Why can't we grow beards?

As a former 1stSgt, take a guess.

When I was active duty Army we couldn’t have beards because it kept us from a good seal when utilizing our gas masks.

As a First responder no Beard was allowed. With a Full Beard could not guarantee proper fit every time when Dressed for Action.

NBC mask is the most legitimate reason. When we deployed for Desert Storm it was no big secret Iraq had biological weapons, all shaving profiles were nullified! You can’t seal your mask on hair!

You knew what the standards were when you joined, adhere to them and stop whining, want to grow a beard, get out and stop buying in to all the rumorville, our military is a professional, credible organization, that is evident in our success

I think the military is going down hill. Catering to the public and lacking in professionalism. They are lowering standards and training. It's bad enough that they don't have to polish boots, now they won't have to shave, what's the next step after that shorts and flipflops because the uniforms are to hot. The millenials are taking over.

It’s a dog and pony show now. The people who actually fight the wars and use gas masks all grow beards. The ones who do gate guard and post details or sit on there phone all day at work preaching uniformity and professionalism

Gas

So, overweight "people" are chaptered out as fast as possible in my unit. I don't know many criminal background Soldiers, probably because I work in Intelligence and they wouldn't get clearances. And modern society says that there is nothing wrong with tattoos.

The issue with beards is regulating them, history, and, fitting of protective gear.
There was extensive problems with masks fitting previously. Beards are also unsanitary when in the field. Any pubic hair is and if you have to go weeks without showering, that stuff is the first to go.
So instead of complaining develop a white paper to give the SMA detailing what would be a good policy on beards and how to enforce it.

Sounds like you really love the Army