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The Army allows people with full sleeve tattoos, criminal history, drug/alcohol abuse problems, overweight people, and now psychotic people serve in the military. Clearly the Army isn't worried about looking professional or being professional. Numerous other Allied nations allow their service members to grow beards and have no problem with their SMs utilizing gas masks. Uniformity definitely isn't an issue either, since we have different hairstyles, uniforms, etc. What are your thoughts on this?
Uniforms
DA Pam 670-1
Facial Hair
Professionalism
Grooming Standards
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 669
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Do tell, how does facial hair detract from a professional appearance? I personally think that answer is just a scapegoat for not writing a policy on it, honestly.
I mean, it would take time from writing policies on all the other great things we have policies on.
I mean, it would take time from writing policies on all the other great things we have policies on.
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This post has some generalities as it pertains to accessions. If I understand the arguement, it appears you belive standards for joining are low and because of that you are asking why not allow beards. My thoughts are, if the standards are actually as low as you say they are then standards need to reevaluted. AR 601-210 covers enlistment criterea.
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Because you are an American service member and we go by our own standards
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Go ahead and grow a Jerry Garcia beard and stand in the gas chamber with your mask. Lemme know how it goes.
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The idea of short hair being associated with military professionalism has two sources: hygiene and hand-hand combat. Short hair is less likely to develop filth and lice, and can not be used to restrain you by an opponent. Operators and SOF guys grow beards for cultural reasons, because they have to interact with village elders and leaders who associate facial hair with authority and virility.
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Hygiene is also an important consideration. It is extremely difficult to keep a beard clean and germ free. Ground combat is far different from sea duty, a beard can interfere with mask seals, standards would be very difficult maintain and enforce.
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The only exception is special ops. Working under cover in another country. Mainly to fit in.
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