Why can't we grow beards?

... pass the indocs. Right units=relaxed grooming regs.

Shave daily, haircut weekly. I guess Cold Warriors were just more squared away.

Well I can't say I would like to test the mask seal theory in a serious chemical agent environment.

I was always told that it started with the issue of gas masks, you can't get a good solid seal with facial hair. I have noticed that several traditions get started for excellent reasons, but tend to get over blown while instilling discipline with young troops.

Although your Post is a valid question I read into the tone as being rather disrespectful and condescending to your fellow service members. When you disparage someone due to your perception that they have or are "criminal history, drug/alcohol abuse problems, overweight people, and now psychotic people" you are both indirectly criticizing your leadership as well as making snap decisions about a soldier's ability to perform. When you leave the military, something that is likely sooner than later in your case (snap judgment), you'll be able to have a beard but you'll be shocked about who your coworkers are....human beings that may have faults.

I couldn’t agree more. For most of our nations history the service members where aloud to wear a beard. I feel they show a level of maturity and professionalism that a baby face could never achieve. When I deployed we had a unit of Canadian soldiers attached to us and where encouraged to grow beards.

So that the first thing you do when you get out is grow a beard. I was in for over 24 yrs enlisted and officer. I hated shaving everyday. I use to hate polishing my boots too. I do neither now. The point is standards of professionalism. Tattoos are hard enough to police, why put more burden on the backs of our NCO Corps?

If the biggest sacrifice we make in this uniform is shaving our facial hair, then we should consider ourselves blessed and be thankful.

Grooming standards are environmentally relative. If you are in the Garrison, you should present the most clean and professional appearance you can possibly muster (IAW ar-670-1). In some scenarios, while working with indigenous peoples of different cultural backgrounds, it is considered unprofessional to not have a beard as a man. If you are in a Muslim culture it is considered feminine to not have a beard. This is why American service members are allowed to have beards in some situations while deployed. Note. It is a hazard to have a beard while in the military because you cannot get a seal on your NBC mask

The reason you can't have a beard is that your mask will not seal to it. No beard is just another concession you make to serve your country.