Why can't we grow beards?

As to the regs, there are exceptions. Quite a number of operators in the sandbox have beards. Typically variances are driven by operational necessity. Part of the definition of "uniform" is to look alike. There are different uniforms, but we're directed to wear specific ones for specific circumstances. I needed my beard in Antarctica so my face didn't stick to cold surfaces or frostbit so easily. Defrosting the ice cube out of the beard at dinner was another story though. For the most part, the grooming standards are part of limiting the variation and keeping things more "uniform". It comes with the job and like all the other regs can be considered a condition of employment. Although still legal in the Navy, the Marines didn't appreciate me showing up on their base in my beard. I didn't need it any more so shaved. The Navy ditched the beard thing around 1980.

The gas mask, that's currently in use in our military, doesn't seal properly with facial hair- and I believe you're mistaken in your statement that other nations effectively conduct mask training while sporting a beard. They do allow for beards, however, the only masks I'm aware of that work with beards tend to cost more than a military organization, to include the U.S. Military, are willing to pay for their regular soldiers. Gas masks that work with beards are, until a less expensive model is developed, a pipe dream for all but the Special Forces.

It is a lot safer especially when in a field environment to not shave it reduces the risk of infection from nicks or from open pores, its definitely not healthy for your skin to shave everyday

It's that way because our regs are out of date and no one will change anything because we've only trained yes men for the last couple decades

Being with the CBRN for over 17yrs! I can say that having a beard would not be a good idea if you had to mask up! Being retired Navy and was in when we could have beards I think it sucks you can't! Although we had to keep our beards properly trimmed so our mask would fit properly! It was hard to actually keep it that way! You being Army and myself being deployed with Army Chemical Company's in Afghanistan and Iraq, I know there would be no time to properly keep a beard trimmed! So basically wait till your out and then grow one.

First off the initial statement is misleading. The Army doesn't allow psychotic people to serve. If someone lies/misleads about their mental health history that is on them. However as a former Army psychologist I can attest to the fact that those who were psychotic were separated. I had to eval a few down range who had psychotic breaks and were med-evac'd and eventually separated from the Army.

As far as the other issues waivers are required. Criminal history and substance abuse problems almost always catch up with the person. Meaning that past behavior is an indicator of future behavior. I know there are some who were able to turn it around.

Beards are a different animal. Yes a person with a beard can seal the mask in the gas chamber. I've personally observed some Sikh's in my OBLC class do it. I can grow a mean beard myself. However I'm also for uniformity i.e. "one team" mentality.

Many responders have decided that beards are unprofessional??? I wonder how they came to the conclusion

Proper seal of pro mask, that's it.

I joined the Navy in 1983, when beards were allowed, within specifications. When I made PO3 (E4), I had to put in a special request chit to grow a Navy-regulation beard--this was in 1984. I was able to get a 30-day leave period between my "C" schools and had time to grow a decent beard. I got back to that final "C" school and in a weekly inspection a particularly tough female warrant officer was inspecting my class, finding less than polished belt buckles, scuffed shoes, and "irish pennants" that went down as negative marks against the Sailors. When she reached me, she squared away her fireplug bulk, looked me up and down, and said,"That's a fine-looking beard, Sailor! Give this man an outstanding!" Well, that was worth a special liberty pass, so I was ecstatic.

When I reported to my first sub in Groton, CT, in December, the Chief of the Boat (COB) welcomed me aboard then told me gruffly to shave my beard off because 'the Captain didn't like them', and I was due to meet him the next morning. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) at the time had declared that beards would be banned on January 1st, 1985, anyway; so went the experience of my Navy beard. Since I've retired, I have grown a beard, off and on, but it is too fussy to keep well-trimmed, and is more efficient to keep clean-shaven.

I believe that each of the armed forces wants to appear to be professional and clean-cut in the eyes of the public they serve, pure and simple. I could not imagine Marines with beards, ear rings, nose rings, lip rings, etc. Marines take pride in being and looking squared away. I think the leaders of the other services at least want to stay in the same universe as the Marines. There was a time in the late '70sm when Admiral Zumwalt (I believe his name was) allowed sailors to grow beards. It didn't last long, because it just wasn't accepted by the public at large, as what they expected of their servicemen. I know that every time I saw a sailor with a beard, I winced.