 8:18 PM

2014-01-27T20:18:18-05:00

Good new for those Juggalos serving in the military, LOL!
http://www.duffelblog.com/2014/01/military-juggalo/

Juggalos Get Pentagon OK To Wear Religious Face Paint In Uniform

WASHINGTON – Soon after last week’s announcement allowing beards, turbans, and other religious clothing and body art while in military uniform, the Department of Defense amended its policy to include ...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 10:43 AM

2014-01-29T10:43:12-05:00

I disagree with this whole heartedly. I am a Christian and
have no hatred for any other religion or race, but this is the Army and we have
a standards that should be set in stone with NO exceptions at all. If you wish
to be a part of the Army then YOU WILL act, look and play the part of a
soldier. If you do not wish to meet this criteria then you do not belong here.
If people are overweight we kick them out, now they want to crack down on visible
tattoo's, or how we dress and look off duty, all of this is fine to me, I do
not care one bit because I am a soldier 24-7. With that said we cannot ramp up
the standards of AR 670-1 just to make an exception to the policy due to the
possibility of offending someone of violating their religion. Next they will
make exemptions to shooting assigned weapons because it is against a soldiers
religion to take another life. Some may say "that will never
happen!", but a few years ago some would have said that this would have
never happened.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 12:21 PM

2014-01-30T12:21:57-05:00

Sikhs have waivers from DOD. They obviously have a skill set we haven't been able to fill, so they've been allowed a waiver. If it's such a problem, then maybe we should find some with the same qualifications to fit the bill without authorizing a waiver. Its part of his religion. We have a guy like that in our unit, a combat medic, really nice guy.

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Mar 10 at 2014 1:25 PM

2014-03-10T13:25:52-04:00

Good info MSG, thanks for the post.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 10 at 2014 1:47 PM

2014-03-10T13:47:22-04:00

What strikes me as "interesting" after reading through this list is #4. If some of you remember a few weeks ago an article came out saying the Army was going to allow "Religious Beards" and now the new 670-1 is saying Soldiers will be clean shaven on AND off duty. So which one is it? Are beards going to be allowed based on your religious beliefs or are you going to be required to shave regardless of what name you use for God?

Response by SGT Gary Frank made Mar 10 at 2014 7:27 PM

2014-03-10T19:27:48-04:00

Tattoo's will be Grandfathered?

You mean someone will actually need to carry around a "Profile Slip" for their Tattoo?

Good Grief!

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 4:48 PM

2014-03-13T16:48:06-04:00

MSG, please define a "'deployed' mindset".

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 9:03 PM

2014-08-11T21:03:29-04:00

I get that it is a religious cultural thing and on the surface I'm ok with it as long as they are still able to perform their jobs to standard. My only main concern about this is that it opens doors to other things being brought on to the block to become permitted.

For example the recent tattoo policy has eliminated a large portion of the population from enlisting because their tattoos are to big or in the wrong place. There are some cultures that tattoos are a large part of and some people may have a tattoo for religious purposes....do we allow this?

On the extreme side some cultures/religions practice piercing in places other than the ears. Females are currently the only ones that can have ear piercing. Do we now make exceptions for this?

As I said on the surface I'm ok with the decision I just think that they are not ready for the can of worms that has been opened due to it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 11:49 PM

2014-08-11T23:49:38-04:00

But where is the line?
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/22/22376938-pentagon-to-relax-rules-on-personal-religious-wear-including-beards-turbans
According to the article, the military will seek to accommodate any "sincerely" held religious belief. So if I believe (sincerely) that my god is Bear Bryant and He requires me to wear an Alabama football jersey, can I?
Why not just throw out the uniform altogether and wear what we want? You know why? Because this guy...

Pentagon to relax rules on personal religious wear — including beards, turbans

The Pentagon on Wednesday is expected to announce widespread changes to rules governing religious items and religion-based physical attributes that service members can maintain while in uniform — including beards, some religious tattoos, and tu

Response by 1SG Rich Martinez made Aug 12 at 2014 12:55 AM

2014-08-12T00:55:40-04:00

I feel that this is a very bad idea for the Army or any of the military services to allow. There is a reason that we have regulations and that we have to follow them. The more the military allows certain allowances for very small groups than it will also alter the total discipline of the force. If people don't like the regulations then don't join its that simple. Once you change things for one person then everything is going to be changed. One day its a turban, then its tattoos, then its female hair policies. What's next???

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 12 at 2014 7:47 AM

2014-08-12T07:47:30-04:00

I was told this by a Company Commander of mine once (one that I respected a lot). I've used it many times in my life. It was one of those things that sticks with you. This guy just had his $**t wired tight.

"We don't change the Army to fit the individual, we change the individual to fit the Army".

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Aug 12 at 2014 8:11 AM

2014-08-12T08:11:26-04:00

On one hand I agree that there must be standards and a professional appearance... but have you ever looked at Civil War photos? Or images of the British Empire... The hair never seemed to stop them... or... Perhaps that was Custer's real down fall, not arrogance or glory seeking but his long hair!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 6:24 PM

2014-08-12T18:24:31-04:00

My only issue with this entire scenerio is not the regulations themselves, but those saying "conform!" If the regulations state conform, than you should conform. If the regulations gives exemption, than by saying "the exemption shouldn't be allowed" by definition isn't conforming to the regulations, thus making people hypocrites.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 19 at 2014 10:58 PM

2014-10-19T22:58:57-04:00

I think it takes away from uniformity and will cause distention among the ranks.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2014 11:01 PM

2014-10-19T23:01:16-04:00

This is one of those tough ones. There is great value in allowing Sikhs to serve in our military to be able to provide religious support to our Soldiers who practice that faith. However, there is also military regulation that says we are all to be shaved and may wear a mustache, as long as it’s in regulation. The dilemma comes once you start allowing waivers for uniform changes for one instance (religion just happening to be this one, but not necessarily for all of them), then you open the door for more. I don't know the background of the religion that "requires" the beard or prevents them from shaving it....so I would say we (the military) need to truly understand what the background of the religion is before a decision made. Is the beard a "choice" or a "requirement..." Of it's a choice, I say don't allow it to maintain regulations and that practicing your faith shouldn't be hindered because you "want" to have a beard. However if it’s a requirement, then that should be taken into consideration for the benefit of our Soldiers.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 19 at 2014 11:05 PM

2014-10-19T23:05:18-04:00

I hope he never gets gassed. Hr could have a problem with getting a good seal. Being that there are only two they are definitely originals with the turban. However beards used to be allowed back in the day.

Response by SPC(P) Thomas Beliveau made Oct 19 at 2014 11:10 PM

2014-10-19T23:10:20-04:00

No problem with this whatsoever. I can't see anyone having an issue with this, and if they did, nothing a quick explanation can't fix. If they still had a problem, that's on them.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2014 4:01 PM

2014-10-20T16:01:48-04:00

Can we relax the regs for non-religious facial hair? The clean-cut soldier idea is a new one, look at pre-WWII pictures of servicemembers. Beards for all!

Response by SSgt Salvador Martinez made Oct 22 at 2014 6:15 AM

2014-10-22T06:15:52-04:00

I cant believe the how the DoD is tailoring to civilians needs and any current service members bitching and crying. This is bullshit. Im not going to sit here and be political correct. If you dont like how we run business then dont join or get the hell out, plain and simple. i'm a 14+ year Marine vet and I'll be dam, esspecially if the Marine Corps adheres to this policy.

Response by CW4 Ray Montano made Dec 19 at 2014 1:31 PM

2014-12-19T13:31:27-05:00

"Young liberals don't joint the Army, they join Facebook." Now that was funny.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Apr 12 at 2016 8:46 PM

2016-04-12T20:46:13-04:00

Change the regulations, see how easy it is.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2016 1:08 AM

2016-05-01T01:08:25-04:00

Hey, if it comes to a chem warfare, anyone that can not get a good mask seal will be the first to learn WHY grooming standards were created. And if you can not get a mask over a turban, eh, you will find out why there were wear of uniform standards too. BTW, anyone have some popcorn? The drama is going to be high on this one.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 5:31 PM

2016-05-04T17:31:21-04:00

I think this is old crap. I've met an USAF Muslim Chaplain with a trimmed beard wearing a Muslim cover (don't know what it is called) while indoors. This is not new.

Response by SGT David Petree made Dec 31 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-12-31T14:40:07-05:00

I can under stand wearing of a mustache . Because I had one for 25 years in the Army. But the beard not really , I have one now. One must trim it daily, clean it daily to prevent it from the itch . You can Not get your gas maces to seal enough to keep anything out. Have you ever tried to get Grease out of a beard ?? I have takes a lone time. I can see your guys wearing it in country's were they are fighting because the population there sees a bit of respect for there country.