Posted on Apr 19, 2016
Should beards be allowed in the Marine Corps?
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So, there is this connotation that beards are unprofessional. This may have been true at one point, but no one can really argue that this is true today: statistically, bearded men get paid more and are preferred for management. Now here is the issue: beards used to be common in the military, but now is the exception to the rule (as a religious factor- and that is only in the Army!) In other works, if you are Sikh and enlist in the USMC, good-bye facial hair- you are just like anyone else...
The entire purpose of the clean shave was to ensure you could get a good seal on your gas mask, which is why you look at history and see those glorious beards and mustaches. In the early 1900s, it was stated that this facial hair will kill you, because you cannot get a good seal on your gas mask... While recently (allegedly) it was proven (by the Army) to be a non-factor in getting a good seal- I cannot confirm nor deny that this happened- but it does beg the question: if facial hair is a non-issue as it pertains to warfare, then why is it an issue?
Although I approve of the current policy, I wonder- if an Army Sikh officer can get a good seal on a gas mask with a full beard, then why can't the rest of us? I mean, it's not exactly tradition to have a clean shave; just look at a list of the Commandants! So... is it really unprofessional to have a beard, or is it a matter of being hard to regulate? And if it is it a matter of regulation, is it simply a lack of empathy on the subject? Keep in mind I don't care either way; I will maintain a clean shave because I look weird if I don't, but when you cut out tradition, and history, and practicality... It just doesn't make sense. Your thoughts, ladies and gents...
The entire purpose of the clean shave was to ensure you could get a good seal on your gas mask, which is why you look at history and see those glorious beards and mustaches. In the early 1900s, it was stated that this facial hair will kill you, because you cannot get a good seal on your gas mask... While recently (allegedly) it was proven (by the Army) to be a non-factor in getting a good seal- I cannot confirm nor deny that this happened- but it does beg the question: if facial hair is a non-issue as it pertains to warfare, then why is it an issue?
Although I approve of the current policy, I wonder- if an Army Sikh officer can get a good seal on a gas mask with a full beard, then why can't the rest of us? I mean, it's not exactly tradition to have a clean shave; just look at a list of the Commandants! So... is it really unprofessional to have a beard, or is it a matter of being hard to regulate? And if it is it a matter of regulation, is it simply a lack of empathy on the subject? Keep in mind I don't care either way; I will maintain a clean shave because I look weird if I don't, but when you cut out tradition, and history, and practicality... It just doesn't make sense. Your thoughts, ladies and gents...
Posted in these groups: 
Marines
Grooming Standards
Marines Grooming Standards
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 186
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Well Although I am not a marine, I did come up in the old school military. A good seal on the pro mask, is not the only reason why regulations were made with a standard for short hair and facial hair. Hair is fairly flammable, go find a hipster and light up his man bun to prove it. Yes beards were common in the military over a hundred years ago but; since WWI, modern warfare has progressively created nastier ways. Try a phosphorus grenade igniting near you, it’s not only burning down under your skin but also sets your beard on fire. Think about it.
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U.S. airstrikes hit ISIS convoys
Coalition airstrikes targeted two ISIS convoys leaving Falluja over two days, destroying about 175 vehicles carrying militants out of the city. CNN's Barbara...
https://youtu.be/scSvZSxs45o
So, the USAF doesn't kill the enemy? I think you should check your facts.
So, the USAF doesn't kill the enemy? I think you should check your facts.
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I was in the Army and we had another exemption: Afro- Americans who who get pseudo folliculitis an uncomfortable skin condition, They had to stay trimmed to 1/8 “. The Roman Legion didn’t like beards or long hair because your enemy could grab your hair in hand to hand combat. But the military likes uniformity and beards are harder to regulate than clean shaves
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Stick with tradition,enough of being politically correct that’s why the world is as screwed up as it is!
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Not every one can grow a great professional looking beard. Those who can’t may not be suitable. So, who decides? I say no beards unless it’s mission specific.
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The "whole reason" for not allowing beards is that they do not present a neat military appearance. A one time they were allowed, and back then they did not present a neat military appearance. Beards, eccentric hair cuts or coloring, facial tattoos, etc... are not allowed. Good seal when donning a gas mask, yeah that's a factor, but so is hygiene in the field. The individual changes to meet the standards of the military, not the other way around.
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I had an uncle that was a Navy Chief, salty, very salty and wearing red stripes, who would go to sea clean shaven and come home with a beard. That being said, that was the 70s and the Navy must have allowed Chiefs to grow beards. That being said, I think the Marines ought to maintain their traditions, and never ever get soft or feel like they need to conform to modern fashion.
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PO3 Douglas George
In the 70's under Zumwalt as CNO beards were allowed. After he retired the regulations changed back. I prefer no beards.
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No, once you cut standards, it becomes much more that will effect gorder and decipline
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