Posted on Apr 10, 2016
Should I shave my beard if I am currently a civilian but have an interview for a Reserve position?
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I've been out for a year and the interview is in civies (business casual).
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
Suggest that you shave your beard. This would make you more likely to get picked for the job.
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Do you want the position? Not saying you would not get it with a beard or would get it clean shaven. But, I suspect the odds for success are considerable better shaven.
Is that right? Maybe not. But, I believe it is true.
Is that right? Maybe not. But, I believe it is true.
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Best to shave your beard. The current military culture eschews beards - they allow for too much individuality and possibly dissent. The last time they were permitted was during Vietnam times, the Navy & Adm Zumwalt. I saw those guys, they looked like real sailors. Of course, that was the 70s when somehow, despite beards, smoking, drinking and going to strip clubs, people managed to get to work, did their jobs and faithfully executed the exacting, if somewhat confusing, instructions from our civilian masters. In the 70s retirees got 50% of their salary, plus COLA & free medical care at any base hospital for all the rest of their lives. It was a great deal for loyal and faithful service. Of course the stress of all that hard living in a Type A world (we had SAC then) meant that enlisted folks died on average 18 months after retirement and officers lasted 3 years. (Read the stat 1972). However, it's now 2016, we are drawing down forces and those billets will go at a premium to guys who look like they'll bring a lot to the fight, won't be a moments worry and would be happy to donate a lot of free time to furtherance of the mission, for whatever retirement annuity scheme the Reserves/Guard has. Your call.
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If I was going for a Reserve Officer interview I'd be with in Regs as far as appearance. You only get one chance to make a first impression.
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Thanks everyone for confirming what I was 95% sure I was going to do anyway. Feels weird to not shave for almost a year and then take it all off again.
The hair never got out of regs. 3 on top, skin on side w/a high fade - I hate combing, fixing, styling my hair, it'll prickly never change.
The hair never got out of regs. 3 on top, skin on side w/a high fade - I hate combing, fixing, styling my hair, it'll prickly never change.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
Maj Matt Hylton Sir, when I retired and grew my beard, one day the wife is cutting my hair - she asked when I was going to shave my beard off. I replied, "When the Army recalls me back to active duty." That was in 2006 and she hasn't asked since. Haven't touched a blade to my face for ever.
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Col Rebecca Lorraine
My husband has a great saying, if you have to ask if it's in the rough, it's in the rough. (Hope you golf) good luck!
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The fact that you're asking at all means that you already know the right thing to do. Keeping your beard might cost you the job, but shaving it certainly will not.
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Absolutely. You want to look the part. Looking and acting the part shows them that you are ready to hit the ground running.
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