Posted on Mar 25, 2015
To Shave or Not to Shave? That is the question.
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In modern times, many police and military forces prohibit beards for one important reason that came up during World War I. In order to get a clean seal on a gas mask, you must have a clean face, so soldiers made sure to shave. They may or may not have been worried about the pulling of beards during hand-to-hand combat, as Alexander the Great was.
Excluding limited exemptions for religious accommodation, the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps have policies that prohibit beards on the basis of hygiene, the necessity of a good seal for chemical weapon protective masks, and the official position that uniform personal appearance and grooming contribute to discipline and a sense of camaraderie.
All branches of the U.S. Military currently prohibit beards for a vast majority of recruits, although some mustaches are still allowed, based on policies that were initiated during the period of World War I.
So, the discussion is, Should military branches change the policy on shaving due to a legacy concern of chemical/biological warfare from WWI?
IMO, Proper grooming standards should be considered. If a service member wants to grow facial hair while not in a deployed location where the threat of a chemical/biological attack could occur (this is hardly in any theater of operations anymore due to many regulations implemented internationally to destroy & manage chemical/biological weapons), they should be allowed to, but in consideration of grooming standards (i.e. length of facial hair, must represent professional appearance, etc.)
Photo: U.S. Army Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan, 2010
Excluding limited exemptions for religious accommodation, the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps have policies that prohibit beards on the basis of hygiene, the necessity of a good seal for chemical weapon protective masks, and the official position that uniform personal appearance and grooming contribute to discipline and a sense of camaraderie.
All branches of the U.S. Military currently prohibit beards for a vast majority of recruits, although some mustaches are still allowed, based on policies that were initiated during the period of World War I.
So, the discussion is, Should military branches change the policy on shaving due to a legacy concern of chemical/biological warfare from WWI?
IMO, Proper grooming standards should be considered. If a service member wants to grow facial hair while not in a deployed location where the threat of a chemical/biological attack could occur (this is hardly in any theater of operations anymore due to many regulations implemented internationally to destroy & manage chemical/biological weapons), they should be allowed to, but in consideration of grooming standards (i.e. length of facial hair, must represent professional appearance, etc.)
Photo: U.S. Army Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan, 2010
USA
US Marine Corps (USMC)
Shaving
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 132
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We should be growing out facial hair, it makes us look more intimidating and fits in line with how we should be perceived; if we keep trying to be something that we're not then we affect both the personality of our service and what the expectations others have of us. We're not people in suits going to a job, we're war fighters that need to have the image of a proper warrior.
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So why shouldn't the female standing in front of CPT Rattan have to adhere to the "one standard for all" mantra when it comes to hair standards? I would not mind growing my hair out a little longer than the current standard.
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Capt (Join to see)
It's funny you mention that. We as men, keep our hair short, women naturally have longer hair, but they are allowed to have the bobbed look. I mean, a man can grow that too. No different really, just would look a little off. Would make going to the bar at night a little challenging...haha
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SFC (Join to see)
Ha. Yea I am not going for the bobbed look, just enough to brush. Might help to blend in. You never know when a "crazy" will be looking for a Service member to kill. The females have a better chance of survival in that situation.
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My heart goes out to the leaders of our country. They are having to make decisions every day that keep us safe as American citizens. These days, if you don't bow to the political pressures of all these wanna-be agenda setting organizations, you stand to lose millions in lawsuits to accomodate the individuals when that money could go towards the social programs and military defense that benefit the vast MAJORITY of Americans. Pray for our leaders. They need all the help they can get.
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Millenials..... Guess you are entitled to facial hair too. If growing a beard is more important than serving your country on your country's terms, you've made a mistake. Man up and deal with it. This is literally the stupidest thing I've ever seen or heard. Of course no one wants to shave everyday. Some of us had to shave 2 times a day, but do what everyone else does go, suck it up. Grow yourself a stupid beard when you get out, and call it a day. Military appearance is about attention detail, which is a skill that is highly valuable throughout all aspects of life. This a tradition that I hope is here to stay.
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Part of the reasoning is the hygiene and safety issue. Part of it is that by allowing beards you are now adding another thing to have to create rules to regulate and monitor. It's easier to simply ban them.
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Capt (Join to see)
We change our uniforms to adapt to our operating environment. Why not include grooming standards. Those operating environments are more well understood now more than they ever have been.
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I understand that its becoming a popular trend to grow facial hair but still it shows discipline. I probably can't say much because I've only been in the army for two years but I believe that you should follow regulations and be a professional. You wouldn't walk in to a interview with a long beard would you? All and all I'm just saying is that if your going to make a big deal out of not being able to grow facial hair then get out. Dont mean to offend any one but I bet there is some one who is willing and able to take your place.
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Capt (Join to see)
Doesn't matter if you are too young or junior in rank. Opinion is an opinion. Professionalism can be viewed in a lot of ways. I seem to find some men with groomed facial hair and in a suit still professional. I work with civilians that have this standard. The military is about uniformity. Everyone looking the same.
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