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: 135
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Just because poison gas hasn't been in vogue in our living memories doesn't mean tomorrow's troops won't be getting it. Foreign powers play by their own rules. That being said, I've never confirmed or denied the inability to seal a mask with a beard, and some say that the seal's work just fine, even with a beard. Also- I think too many people focus on looking pretty through regulations like these. They can look presentable like this sure- but they can still be a dirtbag regardless. I've never heard of any enemy we have fought in recent times, Islamic fighters or even the VC, that were at all intimidated by a clean-shaven or bearded face.
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Sounds like more of an excuse to do one less thing in the morning, citing the last generation didn't have to do it is what children do. And as for allowing the hat and beard to slide because of religious preference. Well you decided to join the military the military didn't join you so stop with the bellyaching and suck it up.
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I say in garrison every must be clean shaven, regardless of religious affiliation, how sensitive your skin is, or what ever your excuse is. However, when you're in combat, a beard is the mark of a warrior and should be allowed by any military member that is deployed
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I think beards and goatees should be allowed. A well trimmed beard still allows for a good seal as well as the member still looks professional.
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Regs are regs and I feel that everyone should have to follow them no matter what I had to shave even though I would break out. I also feel that if you alow it to be changed people will push the limits.
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Sgt (Join to see)
I agree that regs are regs and that they should be followed, that being said they can change to be more fitting to what the world thinks and feels, just like with the tattoo policies that have undergone changes. Also there is nothing wrong with skirting the edges of a regulation, there's a reason that there are lateral limits on these types of things, when it's taken to far something needs to change; leaders should be on the lookout for when things are going to far and be there to encourage their subordinates in not taking things to far.
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I'm sorry. I say no. As you can see I like facial hair. The day I retired I stopped shaving. But while you are serving I believe that the currant standards are fare. It is easier to keep clean and groom while in the field or in combat. Yes NBC is not much of a threat today. It is true you must have a clean face to get a proper seal with our masks. Back in 2005 while in Iraq, we had a message that some chemical weapons were found. So the order was given to carry masks. What do we do then, use for an hour so the Marines can all go use our limited water to shave beards off? Yes I know other nations have more facial hair. Most of that is because of religious beliefs. That is another topic.
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