Why can't we grow beards?

We were told a gas mask won't seal over a beard

Beards were originally banned when the armed forces issued gasmasks that couldn't get a proper seal with facial hair. Now that the M50 can get a seal there is no real reason not to be allowed them. People with shaving waivers look extremely professional in uniform. If they allowed everyone to wear them with the same standards as those on waivers, it could work well. If warfighting is a worry, ban them in the field just like we do with makeup and contacts. All of these SNCOS and officers on here trying to brow beat people talking about "Because it's the rules" or "that's the way it is" are fools and just reinforcing the story of the monkeys with the bananas. If beards are unprofessional and have no place, why are we allowed moustaches? They same arguments for and against beards can also be used when talking about moustaches.

Just let me have a beard bro

I had a beard while in the Navy until outlawed. Early to mid 80's.

As far as sailors are concerned the only reason ive been told we cant grow a beard is that when dawning a gas mask it will not make a proper seal against the face if there is facial hair however ive seen plenty of sailors who have no shave chits and there is no way a gas mask would make a good seal as far as professional apperance goes lower enlisted (e-5s included) have a natural act for skewing a professional appearance in public. The navy ,back in the day would allow sailors to grow facial hair during the colder months coinciding with the dress blue uniform and when the shift from blues to whites the had to be clean shaven

Its ok in the navy

So, the Union Army wasn't, and SFOD-D isnt, professional? Not to mention a whole lot of other special operators in theater. Our bearded Allies aren't, either? Grooming standards can be rewritten, and ought to be.

Only in certain situations on deployment

So the “advisor” teams at JSOC are not professionals? Asking for a friend.

Try getting a good seal on that gas mask with your beard. Good luck.