Should the Navy bring back beards?

Yaaasss!

As long as the beard is neat and tidy and conforms to uniform standards. It's the person behind the beard who is important.

This could only be allowed on shore duty. The more immediate threat for a shipboard Sailor is not CBR but firefighting. The air packs we use(basically the same as civilian fire fighters) maintain positive pressure inside the mask. Any leaks in the seal of the mask causes the regulator to free flow. This could cause your bottle of air designed to last ~45min. to last only 10 min.

I would love for the US Navy to adopt the Royal Navy's policy on facial hair.

I'm on the fence about this one. I do think that a clean shaven face looks sharper and promotes uniformity. It also keeps younger Sailors in line, as shaving every day reminds them that they are indeed a part of something larger than themselves, and sacrifice - doing something they may dread, is a part of everyday life.

However, at a certain rank/paygrade, I can definitely understand how beards could be a privilege. You cannot argue that a well kept beard can definitely reenforce a man's authority. A sharp beard can look just as professional as a clean shaven face. With stipulation, I could get on board with allowing beards.

*Note, I understand no-shave chits can be bought through the MWR while underway - however, this is not what this question is pertaining to.

If the Navy can, then the other services should be able to as well.

Beards and dungarees! Circa 1970's GI Joe!
Let's keep it fact based, does it truly impact the readiness of the force? I'd love to see the statistics on how many people had to don their protective mask in a real world situation over the course of their career.
Was there an increase in body lice after port call? The numbers are so low right now and it seems like a pretty cool little perk. Why not?

The picture above was taken in 1984 before the CNO banned beards. The day I shaved my beard I walked by my 8 year old son, who was laying on the floor watching TV. He looked up and said, "Gee, dad, you're ugly," but what did he know as he had never seen me without a beard.




I firmly believe that beards have a place in the Navy! However, as I witnessed the changes in 1981, at 1st I thought it was asinine to make such a change that has been such a long standing tradition. Then thinking as one who had been in a more leadership position, I could also see the were there could be an incentive to the change. As in "What was that sailor? You said you want to grow a beard? Well you better keep your nose clean and work harder on getting promoted to an E4 so that you can grow a beard!" "Cause rank has it's privileges!!"
Now the Con side : breaking a tradition that has been in the Navy for how many years? If "the powers that be" all of a sudden decide it is ok to start to break one tradition (beards for E1-E3 personnel. Which in and of itself is self some people may think it is either a small meaningless tradition. But what if next they decide to get rid of the Marine Corp's Dress Blues uniform all together and have them wear Naval Service Dress uniforms all because someone saw that the Marine Corp's budget was part of the Dept Of The Navy's and that the Marines paycheck's said Department of the Navy on them.
Now UNDERSTAND I AM NOT ATTEMPTING TO STIR UP ANY TROUBLE!!! As I fully understand that this has been a sore subject for our fellow Marines for all of these many many years! Even back when I was in the military it was a touchy subject as I had the marine carrying in my luggage! Sorry had to say it!
But seriously, No tradition no matter how small should be taken lightly! It would be the same as if in the Joint Chiefs infinite wisdom they suddenly decide to allow Ranger Green Berets and infantry to wear the rangers symbols. Now I know there would be a LOT of pissed off people!! And rightfully so! That would be the same as giving the person who handles maintenance on the aircraft pilot wings! There was a reason for each and every tradition that was started. Those who fail to remember their past, will only regret in the future making the same mistakes again. Traditions in the military are guidelines that help us not to repeat past mistakes. And care ahould be taken when trifled with.

I never had a problem getting a gas mask seal. To this day I would dawn a MK5, OBA or Survive air pac and sit in a gas chamber or smoke house to prove it can be done with a properly trimmed beard. #/4" max length and cut along the jaw line. Those that said it could not be done had never tried it to see if it could be done.